By Neena Strichart,
Publisher
I have many things to be thankful for this lovely Thanksgiving Day. I have work that I love, a staff who shares my vision, a loving husband and myriad blessings every day.
This year I am especially thankful for the relatively good health my mother is enjoying. Thanks to her oncologist Dr. Robert Nagourney, Mom is experiencing very little discomfort from her chemo treatments and her spirits remain sky high-as always.
On Saturday, November 10, we had the chance to honor the works of Dr. Nagourney at the Vanguard Cancer Foundation’s 11th annual benefit, “John Stamos presents Denim & Diamonds.” The event took place at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Long Beach and included dining, dancing, a silent and live auction and music by Neil Morrow and Memphis 54.
Steve and I dressed in denim (not so much with the diamonds) and Mom was gussied up in her version of urban elegance. Our denim-clad friend Kathy King joined us -and boy does she add to the festivities. That young lady sure tickles my heart. We met years ago as advertising salespersons at the local daily paper. She’s a hoot.
The evening was chock full of food, libations, dancing, mingling and opportunities to share in the fundraising efforts of Vanguard. The number of silent auction items seemed to be neverending, and the live auction items were unbelievably extravagant. Live auction items included a Hawaiian vacation, Miraval Spa (Oprah’s favorite spa) and Dr. Nagourney to cook a garlic dinner (starting with garlictinis…ending with garlic ice cream) for eight guests at the winner’s home. The idea of the doctor preparing dinner was so appealing that four garlic dinners ended up being auctioned off at $5,000 each-raising $20,000 just on those four items alone.
The highlight of the evening was my brief conversation with John Stamos (of television’s ER and Full House.) I accused him of pretending not to know me-he looked puzzled and I quickly informed him that we had never met before. I think he was glad. Nevertheless, he did hold still long enough for a photo op. Hee-hee!
According to those in the know, 325 people attended the event and the night brought a net of nearly $75,000.
Nearly two-dozen cancer survivors who had received Dr. Nagourney’s personalized chemo were honored-including my mom. It was an incredible experience to see those being helped stand up one by one as their names were called. Unbeknownst to us, there were four of Dr. N’s patients at our table alone. We had no idea until their names were called-they all looked so healthy and happy-because they are.
Vanguard Cancer Foundation is a nonprofit entity with a mission to help conquer cancer and provide hope. Information: http://www.vanguardcancerfoundation.org or email info@vanguardcancerfoundation.org.
I wish you a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Day-blessings to you all.
