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Aretha Franklin to perform at The Giving Gig 2017

For release on May 06, 2016

Community Health Network Foundation event will benefit cancer patients facing financial struggles

Indianapolis, IN--Community Health Network Foundation officials have announced that “Queen of Soul” Aretha Franklin will headline The Giving Gig® 2017, the non–profit’s annual fundraising event to support Community Health Network’s cancer patients facing financial difficulties.

The Giving Gig will be held on February 11, 2017, at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. Franklin’s performance will round out an evening of giving for the 1,034 attendees in attendance. All proceeds benefit Community Health Network’s Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, which provides $250 vouchers for food, gas and medication to cancer patients in financial need.

Given its popularity in recent years, The Giving Gig 2017 is expected to sell out. Ticket sales open to the public on July 1. Individuals interested in attending are encouraged to join the priority mailing list, accessible via eCommunity.com/GivingGig or by calling 317-355-4483.

A table accommodating 10 guests is $5,000, a VIP couple’s package is available for $1,750 and individual tickets cost $500. All guests will enjoy a cocktail reception and silent auction, a four-course gourmet dinner, a live auction and dancing during the concert. In addition, those purchasing the VIP package will receive complimentary valet parking, access to an exclusive after party, an overnight stay at the Indianapolis Downtown Marriott and premium gifts donated by local and national retailers.

Joyce Irwin, Community Health Network Foundation’s president and CEO, says the event aims to raise additional financial support needed to fund Community’s on-going commitment to helping cancer patients in need of crucial assistance.

“The battle against cancer is a struggle for everyone, yet it is multiplied for those already struggling to access essentials like food, transportation and medicine,” said Irwin. “The need is great, and donors at The Giving Gig are able to make a direct impact in the lives of our cancer patients—alleviating the financial burden that cancer can cause and enabling them to focus on fighting the strongest fight possible. With our courageous cancer fighters in mind, we invite members of the community to join us at The Giving Gig 2017 for an evening filled with both tremendous generosity and soulful fun.”

In 2016, The Giving Gig raised more than $1.4 million to support the Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, with $1.2 million raised in 2015 and $825,000 in 2014.

Aretha Franklin’s musical legacy spans six decades, helping to earn her Rolling Stone magazine’s No. 1 place on the list of “The Greatest Singers Of All Time.” The recipient of the United States’ highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, Franklin has also earned eighteen Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a Grammy Living Legend Award.

Franklin’s many hits include “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” “Chain Of Fools,” “I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)”; her own compositions “Think,” “Daydreaming” and “Call Me”; her definitive versions of “Respect” and “I Say A Little Prayer”; and global hits like “Freeway Of Love,” “Jump To It,” “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me),” her worldwide chart-topping duet with George Michael, and “A Rose Is Still A Rose.” Her performance at The Giving Gig is expected to include a mix of both her classics and more recent songs from her 2014 album, Aretha Franklin Sings The Great Diva Classics, covering hits from other female artists.

The Giving Gig 2017 is presented by Alderson Commercial Group.

“Each year, The Giving Gig grows in size and popularity, but the focus remains the same – it’s all about helping as many patients as possible,” said Tony Alderson, President and Founder of Alderson Commercial Group. “Next year’s event is no exception, and support generated will go far in impacting oncology patients across Central Indiana. As presenting sponsor of The Giving Gig 2017, Alderson Commercial Group is honored to play a part in giving back to members of our community in need as they fight cancer.”

Additional support for the event comes from Solo Creative, Day Furs, Windsor Jewelry, Indy Fuel, Emmis Communications, Indiana Blood Center, Indianapolis Business Journal, WTHR-TV Channel 13, Sport Graphics and Monarch Beverage. Bronze sponsors include Community Hospital Oncology Physicians, LLC, Indianapolis Monthly, Simon Property Group and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.

About Community Health Network Foundation
Community Health Network Foundation is the not-for-profit philanthropic organization of Community Health Network, Central Indiana’s leader in providing convenient access to exceptional healthcare services, where and when patients need them. Donations support patients, caregivers and Central Indiana communities.  For more information, visit eCommunity.com/Foundation or call 317-355-GIVE.

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Bridget Cleveland, Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Health Network Foundation
Bridget Cleveland
Marketing and Communications Manager, Community Health Network Foundation