$276,000 RAISED AT REACH FOR THE STARS, THE QUEEN’S CELEBRATION
Queen of the Valley Foundation’s annual Reach for the Stars, The Queen’s Celebration raised $276,000 at its 25th annual fashion show and luncheon. More than 300 guests attended the event on March 31, 2018, at Silverado Resort and Spa.
This year’s event honored vintner and philanthropist Lauren Ackerman and featured 38 models, all of whom are cancer patients and survivors. The models spent weeks practicing for their turn on the runway, having been coached by a dedicated team of volunteers and fashion experts.
Honoree Lauren Ackerman kicked off the afternoon’s Fund A Need with a gift of $25,000, contributing to its $107,000 total. Additional funds were raised from a silent auction that included 68 items donated by event committee members and community businesses, stars purchased to honor a loved one, ticket sales, and sponsorships by individuals and organizations. This year’s sponsors included Linda and Ed Barwick, Queen of the Valley Medical Center, Ackerman Family Vineyards and the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group.
The event’s proceeds will be used to fully fund the Queen’s Cancer Wellness Program for more than 130 individuals, as well to provide other cancer programs and services.
The Cancer Wellness Program offers a personalized exercise plan, three-month membership to Synergy Medical Fitness Center, nutritional counseling and psycho-social and spiritual support. With a physician's referral, the 12-week program is available at no charge to all cancer patients who reside in the Napa Valley, regardless of where they are treated and for all cancer patients treated at the Queen, regardless of where they live. Since it was founded in 2006, more than 1,000 cancer patients have benefited from the program. To learn more, visit TheQueen.org/cancer.