FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., June 5, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) hosted its sixth annual "Dream Makers Gala" on Saturday, April 18th at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa. With more than 600 people in attendance, the event raised over $300,000 to fund research and benefit stomach cancer patients around the world.
Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150604/220876
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Dressed to impress, guests walked the red carpet and were ready for a night at the Oscars. The evening featured a cocktail hour, sit down dinner, silent and live auction prizes, awards, and dancing. Giselle Blondet was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the program, and Dale McLean, host of the Miami Heat's HEATv, provided the entertainment.
David Kubiliun of Kubiliun & Associates, P.A. was the event chair for the third year in a row. "I am incredibly grateful to the sponsors, attendees and volunteers who deserve credit for their significant contributions. It is their support that made this year's gala the most successful yet," said David Kubiliun. Event sponsors included Lilly Oncology, Boston Biomedical, Rick and Rosa Gross, Sheridan Healthcare, Ross and Liz Tannenbaum, Debbie Zelman and Andrew Guttman, and Memorial Hospital West Medical Staff.
The Gala also included recognition of this year's award recipients: Ken Krasnow of CBRE, Inc.; Stacy Ostrau of Sun Sentinel – Society Scene; Alison Frank Chesney of Alison Frank Photography; Mitch and Blake Starr of Bienenfeld, Lasek and Starr; Edith P. Mitchel, MD, FACP of Thomas Jefferson University; and young philanthropists Zachary and Rachel Guttman.
"This year's Gala was our biggest and best yet," said Debbie Zelman, President and Founder of DDF. "The money we raise at this signature event directly impacts stomach cancer patients by funding research; raising awareness; and providing support, education and advocacy. For a disease that receives the least amount of federal funding per cancer death, this event will make a big impact."
Debbie was diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer in 2008 and founded Debbie's Dream Foundation the following year. Due to a recurrence of her cancer, she recently went to Houston to undergo chemotherapy and radiation treatment at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center but traveled back to South Florida to attend the gala.
About Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer:
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. Debbie Zelman founded the organization in 2009 after being diagnosed with Stage IV stomach cancer. DDF seeks as its ultimate goal to make the cure for stomach cancer a reality. For more information, please visit www.DebbiesDream.org.
Media Contact:
Jenna Reed
Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer
(954) 475-1200, Email