The Quail Valley River Club was covered with a fog last Monday evening that cloaked the barrier island in mystery, but there was no intrigue as to why supporters attended Bella Notte. It was indeed a “Beautiful Night to Celebrate Life” and benefit the Indian River County American Cancer Society.
Many of the attendees had been affected by cancer, either personally or by someone they have known, and spoke of the importance of the American Cancer Society. Conquering cancer was the ultimate goal of fundraiser, with contributions being directed toward finding cures and better prevention strategies through research and treatment.
David Busch had worked with Rachel Leyda and Deena Dick to find must-have auction items to enhance the event and garner maximum dollars.
“It is going to be exciting,” said Busch of the live auction, led after dinner by Wesley Davis. “We collaborated and worked tirelessly to get these auction items because for me personally, the ACS has really meant a lot over this last year.”
Busch said he had recently lost an important person in his life, which served to intensify his efforts. “I have taken all that pain and anger and focused it into making sure this event was popular and we would raise a lot of money for ACS.”
Among other items, he persuaded Sheriff Deryl Loar to donate a “Day with the Sheriff,” and convinced local artist Deb Gooch, who exhibits at his shop Chelsea’s on Cardinal, to donate four paintings.
“My mom died of cancer and now I think about what could have happened differently 20 years later,” said Gooch. “She might still be here. I look at how many people I know who survive cancer now and it’s obvious the research and technology has made a difference.”
Guests gathered for an elegant cocktail reception in the lobby as the Harmonic Progression Quartet played quietly in the background. Prior to a delightful lobster cake and beef filet dinner, attorney Wil Murphy, Master of Ceremonies, welcomed guests and introduced event chair Dr. Michaela Scott, a 22-year cancer survivor, and past president and board member of the Indian River ACS.
“So many people are affected by cancer. I want people who contribute to know that the ACS lobbied the legislature and we got a half-cent cigarette tax. That produced over $30 million in just two years and was the seed money to get the H. Lee Moffett Cancer Center in Tampa off the ground.”
It took a large team to organize and lead the annual fundraising gala; none more passionate than sponsorship chairwoman Molly Hurley and her mother-in-law, Barbara Becker Hurley, the presenting sponsor.
“Raising money for cancer has become my main charitable focus,” said Molly Hurley. “There are so many great charities in town. I believe in working with a group that contributes locally and that is why we work with the American Cancer Society, because we like that the money stays in Indian River County.”
