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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tony Forde
tforde@kruppnyc.com
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Gateway Celebrity Fight Night Returns April 1 with Star-studded Lineup
David Foster, Earth, Wind & Fire, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston, The Sugarhill Gang, Katharine McPhee, and Light Balance to perform at Arizona’s premiere fundraising event
100% of proceeds directly fund cancer research
PHOENIX (Feb. 16, 2023) – Gateway Celebrity Fight Night—Arizona’s most elegant and exciting fundraising affair—will make a star-studded return to Phoenix on Saturday, April 1, 2023. The evening will feature unforgettable performances by David Foster, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston, The Sugarhill Gang, Katharine McPhee and Light Balance to help raise funds for early phase clinical cancer research. Tickets are available at https://gatewaycr.org/cfn/.
Now in its second year under the Gateway for Cancer Research umbrella, the upcoming Fight Night gala, inspired by Studio 54. Guests will experience a diverse and high-profile entertainment slate, cocktail reception, elegant dinner and live auction that includes coveted, one-of-a-kind luxury items. Last year’s event raised more than $5 million for cancer research. With 100% of all event proceeds directly funding cancer research, Fight Night Co-chairs Richard J Stephenson and his wife, Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, Gateway’s chairman and vice chair, respectively, have even higher hopes for this year.
The 2023 Fight Night will be hosted and emceed by 16-time Grammy Award winning producer David Foster, who has served as the event’s charismatic musical director for 22 years. In true Fight Night fashion, attendees will be treated to a host of performances, including Foster; nine-time Grammy Award-winning icons and one of the best-selling artists of all time Earth, Wind & Fire; six-time Grammy Award winner, cancer survivor and 2023 Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Nile Rodgers & CHIC; American Music Award winner and one of Rolling Stone’s best female dance artists of all time, pop sensation and cancer survivor Taylor Dayne; Grammy Award winner Thelma Houston; celebrated hip-hop group The Sugarhill Gang; singer, songwriter and actress Katharine McPhee; and the neon and LED-powered dance troupe Light Balance.
Gateway is distinguished as one of the only cancer research organizations that exclusively funds Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for all cancer types. This includes research for rare cancers, which is generally unfunded and labeled the “valley of death.” Gateway’s commitment to investing in clinical trials for even the rarest of cancers has led to lifesaving, practice-changing discoveries and contributed to new FDA-approved therapies for both rare and common cancers.
“The work Gateway does, and its focus on Phase I and Phase II cancer trials specifically, is so important,” said Dr. Stephenson. “These are the trials most at risk of being underfunded, if they’re funded at all, because they’re seen as high risk. But they’re also high reward – and they’re vital to the process. They lay the foundation for research that ultimately brings forth new cancer treatments and therapies.”
Gateway was founded by Mr. Stephenson more than 30 years ago. Guided by a vision to shape a world in which a cancer diagnosis is no longer feared, the organization enlists a generous philanthropic community in the quest to end cancer as we know it.
“Nights like tonight present a great opportunity to raise funds for cancer research while also educating the public about the impact of their generosity,” said Mr. Stephenson. “They also serve to celebrate the incredible doctors and researchers whose brilliant ideas are making a difference and the patients who are given hope through Gateway-funded trials.”
For more information about the 2023 Gateway Celebrity Fight Night gala and to buy tickets, visit https://gatewaycr.org/cfn/.
About Gateway for Cancer Research
Gateway for Cancer Research℠ is a nonprofit 501c(3) organization committed to funding innovative cancer research that helps people living with cancer to feel better and live longer as we work to end cancer as we know it. Thanks to generous underwriting, 100% of every dollar Gateway receives directly funds Phase I and Phase II cancer clinical trials at leading research institutions around the world. Since its inception in 1991, Gateway has invested more than $95 million to support over 195 cancer clinical trials. These studies have delivered hope and healing to more than 10,000 cancer patients, altered the standard of care at some of the world’s most trusted health care institutions, and contributed to new FDA-approved cancer treatments and therapies. Get involved today by visiting GatewayCR.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/GatewayforCR, and join the conversation on Twitter at @GatewayforCR and Instagram at @GatewayforCR, #BeAGateway
