The Cast of Grey’s Anatomy, The Soul Man, NCIS, The Bold and The Beautiful, Hollywood Exes, Dawnn Lewis, Jill Scott, Alimi Ballard, Silver Medal Olympian Lashinda Demus, Elise Neal , Kym Whitley and more roll strikes for a cause!
In the United States, 1 in 2,500 newborn babies have sickle cell disease and approximately 54,000 multi-cultured babies are born each year with the sickle cell trait. “It’s Showtime at the Apollo” legendary host/Actress KiKi Shepard, through her K.I.S. Foundation, has dedicated years to raising awareness of this crippling disease. On Friday September 21st, 2012, the K.I.S.Foundation, Inc. hosts its’ 9th Annual “Celebrity Bowling Challenge” in order to help increase knowledge of the rapidly growing Sickle-cell disease. The cast of Grey’s Anatomy, NCIS, The Soul Man and more will enjoy America’s favorite pastime by “rolling-a-strike” to raise awareness of the disease plus benefit the programs of The K.I.S Foundation, Inc. and the Dorothy H Shepard Scholarship Fund. The event will take place at PINZ Entertainment Center 12655 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA, 91604 at 8:00 p.m. Celebrity bowlers, sponsors and supporters will participate in an evening of fun including a Red carpet, 2-game bowling tournament, on-site bone marrow registration, opportunity drawings, surprise entertainment and a variety of event goodies.
The mission of KiKi’s “Celebrity Bowling Challenge” is to increase knowledge about Sickle Cell Disease — an inherited, non-contagious blood disease that can be crippling, painful, and life threatening. The CBC stresses the need to educate the public about this fatal disease, and to stimulate continued dialogue about how it is spread, its debilitating effects, ways of prevention, and the need to get tested now.
“It is my sincere belief that my personal path of advocacy in the entertainment community will be instrumental in finding a universal cure. This year, the K.I.S. Foundation’s focus is once again on young adults transitioning from pediatric to adult care. Please…Help me to help others! Let’s Break the Cycle of SCD,” says The K.I.S. Foundation, Inc Founder KiKi Shepard.
Confirmed celebrities lending their support and participating in the charitable event include: The cast of Grey’s Anatomy including James Pickens Jr., Chandra Wilson, Kevin McKidd, Cedric the Entertainer (The Soul Man), Rocky Carroll (NCIS), The cast of The Bold and the Beautiful, LaShinda Demus (Silver Medal Olympian), Aaron D. Spears, Elise Neal, Dawnn Lewis, Jill Scott, Alimi Ballard, Sheree Fletcher, Mayte Garcia, Jackee’, Obba Babatunde, Jackie Christie, Gloria Govan, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Vanessa Bell-Calloway, Kym Whitley, Arjay Smith, Dorien Wilson, Jenifer Lewis, Dondre Whitfield, Paula Jai Parker, J. Kingdom, and more.
Discovered in the United States over 100 years ago, sickle-cell disease (SCD) statistics are staggering trait. Originally an African-American disease, there are approximately 80,000 Americans living with sickle-cell disease and 3.5 million with sickle cell trait and related disorders. Today the disease has crossed into all races making SCD a multi-cultural disease. While there is no general applicable cure for SCD, several promising developments have occurred to improve the quality of life and survival of SCD patients such as bone marrow transplants and the latest pain management drug, Hydroxyurea.
The K.I.S. Foundation, Inc founder and actress KiKi Shepard says, “As we approach the 100th year of discovery, we are extremely excited to host our annual fundraiser during Sickle Cell Awareness Month which brings awareness to the disease and dispels some of the myths that come along with the lack of knowledge of this horrible disease.”
Bowlers attending KiKi’s CBC will be able to participate on various levels: Lane sponsors $2,500; Teams $700 (includes 4 bowlers plus a celebrity); Individual bowlers $150; Non-bowlers $75. All proceeds are tax-deductible. Sponsorship opportunities and tickets available until September 19th and can be purchased online at www.thekisfoundation.org or by calling 818.981.7819
