Following a two-year hiatus, Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) Connecticut will host an in-person Tower of Hope Gala on October 23, 5:30 p.m., at the Stamford Marriott Hotel, in memory of the late Alan Kalter, a Connecticut resident who for two decades was known nationally as the lovable, red-headed announcer on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Richard Kind, award-winning actor of stage screen and television, will serve as the evening’s master of ceremonies.

Those who knew Kalter best, knew him for his charitable essence, noted Rabbi Joshua Hammerman of Temple Beth El in Stamford, Connecticut.

“He was a deeply spiritual man who was dedicated to human causes and the Jewish people,” said Hammerman.

A highlight of the event will be a panel discussion, “Mitigating Cancer Risks,” with Nicole Boxer, genetic counselor, White Plains Hospital; Fran Ginsburg, MD, Stamford gynecologist and reproductive endocrinologist; Shara Israel, MD, internist, Stamford Health, and associate professor of medicine, Columbia University; and Shari Levine, PhD, survivor. 

There will also be a live auction to support the Project Grant of Gideon Shreiber, PhD, Weizmann Institute of Science, focusing on chronic lymphocytic leukemia. 

 ICRF President David Abramson said,” Despite the many challenges this year, ICRF is committed to funding new research grants which will enable Israel’s brilliant scientists to investigate new treatments and cures for a broad scope of cancers. We are determined   to alleviate the suffering cancer causes by tapping into the innovation and resourcefulness of our ICRF-funded scientists.”

For more information about the gala, contact David Kweskin, ICRF Connecticut area director, at ct@icrfonline.org or (203) 321-1006.