After he beat testicular cancer 24 years ago, La Quinta resident Chris Hermann moved on.
He was 30 years old at the time, the father of two young children. There were surgeries and chemotherapy. And then a normal life restored.
But when his best friend and business partner, Paul Mahoney, was diagnosed with prostate cancer, the memories flooded back and with it, a renewed zest by Hermann to take on the fight again toward finding a cure.
“Being involved with the American Cancer Society locally has given me witness to the fact that most people have either struggled with this horrible disease or know someone who has,” Hermann said.
Hermann has since participated in American Cancer Society gala fundraisers serving on committees, giving corporate sponsorship and promoting awareness. In April, Hermann was honored for his commitment with the American Cancer Society’s “Celebration of Life” honor along with Mahoney.
While acknowledging there are many fundraising events in the Coachella Valley, Hermann says, “Any benefit to improve the ability to find a cure and raise funds for more research is a win.”
George Kessinger agrees. As owner of Azul Tapas Lounge and Georgie's Alibi in Palm Springs, Kessinger and hostess/emcee Bella de Ball have created a special event July 27, “Little Black Dress and Pearls For a Cause” to benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life.
“We all need to stop this crazy stuff and any chance I can do something, I will be there,” Kessinger says.
The event includes a buffet, beverages, silent auction, and a fun cabaret variety revue featuring male and female vocalists as well as drag personalities. This “music-comedy-song-dance-costuming-headdresses-big hair show” promises to get the crowd moving in anticipation of the evening’s dance party at 9 p.m.
Azul’s doors will open at 6 p.m. with the show starting at 7 p.m.
Bella is excited about this particular fundraiser and says, “It is my honor and pleasure to participate in this event at Azul. So many family and friends have been affected by cancer. I am thrilled to work with a dozen entertainers to bring our community together to support this evening.”
For information, call (760) 325-5533 to purchase advance tickets at $100 each. You may also buy tickets at the door for $125 each.
Azul Tapas Lounge, 369 N. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs