Spring Prevent Cancer Foundation Gala Raises $1.3+M; Spotlights International Women's Day

PENN QUARTER -- With all of the political, diplomatic, business, and philanthropic heavy hitters swarming the National Building Museum on Friday evening, the level of international support behind the Prevent Cancer Foundation was readily apparent.

And nowhere was such backing more evident than in the night's fundraising, with the nonprofit successfully walking away with more than $1.3 million when all was said and done.

Some $106,000 of that alone came from the black tie affair's silent auction and on-site 'Lighting The Way To Prevention' fundraiser, which was packed full of prizes like Washington Redskins VIP tickets, a VW car lease, and even meals with various Ambassadors and members of Congress.

Speaking of the latter, more than a dozen of them turned out on Friday to voice their support for the Prevent Cancer Foundation, including Senator Patrick Leahy, Representative Cheri Bustos, Ambassador of Switzerland Manuel Sager, and Ambassador of Monaco Gilles Noghès, among many others.

The night also shined a spotlight on Italian culture, with Italian Ambassador Claudio Bisogniero and his wife, Laura Denise Bisogniero, serving as the gala's honorary patrons.

To such an end, the occasion boasted a special 'Festa della Donna' theme (Italy's traditional way of honoring International Women's Day) and a matching menu of gnocci, gelato, and similar Italian fare.

The Prevent Cancer Foundation was founded in 1965 with the mission to save lives through cancer prevention and early detection, as supported by cancer research, education, and community outreach programs throughout the United States.

Truly, a 'bellissimo' evening, with an even more perfect purpose.