On November 2, over 500 guests celebrated at the 35th annual CCF Gala. Emceed by WJZ-TV Sports Director Mark Viviano, the evening focused on Extraordinary Families, and included Grant and Award presentations, and a video featuring the powerful stories of local cancer survivors Grace Callwood and Darren Leonard.
Since 1984, the CCF Gala has recognized local individuals who make valuable contributions to children and families facing a diagnosis of cancer. During the program, CCF presented nearly $1 million in grants to area researchers and programs that are advancing treatment and improving the lives of children fighting cancer.
Local restaurateur and philanthropist Lance Cook was awarded the 2019 Hero Award on behalf of Tino’s Italian Bistro. Dan Kenney, CCF Treasurer, accepted the 2019 Fighter Award on behalf of CohnReznick.
Local percussionist and cancer survivor Noah Kabia joined Black Tie on the stage and entertained guests for several songs. Many of our young guests joined the band on stage later in the evening.
We are grateful to all of our Gala sponsor and contributors (listed below) throughout the year –and especially grateful to Giant Food for committing $600,000 to CCF through their annual pediatric cancer fundraising efforts.
CCF extends our appreciation to all volunteers, individuals and organizations that donated their time and services to make the evening successful. We especially wish to thank all of the families who joined us on November 2nd.
- CCF Chairman Jerry Chadwick
- Survivor Grace Callwood surprises CCF with a donation from her own non-profit.
- National Cancer Institute researcher Nirali Shah, M.D. accepts her CCF grant from Chairman Jerry Chadwick and President Tasha Museles.
- Johns Hopkins researcher Cara Rabik, Ph.D. M.D. receives her grant.
- At the 2019 CCF Gala, after the premiere CCF video,the featured families of Grace and Darren join CCF President Tasha Museles on stage.
- Young Kwok, M.D. accepted on behalf of the Maryland Proton Treatment Center for continuing CCF’s Magic Castle Program.
- Geannine Darby, Development Director, LifeBridge Health, accepts Sinai Hospital’s grant award for a Young Adult support program, with program participant Brianna Daley.
- Javin Smith of The Children’s Inn accepts the 2019 CCF grant for next year’s Respite Weekend and instructional support programs..
- Guests fill the lobby as the Gala begins.
- Catching Grace Callwood and mom T’Jae Ellis as they walk off stage.
- Olivia and Jay Bartels, survivors to John Eric.
- Survivor and percussionist Noah Kabia, 10, joined the band for a few songs to show how he “beat cancer.”
- Black Tie was the live entertainment for the evening.
Baltimore Sun Media Group, ” ”
Johns Hopkins Division of Pediatric Oncology, ” ”
GOLD SPONSORS, ” ”
Children’s National Health System, Safeway
General Mills, Schmidt Baking
M&T Bank, University of Maryland Medical Center
Maryland Proton Treatment Center, Weis Markets
Museles Family, ” ”
TABLE SPONSORS, ” ”
Apartment Turnovers Inc./Apartment Restorers LLC, Lancaster Foods
Azrael Franz Schwab & Lipowitz LLC, McCormick & Company
Christopher Chadwick, Moonlight Companies
CohnReznick, Potomac Sprout Co.
Domino Sugar, ROSS Companies
Force 3, Herman and Walter Samuelson Children’s Hospital at Sinai
KL Hoffman & Co., Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center
Keystone Electric, Johns Hopkins Medicine
PHOTOBOOTH SPONSORS, ” ”
EagleBank Foundation, ” ”
The Children’s Inn at NIH, ” ”
SILENT AUCTION SPONSOR, ” ”
Castle Sprinkler and Alarm Inc., ” ”[/table]