Join the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network at the 14th Annual 'An Evening with the Stars' Gala on Saturday, October 22

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Oct 14, 2011, 06:35 ET

MANHATTAN BEACH, Calif., Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network will host its 14th Annual 'An Evening with the Stars' gala on Saturday, October 22 at 6pm at the iconic Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills. The evening is dedicated to advancing research, supporting patients and creating hope for everyone affected by pancreatic cancer.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111004/LA79914LOGO)

This year's gala will include a special performance by Chris Isaak. Television personality Tony Potts will serve as the evenings host in honor of his father who is currently battling pancreatic cancer. Notable guests include Mindy Kaling of NBC's The Office, Wolfgang Puck, Tom Sherak and Pancreatic Cancer Action Network Spokesperson, Lisa Niemi Swayze.

"'An Evening with the Stars' promises to be a memorable evening full of hope and inspiration for the pancreatic cancer community," stated Julie Fleshman, President and CEO of the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. "We are thrilled to honor a wonderful survivor for his remarkable efforts to make a difference in the fight against pancreatic cancer."

Wolfgang Puck will present pancreatic cancer survivor Matt Bencivenga, Chef and Managing Partner of Wolfgang Puck Catering, with the Spirit of Hope Award. Shortly before his 40th birthday on September 23, 2009, Matt was diagnosed with a locally advanced pancreatic cancer islet cell neuroendocrine tumor. In support of Matt and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Wolfgang Puck Catering is a platinum sponsor of the event.

Pancreatic cancer was recently thrust into the spotlight with the passing of Steve Jobs, Nobel Prize winner Dr. Ralph Steinman and "pianist to the presidents" Roger Williams – all within days of each other. This devastating disease has also claimed the lives of actors Patrick Swayze and Michael Landon, Carnegie Mellon University Professor and author of the Last Lecture, Dr. Randy Pausch, opera tenor Luciano Pavarotti, and many others.

All proceeds from 'An Evening with the Stars' will support the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network's effort to double the survival rate of pancreatic cancer by 2020.

Visit www.pancan.org to learn more about the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network and 'An Evening with the Stars'.

About the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network

The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is the national organization creating hope in a comprehensive way through research, patient support, community outreach and advocacy for a cure. The organization is leading the way to increase the survival rate for people diagnosed with this devastating disease through a bold initiative—The Vision of Progress: Double the Pancreatic Cancer Survival Rate by 2020. Together, we can know, fight and end pancreatic cancer by intensifying our efforts to heighten awareness, raise funds for comprehensive private research, and advocate for dedicated federal research to advance early diagnostics, better treatments and increase chances of survival.

SOURCE Pancreatic Cancer Action Network