NEW YORK (February 25, 2014) – The Hope Gala will host its 6th annual event to raise awareness and funds for the fight against pediatric cancer on March 1, 2014. The Hope Gala (www.nychopegala.com), which raised more than $74,000 last year alone and more than $150,000 to date, will be held at Capitale and tickets start at $225.The black-tie-optional event unites New York City for the cause and donates all proceeds to Penn State Dance Marathon (THON) whose sole beneficiary is the Four Diamonds Fund. Four Diamonds, in return, assists the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital and families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support during their battle with pediatric cancer.
Evan Wohl and Gia Kornet, The Hope Gala Executive co-Chairs, have both dedicated the past several years to growing the event and spreading awareness of pediatric cancer within the New York City area and look forward to this year’s gala.
“Guests of The Hope Gala can expect a glamorous evening complete with exquisite cuisine, great music and an incredible silent auction and raffle,” said Kornet of the event. “The big star of the evening is of course the Four Diamonds family. We are honored ever year to have such incredible and inspiring people share their story.”
The event will feature keynote speakers by Pete and Celeste Bush, a Four Diamonds Family whose daughter Sydney is a pediatric cancer survivor, Jay Paterno, former Penn State football coach, and Adam Taliaferro, former Penn State football player.
Sydney Bush, the daughter of the event’s keynote speakers, was diagnosed with Ependymoma (brain tumor) in August 2005. Four Diamonds and THON supported her and her family emotionally and financially throughout her treatment. Bush relapsed in January 2007, but has been cancer free for the past six years.
Jay Paterno, who will be emceeing the event, is the son of the late Joe Paterno. It will be Paterno’s third year emceeing the event and fourth year involved.
Adam Taliaferro will also be in attendance as the 2014 Knight Award recipient. Taliaferro suffered a spinal cord injury following a tackle during a Penn State football game in 2000 and learned to walk again despite being told he would be paralyzed for life.
“Being surrounded by so many people who care so much about making a difference is a powerful thing,” said co-Chair Evan Wohl. “I hope the event can inspire people to always be making a difference.”
Connect with The Hope Gala online to learn more, purchase gala tickets and donate to the fight to end childhood cancer:
- Official website: www.nychopegala.com
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/NYCHopeGala
- Instagram: @NYCHopeGala
- Twitter: @NYCHopeGala
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About The Hope Gala
The Hope Gala (www.nychopegala.com) is an annual black tie optional event hosted by the New York City and Northern New Jersey Chapters of the Penn State Alumni Association. Created to support fundraising efforts on behalf of The Four Diamonds Fund and The Penn State Dance Marathon (THON™) (www.thon.org), The Hope Gala contributes to the mission of conquering childhood cancer. All proceeds benefit pediatric cancer patients at the Penn State Children’s Hospital and their families in need of financial aid, medical assistance, and emotional support.
Contact:
Cat Powers
The Hope Gala Media Contact
Cat.powers@edelman.com
(609) 602-9976
