The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network honors the San Diego Padres and the Padres Foundation
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network raised nearly $1.1 million at the 15th Annual “An Evening with the Stars” gala held on Saturday, Oct. 20, in Beverly Hills. All proceeds from “An Evening with the Stars” will support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s effort to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by 2020. Donations can still be made at the gala website at www.pancan.org/ewts2012.
The San Diego Padres/Padres Foundation were given the Nancy M. Daly Shining Star Award, which celebrates the heart, commitment, and humanity that defined celebrated humanitarian Nancy Daly who died of pancreatic cancer in 2009. Accepting the award was team manager and RSF resident Bud Black, who attended the event with a number of senior Padres officials.
San Diego Padres bullpen coach Darrel “Ak” Akerfelds, the longest-tenured member of the team’s coaching staff, died at the age of 50 on June 24, 2012 after an 18-month battle with pancreatic cancer. The entire Padres organization and Major League Baseball lost a great friend and a true hero with his passing and have been committed to raising awareness and funding much-needed programs for those facing the disease and advance vital pancreatic cancer research to uncover more effective treatments and, in time, a cure.
The gala was hosted by Joel McHale, the comedian, actor, writer, television producer, television personality best known for hosting “The Soup” and for his role on the NBC comedy series “Community.” The evening included a special performance by Chris Mann (2012 finalist on The Voice). Notable guests included Ned Colletti (General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers), Kurt Rambis (retired Los Angeles Lakers player and former head coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves), Erin Willett (semi-finalist on The Voice, and Sean Kelly (star of TruTV’s Storage Hunters).
The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. For more information, visit www.pancan.org.