Nov. 8, 2004 — The Roy Lester Schneider Hospital received some much needed funds Saturday evening during a fund-raising event for the Charlotte Kimelman Cancer Institute at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef Hotel.
A net total of a little more than $160,000 was collected at the event.
At $200 a ticket, the event featured dinner and a silent auction, but for the 750 individuals who participated, the highlight of the evening was a performance by singer Patti LaBelle.
"It was a great evening," Lorraine Baa, Schneider Hospital public relations officer said Monday. "We had a sold out situation." Baa said it was amazing to see the kind of support the hospital received.
"People were willing to support the cause," Baa said, adding that people weren't just paying to hear LaBelle, but to support the Cancer Institution and the fight against cancer on a whole.
LaBelle herself is no stranger to the fight against cancer, having had three of her sisters die of the disease, Baa said.
"She said she did it for the cause," Baa said of LaBelle's performance. Although the singer didn't perform for free, she did give the hospital a "special price." Baa would not specify the cost of LaBelle's performance.
So far $2 million have been raised for the construction of the cancer institute through various fund-raisers and donations.
Baa said the hospital plans to do another telethon fundraiser in March to continue its efforts at raising money.
"Cancer is expensive," Baa said. "There is no cap or goal in mind. We will continue to raise money for cancer."
The building is expected to be completed next summer.
"They're still in the process of building the radiation vault," Baa said. "That has been a challenge."
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