Press Release Headlines

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer Raises More Than $300,000 at the Fifth Annual Dream Makers Gala

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla., May 15, 2014 /PRNewswire/ — Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer (DDF) hosted its fifth annual "Dream Makers Gala" on Saturday, April 26th at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa.  With more than 515 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/20140514/87616

Photo – http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140514/87617

The evening featured a cocktail hour, dinner, silent and live auction prizes, awards, and dancing. Local television anchor Kristi Krueger was the Master 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 second 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, Sheridan, Ross and Liz Tannenbaum, Debbie Zelman and Andrew Guttman, Janet Davis and Carol Harrison, and Rick Case Automotive Group.

The gala also included recognition of this year's award recipients: Rick and Rita Case of Rick Case Automotive Group; Julie Talenfeld of Boardroom Communications; Sheri Albert; Jay and Linda Green; Arthur W. Blackstock, Jr, MD of Wake Forest University; and young philanthropist Eve Moll. Many of last year's award recipients were also in attendance to help distribute the awards including Melanie Geronemus Smit from Lifestyle Publications; Cindy Goodman from the Miami Herald; Marsha and Alan Levy; Jordan D. Berlin, MD of Vanderbilt University; and Rachel and Lauren Shatanof.

"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 moved 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.  She receives chemo every day and radiation to her stomach five days per week for a five-week period.  Debbie is continuing to stay strong and has gone through half of her radiation treatments already.

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