Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's 16th Annual 'An Evening with the Stars' Gala Raises More Than $750,000

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Oct. 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 400 guests attended the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's 16^th Annual 'An Evening with the Stars' gala on Saturday, October 19 at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The fundraising event raised more than $750,000 to support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's effort to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by 2020. 

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This year's gala was hosted by Lisa Niemi Swayze and featured Sean Kelly, star of TruTV's Storage Hunters, for the Raise the Cure portion of the evening.  Celgene Corporation, Tempur-Pedic North America, LLC, and Rancho Palos Verdes Mayor (ret.) and pancreatic cancer survivor Larry Clark were honored during an evening that was dedicated to advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.

"Our annual An Evening with the Stars gala was dedicated to our cherished survivors, loved ones who have passed, dedicated caregivers, passionate volunteers, relentless scientists & researchers, committed policy makers, treasured donors and the many other special friends of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network who are a part of our family," stated Julie Fleshman, president and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "We are so grateful for this year's contributions and continue to be focused on changing the course of history for this disease."

The Vision of Progress Award was presented to Celgene for their commitment to pancreatic cancer research. Celgene's focus has always been to change the course of human health through bold pursuits in science with a promise to put patients first.

Larry Clark, who served two terms as mayor of Rancho Palos Verdes prior to retiring in 2009, received the Spirit of Hope Award, which honors individuals who inspire the critical work of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network honored Clark, who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer earlier this year, for his enduring dedication and positive spirit in the fight against pancreatic cancer.

Tempur-Pedic received the Emily Couric Public Service Award, which is a tribute to Emily Couric, a Virginia Democratic state senator and the sister of Katie Couric, who died of pancreatic cancer in 2001 at age 54.  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network honored Tempur-Pedic for their dedication to the fight against pancreatic cancer and support of the organization. Todd Miller, VP, National Accounts for Furniture and Sleep Shops, accepted the award in honor of his brother, Tim, who died last year of pancreatic cancer at the age of 47.

To learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, visit www.pancan.org.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.            

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network