‘An Evening at Bacchanalia’ Features Gourmet Dinner, Fine Wines and Silent Auction

Proceeds To Be Donated to Atlanta-based Ovarian Cancer Institute

Atlanta, GA (June 13, 2007) -- The third annual ‘An Evening at Bacchanalia’ to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Institute is slated for September 9, 2007 at world-famous Atlanta eatery, Bacchanalia.  Proceeds from the gala will benefit breakthrough research initiatives at Atlanta-headquartered Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI), a 501(C3) nonprofit research organization dedicated to finding an early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer. Scientists at OCI have made tremendous strides since the organization was formed in 1999 as they work to understand the molecular basis of ovarian cancer and the cause of chemotherapy resistance -- leading to the development of more effective therapies for the disease most often referred to as the “silent killer.”

Guests attending  ‘An Evening at Bacchanalia’ to benefit the Ovarian Cancer Institute will be treated to a special meal prepared by premier Chef Anne Quatrano along with select wines generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. William Graves.  Highlights of the gala evening also include a silent auction with the opportunity for guests to bid on round-trip airline tickets compliments of Delta Air Lines, a stay at The Ashford Castle in Ireland, luxury trips to New York and the Chesapeake Bay area and many other outstanding items.

Tickets to the special evening benefiting the Ovarian Cancer Institute are $750 each.  Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis.  Sponsorships also are available.  This year’s event is hosted by Ovarian Cancer Institute Board of Directors and staff members.  Proceeds are expected to exceed the $120,000 raised in 2006 for OCI.   

“We are grateful and humbled by the dedication of the Atlanta community in supporting our ongoing efforts at Ovarian Cancer Institute,” commented Benedict B. Benigno, M.D., the Institute’s founding partner and CEO.  “Our mission is to find an early detection test for ovarian cancer, similar to a mammogram or a pap smear -- both of which have proven to be reliable and life-saving early detection tools for other gynecologic cancers -- as well as novel methods to better treat women with ovarian cancer,” Benigno continued.  “Funding through wonderful events like ’An Evening at Bacchanalia’  are making possible pioneering research that draws us closer and closer to understanding this dreadful cancer, how to detect it early and how to best treat it.”

For more information about ‘An Evening at Bacchanalia,’ including sponsorship opportunities, and for general information about OCI, please visit www.ovariancancerinstitute.org or call (404) 385-7016.

About the Ovarian Cancer Institute

The Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI) was established in 1999 as a 501(c)(3), not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding an early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, understanding the molecular basis of ovarian cancer and the cause of chemotherapy resistance, leading to the development of more effective therapies for the disease.  The Institute’s mission is to develop innovative research leading to earlier detection and more effective treatment of the cancer; to provide educational opportunities for medical professionals; and to educate women with respect to the early symptoms of ovarian cancer and to empower them to seek appropriate care immediately.  The OCI lab is located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in downtown Atlanta, GA.  For more information, visit www.ovariancancerinstitute.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Lynne Andrews, Marketing Expectations, Inc.

(404) 784-5606 cell or (770) 886-5606

lynne@marketingexpectations.com

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