Spirits were high at the 27th Annual Celebration of Life Cancer Gala held August 7, 2008 at the Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa’s Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant. The event raised over $325,000 in donations for the Calvert County Unit of the American Cancer Society. Honorary Chairpersons Pat and Bob Carpenter could not be more elated with the response from sponsors, guests, and over 150 volunteers. All proceeds from the event contribute to research, education, and patient services in the This year's Honorary Chairs  Pat and Bob Carpenter fight against cancer. The generous attendees enjoyed a memorable evening of waterside dining, festive drinks, live music and moonlit dancing. Since the first Gala held in 1982, combined earnings from this event have reached over $3.7 million. Hotel owner and Chesapeake Beach Mayor, Gerald W. Donovan, says he is, “absolutely thrilled and delighted by the wonderful turnout.” Of the 1,300 guests, he exclaims, “A good time was had by all, and the thunderstorms only added to the excitement of the event!” Donovan wants to sincerely express his gratitude, “to all the folks who attended and all of the sponsors who participated, it was such a generous outpouring of compassion and action in face of a truly dreaded disease.”  Various bands provided live entertainment while dance areas were staged in the ballroom and outside on the waterfront. Fantastic food, and amazing ice, fruit and vegetable carvings delighted guests at every turn. Rod ‘N’ Reel Executive Chef William Bednar along with Chef Walter Portillo and Chef Nicholas Alexander prepared the elaborate spread.  Chef James Parker, winner of the Food Network Challenge Fantasy Fruit Sculpture Rematch, was the architect of the fruit and vegetable sculptures that adorned the entrée and dessert stations. The gala menu included fresh seafood such as Maine lobsters, sushi, and Mediterranean fare, roasted pig, filet mignon, barbeque ribs, grilled chicken, steamship round and desserts galore.  Through all of the fanfare, the task at hand was never forgotten. Just some of the important programs donations contributed to are: I Can Cope, which provides education for people facing cancer – either personally, or as a friend or family caregiver. Look Good… Feel Good, offers woman undergoing cancer treatment help in improving their self-image. Man to Man, helps men and their families cope with prostate cancer by providing education, support, and awareness. Reach to Recovery, is a program where trained volunteers support and comfort patients before, during and after breast cancer treatment. Road to Recovery provides transportation to and from treatment facilities. The American Cancer Society also uses contributions to offer programs to help educate communities about cancer risks, early detection methods and most importantly, prevention.  Even if you were unable to attend this year’s gala, donations can still be made to the Calvert County Unit of the American Cancer Society.  For more information please call: 410-257-2735 or 301-855-8351 Ext. 108, 109, 171 or visit other pages of this website.  The text above was excerpted from the event's official press release of August 18, 2008.
For more information on cancer or to find out what you can do to help in the fight, please visit the American Cancer Society (leaving site).
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URL: http://www.rodnreelcancergala.org For more information, call 301-855-8351 or send an email. Copyright 2002, Rod 'N' Reel, Inc.  Date of last update:  August 20, 2008.   To report problems with this website or to send comments, contact webmaster. American Cancer Society - Calvert County Unit   P.O. Box 752    Prince Frederick, MD  20678