Motown Founder To Be Honored By MMRF

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  The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation will honor Berry Gordy, founder of Motown, with the Spirit of Hope Award at its annual gala in November.
  

The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation will honor Motown founder Berry Gordy with the Spirit of Hope Award at the annual fall gala Nov. 9 in Greenwich.
The Spirit of Hope Award is the highest honor presented by the MMRF each year at its signature annual event and is given to recognize the extraordinary contributions made by the honoree to the benefit of all.
Gordy has lent his name and support to countless causes around the world and has changed the lives of millions of people through his efforts and generosity. Diana Krall, Stevie Wonder and Clive Davis are past recipients.
"We have lost far too many people to multiple myeloma and other cancers," said Gordy. "It is my hope that funds raised during this incredible event will help the MMRF to advance its ground-breaking and innovative cancer research."
Gordy is also a songwriter, boxer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher. The "Motown Sound" reached out across a country that was racially divided and politically and socially charged to transform popular music. Actively involved in the civil rights movement, Gordy's contribution to music and popular culture served as a beacon of hope during a turbulent time in the country's history.
Charles Goldstuck, president and CEO of TouchTunes Interactive Networks and a longtime friend and supporter of the MMRF, will be presented with the MMRF Courage and Commitment Award.
Throughout his career in the music industry, Goldstuck has been committed to participating in philanthropic and social causes. He is a board member of the City of Hope Children's Hospital Foundation and he serves as vice chairman of the Entertainment, Media & Communications Division of the UJA Federation.
"The MMRF is a bold organization that is transforming cancer research," said Goldstuck. "By contributing to the MMRF fall gala, supporters are actively making a commitment to help the MMRF change the future for cancer patients."
"We are thrilled to have Berry and Charles joining what promises to be an unforgettable night," said Kathy Giusti, founder and CEO of the MMRF and a myeloma patient. "The generous support of these music industry innovators will help the MMRF lead the way in accelerating the development of personalized treatments that patients so urgently need."
Funds raised at the gala will be used to support the development of life-extending treatments for multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer.
One of the highlights of the evening will be a tribute concert in Gordy's honor, as has been done at past years' events for Davis and Wonder. More than 40 music industry executives serve on the MMRF Fall Gala Entertainment Committee. Monte Lipman, founder and CEO of Republic Records, and Rick Krim, executive vice president of talent and music programming for VH1, serve as this year's Entertainment Committee chairmen.