JERSEY BOYS STAR BRINGS TOGETHER ALL-STAR PERFORMERS FOR FOURTH ANNUAL “NF HOPE CONCERT” AT VENETIAN LAS VEGAS
-Star-Studded Benefit Concert Shines Again as Jeff Leibow Appointed to National Role with NF Network-
Click-to-Tweet: .@NFHopeConcert @VenetianVegas on Oct. 19 boasts star-studded lineup to raise funds for those living with #NF. Tickets on Sale Now! #Vegas
Las Vegas – (Sept. 8, 2014) – Jeff Leibow of JERSEY BOYS will once again bring The Strip’s most notable headliners together under one roof in the fight against Neurofibromatosis (NF) for the fourth annual benefit “NF Hope Concert,” set to take place 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 in the Sands Showroom at The Venetian Las Vegas. Proceeds from the event will benefit NF Network, an organization serving families and individuals suffering with NF. A portion of the proceeds will also benefit the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation in the support of Las Vegas families touch by this common, yet seldom supported disorder.
The concert, produced by JERSEY BOYS star Jeff Leibow, draws the largest names in Las Vegas show business and this year’s list of performers include Veronic, Clint Holmes, American Idol finalist Jasmine Trias, Ben Stone, Kristen Hertzenberg, stars of Jersey Boys, Cast of Million Dollar Quartet, Cast of Rock of Ages, as well as performers from the NF community.
The event is inspired by Leibow’s daughter, Emma, who was diagnosed with NF in 2010 at the age of nine months. NF is a genetic disorder of the nervous system that results in a mutation on a gene that normally suppresses tumor growth, which allows for tumors to grow on any nerve in the body without warning. Leibow and his wife, Melody, conceived the idea for the concert upon the realization that they had an obligation to their family and the 100,000 people living with NF to educate others about the disorder. Since its inception in 2011, the NF Concert has raised nearly $150,000 for Neurofibromatosis research and advocacy.
Leibow’s efforts will increase with his newly-appointed position as executive producer and director of development of NF Hope Concerts. In this role, he will focus on expanding the concert to other markets throughout the U.S.
“Since Melody and I created this concert, it was our dream that it might become a national event,” said Leibow. “We’re thrilled that we will now get to see that dream come true as I step into my role overseeing NF Concerts. Next year, we’ll begin work on our first event outside Las Vegas and in the coming years, we will produce them all over the country.”
NF is one of the most common genetic disorders and affects more than 100,000 Americans. One in 2,500 are born with NF, making it more common than cystic fibrosis, hereditary muscular dystrophy, Huntington’s disease and Tay-Sachs combined. Despite its commonality, NF organizations are challenged with receiving federal support each year.
“Thanks to the immense efforts of Jeff, the NF Hope Concert has dramatically elevated awareness and funding for Neurofibromatosis (NF),” said Kim Bischoff, national executive director of Neurofibromatosis Network. “This annual event means HOPE for the 100,000 Americans affected. The Network’s advocacy program ensures that federal funding for NF research continues and expands. Progress is tangible due in large part to Jeff’s passionate dedication – NF clinical trials for drug therapies have multiplied in the past decade. More and more scientists are jumping on the NF bandwagon, eager to unlock the mysteries of this very complex disorder.”
Last year’s concert raised more than $80,000 and featured the stars of JERSEY BOYS, Human Nature, Clint Holmes, Kelly Clinton, Absinthes’ Melody Sweets, cast members of Rock of Ages and Million Dollar Quartet.
“NF is a very frustrating and discouraging disorder, as there is no way to predict if and where tumors may arise,” said Leibow. “Last year, Emma was diagnosed with a brain tumor and a number of new skin lesions. This year, we’re not sure what’s around the corner – all we have is hope. Our struggles only drive us to do more to make a difference in Emma’s life and the lives of everyone living with NF.”
A silent auction will be available with noteworthy items, including the full series collection of The Very Fairy Princess, autographed by authors Julie Andrews and her daughter Emma Walton Hamilton, show memorabilia and ticket packages, hotel stay packages, restaurant gift certificates, spa certificates and more. Participants can access the silent auction beginning Monday, Oct. 6 via http://nfhopeconcert.auction-bid.org/. The auction will open at 11:30 a.m. on the day of the event.
Tickets start at $45 and are available at www.venetian.com, via Ticketmaster or by calling The Venetian box office at 702.414.9000 or 866.641.7469. The Venetian Las Vegas is located at 3355 S. Las Vegas Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89109.
For more information on NF Hope, please visit www.nfhope.org. Follow NF Hope on Facebook and Twitter.
For information on how to become an NF Concert volunteer, please contact Community Chair Paul Bodner at [email protected] or 702.528.0780.
**A glimpse into the life of an NF Family. Jeff and Melody share Emma’s story:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gz2JFI83ubE
**Link to video of Clint Holmes and Emma Leibow from the 2013 event:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNSkcFOeFYw&feature=youtu.be
About Jeff Leibow:
Jeff Leibow came to Las Vegas as one of the original cast members of Jersey Boys and continues to get rave reviews for his portrayal of Nick Massi six years later. Before Jersey Boys, Jeff performed in professional theaters all over the country garnishing award nominations for many of his roles. Here in Las Vegas, he has made giving back to the community a priority, involving himself with every charity event and benefit concert he could fit into his schedule. Since 2009, his daughter has become the top priority as has raising awareness of NF. For additional information, visit www.jeffleibow.com.
About NF Network:
Neurofibromatosis (NF) Network was established in 1990 and is the leading organization supporting the education, awareness and research through advocacy to help find a cure for NF. You can find more information about Neurofibromatosis Network at www.nfnetwork.org or by calling the office at 630.627.1115.
About Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation:
Celebrating 21 years of service, the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organization established in 1993, which offers over 40 programs and services including a variety of educational services, financial support and counseling for critically-ill children and their families living in Southern Nevada. The foundation’s mission is to work side by side with the medical community to provide social, emotional, educational, financial and psychological support services and programs to families of ALL children diagnosed with a life threatening or critical illness such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, sickle cell, hemophilia, renal disorders and other immunologic diseases as well as to adults touched by cancer. Contact the Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation at 702.735.8434 or visit them at www.nvccf.org for pediatric services and www.thecaringplacenv.org for services for adults touched by cancer.
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