UCLA's Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation 18th Annual "Taste for a Cure" Honors Joe Cohen Of Creative Artists Agency

LOS ANGELES, April 23, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Taste for a Cure, the Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation's (JCCF) annual signature fundraiser, will feature an online auction offering unique experiences, including a walk-on role for HBO's hit drama, Boardwalk Empire, an autographed Glee Cheerios cheerleading outfit and script, a signed Slash Signature Les Paul Guitar and luxury trips to New York City and Santa Barbara's El Encanto. 

The exclusive online auction provides bidders with an opportunity to enjoy priceless experiences while making a contribution to cancer research.  The auction is open to the public online and select items will close on April 26 at 12:00 pm EDT to open for live bidding at the event that evening.  To view details and a complete list of donated items, visit the auction page at www.tasteforacure.com.

This year's Taste for a Cure fundraiser honors Joe Cohen, Co-Head of the Television Department at Creative Artists Agency, the world's leading entertainment and sports agency, with the Gil Nickel Humanitarian Award.  The gala takes place at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills on April 26, 2013 and features musical entertainment directed by Academy Award and Grammy Award winning musician T Bone Burnett.  Actor Mike O'Malley will host.

Taste for a Cure's exceptional luxury wine and gourmet food tasting reception will feature 12 prestigious wineries from Santa Barbara County including:  Andrew Murray Vineyards, Brewer-Clifton, Cent'Anni, Dierberg Vineyard, Foxen Wines, Grassini Family Vineyards, Jonata, Jorian Hill, Margerum Wine Company, Palmina Wines, Star Lane Vineyard and Transcendence.  The Napa Valley wineries Far Niente, Nickel & Nickel and Dolce serve as honorary wine partners.  

Distinguished chefs Chris Kobayashi, Artisan Restaurant, Paso Robles; Patrice Martineau, El Encanto, Santa Barbara; Frank Ostini, Hitching Post II, Buellton; and Clark Staub, Full of Life Flatbread, Los Alamos will serve their culinary creations.

Founded in 1945, the JCCF is the single most important vehicle for raising private funds for cancer research at UCLA. UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC) is ranked among the nation's top 10 cancer centers by U.S. News & World Report.  The JCCC's dedicated researchers are recognized as international leaders in the discovery of new and better ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer.   

Visit www.tasteforacure.com for more information.

SOURCE Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation