One man's dream of making a difference in the fight against melanoma is coming to life through the launch of a fundraising gala that will raise funds for melanoma research. Chad MacDonald lost his wife in 2005 to melanoma, and has since worked to raise funds for a cure through various events and fundraisers. His efforts will culminate with the launch of Washington, DC's First Annual Wings of Hope Gala to be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Potomac Falls, Va.
"When my wife succumbed to melanoma four years ago, I wanted to do something that would truly make a difference," said Chad MacDonald, founder of the Brenda MacDonald Melanoma Research Foundation and gala chair. "With this inaugural event, we're aiming to make a significant donation towards research. We have a fantastic location, great auction prizes, and an outpouring of support from friends and family, local businesses, and corporations."
The event will feature diamonds and champagne, "Trump" style casino gaming, both silent and live auctions, music and dancing, as well as exquisite food and drink. There are over 120 auction items that include travel and accommodations to Napa and Sonoma, a Super Bowl package, and wines from some of the world's top vineyards. Corporate sponsors include Genentech, Roche, Merrill Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, among others.
All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF), an organization that supports medical research for finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma.