Dr. Marty Tenenbaum

SAVE THE DATE!

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) announces it’s first fundraising gala event in San Francisco, Legends For A Cure.

This event will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2009 – 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the San Francisco Film Centre in the Presidio.

The program will include a presentation to Marty Tenenbaum, with the Legends For A Cure Humanitarian Award. They will also be honoring, In Memoriam, Hal Ellis, a well-respected Bay Area businessman, who recently lost his valiant battle with melanoma. Both of our honorees havea long history of generously supporting local medical, social and educational organizations.

Dr. Tenenbaum created a very successful career in Internet and Webcompanies. He is currently engaged in another project, his new company CollabRx, also borrows from the Internet culture; this company aims at helping patients develop new therapies faster and cheaper for less common diseases, like melanoma, diseases that don’t attract major pharmaceutical company research funding.

Hal Ellis’ long and booming real estate career brought leadership and innovative ideas to the industry. Hal was well respected and highly regarded in every venue.

Jenna Bockmiller, a young Cal student who has survived melanoma will be presented with a Legends For A Cure Courage Award.

Carolyn Johnson, ABC news anchor has volunteered as Mistress of Ceremonies. The gala evening will include Dr. Daniel Chen, Genentech medical oncologist, Bay Area sports Legends Chuck Muncie and Craig Morton; a silent auction, wine tasting from six neighboring vineyards (Von Strasser, Bruzzone, Fernwood, Gridley Family Vineyards, Vie wines, and Dutcher Crossing Vineyard) and delicious nibbles from five local restaurants, including Miss Pearls Jam House, Reposado & Palo Alto Creamery, Bucks and Miette.

A few of the auction items include an Eco Ped Scooter, numerous hotels and airpackages (including Claridges/ London, The Palace Hotel/ NY, Four Seasons), many vacation homes around the world, marvelous specialty wines, and SH Silver Jewelry.

The Melanoma Research Foundation is the largest private melanoma fund raising organization in the United States. It is committed to research, education and advocacy in its national battle to find effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for this disease. MRF is the primary U.S. non-profit organization serving the melanoma community.

In 2008, MRF invested one million dollars to fund melanoma research grants. They are committed to attracting the best and brightest scientists to melanoma research in a national battle to find more effective treatments and ultimately a curefor this disease. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States and melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Every hour of every day, someone dies ofmelanoma in the United States. Melanoma strikes people of all ages (including children), all races, all economic levels and both sexes.

Tickets @ $150 can be obtained by emailing Stephanie LeBlanc at: sleblanc@melanoma.org

For more information please contact: Gwen Books, West Coast Coordinator, MRF SF Gala, at gwen@gwenbooks.com or call 650.364.5820