For Immediate Release: October 22, 2013

 

Contact: Suzanne DeLaurentiis

Paramount Pictures 

(323) 956-7899

 

Lauren Smith

Melanoma Research Foundation

(202) 347-9675

 

 

HOLLYWOOD, CA—The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) announced that actor and comedian Kevin Nealon will reprise his role as host of the second annual Celebrity Golf Classic to fuel melanoma research on November 18th at the Lakeside Golf Club in Burbank, CA. Kevin is partnering with the MRF for the second year in a row to raise critically-needed funding for melanoma research, a cause close to the actor’s heart. 

 

“I know personally the impact skin cancer can have as I lost a long-time friend to this deadly disease,” said Kevin. “Last year’s inaugural event was a sellout hit and helped fund more research into new melanoma treatment options. I’m happy to partner with the MRF again for this fun and worthwhile event.”

 

Tournament players and sponsors will help make a difference in the fight against melanoma, while having the opportunity to mingle with some of their favorite celebrities and VIPs. Each golfing foursome will be joined by one of Kevin’s celebrity friends. Celebrities who attended the 2012 event included Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, Ray Romano, Scott Elrod, Joe Mantegna, David James Elliott and Gregory Harrison. Kevin has invited the same group and other A-list stars, including Mark Paul Gosselaar, Danny Masterson, Breckin Meyer, Michael Pena, Richard Kind and more. 

 

“Melanoma diagnoses are increasing at a rate faster than ever before, yet too many people are unaware of the risks and dangers associated with this cancer,” said Tim Turnham, executive director for the MRF. “Having celebrities like Kevin and his friends involved in this tournament will have a tremendous impact by raising awareness of the importance of protecting ourselves from dangerous UV exposure.”

 

As tournament players conclude their rounds, cocktails will be served before a buffet reception and awards presentation. Following the awards ceremony, Kevin will host a joke telling contest in which three celebrity judges will gauge and award the funniest joke presented by any interested tournament attendee.

 

Former golf professional and organizer Steve DiMarco will coordinate the event again this year and veteran independent film producer Suzanne DeLaurentiis will provide public relations and marketing. To purchase tickets to the event or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, click here.

 

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Melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike men and women of all ages, all races and skin types. With a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, nearly 77,000 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2013, resulting in over 9,400 deaths. Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults 25- to 29-years-old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15- to 29-years-old. 

The majority of melanomas occur on the skin; in fact, melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Melanoma can also occur in the eye (ocular, or uveal melanoma), in mucous membranes (mucosal melanoma), or even beneath fingernails or toenails. 

 

 

The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent organization devoted to melanoma. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about prevention, diagnosis and the treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s website is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org. Find the MRF on Facebook and Twitter.