Mel Brooks Brings Heart and Humor to One Night Only Fundraiser for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Film and stage legend Mel Brooks will lend his comic genius and storied career to a good cause for a one night only event to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).  Brooks will be joined by BBC Creative Director Alan Yentob, a longtime friend of the comedian, who will moderate the discussion. The two men have been close friends ever since Yentob made a documentary for the old BBC Arena programme "I thought I was taller – a short history of Mel Brooks."

The event, which takes place at the Geffen Playhouse, will be hosted by literary agent and friend of Mr. Brooks, Ed Victor, and producer/speaker agent Dan Savage of Greater Talent Network. Victor is a leukemia survivor and says he owes his life to modern research into the disease.

Ed Victor said: "My cousin died of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) after having treatment for it for 30 years – and now I am battling the disease too. It is so important to raise awareness of the huge advances that have been made in the treatment of CLL and other forms of leukemia and lymphoma and I'm very grateful to Mel and Alan for helping us to do that."

The evening, which takes place on Monday, September 27, 2010, at 7:30pm, will combine a conversation with Mr. Yentob, questions from the audience and film clips from Mr. Brooks' life's work, which includes classic comedies such as Blazing Saddles, The History of the World Part One and Young Frankenstein, as well as the television favorite Get Smart.

The show, which is presented by Amgen Oncology, will be held at the Geffen Playhouse. Ticket prices range from $100 to $250 for a VIP package that includes an intimate champagne and dessert reception with Mr. Brooks.  To purchase tickets or to get more information, please visit www.lls.org/los/MelBrooks  or call 310.846.4709.  All proceeds from the evening go to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

About The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society ® (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. The LLS mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services.  Founded in 1949 and headquartered in White Plains, NY, LLS has chapters throughout the United States and Canada. To learn more, visit www.LLS.org or contact the Information Resource Center at (800) 955-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET. www.lls.org.

SOURCE The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society