Sarcoma Foundation of America's Seventh Annual Fundraising Gala

April 21, 2009 - PRLog -- The Seventh Annual Fundraising Gala for the Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA), a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to increasing research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma, was held on Monday, April 20, 2009, at Cipriani 42nd Street New York City. Proceeds from the gala will benefit the organization’s sarcoma research programs.

“It has been an incredible year for the SFA. With the support of many generous people we have been able to fund 10 sarcoma research grants this year,” said Marisa Petroro, 2009 spokesperson for SFA and an 18-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma. “The gala is a time to celebrate, but it is also a reminder for us to be resolute if we are to find the cure.”

This year, the SFA honored Beverlye Hyman Fead, artist and author, and Kate McGarrigle, singer-songwriter with their Courage Award. The award is given to individuals for their strength and perseverance in their battle against sarcoma.

The gala began with a cocktail and hors d’oeuvres hour at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and awards at 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a special performance by Rufus Wainwright, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, who is also the son of McGarrigle, and singer Anthony Fedorov, an American Idol® finalist.

"This year's Gala was an event that celebrated the courage and perseverance of those who are fighting this dreaded cancer," said Matthew Alsante, SFA Executive Director. "With the wonderful support of the sarcoma community, we can continue to fund our research programs and help lead the fight against sarcoma!"

For more information or to make a donation, please go to Curesarcoma.org.

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Marisa Petroro is a film and television actor, model and philanthropist from Elizabeth, New Jersey. Her flourishing career includes notable film credits like Roadside Attractions’ Everybody Wants to be Italian and Comedy Central’s Reno 911!: Miami. Recently on the small screen, she played opposite Eva Longoria in ABC's Desperate Housewives and returned for season four as briefcase model #18 on NBC’s Deal or No Deal. Marisa is also known as the proud 2009 spokesperson for the Sarcoma Foundation of America and an 18-year survivor of Rhabdomyosarcoma.

The Sarcoma Foundation of America (SFA) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, is an advocate for increased research to find new and better therapies with which to treat patients with sarcoma. SFA raises its own funds to provide research grants to sarcoma researchers. SFA also interacts with public, private for-profit, and private non-profit organizations to raise awareness of the treatment needs of sarcoma patients.