Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Dr. Thorburn beats down fear, mans up in kilt


Dr. Andrew Thorburn, Deputy Director of UCCC, decided to rappel down a 28 story downtown building to raise money and awareness for cancer research. He was one of 40 people who stepped off the high-rise ledge Friday, August 27, participating in the Cancer League of Colorado's fundraising event. And, he did it in a kilt!

"I happened to say I'd do it in a kilt if we raised $2,000, and there was a considerable surge of excitement," Thorburn said. "All you have to say is you will rappel 28 stories in a kilt, and people get their wallets out."

The rappelling event is expected to raise almost $125,000. The CU Cancer Center will use the money raised to fund start-up cancer-research projects.

Thursday, August 19, 2010

Dinner in White benefit takes cue from flash mobs


by: Joanne Davidson
The Denver Post
Posted: 08/18/2010

Dinner in White co-chairwomen Shana Mader, left, and Krista Gilbertson. (Special to The Denver Post)"Do you know where you're going to?" — Diana Ross, in the theme song to "Mahogany."

The 150 people who'd purchased tickets for the inaugural Dinner in White didn't have a clue where they were going until a mere hour before this benefit for AMC Cancer Fund was to begin.

And it wasn't because someone dropped the ball.

The dinner was geared to a younger crowd and inspired by flash mobs that attract huge crowds on a moment's notice. Part of the fun was in not knowing where it would be held until the text messages, e-mails and Tweets started flying.

Guests had been advised to be standing by, dressed in white and packing their own picnic dinners. When word came, off they went to the patio at the Chase Bank building at 18th and Lawrence in the heart of downtown Denver.

They were greeted by music from the Boulder-based band Meniskus and a party space illuminated with twinkling white lights.

"EO," the band's violinist and lead singer, moved through the crowd as guests had their caricatures drawn by artist Brooke Howell, shopped at a Parisian-themed market and bid on silent auction items.

Shana Mader and Krista Gilbertson spent a year developing Dinner in White and are confident it will be considered a "must-attend" benefit for next year.

Mader also shared her story as a cancer survivor, reminding guests of the importance of early detection and healthy living in the battle against this deadly disease. And, in a gesture of honor and remembrance to those who have survived and those who have been lost to cancer, she invited everyone to release white balloons into the evening sky.

Among the guests: Gary and Kathy Kortz, Mark and Melissa Osborn, Todd and Lina Olinger, Anamaria Osborne, and David and Dr. Laurie Gaspar. AMC Cancer Fund supports programs of the University of Colorado Cancer Center.

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Oh! What a Night...


The weather gods were with us on Saturday, August 7th for the first Dinner in White. After a week that brought heavy evening rains, lightning and thunder,we could not have asked for a more picture perfect evening.

The party began at 7 PM at the surprise location, the Chase Bank patio, located on the corner of 18th and Arapahoe and white was the color of the night. White lights, white tents, white tables and beautiful people decked out in white.

The guests arrived in style in classic white attire, bringing their own picnic dinner fare, while the wine, French martinis, beer, appetizers and dessert was provided by AMC. Meniskus, a local band, played great music making the night fun and magical.

Guests enjoyed the beautiful view and sunset while visiting with one another, checking out the silent auction items and Wall of Wine, as well as visiting the French market place with facsinating artists and vendors.

We did the Diner en Blanc proud!

Thank You To Our Sponsors!
ACE Cash Express - www.acecashexpress.com
Novus Biologicals, LLC - www.novusbio.com
McDonald Audi - www.audiusa.com
FirstBank - www.efirstbank.com

Dinner in White

It's been a year in the planning and the BIG DAY is almost upon us! Stay posted for the unveiling of the mystery location and festivities.

Mysterious dinner event comes to Denver

Modeled after the famous flash mob event held annually in Paris, the Dinner in White experience is coming to Denver as a fundraiser to benefit AMC Cancer Fund. This mysterious event takes place Saturday, August 7, 2010 at a location not to be revealed to participants until one hour prior to the event.

At the appointed time, participants will learn of the location and descend upon the site dressed in white to find a Parisian marketplace and entertainment by the local band Meniskus. Participants are encouraged to bring their own picnic dinnner (or pick one up from the Deluxe Food Truck). Wine, beer and dessert will be provided.

Tickets are $50 each. They can be purchased online at www.dinnerinwhite.com or by calling 303-239-3339.

Naren A. Vora Annual Golf Tournament

Saturday, June 6th dawned as a perfect day for the annual Naren A. Vora Memorial Golf Tourament. Held at the beautiful Raccoon Creek Golf Course, 88 golfers join the Vora brothers to raise of over $30,000 for the University of Colorado Cancer Center, supporting head and neck cancer research.
Planning for the June 2011 golf tournament are already in the works, so keep watching for more details!

Friday, August 6, 2010

Colorado Research Breakfast

The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ASC CAN), the nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate of the American Cancer Society, held it's annual Colorado Research Breakfast on Tuesday, August 4th at the Denver Atheletic Club.

The welcome and introduction of the emcee, Theresa Marchetta, from KMGH TV, Channel 7, were made by Brian Eberle, ACS CAN State Lead Volunteer Ambassador to a ballroom packed with phyisicans, researchers, fundraisers, and volunteers.

Speakers included Tim Byers, MD, MPH and Paul Bunn, MD from UCCC, and the keynote speaker UCCC new director, Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD.

ASC CAN is a movement that unites and empowers cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and their families by giving them the training and tools needed to make their voices head in the halls of government and strives to make a difference by building a nationwide movement of cancer advocates.