Craig Melvin, Lindsay Czarniak To Host Colorectal Cancer Fundraising Concert In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — "Today" show anchor Craig Melvin and CBS Sports anchor Lindsay Czarniak will host the fifth annual Colorectal Cancer Alliance Bottoms Up Invitational Golf Tournament & Concert in Fairfield County on Sept. 13 and 14.

The two-day fundraiser is held in honor of Melvin’s brother, Lawrence Meadows, who died from colorectal cancer at age 43.

According to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer among people under 50 and the second-deadliest cancer overall. The organization says the disease is highly preventable and treatable when detected early, but cases are increasing among younger patients. Three out of four younger patients are diagnosed at later stages, according to the Alliance.

The nonprofit provides patient support and education and funds research. The Bottoms Up Invitational has raised more than $4.4 million for the organization over the past four years, according to event organizers.

"We are in a race against a disease that is skewing younger and more aggressive every year," Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said in a statement. "Craig and Lindsay chose to turn their loss into action and that choice has already helped fund lifesaving research and programs for countless families. This September, we're asking everyone to join us for the fifth anniversary and be part of the solution."

The event will begin with an opening reception and concert at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Fairfield Theatre Company. The program will include live music, dinner and an open bar.

Past performers have included members of Hootie & the Blowfish, Lisa Lisa, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Branford Marsalis and Edwin McCain, according to organizers.

The celebrity golf invitational will begin at 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk. Golfers will be paired with celebrity guests, and breakfast and dinner are included.

Past celebrity golfers have included Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Maury Povich, Michael Eaves and Alex English, as well as musicians who participated in the concert.

Concert tickets cost $275 and include dinner, an open bar and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s prevention, patient support and research programs.

Information about sponsorships, golf, concert tickets and donations is available at bottomsupinvitational.org.