Marisa Petroro Attends Sarcoma Gala

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 12:00:00 -0000

The Seventh Annual Fundraising Gala for the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to increasing research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma, was held on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Cipriani 42nd Street New York City. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the organization’s sarcoma research programs.

“It has been an incredible year for the SFA. With the support of many generous people we have been able to fund 10 sarcoma research grants this year,” said actress Marisa Petroro, 2009 spokesperson for SFA and an 18-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma. “The gala is a time to celebrate, but it is also a reminder for us to be resolute if we are to find the cure.”

This year, the SFA honored Beverlye Hyman Fead, artist and author, and singer/songwriter Kate McGarrigle with their Courage Award. The award is given to individuals for their strength and perseverance in their battle against sarcoma.

The gala began with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a special performance by Rufus Wainwright, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, who is also the son of McGarrigle, and singer Anthony Fedorov, an American Idol finalist.

“This year’s Gala was an event that celebrated the courage and perseverance of those who are fighting this dreaded cancer,” said Matthew Alsante, SFA Executive Director. “With the wonderful support of the sarcoma community, we can continue to fund our research programs and help lead the fight against sarcoma!”

For more information or to make a donation, please go to Curesarcoma.org.

Vijay Makes Charity Work In India a Big Deal

Thu, 18 Oct 2007 09:52:48 -0000

Written by Crystal A. Johnson

Former tennis star Vijay Amritraj is not only devoted to calling attention to the plight of those in need in India, he also backs up his devotion to these needs by hosting two charity events back to back.

At seven AM on Friday morning Amritraj hosted his 2nd Annual Celebrity Charity Golf Classic. Among the celebs to support the golf event were Golden Globe Winner Elke Sommer, Wonder Woman movie star Cathy Lee Crosby, James Sikking (Hill Street Blues/Doogie Howser), former soap star Tom Hallick and it was quite a big deal when two of the game show models from the hit Deal or No Deal hit the course at Simi Valley’s Lost Canyons Golf Club.

The day of efforts to raise money included raffles, silent and live auction items. Among the silent auction items included tickets donated by the Tiger Woods Foundation to the Masters champion play.

The next evening Vijay hosted a Gala Banquet at the Beverly Hilton. Chuck Norris was honored at the gala for his work with children. One of the evening’s hosts was Parminder Nagra of Bend It Like Beckham fame and the tv series ER. Parminder looked absolutely stunning in her pink Sari. Many of the Celeb Golfers returned for round 2 of the charity oriented weekend. Tom Hallick conducted the live auction. Briefcase #18 model A.K.A Marisa Petroro modeled beautiful jewelry during the live auction. However, the biggest live auction prize of the night was comprised of roundtrip airfare to London, the two tickets to join Vijay at Wimbledon and then join him for dinner. This prize went for $30,000.

Determined to generate the most money he could for the foundation, Vijay offered to the same opportunity to the bidder who would match $30,000. Much to his pleasure, someone did make a matching bid.

The silent auction offered a wide variety of great items including a sneaker autographed by LA Lakers star Kobe Bryant, reserved seating to see Dr. Phil McGraw’s and Jay Leno’s shows.

Vijays says, “Since my appointment as UN ambassodor of Peace, I have seen the first-hand magnitude of a plight that exists all around us. The more I saw, the more it became obvious to me that something had to be done…” The Vijay Amritraj Foundation helps with a multiple causes in India which include helping those with HIV/AIDS, education of women, children and the blind. To learn more, go to www.vijayamritrajfoundation.org.

Look To The Stars News: Marisa Petroro

Marisa Petroro Attends Sarcoma Gala

Related past articles

Vijay Makes Charity Work In India a Big Deal

Related past articles