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February 03, 2017

UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center to host ArtBLINK Gala 2017

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artblink 2017 insideArtists will create spectacular works of art in the blink of an eye during the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center’s annual ArtBLINK Gala 2017 at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18, in The Kirklin Clinic, 2000 Sixth Ave. South.

Eighteen local artists will work with a variety of media to create masterpieces in 90 minutes that can be purchased during the silent auction. Funds from the gala go toward the Cancer Center’s Fund for Excellence, which supports high-priority research efforts for specific projects, including launching young investigators in cancer research or recruiting new faculty. A percentage of the funds raised will support patient and family assistance efforts.

Often referred to as Alabama’s cancer center, the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is a national leader in research and treatment. Its “Comprehensive” designation, awarded by the National Cancer Institute, is held by only 44 other institutions in the country.

Faculty expertise includes tumor biology, virology/gene therapy, immunobiology, targeted immunotherapy, drug discovery, and experimental therapeutics. Cancer Center Director Edward Partridge, M.D., is a nationally recognized expert in the fields of women’s cancers and outreach among minorities and underserved populations, an area in which UAB is particularly well-regarded. The Center has also made obesity and its impact on cancer a high-priority research focus going forward.

“Our more than 330 scientists work diligently every day to make promising breakthroughs, and we could not do it without community support. The fundraising effort, through our annual ArtBLINK Gala, provides us with the critical seed money to investigate drugs and develop treatments that we can quickly and safely move to our patients.”

“Our more than 330 scientists work diligently every day to make promising breakthroughs, and we could not do it without community support,” Partridge said. “The fundraising effort, through our annual ArtBLINK Gala, provides us with the critical seed money to investigate drugs and develop treatments that we can quickly and safely move to our patients.”

Participating artists are Ahmad Austin, Melissa Payne Baker, Sally Waldrup Boyd, Carol Carmichael, Gary Chapman, Amy Collins, Sam Collins, Amy Crews, Joan Curtis, Barbara Davis, Vicki Denaburg, Thomas Andrew Findlay, Carol Misner, Linda Ellen Price, Michael Swann, Paul Ware, Robine Wright and Natalie Russo Zoghby.

As one of Birmingham’s premier events, the elegant evening will feature an internationally inspired cocktail dinner provided by IZ Catering, and dancing to the sounds of The Rock Candy Band. The gala will include an Artists Gallery, where guests can view and purchase additional artwork created by the ArtBLINK artists.

Admission is $150 per individual. For more information, visit www.artblink.org, purchase tickets online, or call 205-934-1603. Dress is black-tie-optional. Valet and deck parking are available for guests.

Presenting partners include AutoTec and Regions Financial Corp.