Source: Marcia Locke, 785-532-6705, marcia@k-state.edu
Website: http://www.cancer.k-state.edu

Thursday, Sept. 30, 2010

DAVE LEWIS' PINK AND PURPLE POLYESTER PARTY TO CELEBRATE, SUPPORT K-STATE CANCER RESEARCH

MANHATTAN -- Dave Lewis, public address announcer for K-State football and men's basketball, will speak up for cancer research when he throws a 30th birthday party for Kansas State University's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research.

Lewis will host and emcee the Pink and Purple Polyester Party at 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 8, at the Houston Street Ballroom, 427 Houston St. The party is to raise funds for the center and celebrate the life of his late wife, Elena, who died of breast cancer nearly five years ago.

"I wanted to honor Elena by creating a scholarship endowment for cancer research in her name," said Lewis, a member of the center's advisory council.

"This is very personal for our family because of Elena's fight against cancer and because two of her sisters are breast cancer survivors," Lewis said. "Also, we all have daughters, and I want to support the center's mission to conquer cancer in our lifetime for their sakes."

The party's theme is reflected in its name. Lewis said pink represents breast cancer, purple represents K-State and polyester represents the atmosphere he will create: the era of the late 1960s to early 1980s. Partygoers are encouraged to dress the era, but costumes are not required.

The party will feature music and dancing, Lewis' Game Show Road Show, a photo booth, elegant appetizers, a cash bar and more. The public is invited. Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased using the reservation form at http://www.cancer.k-state.edu/news-events/170 or by calling the center at 785-532-6705.

K-State's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research works to further the understanding of cancer by funding basic cancer research, and supporting higher education and public outreach. Its programs are made possible through private donations.