Broadway On Beachside:  An American Cancer Society Benefit

WESTPORT — Celebrating its tenth anniversary on July 17 at 3 pm, the American Cancer Society’s Broadway on Beachside, an event that has raised nearly $3 million dollars and has directly funded the front lines of breast cancer research, has flourished to become synonymous with breast cancer research throughout the American Cancer Society.

More than a decade ago, Cissy Hornung, a breast cancer survivor, approached the American Cancer Society to offer hope and inspiration to those who were facing this dreadful disease. Ms Hornung became the originator of this event and Broadway on Beachside was the result of that initial motivating meeting.

Since then, under the guidance of Westport resident and Broadway performer Terry Eldh, a group of Broadway entertainers perform a medley of songs at the reception held at an estate on the water in Westport. Noteworthy guest speakers have included Jack Klugman (a cancer survivor), James Naughton, Jeffrey Zucker (a cancer survivor), Phil Donahue, Maria Bartiromo, and Jim Calhoun (also a cancer survivor).

Several researchers have been funded through Broadway on Beachside and continue to make incredible progress in their efforts to fight breast cancer. Dr Dennis Slamon is recognized for his instrumental contribution in developing the breast cancer drug, Herceptin. Other researchers funded through this event include Dr Michelle Pflumm, Dr Michael DiGiovanna, and Dr Graham Colditz.

This year, to expand the research opportunities, “In the spotlight” has been developed as a method for individuals and/or organizations to be involved in choosing an American Cancer Society approved researcher to fund. For a donation of $138,000, a researcher of choice will be given a grant named for the donor or someone in memoriam, as well as other promotional and event benefits.

Co-chairs of the Tenth Anniversary Broadway on Beachside include Cissy and Donald Hornung and Maggie and Bob Hornung. There is a minimum donation of $300 per person to attend this afternoon reception. For more information about Broadway on Beachside and the “In the Spotlight” donor program contact Gayle Alswanger at 203-563-1513 or e-mail gayle.alswanger@cancer.org.