The Event 2023: Broadway Nights
Under a cool September sky Akron welcomed “The Midtown Men” — cast of the original Jersey Boys, amongst 800 other close family and friends. The Event, a biennial celebration, supports the Foundation’s grant giving and partner programing through sponsorships, ticket sales, and a live auction. The 2023 Event, Broadway Nights, lived up to its reputation. Guests were greeted by golden stilt walkers and a dramatic and daring aerial performer. Cocktails, mingling, and photo op moments lead to gourmet dinner provided by none other than Beau’s Grille. The evening was topped off with a showstopping performance by The Midtown Men and late night bites including from Foundation partner, Ed Sutter with Eddie’s Cheesesteaks. Guests danced alongside gold mirrored performers to “Let’s Hang On,” “The Tears of a Clown,” “Working My Way Back to You,” many other Motown favorites.
The Event would not be a success were it not for the incredibly generous premier sponsors Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Co., Inc.; RDA Management/Fairlawn Associates LLC; Steve Comunale; Underwood Fire Equipment Inc.; Beacon Marshall Companies; Wheatland Tube Company; and Sarah Rayburn.
The Event 2021: Out of this World
THE EVENT” 2021 WAS OUT OF THIS WORLD
Thank you to so many friends, families and supporters of the Foundation for making our 2021 event a wonderful success. On September 25, 2021, more than 700 guests attended “The Event” raising over $1.5 million for the Foundation. The entertainment was “Starship”. Steve Comunale, founder of the Foundation, said “As we grow each year and raise more money, there were more and more people to help. Our goal each year is to increase our grant donations.” Since its initial year, the Foundation has donated to over 28,000 individuals and families touched by cancer, with “The Event” being the largest fundraisers event of the year.
The Event 2018: Forever in Blue Jeans
Event 2018: Forever in Blue Jeans was certainly a night to remember with 900 of our closest friends. Guests donned their best New York chic denim and were welcomed guests with fire breathers and acrobatic performers from GLOvation. A cigar lounge outfitted with leather ottomans and rough wooden tables was enjoyed all night long. Beau’s Grille served up favorites from New York featuring Carnegie Deli, Grand Central Station, Little Italy, and China Town food stations. An energetic live auction by Brooks Ames kept the room roaring and as with every one of our events, guests were on their feet all night long dancing away to Jay White, tribute musician to Neil Diamond.
The Event 2016: Havana Nights
A record number of attendees came out on October 1st to The Event: Havana Nights. Guests were greeted with signature mojitos, a stilt walker, magician, and acoustic guitar. The large outdoor tent was speckled with pops of oranges, reds, and yellows while the cigar and rum tent offered comfortable relaxed seating. Dinner consisted of Cuban favorites by Beau’s Grille and guests danced the night away to a live performance by six time Grammy nominees, The Spinners! Thank you to the team at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn and Neil Leeson for their expertise in planning and execution.
The Event 2014: Club C
The night began with house made mojitos by Beau’s Grille as guests arrived at the home of Steve Comunale. Guests then walked into an airy, colorful, and welcoming tent designed by Mary McBride of the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn and Neil Leeson of Neil Leeson Decor Floral, Inc. It was filled with lime green and teal linens with pops of orange on the all-white furniture.
Bidding on silent auction items, chatting, and laughing commenced as old and new friends of the Stephen A. Comunale, Jr. Family Cancer Foundation gathered on the beautiful Saturday in September. Butler passed hors d’oeuvres of authentic Cuban Sandwich Sliders, Empanadas, and (the now famous) shrimp display tantalized the guests’ taste buds. Shortly after, the dinner buffet prepared by Beau’s Grille was opened. Edge beef tenderloin, Cuban spiced mahi-mahi, and Samurai coconut rice were just a few of the signature items on the South Beach inspired menu.
The live auction began with incredible items up for bid like a private trip to the 2015 Masters, a week long ski retreat in Colorado, and an in home catered dinner for 25 prepared by Chef Beau. Now, the stage was set for what was to be an epic performance by The Pointer Sisters – Official. Ruth, Anita, and Sadako Pointer glided on stage and performed some of their most famous hits to a packed dance floor. Late night eats were provided by Mama Meyo’s Pizza and The Rail – Akron. The 2014 Event had an incredible turnout because of all of our supporters. We can’t thank you enough for helping us to continue doing what we do.
