Bottoms Up Invitational raises 5.7 million dollars over five years for colorectal cancer research

Lindsay Czarniak, Michael Sapienza and Craig Melvin

The fifth annual Bottoms Up Invitational brought together celebrities, musicians, and athletes to raise funds and awareness for the battle against colorectal cancer. Organized by Today Show anchor Craig Melvin and CBS Sports HQ host Lindsay Czarniak, the two-day event honors the memory of Melvin’s brother, Lawrence Meadows, who died from colorectal cancer at age 43.

Over its five-year history, the event has raised more than $5.7 million in support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. Colorectal cancer stands as the deadliest cancer in people under age 50, with 75 percent of cases diagnosed at late stages when treatment options become limited.

Programming for the fifth anniversary event began September 13 with a concert at the Fairfield Theatre Company. The musical lineup featured performances by Wyclef Jean, Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors, Andrew Copeland and Jett Beres of Sister Hazel, Branford Marsalis, Javier Colon, and Ryan Cabrera.

Prior to the evening concert, medical and industry experts joined Melvin at the Colorectal Cancer Alliance’s Screen Smart event to discuss screening education initiatives. Timely screening helps prevent colorectal cancer or detect it early, when the disease carries a 91 percent survival rate.

The event continued on September 14 at Shorehaven Golf Club in Norwalk, Connecticut. Celebrity participants at the golf gathering included Dylan Dreyer, Willie Geist, Jim Cantore, Rutledge Wood, Stephanie Szostak, Ralph Sampson, Charlie Rymer, and Allan Houston.

Proceeds from the fundraiser directly benefit Colorectal Cancer Alliance programs, including Project Cure CRC and Screen Smart. The organization focuses on promoting research, innovation, screening awareness, advocacy, and community support.

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September events at Fairfield Theatre Company

9/24 – Amythst Kiah
9/26 -I’m Your Man: A Tribute to Leonard Cohen

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September events at PeoplesBank Arena

9/ 25 & 26 – Olivia Rodrigo
9/27 – Dom Omar

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Bottoms Up Invitational raises 5.7 million dollars over five years for colorectal cancer research