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KATIE COURIC AND THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY FOUNDATION HOST 2ND HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY GALA, ABOARD THE NEW QUEEN MARY 2 ON APRIL 24, 2004
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May 11, 2004
GALA BENEFITS COLON CANCER RESEARCH AND SERVICES
NEW YORK, NY -- On April 24, Katie Couric and the Entertainment Industry Foundation (EIF) hosted the second HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala aboard the world's largest ocean liner, the new Queen Mary 2 (QM2). The benefit raised money for EIF's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (NCCRA) and the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center, named in honor of Couric's late husband.
This year's HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala, entitled "Some Enchanted Evening," featured the music of Richard Rodgers performed by film, television, recording industry and Broadway superstars. "We are incredibly grateful to all the performers who donated their time and talent to make this event such a huge success," said EIF's NCCRA co-founder Katie Couric.
Performers at this year's event included Ted Allen, Antonio Banderas, Jon Bon Jovi, Peter Cincotti, Glenn Close, Harry Connick, Jr., Danny Devito, Kyan Douglas, Christine Ebersole, Dakota Fanning, Hazel Fernandez, Thom Filicia, Whoopi Goldberg, James Graeme, Anne Hathaway, Heather Headley, Beyoncé Knowles, Carson Kressley, Nathan Lane, Jai Rodriguez, Steve Schirripa, Marc Shaiman, Tony Sirico, Anne Skates, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Billy Stritch, Donald Trump, Steve Tyrell, John Ventimiglia, Stephen Weller, Elmo and his other Muppet Friends from Sesame Street, and host John Lithgow.
The first HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala, held in November 2002, was an enormous success. 2002 Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich and Musical Director Larry Blank had the same roles again this year, and the daunting task of making the second HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY even more memorable than the first.
"The first HOLLYWOOD HITS BROADWAY gala was considered the hottest ticket in town. We weren't quite sure how to top it," said Lisa Paulsen, President and CEO of the Entertainment Industry Foundation. "A mega-star performance combined with a party on the most exclusive passenger ship ever built was a great way to go. We were delighted to have Cunard join our efforts, and would like to thank them for the use of the QM2."
"Cunard was thrilled to host this dazzling event on the world's greatest new luxury liner," said Deborah L. Natansohn, Cunard's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "We are honored to be able to contribute to the fight against gastrointestinal cancers and were happy to donate QM2 for a night of dinner and entertainment during the ship's first visit to New York City."
In addition to Katie Couric, co-chairs currently include: Cunard Line President & COO Pamela Conover; Bloomingdale's Chairman & CEO Michael Gould; American International Group Chairman & CEO Maurice R. Greenberg; Olympus America, Inc. President & COO F. Mark Gumz; Creative Artists Agency Managing Partner Kevin Huvane; GE Chairman & CEO Jeffrey R. Immelt; Salamander Middleburg LLC President & CEO Sheila C. Johnson; Goldman, Sachs Vice Chairman Robert Kaplan; members of the Monahan Family; Miramax Films Co-Chairman Harvey Weinstein; Carsey Werner Mandabach Partner Tom Werner; GE Vice Chairman and NBC Chairman & CEO Robert C. Wright; Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian and his wife, Arda Yemenidjian.
For additional information about the event, visit www.eifoundation.org.
About Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death for both men and women in the U.S., causing more than 55,000 deaths a year, though it is also one of the most preventable, with a higher than 90% cure rate with early detection.
About National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance
The NCCRA is dedicated to the eradication of colon cancer by promoting education about the importance of early medical screening and funding cutting-edge research to develop betters tests, treatments and ultimately, a cure. The NCCRA was co-founded in March of 2000 by journalist Katie Couric, cancer activist Lilly Tartikoff, and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. As a result of the attention NCCRA and NBC's TODAY Show have focused on colorectal cancer, the number of colonoscopy screenings has increased almost 20% since March 2000. Researchers at the University of Michigan have referred to this as the "Couric Effect."
About the Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health
The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health at NewYork Weill Cornell Medical Center, named in honor of Katie Couric's late husband, will provide health and educational services, state-of-the-art treatment and support for people who have or are at risk for gastrointestinal cancer. Opening in March 2004, the Center will provide the best available patient care offered in a seamless and convenient manner, with specialists in gastro-enterology, colorectal surgery, oncology, a nurse/case manager, nutritionist and genetic counselor all working as a team. The Center is founded on an innovative model of compassionate caring for not only the patient but the entire family. The Center, located in one of the foremost academic medical centers in the country, will serve as an educational resource regarding preventative care and will conduct progressive clinical research, focusing on the most promising trials and treatments. To learn more about the Jay Monahan Center, visit www.monahancenter.org.
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