39th Annual CCF Gala brought together local cancer fighters, researchers, businesses, and community members for a memorable evening

CCF Board Chair Jerry Chadwick and President Tasha Museles join CCF Board Secretary and Giant representative Terry McGowan in presenting Yiouli Ktena, MD of Johns Hopkins with the CCF Giant Food NextGen Award.

On November 4, 2023, over 500 guests celebrated at the 39th annual CCF Gala. Emceed by WJZ-TV Sports Director Mark Viviano, CCF presented the 2023 Hero Award to the Coomes Family and the Fighter Award to M&T Bank. CCF extended our highest honor, the Gift of Life Award, to Elda Devarie, President of EMD Sales, Inc.

Since 1984, the CCF Gala has recognized local individuals and companies dedicated to improving the lives of children and families facing a diagnosis of cancer.

CCF awarded grants totaling more than $1M to local researchers and programs advancing research and treatment of pediatric cancer, including the CCF Giant Food NexGen award, to Yiouli Ktena, M.D. of Johns Hopkins.

CCF is grateful to our corporate sponsors, researchers, families and community members who joined us. Guests heard from local survivor Evan Cooper and his family about Evan’s cancer journey with this video. Marianne Banister, founder of the Claire Marie Foundation, shared her family’s journey with guests upon receiving a 2023 CCF program grant. View the video on the Claire Marie Foundation. Both videos can be viewed above “Watch Our Videos.”

from Left – Christine Pratilas, M.D. Hannah’s treating physician, CCF President Tasha Museles, Hannah Bean, and Hannah’s mother Erica Bean.

Local survivor Hannah Bean, just over 9 1/2 at the time, designed the dress worn by CCF President, Tasha Museles. Hannah, and her mother, Erika, collaborated to design and create the dress specifically for the Gala.

Guests enjoyed the sounds of Spectrum and joined cancer survivors Darren Leonard, Vanessa Bishop and Logan Johnson with twin Raegan on the dance floor!

CCF extends our appreciation to our amazing volunteers, businesses and organizations who donated their time and services to make the evening so successful. We also thank our Presenting Sponsor Pepsi, and our Partnership Sponsors Dole Fresh Vegetables, Giant Food, Poole & Kent, EMD Sales, Inc. and Coca-Cola Consolidated.

Save the Date: CCF 40th Anniversary Gala- November 2, 2024, Martin’s Crosswinds

A recording of the evening is below.

: We are grateful to have our loyal emcee, Mark Viviano, of WJZ-TV.

: CCF Board Chair Jerry Chadwick and President Tasha Museles award Lisa Carey, Ph.D., of KKI, for her work with the Hospital Education Liaison Program.

: Jerry and Tasha award Nigel’s Neighborhood grant for $5K to founder Arnitra Smith

: Giant Food representative and CCF Board Secretary, Terry McGowan presents CCF with a check from September’s Pediatric Cancer Fundraising Campaign.

: Vanessa Bishop celebrates with friends and family.

: Figher Darren Leonard is a fixture on the dance floor and such a joy year after year!

: Almost 10 year old Hannah Bean was so proud to take part in the Gala for the first time but also to be the designer of CCF President’s gown for the event!

: Honorees Steve Coomes (c) his wife Carolyn (r) and sister Patti

: CCF Board Chair Jerry Chadwick and President Tasha Museles presents an award to Christine Pratilas, M.D. of Johns Hopkins for her lab’s work in rhabdomyosarcoma.