Gateway for Cancer Research, a non-profit dedicated to funding transformational cancer research, hosted their 3rd Annual Vino con Stelle, a signature fundraising event showcasing Wines Around the World on Friday, April 12 at the Gemini Hangar in Scottsdale, Arizona.
Since 1991, Gateway for Cancer Research (Gateway) has provided over $85 million in funding for more than 170 clinical trials at leading institutions worldwide. This week, Gateway announced a $1.5 million grant to fund a first-of-its-kind pediatric brain cancer study at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
Global philanthropists Stacie J. Stephenson, Director, Gateway, and Richard J Stephenson, Gateway’s Founder and Chairman, served as the evening’s hosts and sponsors. IMNA Solutions, a software development company that creates healthcare solutions for providers and patients, served as the presenting sponsor for the evening.
“We are so grateful to Gateway’s dedicated supporters who joined us at Vino Con Stelle,” said Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson. “The evening was a meaningful celebration of the work we do. It also served as a reminder of all the work that remains. Too many promising discoveries don’t receive the funding they deserve and we have the opportunity to change that. With the generous support of our friends in Arizona and beyond, Gateway will continue to find and fund early stage cancer research that enhances patient quality of life and contributes to the larger research community’s effort to fight cancer.”
Actress, TV personality, and cancer survivor Brooke Burke, served as the night’s emcee. Multiple Grammy Award winner Michael Bolton entertained guests with his hits, including How Can we Be Lovers, with additional performances by world-renowned vocal artists The Tenors and Sheléa. Attendees of the evening included Alycia Mondavi, a fourth generation family member at C. Mondavi and Family who is CEO and Co-Proprietor of Aloft and Dark Matter Wines. Ms. Mondavi served as a featured vintner along with Alpana Singh, Master Sommelier.
“IMNA was honored to be the presenting sponsor of Vino con Stelle. Gateway is one of the few nonprofits that focuses on early stage cancer research, and it’s one of the only organizations that puts 99 cents of every dollar back into the cause,” said Israel Haikin, CEO of IMNA Solutions. “We all have loved ones that could have greatly benefitted from the research Gateway funds and, we share a common passion for the work Gateway is doing to help people living with cancer feel better and conquer the disease.”
Throughout the evening, guests enjoyed exquisite culinary creations by Chef Markus Ford and a carefully curated list of renowned wines from Australia, France, Italy and the United States. The cocktail reception wines included a 2014 Yalumba Family “The Scribbler” Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz Blend and a 2016 Yalumba Family Eden Valley Viognier, both generously sponsored by the Yalumba Family Winemakers. Additional cocktail wines included a Roederer Estate Brut, Non-Vintage, 2018 Domaine Ott Rosé, 2016 Tores Pazo Das Bruxas Albarino, and a 2014 Torbreck The Steading. The cocktail wines were accompanied by New Zealand Baby Lamb Lollipops, Truffle Toasted Duck Croque Monsieur, Gravlax Rosette, Curried Eggplant and Beet Concasse and Glass Noodle Spring Roll.
Following the cocktail reception, guests enjoyed a 2016 Latour Puligny Montrachet from France paired with a Timale of Smoked Ahi and Hamachi Cruro Tartare, a 2013 Marchesi Di Barolo wine from Italy with a Summer Caprese Salade Composée and a 2014 Aloft Cabernet Sauvignon from the United States paired with an Herb Rubbed Twin Tournedos of Beef.
Dessert featured Golden Eight, The Williams Pear Liqueur by Massenez and a Champagne Laurent-Perrier La Cuvée with a Brûléed Pear Frangipane Tart.
