CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. (Aug. 18, 2008) — Spirits were high at the 27th Annual Celebration of Life Cancer Gala held August 7th at the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa’s Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant. The event raised over $325,000 in donations for the Calvert County Unit of the American Cancer Society. All proceeds from the event contribute to research, education, and patient services in the fight against cancer. Since the first Gala held in 1982, combined earnings from this event have reached over $3.7 million.
Hotel owner and Chesapeake Beach Mayor, Gerald W. Donovan, said he is, “absolutely thrilled and delighted by the wonderful turnout.” Of the 1,300 guests, he exclaimed, “A good time was had by all, and the thunderstorms only added to the excitement of the event!”
The attendees enjoyed an evening of waterside dining, festive drinks, live music and moonlit dancing. Various bands provided live entertainment while dance areas were staged in the ballroom and outside on the waterfront.
Chef James Parker, winner of the Food Network Challenge Fantasy Fruit Sculpture Rematch, was the architect of the fruit and vegetable sculptures that adorned the entrée and dessert stations. Rod ‘N’ Reel Executive Chef William Bednar along with Chef Walter Portillo and Chef Nicholas Alexander prepared the elaborate selection of food. The gala menu included fresh seafood such as Maine lobsters, sushi, and Mediterranean fare, roasted pig, filet mignon, barbeque ribs, grilled chicken, steamship round and desserts galore.
Through all of the fanfare, the task at hand was never forgotten. Just some of the important programs donations contributed to are: I Can Cope, which provides education for people facing cancer – either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. Look Good… Feel Good, offers woman undergoing cancer treatment help in improving their self-image. Man to Man, helps men and their families cope with prostate cancer by providing education, support, and awareness. Reach to Recovery, is a program where trained volunteers support and comfort patients before, during and after breast cancer treatment. Road to Recovery provides transportation to and from treatment facilities.
The American Cancer Society also uses contributions to offer programs to help educate communities about cancer risks, early detection methods and most importantly, prevention.
Even if you were unable to attend this year’s gala, donations can still be made to the Calvert County Unit of the American Cancer Society.