FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACTS:
Media
Peggy C. Frank, MBA
Frank Public Relations Worldwide
818-735-3591
pfrank@frankpr.com
International Myeloma Foundation
Suzanne Battaglia
800-452-2873
sbattaglia@myeloma.org
Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer (Spinal Tap, The
Folksmen) Headline Concert for a Cause August 27, 8 p.m., Avalon
Hollywood; Hosted by International Myeloma Foundation (IMF)
North Hollywood, CA, Aug. 9, 2007 ­Christopher Guest, Michael McKean,
and Harry Shearer, (Spinal Tap, The Folksmen), announced today that they will
headline Concert for a Cause, August 27, Avalon Hollywood, 8 p.m. to raise funds to
battle multiple myeloma, with proceeds benefiting the International Myeloma
Foundation (IMF).
The International Myeloma Foundation - conducting research and providing
education, advocacy, and support for myeloma patients, families, researchers, and
physicians--hosts the event. The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and
largest myeloma organization, reaching more than 165,000 members in 113
countries worldwide.
Michael McKean first became involved with the IMF when a friend and colleague, Lee
Grayson, was battling multiple myeloma. Since then, he has supported the IMF in
Lee's honor, by his celebrity appearance on the televised game show "Celebrity
Jeopardy" -- playing, winning and donating the proceeds he won to the IMF.
Susie Novis, President of the IMF, says, "One of the International Myeloma
Foundation's main goals is to reach out to myeloma patients everywhere, to let them
know that they are not alone, that the IMF is here to help. Michael McKean's
continuing support and the additional support from Christopher Guest and Harry
Shearer, will help raise awareness, and will let more people who have been
diagnosed know that there is a place to go for help, information and support."
This summer, Spinal Tap, (aka - Christopher Guest, Michael McKean and Harry
Shearer) did their part to raise awareness of Global Warming and to encourage
people and governments to go green at the Live Earth concert in London. Once they
understood that this event was against Global Warming, rather than for it, the band
was thrilled to be a part of this worldwide event. They also appeared as The
Folksmen in the recent film titled "A Mighty Wind," directed by Christopher Guest for
which Guest, McKean and Eugene Levy won a Grammy Award for the title track.
Event sponsors include Celgene Corporation and Millennium Pharmaceuticals, 97.1
Free FM, Hendrix Electric Vodka, Los Angeles Confidential Magazine, Avalon
Hollywood, and guest DJ Timbo.
For sponsorship opportunities, contact the IMF at 800-452-2873, ext. 222.
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a bone marrow cancer that affects blood
cell production causing fatigue, weakness, and pain. It is the second most common
blood cancer, affecting more than 750,000 people worldwide and its prevalence is
increasing. Myeloma research is helping lead the new direction of cancer treatment -
although there is currently no cure for myeloma, it is an eminently treatable disease
allowing patients to live longer and productive lives.
More information about multiple myeloma, visit www.myeloma.org.
Tickets may be purchased at www.wantickets.com or call 1-866-926-8499. Ticket
prices are $50 for general admission, and $250 for VIP, which includes a VIP pass to
an exclusive post-show reception. Media should contact Peggy C. Frank, Frank Public
Relations Worldwide, 818-735-3591, pfrank@frankpr.com.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL MYELOMA FOUNDATION
The International Myeloma Foundation is the oldest and largest myeloma
organization, reaching more than 165,000 members in 113 countries worldwide. A
501(c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life of
myeloma patients and their families, the IMF focuses in four key areas: research,
education, support, and advocacy. To date, the IMF has conducted more than 130
educational seminars worldwide, maintains a world-renowned hotline, and operates
Bank on a CureŽ, a unique gene bank to advance myeloma research. The IMF can
be reached at (800) 452-CURE or www.myeloma.org.