Publications > Newsletter
Summer 2008
Contents
Testing for Early-Stage Ovarian Cancer
Other Genes Can Modify BRCA Risk
The Effect of BRCA on Young Couples
2008 Gala: Partying with Penguins
(to search past issues of our newsletter)
"In the Genes" 2008 Gala: Partying with Penguins
by Debbie Sokolov
Our second annual “In the Genes” gala at the beautiful Florida Aquarium was a success. Held on May 17 following the Joining Forces conference sessions, the event was a special evening of food, fun and fundraising.
Guests enjoyed marine exhibits while sampling hors d’oeuvres, entrees and desserts. The Conch Critters, a popular local band, played tunes that were enjoyed by dancers and sedentary toe-tappers alike. The tone was upbeat; the attire was jeans (of course). But a few special guests stole the show in their black ties: the aquarium introduced African Black-footed penguins who patiently posed for pictures.
The evening’s highlight was the
auction of 27 pairs of denims signed by celebrities including Paula Abdul,
Julie Andrews, Steve Carell and the cast of the popular TV show The
Office,
Cat Cora, Joey Fatone, Ray Romano, John Stamos and Oprah Winfrey. The winners
of Cat Cora’s beaded jeans 
and Julie Andrews’ Armani jeans wore their newly-acquired purchases to the conference the next day and looked fabulous. When the final bids were tallied, FORCE received $2,500 to help support our nonprofit programs.
Conference keynote speaker, Jessica Queller, (right) Author of Pretty is What Changes, and her friend, Donna grab a photo with two African Black-footed penguins..
Sponsors
FORCE extends our thanks to all attendees who made our 2008 Gala a success. A very special thank you to all those who volunteered at the gala, helped obtain the denims, or bid on our live and online auction items. Our heartfelt gratitude goes to our sponsors who made “In the Genes” a festive, worthwhile evening:
Perseverence Level
DeBartolo Family Foundation
Strength Level
GlaxoSmithKline Oncology
Courage Level
Fifth Third Bank Dan & Beau
Maysey
Hope Level
Altieri Transco American Claims
Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer
Foundation
Genentech
Lewis Tein Attorneys at Law
Michael Sosin
West Coast
Gynecologic Oncology
Women’s Cancer Associates
Every dollar helps FORCE improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. We hope to see you next year in Orlando for our 4th annual conference.
Provide your feedback on this newsletter or this story here.