Jason Alexander to host ICRF Gala

 

Ribbons of Hope Gala to Feature Appearances by Tom Brokaw, Eugene Levy, Bonnie Hunt and Academy, and Oscar Award Winner Benj Pasek. Program will include an interview with Israeli Nobel Laureate Aaron Ciechanover

Join host Jason Alexander, along with legendary broadcaster Tom Brokaw, Nobel Laureate Professor Aaron Ciechanover, Eugene Levy,  Benj Pasek, Bonnie Hunt, and others for the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s (ICRF) Ribbons of Hope Virtual Gala Celebration on August 5 at 8 p.m. ET. The star-studded evening will help support ICRF’s mission to fund the best and brightest cancer researchers in Israel. Participation is FREE but advanced registration is required

“They say laughter is the best medicine. But you know who says that? Comedians,” Alexander said. “The best medicine is actually the product of brilliant cancer researchers working diligently and tirelessly in labs in Israel and across the world.  That’s why I am so honored to contribute in some small way to this important cause.”

The evening will combine comedy and song, as well as special presentations by cancer survivors and Israeli cancer scientists. Tom Brokaw will share his personal story, followed by an interview with ICRF-funded scientist Professor Aaron Ciechanover, who together with Drs. Avram Hershko and Irwin Rose, received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, in recognition of their groundbreaking research on the Ubiquitin System, the body’s method of removing damaged proteins. Guests will be invited into ICRF scientists’ labs to hear about their research to find cures and treatments for cancer.

Throughout the 50-minute celebration, viewers will be able to make online donations and place bids on an online auction, which will open on the gala site in the last week of July.

“This gala represents a unique opportunity to tell the story of Israel’s truly world-class research to a national audience in an entertaining, informative, and engaging fashion,” said ICRF President Rob Densen. “We have an all-star lineup of scientists, journalists, and entertainers, reflecting the strong appeal of the cause – ridding the world of the scourge that is cancer. We are truly humbled by all of the incredible people who have generously volunteered their time and talent in support of cancer research.  We hope to inspire hope for cancer patients and their families worldwide and, for the benefit of all humankind, generate critical dollars in support of Israel’s brilliant cancer research.’’

The program will conclude with the presentation of the Israel Cancer Research Fund’s Tower of Hope Humanitarian Award to Jason Alexander, in recognition of his generous support of cancer research in Israel. It will be presented by actor Steven Weber and will include tributes from Bryan Cranston and Chita Rivera, among others.

“This gala is critical,” said Dr. Mark Israel, National Executive Director of the Israel Cancer Research Fund. “We are currently funding more than 70 different cancer research projects. But these are perilous times. The coronavirus continues to loom large in all our lives. It threatens not just our collective sense of well-being but, going forward, ICRF’s ability to fund world-class, life-saving cancer research. We will beat back the scourge that is COVID-19. In the meantime, we cannot allow it — for our sake, our children’s sake, and our grandchildren’s sake – to steal the future of Israeli cancer research.”

For more information or to register for the Gala, please visit [email protected].

The Israel Cancer Research Fund is the largest charitable organization outside of Israel solely devoted to supporting cancer research in Israel. Grants issued by ICRF have gone to hundreds of researchers (ICRF grantees include the first two Israelis to win the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, multiple winners of the coveted Israel Prize, and other global scientific awards) at two dozen leading research institutions, universities, and hospitals across Israel. Currently, ICRF is funding 72 grants in Israel. The efforts of Israeli cancer researchers have resulted in significant cancer breakthroughs and in the development of breakthrough cancer drugs, including Doxil, Gleevec, and Velcade. ICRF’s current collaborations with two major cancer research organizations, The  Cancer Research Institute and City of Hope, demonstrate the global research community’s respect for ICRF.

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