Chris4Life hosts a night full of hope and art for colon cancer survivors and patients.
Maurisa Potts, Pamela Sorensen and Chris4Life founder Michael Sapenzia. (Photos by Vithaya Phongsavan)
Gala season is in full swing but the Blue Hope Bash hosted by the Chris4Life Colon Cancer Foundation added some creative twists to make their gala stand out. Cris4Life works to improve the patient-treatment experience of individuals with colon cancer, while also raising funds to research a cure – a dual approach that has them working for improvement in both the present and the future.
The evening featured a heartfelt keynote from Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren, who recently lost his mother to colon cancer. ABC7 health reporter Jennifer Donelan was the evening’s mistress of ceremonies. Another guest touched by colon cancer was ABC’s The Bachelor Pad’s Michelle Money, who recently lost her father to colon cancer. This was a “blue bash” but not all was blue – the upbeat bluesy entertainment of musician Ted Garber kept the feeling upbeat. Meanwhile, at the silent auction, guests bid on items including art created by colon cancer survivors at an ArtJamz session. A great creative twist that helped add to the evening’s successful fundraising efforts that reached $100,000. The cocktail reception and gala was held at H Street’s The Decatur House, an elegant backdrop for an inspiring evening.
Other notable guests included Congresswoman Sue Myrick, Congressman Paul Ryan, Dr. John Marshall, (Chief of Hematology/Oncology at Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center), Arch Campbell (ABC7/WJLA-TV) and Michael Jakaitis (Morning Drive Editor, WTOP News).
We’re “hopeful” the the Blue Hope Bash will be around for many years to come!
Mike Jakaitis, Carolyn Alexander and Mrs. Jakaitis. (Photos by Vithaya Phongsavan)
Silent auction winners of a art painted by a colon cancer survivor during an ArtJamz session. (Photos by Vithaya Phongsavan)
Graham Bunn, Michelle Money from ABC's The Bachelor Pad and Oklahoma Congressman Dan Boren. (Photos by Vithaya Phongsavan)
