Press Release

Blue Hope Bash Set for October 24

One Night. One Need. One Nation.
Largest Colorectal Cancer Gala Goes Virtual

Craig Melvin, NBC News TODAY Show To Emcee for the Fourth Year.
Musical Performance by Vannesa Williams and Other Special Guest Appearances

WHAT:Colorectal Cancer Alliance Annual Blue Hope Bash 

This year DC-based, national non-profit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Blue Hope Bash goes nationwide welcoming an entire nation for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the community to unite and confront present-day challenges. The free virtual event will be a live national broadcast that will help raise funds to reverse the pandemic’s tremendous effect on the colorectal cancer community in addition to addressing the health disparities with the disease in Black communities. The event will feature special guest appearances, celebrity entertainment, and inspiring patient stories. The Alliance has a goal to raise $2 million from the broadcast to support its three core programmatic pillars: Screen, Care, and Cure.

THE IMPACT OF COVID ON COLORECTAL CANCER PATIENTS:

Below is a snapshot on how COVID-19 is impacting the colorectal cancer patients and screening measures.

SCREEN: Screening rates declined by more than 80% due to COVID-19. 

CARE: Many of the Alliance’s allies have been isolating since March, unable to receive medical care, much-needed support, and financial assistance. 

CURE: Life-saving research and clinical trials are making a comeback after stalling during COVID-19. The Alliance is committed to supporting scientists and companies on the forefront of colorectal cancer breakthroughs. 
 
In the last decade, the Blue Hope Bash has become the preeminent fundraising gala for colorectal cancer prevention, support, and research programs. Bashes normally occur in cities across America to celebrate survivorship and remember loved ones with the largest taking place in Washington, D.C. where the Alliance is headquartered. 

WHEN: Saturday, October 24
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. EST

WHERE: Virtual Event. 

EVENT THEME: One Need. One Night. One Nation.

BASH EMCEE: Craig Melvin, News Anchor, NBC News' TodayCo-Host, 3rd Hour of NBC News' Today and Anchor of MSNBC Live. In 2017, Craig shared on the Today Show his connection with the disease when his brother Lawrence, was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer at the age of 39 in 2017. Melvin has been an active supporter and ally of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance.

MUSICAL PERFORMANCE: By Grammy-nominated singer and actress Vanessa Williams

CELEBRITY APPEARANCES & SPEECHES BY: 
Katie Couric, Stand Up To Cancer Co-Founder and renowned journalist
Ruth Carter, Academy Award-winning Black Panther costume designer
Amy Robach, Good Morning America Co-Host
and other special guest appearances. 

ADDITIONAL INFO:
Porsche Car Raffle - one lucky winner will win a custom 2020 Porsche Macan S.  Only 1,000 tickets were printed and the winner will be announced during the broadcast. 

Rolex Raffle - Reserve your raffle ticket to win the Rolex 44mm Oyster Perpetual watch with a “No Date” design, valued at $7,900. Featuring an elegant dial in the legendary watchmaker’s classic black, the timepiece is framed by a modern stainless steel case. Perfect for daily wear or special occasions, this Rolex performs with flawless mechanics and sophisticated style. Only 500 tickets will be sold at $50 each. Thanks to the generosity of donors Jay and Lyn Ferriero, every dollar benefits the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s life-saving programs.

Virtual Auction - Place your online bid for a chance to win a week’s stay in exclusive, luxury properties in Costa Rica; Manzanillo, Mexic; or St. Thomas.

The Rolex raffle and virtual auction close at noon EST on Saturday, October 24. All proceeds support the Alliance’s goals to screen, care and cure colorectal cancer.

To register for the free event and to learn more visit BlueHopeBash.org

SOCIAL MEDIA: 
Twitter: @ccalliance
Instagram: @colorectalcanceralliance
Facebook: FB.com/ColorectalCancerAlliance

About Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance is a national nonprofit committed to ending colorectal cancer. Working with our nation of passionate allies, we diligently support the needs of patients and families, caregivers, and survivors; eagerly raise awareness of preventive screening; and continually strive to fund critical research. As allies in the struggle, we are fiercely determined to end colorectal cancer within our lifetime. For more information, visit colorectalcancer.org.
 

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