Michelle Fischer, Sheri Albert, Jennifer Greenfield, Summyr Seigel, Terri Schneiderman, Davie

HOLLYWOOD, FL --  Over 525 attendees enjoyed an evening of fundraising, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, silent and live auctions, a cirque performance, dinner, and dancing at the 4th annual Debbie's Dream Foundation Dream Makers Gala on April 20, 2013. The event, which was held at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa in Hollywood and was co-chaired by David Kubiliun and Melissa Morris, raised more than $220,000 for stomach cancer research and education and support of patients.

The Gala included awards ceremony honoring Marsha and Alan Levy; Melanie Geronemus Smit, Creative Director of Lifestyle Publications; Cindy Krischer Goodman, Journalist/ Miami Herald Columnist; Jordan D. Berlin, MD of Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center; and young philanthropists Sydney Lieberman, Lauren Shatanof, and Rachel Shatanof who have all played an integral role in advancing the mission of Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer.

The Gala was an opportunity to announce to the public that it has changed its name from Can't Stomach Cancer: The Foundation of Debbie's Dream to Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer. After being challenged by another organization regarding the use of the name Can't Stomach Cancer, the organization made the difficult decision to change the name to avoid diverting any attention or focus from its mission. The response to the name change from the crowd was a standing ovation of incredible support from the base of the foundation's support.

Throughout the course of the evening, guests bid on live auction items including a Snowmass, Colorado vacation experience with a dog sled ride, activity discounts, and restaurant certificates; a 4 day accommodation in the Royal Towers at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas and Shallow Water Dolphin Interaction; magnificent jewelry from Daoud's Fine Jewelry; and several other priceless items.

Sponsors of the event included Lilly, The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Equity One, Sheridan, Debbie Zelman & Andrew Guttman and Ross & Liz Tannenbaum.

The Gala's theme was "Cirque Debbie's Dreams" and the evening was topped off by a spectacular cirque performance with two aerialists on white silks performing high above the crowd. It added a whimsical element and tied together the beauty of the night.

Debbie's Dream Foundation: Curing Stomach Cancer is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness about stomach cancer, advancing funding for research, and providing education and support internationally to patients, families, and caregivers. Those interested in getting involved with Debbie's Dream Foundation or obtaining more information about other events should contact the Debbie's Dream Foundation office at 954-475-1200 or email Events@DebbiesDream.org.