Flights to Fight Cancer FAQs
On Feb. 15, 2020, the Steven Vanover Foundation will host our inaugural gala, Flights to Fight Cancer. The foundation has been working hard to bring together this event which seeks to help us fulfill our pledge to Norton Cancer Institute to fund a new genomics lab as well as provide funding for other sarcoma research through Memorial Sloan Kettering. We are excited to come together and share a night not only to raise money for cancer research but to honor and celebrate Steven’s life. If you’d like to hear more about the origins of the event, you can read this article written for TOPS Louisville in which board president Lauren Raque talks about Steven’s journey and our journey to where we are today. For specific event details, look below for some frequently asked questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is the gala?
Guests can arrive between 5:30 and 6:30 for check-in and cocktail hour. Dinner and the program begins promptly at 6:45 p.m.
What should I wear?
We recommend cocktail attire. No need to bring out your tuxedo or favorite evening gown. Coats and ties are fine as well as semi-formal dresses, jumpsuits, skirts, etc.
Can I sit with my friends?
The only ticket that guarantees that you will sit at the same table as your friends is the “Friends of Steven” sponsorship which includes a table and recognition in the program and at the table. Each table seats eight guests. For those who would like to sit with a group smaller than eight, we recommend purchasing all the tickets in one transaction. This will notify our team to seat you together. Because of various constraints, we cannot guarantee that any single ticket purchases will be placed at the same table as family and friends. Feel free to email us with any questions at svmrsf@gmail.com.
What food will be served?
A seated dinner will be served at 6:45 following an opening cocktail hour. Dinner will be provided by Cravings, and both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options will be offered. To complement the dinner, every guest will receive a flight of wines generously provided by Old 502 Winery. In addition, flights of appetizers and desserts will also be available during the event. If you have any dietary restrictions, please email us at svmrsf@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate you.
What flights are available?
In the cocktail hour there will be appetizer flights in addition to the open bar. During dinner, everyone will receive a wine flight. After dinner the bar will reopen and you will also have the opportunity to purchase craft beer and exclusive bourbon flights. To end the night, every guest can enjoy a dessert flight.
What other activities can I expect at the event?
Other features include a bourbon pull, raffle, silent and live auctions, dancing, and more!
How much does the event cost?
Individual tickets are $100. Included in your ticket is a plated dinner, a wine flight, appetizer and dessert flights, and an open bar with access to high end and popular spirits and beers. You will also be able to hear from local leaders who are impacting cancer research locally and across the nation.
How do the auctions work?
We will have both a live and silent auction during the event. Guests can bid on items before the event online and during the event using their smartphone. See more details below.
What do I need to bring to the event?
Be sure to bring a charged smartphone for bidding. We'll be using OneCause for a mobile auction. To save time when you arrive at the event, you can visit FlightsToFightCancer.org now and sign in to get registered and add a credit card for speedy registration and checkout. Be sure to provide your mobile phone number in order to receive a one-click login link for easy access to the auction, along with text outbid alerts! If you plan on purchasing raffle tickets, participating in the bourbon pull or buying premium flights, we can use your account or a credit card at the event. If you do not want to do this in advance, we can set up your account at the registration table the night of the event.
What if I cannot attend the gala but still want to help?
If you cannot attend, we still have more ways for you to help fight sarcoma! If you are interested in helping volunteer before (or at) the event, please fill out the form at stevenvanover.org/volunteer. If you cannot volunteer or attend, but would like to donate, you can visit us at our website and make a contribution to help us reach our Flights to Fight Cancer goal. Most importantly, we are still in need of sponsorships and items donated to our auction. If you are interested in helping in this way, please email Carla Raque or the committee at svmrsf@gmail.com.
For other questions, please email us or message us on Facebook.