The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) will host the 20th Annual NYC Gala on Thursday, October 14, at Cipriani Broadway. In celebration of the MRF’s 25th Anniversary, the in-person gala will welcome Emmy award-winning host, producer and The New York Times best-selling author Andy Cohen as Gala Emcee.

As part of an unforgettable evening to celebrate melanoma patients, survivors and caregivers, Andy will share his personal connection to this community and the life-saving importance of melanoma awareness and early detection, MRF shares in a news release.

“We are honored to welcome Andy Cohen for this incredible event. As the MRF commemorates 25 years of progress in melanoma prevention, research and treatment advances, more melanoma patients are becoming melanoma survivors and I am so happy to join Andy and the New York City community to celebrate those who made it possible.”

— Kyleigh LiPira, MRF CEO

Awards Presentations

At the 2021 New York Gala, the MRF will present a Legacy Award to Nobel laureate James P. Allison, PhD, in recognition of his groundbreaking contributions to the field of immunotherapy. Johnson & Johnson and Walgreens will be recognized with a Corporate Leadership Award for their longstanding commitment to sun safety and consumer health.

Muneeb Shah, DO, aka @dermdoctor, will receive the inaugural Influencer Award for his innovative use of social media to promote melanoma prevention and skin health to his more than 10 million followers on TikTok. For his many years of dedicated service to the MRF, Board Vice Chair Steve Silverstein will be honored with a Leadership Award.

Melanoma patients and survivors who received Courage Awards at previous galas over the last 20 years will be celebrated for their inspiring bravery and perseverance, many of whom will be in attendance.

Event Activities

Gala attendees will enjoy a gourmet meal, handcrafted cocktails, once-in-a-lifetime auction items and experiences, and the opportunity to unlock the next treatment breakthrough during the exciting Fund-a-Grant portion of the program. In 2020, despite the challenges of the pandemic, attendees at virtual galas raised over $1 million to support melanoma research, education and advocacy, the release continues.

Tickets for the NYC Gala are available. Sponsorships, journal recognition and VIP packages are also available. Purchase tickets here, or email [email protected] for more information.

[Source(s): Melanoma Research Foundation, PRWeb]