SPONSORSHIPS & TICKETS
BROWSE, BID & BUY
VIEW AUCTIONFriday, October 9, 2026
Hyatt Regency Rochester
125 East Main Street - Rochester, NY 14604
5:30 - 6:45 pm: Cocktail/Hors d'oeuvres Reception
5:30 - 6:45 pm: VIP Reception w/Thurman Thomas (by invite only)
6:45 - 9:00 pm: Dinner Program, Guest Speaker & Awards
Dinner: Choice of either Herb Crusted Chicken or Braised Eggplant Steak (Vegetarian)
9:00-9:45 pm: Photo Opportunity with Thurman Thomas
(no outside memorabilia allowed; photo time is limited)
ATTIRE: Cocktail Attire. Join us in wearing somethig in Bills' Blue or Red!
GUEST SPEAKER:
THURMAN THOMAS
Hall of Famer
Former Buffalo Bills Running Back
Thurman will share how cancer has impacted his life. He is a strong advocate for cancer awareness and early detection and helps promote importance of prostate cancer screening. Cancer has impacted his life through the loss of his mother to breast cancer, as well as, supporting former teammate, Jim Kelly, during his cancer battle. There will certainly be some football stories shared, too!
* NO TICKETS SOLD AT THE DOOR - TICKETS ARE ALL PRE-SALE *
Event Co-Chairs:
Colleen Parsons, Liberty Mutual
Rob Poltrino, Skull Diamond & Heart Capital
Heroes Ball is our largest fundraiser and held annually to celebrate local "heroes" and champions against cancer their selfless acts of compassion and generosity in helping to enrich the lives of those impacted cancer. It's a fun evening celebrating the spirit of caring and giving that makes our community a great place for all. All funds raised from the Heroes Ball stay in Rochester to benefit Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club in providing free educational, social and emotional support resources for men, women, teens, and kids whose lives have been touched by cancer.
AWARD HONOREES
HERO AWARD
JOHN MARIANO, MD
Pediatric & Adolescent Oncology
URMC/Wilmot Cancer Center
Presented for meritorious, outstanding or heroic distinctive
personal involvement in the cancer arena by a local individual.
JACOB GITELMAN AWARD
SAJEENA GEEVARGHESE, MD
Medical Director, Gynecologic Oncology
Rochester Regional Health System
Presented for outstanding, meritorious service by a
medical professional working with oncology patients.
COMMUNITY IMPACT AWARD
ROCHESTER AMERICANS
The recognizes exceptional leadership and/or philanthropy through a
commitment to health and wellness in the cancer-community.
CHRISTIE SIMONETTI AWARD
RICHARD DIMARZO
Founder, Judy's Fund
Presented to individual(s) in recognition of their
inspiring, caring and concerned spirit shown to others.
RICHARD MCGLYNN AWARD
JOHN SALTER
Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club
Immediate Past Board Chair
Presented to an individual who through their leadership, inspiration or
own survivorship have worked on behalf of people with cancer.
OUR GRATITUDE & THANKS TO All OUR SPONSORS
VIEW ALL OUR SPONSORS
Event Questions, Ticket Sales or Sponsorships,
Contact:
Mary Ellen Smith
[email protected]
585-423-9700 x303
We welcome item donations!
Donate an Item NowDonate Now
Unable to attend the Heroes Ball Gala?
You can still support our cause. Your gift, of any amount, supports our ability to provide free educational, social, emotional, and mental health support programs for anyone, any age,
who has been impacted by cancer.
Thank you for your generosity.
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