4th Annual Vino Con Stelle
Gateway for Cancer Research, a nonprofit dedicated to funding transformational cancer research, celebrated Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, with the Leadership in Cancer Advocacy Award at the 4th annual Vino con Stelle. The signature fundraising event raised $750,000 on April 23 at the Royal Palms Resort and Spa, and featured performances by Pia Toscano, Loren Allred, Justin Guarini and William Joseph. Leading physician and oncologist, Siddhartha Mukhergee, MD, served as a guest speaker.
Since 1991, Gateway for Cancer Research has provided more than $90 million in funding for more than 190 clinical trials at leading institutions worldwide, with 99 cents of every dollar raised benefitting cancer research. Global philanthropists Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, Gateway‘s vice chair, and Richard J Stephenson, Gateway’s founder and chairman, served as hosts and honorary co-chairs for the event.
Emmy Award-winning journalist Tara Hitchcock emceed the event, and Yve Rojas served as the night’s auctioneer, presiding over bidding for one-of-a-kind experiences, including Tarbell’s Elite Collector’s Experience, Gateway With the Mondavis and Robert Procop Exceptional Jewels.
Attendees of the evening included Alycia Mondavi, CEO and co-proprietor of Aloft and Dark Matter Wines, Chef Mark Tarbell of Tarbell’s restaurant and Tarbell’s Wine Store, and event committee members including Tracy Katz, Carrie Martz, Carey Peña, Jenna Repta, Molly Stockley, Kristine Thompson, Pat Bondurant, Christine Avanti Fischer, Jill Krigsten Riley, Shannon Barthelemy, Tawnya Bond, Mary Jo Grogan and Char Hubble.
“The global health crisis stopped the world in its tracks, delivering a double dose of complexity and heartache to cancer patients. This year, we are especially grateful to have the opportunity to safely gather to recognize and celebrate brave cancer fighters, the tireless researchers developing breakthrough treatments, and a steadfast ally in the fight against cancer, one of Arizona’s own, Larry Fitzgerald,” says Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson. “Larry has been a passionate breast cancer research advocate for decades and it was a privilege to honor his impact. His example is an inspiration to all of us. We are deeply grateful to all of our Gateway supporters who joined us in recognizing Larry at Vino con Stelle.”
The Leadership in Cancer Advocacy Award is presented to individuals or organizations who have made outstanding efforts advocating on behalf of cancer patients, active in advancing treatments and cures for cancer or who have proven to be devoted supporters of Gateway for Cancer Research.
“Gateway is one of very few organizations focusing on early stage cancer research, and 99 cents of every dollar we raise goes straight back to the cause, helping to accelerate practice-changing discoveries by harnessing the unrelenting passion of the cancer research community and empowering patients to triumph over their disease,” says Michael Burton, Gateway’s president.
PHOTOS COURTESY GATEWAY FOR CANCER RESEARCH
Justin Guarini, Richard Stephenson, Dr. Stacie Stephenson, Pia Toscano, Loren Allred and William Joseph PHOTO BY BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Richard Stephenson, Sara O’Meara, Dr. Stacie Stephenson and Tawnya Bond PHOTO BY BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Dr. Stacie Stephenson, Larry Fitzgerald and Richard Stephenson PHOTO BY BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Dr. Sid Muhkerjee PHOTO BY BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Cassandra Ravenhill, Dr. Stacie Stephenson and Christine Avanti Fischer PHOTO BY BOB & DAWN DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY & DESIGN
Amanda and Dana Garmany with Niki and Mark Tarbell PHOTO BY COURTNEY LIVELY PHOTOGRAPHY
Susie Wesley, Lee Courtney, Jennifer Moser, Molly Stockley and McKenna Wesley PHOTO BY COURTNEY LIVELY PHOTOGRAPHY
