Phillylacrosse.com, Posted 3/9/18
From Press Release
On Friday March 9, the HEADstrong Foundation will roll out the lime green carpet for an unforgettable evening, presenting the 8th Annual Lime Light Gala. This special event has been recognized as one of the most inspirational events in the city of Philadelphia and is held annually to recognize groundbreaking achievements and stories of hope while remembering those who have lost their fight, in effort to help families affected by cancer.
The event will be held at the Hilton Philadelphia at Penn’s Landing located at 201 South Columbus Boulevard from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.
The black-tie optional event will include a five-star silent auction, dinner, a special live performance, an award presentation followed by dancing to the music of world-class entertainment by Jellyroll. The event is held annually to honor the life and legacy of HEADstrong founder Nicholas Colleluori.
This year, 2017 America’s Got Talent Finalist Evie Clair will perform at the event. Clair, 14, inspired viewers across the country with her amazing voice and emotional story. During the season, Clair stole hearts with her dedication to her ailing father, who was battling colon cancer. Just one day after Clair learned she had made the show’s final rounds, her father Amos Ablanalp, passed away. Clair went on to perform, winning over fans from across the globe.
Additionally, Fox29’s Good Day Philadelphia Co-Anchor Thomas Drayton will have the honor of serving as Master of Ceremony. Over the past year, Drayton has worked closely with the organization, providing extensive coverage surrounding Nick’s House, a newly opened guest family home operated by HEADstrong which provides complimentary lodging and support to families displaced to the region seeking comprehensive cancer treatment and clinical trials.
Drayton’s career in broadcasting spans more than two decades in which he’s received numerous awards and honors including the National Association of Broadcasters’ Awards for Outstanding News Anchor, Outstanding News Producer, and Outstanding Investigative Reporting. Other accolades include NAACP Recognition for Leadership and Commitment to the Community, National Association of Black Journalists Award for Outstanding News Reporting and Associated Press as well as thirteen Emmy nominations.
The 8th Annual Lime Light Gala will honor Daniel M. Landsburg, MD who serves as Assistant Professor Clinical Medicine in the Division of Hematology Oncology of the Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Sally Kalksma, of Toms River, N.J., will be presented with the prestigious Nicholas E. Colleluori Award.
Kalksma is a survivor of Multiple Myeloma whose powerful story continues to inspire many across the country. Kalksma overcame the loss of her husband who succumbed to cancer by becoming a competitive stair climber, earning her an International Ranking from the World Tower Running Association, but her life was spun on its axis when she learned of her own cancer diagnosis. Kalksma now in remission, has scaled the Empire State Building, the Willis Tower, the Comcast Building and this Summer will be the only American climber invited to race to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Currently, she is training for the event and archiving her journey with a powerful book entitled Life Gets In The Way. David Regn, Stream Companies Co-Founder will also be recognized for his direct involvement, contributions and generosity.
Proceeds from the Lime Light Gala will support Nick’s House as well as the essential services offered by the
HEADstrong Foundation on behalf of families impacted by cancer.
“The Lime Light Gala is an incredible and inspirational evening that we are honored and privileged to host annually,” said says HF President and Nick’s Mom Cheryl Colleluori. “At HEADstrong, our attention is on helping families to navigate their cancer journey with greater clarity, dignity, normalcy and quality of life. This is an opportunity to come together to recognize the selfless efforts and contributions of those working on the front lines of cancer. From our Master of ceremony, to our honorees to our entertainers this event will be spectacular and incredibly significant. We wish to extend an invitation to all that can attend the Lime Light Gala.”
Please visit www.HEADstrong.org to learn more about the 8th Annual Lime Light Gala and how HEADstrong is improving lives affected by cancer.
Highlights from the 7th Annual Lime Light Gala https://youtu.be/XN-vN7FEOdU