Norwalk, CT (Top40 Charts/ Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation) The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) announced today that
Michael McDonald and
Darius Rucker will be the featured artists performing a tribute concert celebrating
Stevie Wonder at the 15th annual MMRF Fall Gala, to be held October 29, 2011, in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. The MMRF will be honoring music industry icon
Stevie Wonder at the gala with the MMRF
Spirit of Hope Award, presented annually to individuals who inspire hope with their perseverance in overcoming personal obstacles. All funds raised will support the development of next-generation treatments for multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
Michael McDonald, formerly of The Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan, is a five-time Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter. In 2008, McDonald released his SoulSpeak album featuring his interpretation of 11 carefully selected soul-inspired songs including Stevie Wonder's "Living For The City". Darius Rucker first gained fame as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Hootie & the Blowfish, which charted six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2009, Rucker became the first African American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association. McDonald and Rucker will headline the tribute concert to Stevie Wonder along with additional surprise performers.
"I am proud to participate in this tribute concert for Stevie Wonder to benefit the MMRF - an organization that has helped so many patients and families affected by this devastating cancer," said Rucker. "Cancer affects everyone; it is my hope that my involvement will help the MMRF in their role of bringing patients new treatments and continuing on their path to a cure."
The MMRF is one of the nation's most groundbreaking cancer research organizations. Funds raised by the MMRF have facilitated accomplishments such as helping to bring four new myeloma drugs to market, more than doubling the patient life expectancy post-diagnosis around the globe, opening 31 clinical trials 60% faster than the industry standards in oncology, and sequencing the multiple myeloma genome. The four treatments the MMRF helped accelerate are now standard therapies for patients with multiple myeloma and are being explored as treatments for more than 30 other cancers. As exceptional stewards of its donors' investments, the MMRF has been consistently recognized for its sound fiscal management.
"I am honored to have been asked to perform in the MMRF's tribute concert for Stevie Wonder; they could not have picked a more deserving recipient for their Spirit of Hope Award," said McDonald. "I am thrilled to support the MMRF in this capacity as their innovative work provides hope for cancer patients worldwide."
Despite the advancements made by the MMRF, the five year survival rate for myeloma remains one of the lowest of all cancers, with some communities harder hit by the disease than others. African American men and women, for instance, are more than twice as likely to be diagnosed with multiple myeloma than any other racial or ethnic group. Multiple myeloma remains an incurable blood cancer. The funds raised by the MMRF are critical in continuing to advance research and the progress being made.
"We are so thankful to have Michael McDonald and Darius Rucker joining the MMRF to help honor Stevie Wonder and to support our urgent work," said Kathy Giusti, Founder and CEO of the MMRF and a myeloma patient. "The endorsement of our mission by public figures like these talented musicians is critical to raising awareness for this rare cancer."
The MMRF Fall Gala is the largest and most prominent fundraising event in Connecticut's Fairfield County. Attendees include celebrities, the nation's most prominent business executives and high-impact philanthropists. To reserve a table for the MMRF Fall Gala, donate an auction item or join the planning committee, please email mmrf@benefitoffice.org or call 888-584-5463.
