WESTPORT, CT — The fifth annual Bottoms Up Invitational raised $1.3 million for colorectal cancer programs during two days of events in Fairfield County on Sept. 13 and 14.
The event, organized by Westport residents "Today" show anchor Craig Melvin and CBS Sports HQ host Lindsay Czarniak, honors the memory of Melvin's brother, Lawrence Meadows, who died from colorectal cancer at age 43.
Organizers said the event has raised more than $5.7 million over five years for the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit focused on combating the disease.
The weekend began Sunday, Sept. 13, with a concert at the Fairfield Theatre Company featuring Wyclef Jean, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Andrew Copeland and Jett Beres of Sister Hazel, Branford Marsalis, Javier Colon, Ryan Cabrera and others.
— From left, Lindsay Czarniak, Michael Sapienza, and Craig Melvin at the 2026 Bottoms Up Invitational, Sept. 13 & 14. The annual event, which raised $1.3 million this year to fight colorectal cancer, has raised more than $5.7 million over five years. Photo credit: Shutterstock/Mark Sagliocco
Activities continued on Monday, Sept. 14, at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, with celebrity guests including Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Jim Cantore, Rutledge Wood, Stephanie Szostak, Ralph Sampson, Charlie Rymer and Allan Houston.
According to information provided by organizers, colorectal cancer is the deadliest cancer among people under age 50, with 75 percent of cases diagnosed at late stages. Cases among Americans ages 20 to 39 are projected to increase by 90 percent by 2030.
Before the Sunday concert, medical and industry experts joined Melvin at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's Screen Smart event to discuss screening education initiatives. Organizers said timely screening can help prevent colorectal cancer or detect it early, when the survival rate is 91 percent.
"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. "Craig and Lindsay chose to turn their loss into action and are creating tremendous impact. Every dollar raised moves us closer to a future where we can end colorectal cancer and ensure more families stay whole. We've had enough — let's end this."
Proceeds from the Bottoms Up Invitational will support the Colorectal Cancer Alliance's programs, including Project Cure CRC and Screen Smart, which focus on research, awareness, advocacy and other efforts related to colorectal cancer.
More information is available at bottomsupinvitational.org.
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