Westport's Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak Raise $1.2 Million For Colorectal Cancer Alliance
Today Show Co-host Craig Melvin and Sports Reporter Lindsay Czarniak, Hosted the Star-Studded Event to Increase Awareness and Funds to Combat the Disease. They are joined on stage by NBC Legendary personality Al Joker.
Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak and NBC and Today Show personality Al Roker get things going to begin the auction portion of the evening at Bridgeport's Total Mortgage Arena on Sunday night.
Westport, CT, power couple Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak teamed up with the Colorectal Cancer Alliance Bottoms Up Invitational golf tournament and concert to raise awareness and funds in honor of Craig’s brother Lawrence Meadows, who died from the disease at the age of 43. Despite being more fatal than most cancers, colorectal cancer is less known and less funded. The second annual event surpassed last year’s fundraising goal by bringing in more than $1.2 million. Craig and Lindsay were joined by notable celebrities eager to make an impact during the events in Connecticut on September 24-25.
Above, Melvin take a moment for a photo with Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore. Other celebrities attending the function included MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhl, host of the 11th Hour on the network with Craig (center) and Craig with Westport friends.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Stephanie Ruhl with Selectwomen Andrea Moore and Jen Tooker, (left). Lindsay Czarniak with friends (center). Former Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, Today Show’s Al Roker.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Colorectal cancer, which is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths for men and women combined, is on the rise in people under age 50. It is the only cancer that is preventable, yet it’s estimated to be the deadliest cancer among 20-49 year olds by 2030, if things remain the same.
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
“As the largest nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer advocacy, the Alliance’s mission is to end this disease in our lifetime,” says Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. “We're honored to have Craig, Lindsay, and so many talented and influential supporters bringing attention to our cause, and helping raise critical funds.”
Proceeds from the events will benefit the community served by the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s programs that advocate for prevention, magnify support, and accelerate research. To learn more about how you can help or to donate, visit ccalliance.org/getinvolved.
Caring and Lindsay on stage inviting guests to come to the stage as the auction is about to begin..
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Auctioneer Lydia Fenet revved up the crowd and got paddles raised as eager buyers bid on a long list of fabulous offerings provided by generous sponsors, including great vacations and a dinner and bourbon tasting at the Westport home of Craig and Lindsay.
The opening reception and concert took place at Total Mortgage Arena in Bridgeport on September 24th and featured members of Hootie & The Blowfish, the Spin Doctors’ Chris Barron, saxophonist and composer Branford Marsalis, singer, songwriter and guitarist Edwin McCain, The Voice alumni Ray Boudreaux, Javier Colon, and Preston Pohl, and more amazing artists. The celebrity golf invitational at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk on September 25 featured TV Hosts Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Sterling Sharpe, Harry Smith, and Rutledge Wood, as well as actress Stephanie Szostak, among others.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Connecticut's own Javier Colon was one of the headliners who took the stage following the auction. Colon, born in Stratford, is well known as the winner of season one of the Voice in 2011 received the first four-Coach chair turn from Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green, Blake Shelton, and Christina Aguilera.
About The Colorectal Cancer Alliance
The Colorectal Cancer Alliance empowers a nation of passionate and determined allies to prevent, treat, and overcome colorectal cancer in their lives and communities. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., the Alliance advocates for prevention, magnifies support, and accelerates research. We are the largest national nonprofit dedicated to colorectal cancer, and we exist to end this disease in our lifetime.
For more information or to make a contribution, visit ccalliance.org.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.