Dueling Pianos at Dusk Fall Fundraiser Recap

On October 26th, we hosted our Dueling Pianos at Dusk fall fundraiser at Quartyard. It was a lovely night under the stars in downtown San Diego. The event included a live art show, silent auction, photo booth, food and drinks, and of course, camaraderie between old friends and new connections, which is at the heart of b-present’s mission.

Our A-List Talent

The Killer Dueling Pianos were the entertainment for the night and the highlight of the event. If you haven’t experienced a dueling piano performance in the past, let me set the scene for you. On stage, there were two grand pianos, each played by a professional pianist. Not only are these two individuals incredible piano players, but they’re also singers, entertainers, and capable of providing plenty of comedic relief.

Audience participation isn’t optional; it’s a necessity. The pianists decide what will be played through song requests typically accompanied by a donation from $1 to $100. However, there is some bias to the selection; the larger the donation you provide, the more likely your request gets played next.

The Killer Dueling Pianos were a talented duo playing and singing from a range of classic rock, Top 40, R&B, and country. The entertainers do their best impressions, often mixing things up by blending two songs or creating a parody of the original. It didn’t take long before most of the attendees were on their feet dancing to classics such as Don’t Stop Believin’, Baby Got Back, and Sweet Caroline.

 

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If you didn’t get the chance to snag a b-present shirt at the event, you can browse our new Support Shop and order one today! 

Reaching Our Goal

As for b-present, we were also dancing with joy. The event was a complete success, raising over $10,000! The funds will go toward our upcoming workshop and phase two of our web-based patient and supporter connection tool, b-there. We want to thank everyone who shared their night with us and helped us reach our goal. A special thanks to our donors Marine Street Financial, San Diego Comic-Con, Center Veterinary Clinic, Par 68 Golf, and Suja, and to April McIntyre for donating all proceeds from her art sales. 

A Message From the CEO: Astellas Oncology C3 Prize Live Pitch Event Recap

On October 25, 2019, I had an amazing time participating in the Fourth Annual C3 Prize Live Pitch Event in New York City. I was there representing the b-present Foundation as the winner of the first-ever Emerging Ideas Prize for our b-there online patient/supporter connection tool. It was an honor to be on the same stage with the three finalists competing for the Grand Prize and Innovation prizes.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The C3 Prize funds innovative non-treatment ideas to improve cancer care. This was a record-breaking year, with nearly 250 proposals from all over the world. To be one of four finalists selected amongst such a large group of high-quality ideas was so validating for us! We have been working hard on the b-there tool over the last year, and this is just the boost we needed to help us get to the next level. It is empowering to have Astellas Oncology and C3 Prize stand behind our ideas and innovations and reassures us that we can make a difference in cancer care and turn a difficult experience into a positive one for others.

From Left: Abby Westerman (b-present Foundation), Leah Werry (Nanny Angel Network), Bill Rancic (Cancer Activist and Celebrity Entrepreneur), Leslie Schover (Will2Love)Daniella Koren (ARCHES Technology)

 

BETTER TOGETHER

The night before the live pitch event, I had the pleasure of meeting and having dinner with the three finalists for the Grand Prize category. Although we were all feeling the pressure of the next day’s activities, we also felt the calm that comes with knowing that changing cancer care is bigger than all of us, and we are all in this together.

Prior to the live pitch event, we had the unique opportunity to be coached by C3 Prize partner TEDMED. Each finalist had their own amazing story to tell, sharing their connection to their idea. I think we can all agree that working with TEDMED was an incredible learning and growth experience bringing those stories to life.

AND THE WINNER IS…

Congratulations to the Grand Prize winner, Nanny Angel Network, an organization focused on providing “Nanny Angels” to care for children whose mothers have cancer, providing stability, normalcy, and support during this challenging time.

And congratulations to the two Innovation winners, ARCHES Technology and Will2Love. ARCHES Technology was recognized for its digital education and engagement program, MyCareCompass, which provides relevant information and education to people impacted by cancer throughout their treatment journey. Will2Love was recognized for providing education and expert guidance on reproductive health to help people impacted by cancer manage their sexual health and fertility.

I am so grateful to Astellas Oncology, the C3 Prize team, the judges, TEDMED, and all of the finalists for making this the experience of a lifetime. I left inspired and energized, and can’t wait to see what the future holds as we make b-there the tool that brings normalcy back to the lives of young adults with cancer.

The best is yet to come!