Entertainment

Music and Medicine Unite to Support Cancer Research

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Music and medicine came together on Tuesday at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s sold-out Spirit of Excellence Dinner in Los Angeles in effort to raise funds for cancer research.

The organization honored Latin Grammy 2017 “Song of the Year” winner Erika Ender, who sang her hit “Despacito” for guests. She had the audience dancing on their feet as she sang an acoustic version of her mega hit. “I think doing good is our duty and that we are here to make a difference in our lives and in someone else’s lives. Thank you so much for this great honor,” Ender said.

 

TJ Martell Dinner

L to R: Dr. Alan Wayne, Laura Heatherly, Erika Ender, Steven Vincent, Jack Sussman

T.J. Martell Foundation is a music industry 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports innovative, groundbreaking cancer research. The organization also honored Dr. Alan Wayne, Director of the Children’s Center For Cancer and Blood Diseases, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles; Jack Sussman, Executive Vice President, Specials, Music and Live Events, CBS Entertainment; and Steven Vincent, Vice President of Music & Soundtracks for Disney Channel Worldwide.

Meghan Trainor at TJ Martell Dinner

Grammy Award-Winning Artist Meghan Trainor gave a special performance for a sold-out crowd

Comedian Bill Bellamy hosted the dinner at the Sunset Luxe . Grammy award-winning artist Meghan Trainor made a guest appearance performing some of her hits, including “All About That Bass” and “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”.

The evening event was co-chaired by Ron Broitman, Executive Vice President and Head of Synchronization, Warner/Chappell & Warner Music Group and David Kovach, Senior Vice President, Global Entertainment, CITI.

Additional memorable and colorful moments throughout the event included:

LL Cool J at TJ Martell Dinner

LL Cool J presents his friend and colleague Jack Sussman with his Spirit of Excellence Award

LL Cool J presented his friend and colleague Sussman with his award for his work in the entertainment industry.

“When I first arrived at CBS Jack was one of the first senior executives I met and Jack came up to me and said, ‘Are you ready to go to work?’.. and I trusted him,” said LL Cool J as he presented Jack Sussman with his Spirit of Excellence Award. “Before I knew it, I did ten different GRAMMY specials, then I ended up hosting the GRAMMYS five years in a row and that was thanks to Jack and the whole team. All of the momentum I am experiencing in my career right now, that all stems from having good people like you in my life… and I appreciate you and I thank you. This foundation is wonderful. My wife is a cancer survivor. It’s amazing to see people giving back, people who care.”

In his speech, Sussman noted, “This past week the Trump administration cut $266 mil from the National Cancer Institute and other similar programs funded through the Department of Health and Human Services in order to pay for the detainment of immigrant children. What is happening? How does this possibly make sense? We cannot rely on our government in today’s uncertain times. They have proven to be irresponsible and unreliable. We have to help ourselves and that is what we are all doing here tonight.”-

 

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