Gina Starbuck of the Los Angeles cast of "Wicked", as well as the members of the American Cancer Society presented the second annual Art 4 Life benefit yesterday evening. Hundreds of Angelinos gathered to witness several performers including the Los Angeles cast of "Wicked", America’s Best Dance Crew’s Fysh ‘n’ Chicks, and Capitol Record recording artist, Ferras. The star-studded evening was full of delightful performances that ranged from soulful song and modern dance, to hip-hop and pure comedy. The diverse types of performances contributed to the, unfortunately truthful notion, of how indiscriminate the disease can be. Hosting the event was Michael Urie of the ABC sensation "Ugly Betty" and Hollywood legend Carol Kane.
Starbuck Dedicates Show to Lost Loved One
Starbuck opened the main show by dedicating the evening to her father whom she had lost to cancer. The event was a definite success, raising both funds and awareness in regards to the devastating disease. Full of emotion, but as always keeping a beautiful smile on, Starbuck also expressed how touched she was to see that so many people, regardless of having or not having ties to the disease, were so supportive of the cause. She stated how appreciative she was for everyone’s efforts and that she knows in her heart of hearts that together we will find a cure. 
Great Celeb Donations Make for Successful Silent Auction
In order to raise even more funds that will go toward medicine for children, creating wigs for those undergoing chemotherapy, and of course finding a cure, many made donations to a silent auction held throughout the duration of the event. Celebrities including Greg Grunberg of the hit NBC show "Heroes", and Academy Award-nominee Debbie Reynolds, as well as local artistic sensations such as Haik Melkonyan and Natasha Thompson donated signed scripts and works of art. Included in the silent auction as well were a 12-month membership for eHarmony.com, free one-hour massages, and a signed copy of Melissa Fahn’s latest album. Sponsors of the event benefitting the American Cancer Society included Relay for Life, Dance Visionary, the Film Industry Network, aLine Media, BACE, Dust, and Avalon. Gift bags were also given to guests for donations containing Elle magazine, various gift certificates for masseuses and spas, make-up from Smashbox, and FRS Healthy Energy drinks.
Art 4 Life Benefit allows for Celebration at Relay for Life of Arcadia
Mark Tzeng, director of Art 4 Life 2, American Cancer Society member, and Public Relations Officer for the Relay for Life of Arcadia, stated that Art 4 Life allowed for several dancers, artists, and comedians to come together to donate to a great cause. According to Tzeng, Art 4 Life is merely one of several fundraising events in and around the Los Angeles area throughout the year that will culminate into a huge celebration that is the Relay for Life of Arcadia on June 21 & 22, 2008 11:00am – 11:00am. For more information, visit Relay for Life of Arcadia.
Photography by: Michelle Yang
