Press Releases

February 13, 2011

Famed Fashion Designer Carmen Marc Valvo Coming to Greater DC to Auction One of a Kind Evening Gown to Benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance

Designer Carmen Marc Valvo’s Signed Sketch Also Offered on Limited Edition T-Shirt

WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 13, 2011) – Famed fashion designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo is supporting the Colon Cancer Alliance’s 3rd Annual National Dress In Blue Day by auctioning off a specially designed, one-of-a-kind, blue evening gown from his Black Label Collection. The online auction, benefiting the Colon Cancer Alliance’s educational programs, takes place from February 13 – March 15 at www.ccalliance.org/gownauction.  The winner of this exclusive gown may request it be made in any size ranging from 2 to 18.

“I love this iridescent blue chiffon gown, but I will love it more knowing that the proceeds are going to the Colon Cancer Alliance,” said Valvo.  “Blue is the new black!”

In addition to the online auction, the Colon Cancer Alliance and Valvo will host a cocktail party and runway fashion show at Neiman Marcus at Tysons Galleria in McLean, Virginia on Friday, March 4, to celebrate Dress in Blue Day.  Valvo’s spring line will be unveiled at the event and attendees will get to meet the designer and have an opportunity to place bids on the donated evening gown. Individuals interested in attending the free event can RSVP at http://support.ccalliance.org/cmvindc.

“Our deepest gratitude goes to Carmen Marc Valvo for all the work he’s doing to help us raise awareness of colon cancer, a highly preventable disease,” said Andrew Spiegel, chief executive officer of the Colon Cancer Alliance.  “Aside from the beautiful gown he’s created for the auction, he also designed a limited edition women’s t-shirt that will be available throughout the month of March.  The exclusive shirts, 150 in total, can be viewed and purchased on our website at www.ccalliance.org.”

Dress in Blue Day will be held in communities and offices nationwide on Friday, March 4th as part of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month.  The idea for Dress in Blue Day originated in 2006 when Anita Mitchell, a Colon Cancer Alliance volunteer, survivor, and co-founder of Colon S.T.A.R.S. of Seattle, wanted to find an effective way to honor a friend who had recently passed away from colon cancer and recognize others who are fighting this disease.  In 2009, the CCA, excited by the idea, worked with the group to bring national recognition to Dress in Blue Day.

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The Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA) is the oldest and largest national patient advocacy organization dedicated to ending the suffering caused by colorectal cancer.  In order to increase rates of screening and survivorship, the CCA provides patient support, public education, supports research and conducts advocacy work across America

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