MADISON, Wis., Dec. 13, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Widen announced today that Funk Out Cancer raised $51,432 for the University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center. Al Falaschi, Video Manager at Widen, founded the concert and silent auction in memory of his wife, Kate Gates Falaschi. Since 2009, Funk Out Cancer has raised more than $200,000 for cancer research.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f34f59bd-b185-4ff8-9858-099b83158425
Funk Out Cancer was held at the Majestic Theater in Madison, WI on November 4, 2017. The concert featured performances by Phat Phunktion and Mama Digdown’s Brass Band with special guests Jimmy Voegeli, Dudu Stinks, Meg Moran, Alison Margaret, and David Stoler.
All funds raised by Funk Out Cancer go directly to Dr. Dustin Deming's laboratory at the UW Carbone Cancer Center. Dr. Deming, a colorectal cancer survivor, aims to change the treatment of gastrointestinal cancers to a more personalized approach. His research on immune therapies shows great promise for patients battling these diseases.
"Funk Out Cancer was an overwhelming success again,” said Dr. Deming. “This great event honors Kate and at the same time raises colon cancer awareness and money to propel our research forward. The funds from this year's event will help us determine which colon cancer patients might benefit from the exciting new immunotherapies we are studying in clinical trials. I am so grateful to Al Falaschi and the fantastic team at Widen for their continued support."
Kate Gates Falaschi was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2006 at the age of 29. Just a week earlier, Al had proposed to Kate. Over the next three years, Kate fought the disease with strength, grace, and an inspiring sense of humor. Kate asked loved ones to organize a memorial concert for her if she ended up losing the battle. Funk Out Cancer was organized to fulfill her wish.
Kate's friends and family put on the first Funk Out Cancer in 2009. After attending the event, Widen CEO Matthew Gonnering offered the company’s support. Today, Widen is the presenting sponsor of each Funk Out Cancer. CapSpecialty and iHeartRadio Madison were this year’s premier sponsors.
"Widen supports Funk Out Cancer because we make a meaningful difference,” said Gonnering. “After attending the first concert in memory of Kate, we knew we could make a greater contribution to improve the lives of many. We've done four concerts since that day. We are so grateful for the talented musicians and doctors who make this all happen."
"Kate was a very giving person and loved her life's work as a special needs adoption social worker,” said Al Falaschi. “I know she would be so happy and proud of her family, friends, and the Madison community for their outpouring of generosity. This money will allow Dr. Deming to do amazing things for so many people that are affected by cancer."
The National Cancer Institute estimated that more than 135,000 Americans will be diagnosed with colorectal cancer in 2017, and more than 50,000 people will die of the disease. Over 1.3 million people live with colorectal cancer in the U.S., and it is the second leading cause of cancer deaths.
About Widen
Widen is a content technology company that powers the content that builds your brand. Leveraging cloud-based resources, Widen delivers configurable, scalable, and cost-effective digital asset management solutions to help you easily store, search, and share your digital content. Organizations of all sizes use Widen's cloud-based DAM solution, the Widen Collective, to streamline their marketing and creative workflows and make their content work harder. Widen is trusted by hundreds of thousands of users around the world at organizations like LG, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, Trek Bicycle Corporation, Cornell University, New Orleans Tourism Marketing, the Atlanta Falcons, Red Gold Tomatoes, Electrolux, and Yankee Candle. To learn more about Widen, go to http://www.widen.com.
Contact:
Jake Athey
VP of Marketing, Widen
608-443-5472
jathey@widen.com