A Las Vegas-type ambiance will be the theme at The Commons to fight a form of pediatric brain cancer.
Casino Night, a semi-formal event with an auction, food stations, music and casino-style gaming, will also feature an open bar and prizes. The event in downtown Columbus will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, with $75 tickets available online at csnevents.org/casinoIN.
More details about the event, such as costs for couples and reserving tables, are also available at the website, said Lynn Whittington, director of the local chapter of “The Cure Starts Now.” However, ticket sales will either close on Thursday or until sold out, she said.
Proceeds will benefit the Indiana chapter of “The Cure Starts Now,” an organization seeking to eliminate a deadly form of pediatric brain cancer called Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, better known as DIPG.
Six Indiana children who are undergoing treatment or have succumbed to the inoperable, tentacle-like brain tumor, will be honored during the event, Whittington said.
One of the six is Whittington’s son, Peyton Whittington, who lost his battle with this form of brain cancer at age 5 in June, 2013. The other five Hoosier children are only being identified by their first names: Lauren, Addison, Gunner, Kaylee and Savannah.
While other chapters have hosted similar fundraisers, this is the first time that a Casino Night has been held in Bartholomew County for “The Cure Starts Now,” Whittington said.
Just to make sure things go smoothly, organizers of other successful Casino Night fundraisers will come to Columbus to ensure it’s operated correctly, Whittington said.
“We hope to make it an annual event,” she said.
Last June, the organization staged its annual “Carnival for the Cure” at Ceraland, where up to $70,000 was raised for the organization.
A press release from the national organization states Indiana consistently has leading chapters for “The Cure Starts Now,” and has raised more than $426,000.
Originally started in 2007, “The Cure Starts Now” Foundation has funded more than $12.5 million in pediatric brain cancer research, and is considered the global leader in DIPG research, according to the foundation.
It is one of the only cancer foundations dedicated to finding the “home run” cure for all cancers, according to its website.
When asked what that statement meant, Whittington said the statement originated with both physicians and researchers. Since DIPG is considered the most difficult cancer to cure, many experts believe the development of an effective treatment could result in a cure for all forms of cancer, she said.
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What: Casino Night, a fundraiser for "The Cure Starts Now"
When: 6 to 10 p.m. Friday
Where: The Commons, 300 Washington St.
Cost: $75 tickets available online at csnevents.org/casinoIN.
Deadline to order tickets: Thursday, or when they sell out.
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