CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md., July 14, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On August 4, 2011 the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa will host the 30th Annual Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala from 7:30-10:00pm at the Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant. This annual event is a huge outdoor fundraiser at the waterfront Resort and has raised millions of dollars for the American Cancer Society through event tickets sales and corporate sponsorships. "This is a spectacular, giant cocktail party which we strive to improve upon in every aspect each year. Our goals are to exceed everyone's expectations at each event and to eventually see cancer cured," says Gala Host Gerald W. Donovan.
Having lost their father to cancer, Gerald, the former Mayor of Chesapeake Beach, and his brother, Fred, owners of the Resort, began the Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala in 1982 to celebrate life and raise money for cancer research and patient programs. The first event raised $5,300, and since then over $4M has been raised for the cause. The Donovan's, including Gerald's wife, Mary, host about 2,000 people each year at the event. Nearly 50 percent of the money raised for the event is generated through corporate sponsorships, and their efforts to keep the event a financial success have also resulted in an increased awareness for the American Cancer Society's initiatives in cancer prevention, early detection, research, and patient programs and services.
This past May, the Donovan's were honored with the American Cancer Society's Award of Excellence for Income Development for the South Atlantic Division. The award was presented at a special banquet during the Division's Volunteer Leadership Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. "The Awards of Excellence are the highest honor we bestow on our volunteers, community groups and businesses," says Paula Mohan, chief executive officer for the Society's South Atlantic Division. "The leadership and dedication demonstrated by these award recipients is exceptional, and we are grateful to have them out in our communities representing our organization."
The 30th Annual Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala is taking place during the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa's 65th year of business, something the Resort has been celebrating all year long with special events, new restaurant menus and unique hotel and Marina packages. Starting in 1946 as the Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant and Marina, the Resort has grown to become a premier waterfront destination location for both land lovers and boaters who want to have a quintessential Chesapeake Bay experience. Gerald W. Donovan states, "Having the 30th Gala during our landmark Anniversary year makes this event that much more of a celebration for us and our guests".
Plans for the 30th Annual Gala are geared to wow guests with a fantastic evening of local Chesapeake Bay seafood, and other inspired cuisine, desserts, open bar, live music and dancing inside and out under the stars on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay waterfront. This year the Honorary Co-Chairmen for the event are Doug Hill, "Washington's most accurate and entertaining TV Weather Forecaster" and Monumental Sports & Entertainment Founder and Chairman, Ted Leonsis. Both Chairs hope many will attend the event this year in memory of loved ones who lost their fight with the disease and in celebration of those who have survived cancer.
Advance tickets are $125 per person and $150 per person at the door. Tickets may be purchased at any Calvert County Community Bank of Tri-County branch, the Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant, or online at www.RodNReelCancerGala.org. Hotel rooms are available for Gala Patrons only.
terri.hays@chesapeakebeachresortspa.com
410-257-2735 x108
4165 Mears Ave, Chesapeake Beach, MD 20732
866-763-6733
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The following files are available for download:
| wkr0005.pdf | 30th Annual Cancer Crusade Celebration of Life Gala Press Release |
| [Image] | Doug Hill |
| [Image] | Ted Leonsis |
| [Image] | American Cancer Society |