(9/13/11) – The McLeod Health Foundation’s 12th Annual An Evening of Hope Cancer Benefit for the McLeod Cancer Center will be held on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at the Florence Little Theatre. A major announcement by McLeod Health and the McLeod Foundation will also be made during the event.

Since 2000, this evening has been instrumental in funding such forms of cancer technology as the McLeod Mobile Mammography Unit, the inReach System™ by superDimension for the early detection of lung cancer, and a Dedicated Breast MRI Biopsy Table as well as mammogram scholarships for women in need and other programs and services that impact the lives of the region’s cancer patients.

The 2011 An Evening of Hope Cancer Benefit will begin with opening remarks by McLeod Oncologist Dr. Michael Pavy. Attendees will then be entertained with live performances by well known, regional artists who are cancer survivors or who have had a loved one impacted by cancer. A silent auction will also be held featuring the talent of local artisans who are donating their works of art in honor or memory of a special friend or family member with a cancer diagnosis or their own battle with the disease.

Performers for the evening will include: Mezzo Soprano Peggy Baroody accompanied by William B. Mills; a theatrical scene from Steel Magnolias by Tippi Harwell, Sallie Hackney, Celly Kahn, Arlene Boyd, Erma Tanner, and Anna Rose Rainwater; Pianist William B. Mills; a performance by Dr. Terry Roberts on French Horn; Singer Dr. Bill Hazelwood accompanied by Beverly Hazelwood; Kristin Slaughenhoupt on flute accompanied by Beverly Hazelwood, Roy Chipley and Rocky Phipps; Singers Shaw and Rebecca Thompson accompanied by Robin Thompson; a comedic poetry performance by Glen Gourley, Kelly Jokisch and Robin Thompson; a ballet performance by Helen Lamm and Cam Melton; Singer Leon Rogers accompanied by Robin Thompson; and 17 Alumni Members of the South Florence Choraliers.

Sponsors of the benefit to date include: Wells Fargo; Nucor – Darlington; Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Colones; Dr. Larry Grubb and Dr. T. Rhett Spencer; Lincoln Financial; Pee Dee Pathology Associates; PGBA; Aon; Armstrong Wealth Management; Dr. Rajesh Bajaj and Dr. Anu Chaudhry; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brand, II; Deloitte & Touche, LLP; First Reliance Bank; Ghiorsi & Sorrenti, Inc.; Kaufman Hall; Mary Helen Condon Moore, CFM of Merrill Lynch Wealth Management Group; Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, P.C.; Pee Dee Electric Cooperative; and Pepsi Cola of Florence.

To purchase tickets, please contact Kendra Collins in the McLeod Foundation office at 777-2694 or visit www.mcleodfoundation.org and click on the An Evening of Hope icon on the left side of the homepage.