Bay Area Celebrities and Athletes Take to the Runway to End Colon Cancer

From the Colon Cancer Alliance: The 3rd Annual Inside Anne's Closet celebrity fashion show and fundraiser luncheon benefiting the Colon Cancer Alliance will take place on Tuesday, May 23rd at the Menlo Circus Club in Atherton, CA. This years’ Honorary Chair is renowned American Fashion Designer and colon cancer survivor Carmen Marc Valvo.

The event is in honor of Event Chair John Paye’s (Stanford Hall of Fame Quarterback and former San Francisco 49er) mother Anne, who passed away in June 2013 at age 68 from the disease. Anne, a lover of fashion, was always dressed to the nines and John inspired family and friends to band together and be proactive in raising awareness about the need for colon cancer screening and in reaching out to underserved communities.

To heighten the awareness that tomorrow can’t wait for a cure for a disease that many are not comfortable talking about, the event, emceed by Bay Area NBC Anchor Jessica Aguirre, will include a runway show with Bay Area notable and celebrity athlete models with fashions generously provided by local and national retailers such as Jenni Kayne, Louisa Spagnoli, Gitane, Brooks Brothers. Closing out the runway presentation will be a couture evening gown presentation by Carmen Marc Valvo. Carmen has used his designs as a platform to raise awareness about colon cancer all over the U.S. and has been working with celebrities such as Katie Couric to make colon cancer fashionable to talk about. During the past 25 years, Carmen’s stunning cocktail dresses and breathtaking couture gowns have graced some of the world’s most glamorous and talented women such as Beyonce, Katie Couric, Vanessa Williams, Catherine Zeta Jones, Taylor Swift and Viola Davis. The event will also feature luxury raffle prizes and an opportunity for one lucky guest to win for a chance to experience New York Fashion Week with Carmen Marc Valvo.

The fashion show will feature local celebrities, current and/or former athletes from Bay Area sports teams, and on-air sports talent modeling summer trends.

2017 Runway Models (as of May 16, 2017)

Stanford University:

• Harrison Phillips, Defensive End, Stanford University Football
• Alameen Murphy, Cornerback, Stanford University Football
• Alijah Holder, Cornerback, Stanford University Football
• Bryce Love, Running Back, Stanford University Football
• Brittany McPhee, Guard, Women’s Stanford University Basketball
• Kaylee Johnson, Forward, Women’s Stanford University Basketball
• Dijonai Carrington, Guard, Women’s Stanford University Basketball
• Kelsey Humphreys, Stanford University Volleyball Player

University of Southern California:

• Jackson Barrett, University of Southern California Volleyball Player

Pro Athletes/Bay Area Notables:

• Tank Williams, Yahoo Sports College & Fantasy Football Analyst, Former Stanford University and NFL Football Player with the Tennessee Titans, Minnesota Vikings, and New England Patriots
• Drew Bennett, First Take NFL analyst, Former UCLA and Tennessee Titans Football Player
• Khari Stephenson, Former MLS Soccer player
• Toi Cook, Former Stanford University Football Player and San Francisco 49er
• Steve Bono, Former UCLA Football Player and San Francisco 49er
• Eric Byrnes, Analyst at MLB Network, Former UCLA and Oakland Athletics Baseball Player
• Raj Mathai, News Anchor for NBC Bay Area KNTV
• Jon Root, Olympic Gold Medalist in Men’s Volleyball, Former Stanford University Volleyball Player
• Rosalyn Gold-Onwude, Basketball Analyst for ESPN, Sideline reporter Comcast, for regionalbroadcasts of Golden State Warriors and San Francisco 49ers games, Former Stanford University Basketball Player
• Sonia Mathai, VP, Global Head of People at Synack
• Lulu Eschelman, Handbag Fashion Designer, LumillaMingus

Colon cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer- related deaths in men and women combined in the United States. On average, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is about one in 20. In 2016, approximately 130,000 Americans were diagnosed with colon cancer with more than one third dying from the disease. In its early stages, colon cancer is highly treatable, with a five-year survival rate of 90%, making it a stoppable and preventable disease through early detection.

Last year’s event raised approximately $289,000 in which part of the proceeds were used to launch an awareness and prevention campaign in the Silicon Valley Area called Love Your Butt. Proceeds from the 2017 Inside Anne’s Closet will benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance’s research grant program and support awareness and screening efforts in the Bay Area.

The event is made possible by our Signature Sponsor Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Platinum Individual Sponsors Judi Rees, Melissa Badger and Christina Robinson, and Gold Level Sponsors Bloomingdales - Stanford Shopping Center and individual Eve Jaffe. A special thank you goes to Madden Charities for their generous support in honor of Dr. Alan Venook, who will be awarded the Heroes of Hope Award at the event.

For event information and to purchase tickets, visit www.ccalliance.org/insideannescloset.

EVENT DETAILS

• What: 3rd Annual Inside Anne’s Closet Fashion Show & Luncheon Benefiting: Colon Cancer Alliance
• When: Tuesday, May 23, 2017Where: Menlo Park Circus Club - 190 Park Lane, Atherton, CA
• Time: 11:30 a.m - 2:00 p.m.
• Cost: Tickets start at $300. Table and sponsorship opportunities available.
• Website/Event Registration: www.ccalliance.org/insideannescloset

Photo courtesy of the Colon Cancer Alliance