Ray Romano's special fund-raising performance



Beloved television sitcom comedian Ray Romano (Everybody Loves Raymond, Men of a Certain Age) takes the stage in New York City's newly renovated SVA Theatre (333 West 23rd Street) on Friday, May 14th to perform his Vegas-style comedy act in a rare New York appearance. The Queens-born performer will be coming back to his home town for this performance specifically for this one night only special event, to be a part of a fundraiser for ovarian cancer research.

A Ray of Hope, in its inaugural year, is an event to benefit the early detection, treatment and cure of ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic cancer, and one of the five leading causes of cancer death among women in the United States.

Each year, approximately 22,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the United States and about 15,000 American women die from the disease. These numbers are underscored by the sobering fact that currently there is no reliable screening test for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The majority of cases (81%) are not diagnosed until the disease is advanced, at which time a woman’s survival is significantly compromised.

One hundred percent of the evening’s proceeds will go through the Sass Foundation for Medical Research with monies funnelled to Mt. Sinai Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center, to help fund research projects for ovarian cancer.

Valerie Smaldone also co-producer of the event will emcee the event. Broadway performer Craig Schulman will perform some of the best loved songs from Broadway and Jon Manfrellotti, from Men of a Certain Age, will introduce Ray and his vegas Style act.

WHEN: Friday, May 14. Doors open at 8 pm, performance begins at 9. There will also be a VIP after-party, where ticket holders will be treated to craft beers, wine and cheeses as well as Italian pastries.

WHERE: SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street, between 8th and 9th

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Merchandise available for sale, live auction of exciting products from Coach, Brooks Brothers, Bose, Tiffany & Co. as well as a condo in Naples, Florida and a trip to Vegas to see Ray Romano's show, with a Ray Romano meet and greet!

TICKETS: Tickets for A Ray of Hope starring Ray Romano range from $150-$275 and can be purchased at Theatermania.com.
http://www.theatermania.com/new-york/shows/a-ray-of-hope_165888/

On the Path to Cure Ovarian Cancer starring Ray Romano was conceived by Linda John, an ovarian cancer survivor (and Ray's first cousin) after she went through treatment for the disease. John, CEO of Corporate Family Network, felt that there was not enough targeted research being done for early stage testing and wanted to be actively involved. In addition to her work with the Ovarian Cancer National Alliances's Survivors Training Program, Linda wanted to do more. She enlisted the help of media personality Valerie Smaldone, who has created events in the past for ovarian cancer awareness and funding, and had herself dealt with ovarian cancer years ago, to co-produce and emcee the event.

The Sass Foundation for Medical Research, Inc. was established in 1986 as a non-profit, non-sectarian foundation dedicated to medical research, education and patient care programs for cancer and related diseases. For more information go to www.sassfoundation.org or www.arayofhopeforovariancancer.com