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Press Releases 2005
GUITAR AUCTION RAISES OVER $100,000 FOR EXPEDITION INSPIRATION
May 3, 2005
A Rock for the Cure auction, sponsored by Gibson Guitar, the Hard Rock Café and Julien's Auctions to benefit the Expedition Inspiration Fund for Breast Cancer Research, (EI) raised over $100,000 for the organization's annual Laura Evans Memorial Breast Cancer Symposium, now in its 9th year.
Gibson Guitars donated the Gibson SG special guitars that were decorated and signed by over thirty-five celebrities including Bette Midler, Kiefer Sutherland, Joe Perry, Sheryl Crow, Lance Armstrong, Edge, Jeff Beck, Billie Morrison, Melissa Etheridge, No Doubt, Richie Sambora, Mick Fleetwood, David Carradine, Ellen De Generes, Brian Wilson, to name a few.
Many celebrities, including Wilson, Carradine, Garry Shandling, Kevin Neelan, Scott Hamilton and auction chair, Tea Leoni attended the "invitation only" event, which was held at the Hard Rock - a natural venue - in Los Angeles on May 3.
"Breast cancer is the leading cause of death for women thirty-five to fifty-four, and Expedition Inspiration has been instrumental in calling attention to the breast cancer epidemic and desperate need for a cure," said Leoni.
Added Henry Juszkiewicz, Chairman and CEO of Gibson Guitar, "We were proud to be part of such an exciting and worthwhile event. The musicians who designed these guitars continue to be leaders in the music industry and, much like Gibson Guitar, work to contribute to worthy causes such as this."
Proceeds from the event also support research projects at USC's Norris/Lee and the Revlon/UCLA Breast Centers. "Laura (Evans) would be so proud of our continuing work," said Katie Powell, director of Special Events for EI." It is in her memory and for all those who have been touched by breast cancer, that we continue to do our work."
Evans, founder of EI and a Ketchum resident, died five years ago from a brain tumor unrelated to her breast cancer. Since Evans' death the organization has continued to raise funds for breast cancer research through hikes - which were Evans' passion - and other special events.
Leoni has worked with EI for the past eight years and is Honorary Chair of EI's Los Angeles Take-A-Hike, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary at its October 15th event.
Melissa Ethridge signs her custom designed guitar.
Sheryl Crow was a participant in this event that raised $100,000 for the Expedition Inspiration symposium.
Gary Shandling and Hard Rock CEO & President Hammish Dodds.
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