DawsonTimes.com

The Ovarian Cancer Institute, an Atlanta-based 501© not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a reliable early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, will host its first-ever Ovarian Cancer Institute Fall Jamboree on Saturday, September 28, 2008, 12-5 p.m., at Park Tavern, a favorite gathering spot situated at the corner of 10th Street and Monroe Drive, overlooking beautiful Piedmont Park. A fun, family-friendly event open to all, the Jamboree is a perfect kick-off to fall, and all proceeds will benefit the Ovarian Cancer Institute.

Highlights of the Ovarian Cancer Institute Fall Jamboree include:

• Kicking demonstration by Carlos Martinez, kicker for the Georgia Force indoor arena football team and advocate for ovarian cancer research
• Musical entertainment by popular Atlanta band My Friend Ian’s Band, described as acoustic, funky, high energy, artistic, feel good music with pop sensibility
• Musical entertainment by Unforgiven, featuring John McDonald, PhD, chief research scientist at Ovarian Cancer Institute on guitar
• Martial arts demonstrations by X3 Sports, a Midtown training facility offering fitness, martial arts/combat sports, sports performance and youth programs
• Fun carnival games, ice cream and cotton candy for the kids
• Silent auction, showcasing sports memorabilia and an array of other exciting auction items

“I am glad to be a part of this event because I’m on a personal mission to help raise awareness and funding for Ovarian Cancer Institute, as someone very dear to me was diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year, and I’ve seen first-hand how ruthless this disease can be and how critical ongoing research is,” commented Carlos Martinez, Georgia Force kicker. “I was honored to have raised money for OCI through my ‘Kicking For the Cure’ initiative during our football season, and I’ve been privileged to tour the OCI lab and witness the groundbreaking working being done there.”

Ovarian Cancer Institute Fall Jamboree at Park Tavern: Outdoor Family Fun, Food and Live Entertainment/page two
Event guests will have plenty to eat, with a generous variety of selections from the Park Tavern menu, which includes Ginger Chicken Salad, Cajun Shrimp Skillet, Georgia Blue Ribbon Pulled Pork Sandwich, Ted’s Buffalo Cheeseburger, Piedmont Sampler, Build-Your-Own Soft Tacos, Jambalaya Pasta, Baseball Filet and much more, including specialty drinks and other beverages.

As a sponsor of the Ovarian Cancer Institute Fall Jamboree, Park Tavern will graciously donate a portion of their revenues to OCI, enabling the organization’s scientists to further research effective therapies for ovarian cancer and move closer to discovering a reliable early detection tool for the disease that takes the lives of more than 15,200 women in the U.S. each year.

“Fall is a beautiful time of year in Atlanta, and we’re inviting everyone to walk on over to the park, spend some quality time with family, friends and neighbors, and learn a little bit about what we do at the Ovarian Cancer Institute and some of the amazing strides that have been made in our mission to discover a reliable early detection tool for this horrible disease,” said Elizabeth King, executive director of the Ovarian Cancer Institute.

Other sponsors of the Fall Jamboree include X3 Sports and Vitaminenergy. Additional event sponsors are welcome and may learn more by calling (404) 784-4007 or visiting www.ovariancancerinstitute.org.

The Ovarian Cancer Institute (OCI) was established in 1999 as a 501 (c) 3, not-for-profit organization dedicated to finding a reliable early diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, understanding the molecular basis of ovarian cancer and the cause of chemotherapy resistance, leading to the development of more effective therapies for the disease. The Institute’s mission is to develop innovative research leading to earlier detection and more effective treatment of the cancer; to provide educational opportunities for medical professionals; and to educate women with respect to the early symptoms of ovarian cancer and to empower them to seek appropriate care immediately. The OCI lab is located on the campus of the Georgia Institute of Technology in downtown Atlanta, GA. For more information, visit www.ovariancancerinstitute.org.