MELISSA ETHERIDGE TO BE HONORED BY EIF'S WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH FUND AT SAKS FIFTH AVENUE'S UNFORGETTABLE EVENING

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 1, 2006

WHO
Melissa Etheridge, Ellen DeGeneres, The Black Eyed Peas, Diane Lane, Lisa Kudrow, Josh Duhamel, Angie Harmon, Jason Sehorn, Natalie Cole, Lisa Rinna, Harry Hamlin along with EIF's WCRF honorary Chairs Rita Wilson and Tom Hanks and Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, EIF's WCRF co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Jamie Tisch, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, Saks Fifth Avenue Chief Executive Officer Steven I. Sadove, Mercedes Benz President and Chief Executive Officer Paul Halata.

WHAT
Saks Fifth Avenue's Unforgettable Evening, benefiting the Entertainment Industry Foundation's Women's Cancer Research Fund (EIF's WCRF), raises much needed funds each year for revolutionary cancer research, and recognizes one remarkable individual for his or her unwavering commitment to the cause. Breast Cancer survivor, Melissa Etheridge will receive the 2006 Courage Award on behalf of her work to further cancer research and education. Since her diagnosis in October 2004, Ms. Etheridge has served as a strong role model for families affected by this disease and throughout her recovery she has dedicated her time and resources to helping raise awareness for breast cancer.

Dr. Anna Barker, Deputy Director, National Cancer Institute & Deputy Director for Advanced Technologies and Strategic Partnerships will make a special appearance to applaud the work of EIF WCRF Breast Biomarker Discovery Project. Oversight committee members and project scientists attending the event include Dr. Rick Klausner, Dr. Lee Hartwell*, Dr. David Baltimore* and Dr. Ellen Sigal.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of this fundraising event. Past recipients of this prestigious award include: Nicole Kidman, Anne Douglas, Rosie O'Donnell, Rita Wilson, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Sir Elton John, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas, and Stella McCartney.

This year's event will be mc'd by Ellen DeGeneres with a special performance by the GRAMMY-award winning artists The Black Eyed Peas and is produced by Ken Erlich Productions with co-production support from Grassroots Productions and Thirty-Three Productions.

* Nobel Laureate

WHERE
Regent Beverly Wilshire Hotel Beverly Hills.

WHEN
Wednesday March 1st, 2006. Press Call: 6pm. Arrivals: 7pm.

 

 

About EIF's Women's Cancer Research Fund
The Women's Cancer Research Fund, a program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, was established by Honorary Chairs Rita Wilson, Tom Hanks, Kate Capshaw and Steven Spielberg, along with co-founders Kelly Chapman Meyer, Anne Douglas, Quinn Ezralow, Marion Laurie, and Jamie Tisch. WCRF supports innovative research, education, and outreach directed at the development of more effective approaches to the early diagnosis, treatment and prevention of all women's cancer.

About the Entertainment Industry Foundation
As the philanthropic leader of the entertainment industry, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has distributed hundreds of millions of dollars - and provided countless volunteer hours - to support charitable initiatives addressing some of the most critical issues facing society today. Visit www.eifoundation.org

About Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises, a member of the Saks Incorporated group of stores, comprises 54 stores throughout the United States, 53 Off 5th outlet stores, and saks.com, the company's e-commerce site.

 

For More Information:

The Peapod Foundation:
Ben Gross @ Grassroots
323.906.0203
ben@grassroots-productions.com

Grassroots Productions
Polo Molina
323.906.2999
polo@blackeyedpeas.com or www.grassroots-productions.com

bluPRint:
Misty Espinoza
310.281.8080

Entertainment Industry Foundation:
Maurine Slutzky
818.505.2626
www.eifoundation.org