"My husband and I are just believers in preventive health, and whatever we can do for cancer research, then we're there," said Mrs. Zilahy.
"I think it's important for everyone to step up to the plate for the common good ... we are all here, we are all fortunate and blessed," said Dr. Zilahy, a chiropractor in Watertown.
The event featured actress Lucie Arnaz, the daughter of renowned actors Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, as the mistress of ceremonies, along with Dr. Gena Carter, a member of the American Cancer Society board of directors. and Dr. John Taylor, an American Cancer Society funded research grantee.
"I am happy to lend my name and my time because cancer has touched my life in too many ways-my father died of lung cancer and so did my stepfather, Gary Morton, and my father-in-law of lung cancer and my step-mother of uterine cancer, and my husband is a survivor of prostate cancer," said Ms. Arnaz, who has been involved with the ACS for a year. "I feel like I need to give back a little bit because I have been affected by it."
The event featured performances by Broadway singers and actors, including Bethel resident Terry Eldh, Ted Keegan, Eric Scott Kincaid and pianist Stephen Sulich-all veterans of Broadway and opera stage.
"Today we are honoring researchers and what the American Cancer Society has done for them. It's critical for advancements and for people to live longer that research continues and I am glad to participate in this event today," said Dr. Carter.
Since its inception, the Broadway in the Hills event has raised more than $50,000 toward funding a post-doctoral researcher, and the goal is to reach $138,000.
The volunteer committee that organized the event included Maureen Donnarumma, Barbara Dudek, Carlotta Garthwait, Faith L' Heureux, Karin Lidbeck Brent, Elizabeth Reilly, Danielle Shaker, Robin Sousa and Mrs. Zilahy.
"It's to raise awareness; we need more help. ... We really need people's support, and so much good has come out of past fundraisers that this is a worthwhile cause I felt I wanted to be part of," said Ms. L'Heureux, who has been volunteering with the event for two years.
Wendy Matthews, the ACS's major gifts officer, said the event and the turnout "shows that it's a cause that people care deeply about; they want to help fund more research.
During her opening statements, Ms. Arnaz said that in this challenging economy, she found people were very interested in helping to fund cancer research. Those who attend events like the one last Sunday, she said, get an opportunity to meet folks who are making a difference.
"Having worked in the American Cancer Society over the last year, I have come to learn an awful lot about how the organization helps those who have been touched by cancer," said Ms. Arnaz. "They help people stay well by preventing cancer and trying to detect it early, they help people get well and they are there for anyone facing cancer with whatever resources and support they might need, whenever they need it."
The ACS's research program is the nation's largest private funder of cancer research. It funds scientists with cutting-edge ideas that have led to breakthroughs in treatment, and 42 of these researchers have gone on to win the Nobel Prize for their work, including 11 from New England.
"It's the only organization I have stuck with for a number of years because I believe in what they do," said Dr. Carter.
Dr. Taylor, an assistant professor of surgery at the University of Connecticut's School of Medicine in the division of urology, is also chairman of the cancer committee at the Neag Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Connecticut Health Center. He was awarded $513,000 grant from the ACS to fund his ongoing research on bladder cancer.
"If we can figure out how to stop cancer from spreading, if we tackle 90 percent of the problem, the rest we have time to figure out. How do we stop it from spreading," said Dr. Taylor during his speech. "I am indebted to the ACS, I would not be where I am without the ACS."
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