Multi-platinum selling recording artist and Emmy Award winner Rachel Platten is set to perform at a virtual gala that will fund free lodging for cancer patients traveling to Boston for their treatment. Platten, who was raised in Massachusetts, will be one of the featured performers at Boston Key Gala, the signature fundraiser for the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center, located in Jamaica Plain.
“I can’t reveal what songs Rachel will perform, but I can say we’re thrilled to spotlight her during Boston Key Gala,” said Dylan Lazerow, senior development manager for distinguished events at the American Cancer Society. “And, everyone can catch Rachel’s set because registration is free.”
Set for Thursday, Sept. 17, at 5:30 p.m., the Gala is supported by Presenting Sponsor Silicon Valley Bank and will feature musical performances by singer-songwriters Rachel Platten and Caitlyn Smith, a comedy set by Bethany Van Delft and a special message from Devin McCourty of the New England Patriots. The event will be co-hosted by Nick Emmons, news reporter at WBZ-TV and David Lombardo, general manager of Lombardo’s. Full info is available at BostonKeyGala.org.
This year for the first time Boston Key Gala will shift from a live fundraiser to an online broadcast with special live programming to celebrate cancer survivors and to raise donations for the Boston Hope Lodge.
Home Away from Home
One in a network of 35 Hope Lodges nationwide, AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston is a home-away-from-home for cancer patients traveling more than 40 miles to their outpatient treatments. Through the program there, the American Cancer Society has hosted nearly 4,500 cancer patients from 49 states and seven countries, during more than 148,000 nights during the past decade. Guests in Boston have saved an estimated $31.5 million in lodging costs since the facility opened.
“Anyone who has stayed at Hope Lodge can tell you it is about more than just the cost savings; the Lodge creates a sense of community for the cancer patients and their caregivers,” said Matthew Blom, senior manager at Hope Lodge in Boston. “The global coronavirus pandemic has posed serious challenges to our ability to provide cancer patients and their caregivers support during an unprecedented time. We’re incredibly grateful for the Key Gala’s ongoing support as we plan to welcome back guests as soon as it is safe to do so.”
RSVP to Key Gala
Current ticketing and sponsorship info is online at BostonKeyGala.org, and additional information will continually be shared on Facebook at BostonKeyGalaand on Instagram at KeyGala.
About American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 1.5 million volunteers dedicated to saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. From breakthrough research, to free lodging near treatment, a 24/7/365 live helpline, free rides to treatment, and convening powerful activists to create awareness and impact, the Society is the only organization attacking cancer from every angle. For more information go to www.cancer.org.