Voices of Hope Presents Annual Gala to Benefit Cancer Research

Submitted by Voices of Hope:

On Saturday, Sept. 6, Voices of Hope, a local organization dedicated to raising funds for cancer research through music and dance, will pay tribute to some amazing performers with a concert at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly. Proceeds will benefit the Henri and Belinda Termeer Center for Targeted Therapies at the Mass General Cancer Center.

The musical performance titled, “Unfinished 2: The Music Continues,” pays homage to an incredibly talented pool of artists and dedicated backstage heroes, many of whom remained active in theatre despite their condition. Each performance is a tribute to a life well-lived and a legacy worthy of celebration. Though cancer has had an impact on each of them, belief in a cure connects the members of Voices of Hope, 110 of whom will perform for you on September 6th, including orchestraand our production team! Since 2009, the organization has brought almost 200 local musical theater performers together to raise more than $250,000 to support cancer research.

“Their hard-raised dollars help support clinical trials for new drug compounds that may save or extend our patients’ lives, and this work helps influence standards of care for patients around the world,” said Dr. Keith T. Flaherty, MD, Director of the Termeer Center. “Voices of Hope is an important partner in this effort.”

Guided once again by Master of Ceremonies Jordan Rich of WBZ News Radio 1030, audience members will be treated to the classic standards of Harold Arlen, the ‘60s harmonies of the Temptations and Mary Wells, the beautiful lyrics of Linda Creed that drove Whitney Houston to # 1, and inspirational melodies of Leonard Cohen (Halleluiah) and Anthony Newly (Feeling Good). Additional highlights include favorite works of Oscar Hammerstein and Walt Disney, and beloved Broadway numbers for all ages from Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music,Chicago, Aida, Little Shop of Horrors, and Godspell. Special guest performers will include The Andover High School Choir and local artist and cancer survivor Charlie Scopaletti.

“Voices of Hope is an incredible organization – they are everyday people on an amazing mission,” said Erika M. Rosato, RN, Nurse Director of the TermeerCenter. “This is something our staff can relate to at the Termeer Center. They come to work every day to provide the absolute best care to our patients and to make that next research breakthrough that can provide new hope. We inspire each other and I think we make a great team.”

Voices of Hope’s sixth annual fundraising gala will begin with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 7 p.m. in the theatre lobby, followed by the performance of “Unfinished 2” and a post-show VIP party. Tickets for the event ($35, $45, and $75 for VIP) can be purchased by contacting the North Shore Music Theatre Box Office by phone at 978-232-7200, online at www.nsmt.org , or in person at 62 Dunham Road in Beverly. More information is available atwww.voicesofhopeboston.org.