Celebrity Fight Night offers 100% of proceeds to fund cancer research
Staff Reports | Digital Free Press
Gateway Celebrity Fight Night — one of Arizona’s most elegant and exciting fundraising affairs — is making a star-studded return to Phoenix on Saturday, April 1.
The evening features performances by David Foster, Earth, Wind, & Fire, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Taylor Dayne, Thelma Houston, The Sugarhill Gang, Katharine McPhee and Light Balance to help raise funds for early phase clinical cancer research.
Tickets are available HERE.
Now in its second year under the Gateway for Cancer Research umbrella, the upcoming Fight Night gala is inspired by Studio 54, whereas guests will experience a diverse and high-profile entertainment slate, cocktail reception, elegant dinner and live auction that includes coveted, one-of-a-kind luxury items.
Last year’s event raised more than $5 million for cancer research.
With 100% of all event proceeds directly funding cancer research, Fight Night Co-chairs Richard J Stephenson and his wife, Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, Gateway’s chairman and vice chair, respectively, have even higher hopes for this year.
Celebrity Fight Night offers 100% of proceeds to fund cancer research
The 2023 Fight Night is hosted and emceed by 16-time Grammy Award winning producer David Foster, who has served as the event’s musical director for 22 years. In true Fight Night fashion, attendees will be treated to a host of performances, including:
- Earth, Wind & Fire;
- Nile Rodgers & CHIC;
- Taylor Dayne;
- Thelma Houston;
- The Sugarhill Gang;
- Katharine McPhee; and
- The neon and LED-powered dance troupe Light Balance.
Gateway is distinguished as one of the only cancer research organizations that exclusively funds Phase I and Phase II clinical trials for all cancer types. Gateway’s commitment to investing in clinical trials for even the rarest of cancers has led to lifesaving, practice-changing discoveries and contributed to new FDA-approved therapies for both rare and common cancers.
“The work Gateway does, and its focus on Phase I and Phase II cancer trials specifically, is so important,” said Dr. Stephenson in a prepared statement. “These are the trials most at risk of being underfunded, if they’re funded at all, because they’re seen as high risk. But they’re also high reward – and they’re vital to the process. They lay the foundation for research that ultimately brings forth new cancer treatments and therapies.”
Gateway was founded by Mr. Stephenson more than 30 years ago.
“Nights like tonight present a great opportunity to raise funds for cancer research while also educating the public about the impact of their generosity,” said Mr. Stephenson. “They also serve to celebrate the incredible doctors and researchers whose brilliant ideas are making a difference and the patients who are given hope through Gateway-funded trials.”
