More than ten years ago, brothers Max and Cole Becker formed the band Emily’s Army in honor of their parent’s best friends’ daughter, affectionately referred to as their “cousin,” Emily Daskas, who battles Cystic Fibrosis. Over the years, parents Mark and Tami Becker have helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through hosting and participating in Cystic Fibrosis fundraisers while each of their four children have dedicated extensive time and energy to the cause. Now, Pipeline to a Cure will honor the Becker family and Emily’s Army for the positive impact they have had on CF families.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s 9th Annual Pipeline to a Cure gala will be presented by BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse, on Saturday, July 16, 2016 at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach, Ca.
“Both the Becker Family and Emily’s Army have committed to raising awareness and finding a cure for CF for more than a decade. Their steadfast support for a cause that has touched not only their family, but their hearts, is a testament to their dynamic, humanitarian spirit.” said Paul Motenko, president of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Orange County Chapter.
Accompanied by Seb Mueller and Joey Armstrong, Emily’s Army, recently renamed SWMRS, has become a force in creating their own musical genre while generously supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s search for a cure. These passionate young rockers also receive guidance and encouragement from Joey Armstrong’s father, rock n’ roll legend, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day.
On July 16th Honorary Co-Chairmen and Waterman Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Jamie Mitchell and Kai Lenny at the ninth annual Pipeline to a Cure gala will join the Becker family and SWMRS. This event was created to celebrate the amazing benefits that surfing brings to the CF community.
Pipeline to a Cure’s presenting sponsor BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse is the ever-popular establishment that provides the highest-quality, delicious comfort food and specializes in bringing family and friends together. The restaurant is one of the most innovative in Southern California and has a long history of giving back to its community.
“An important component of our mission is to connect personally with every guest and encourage families and friends to foster their relationships while dining with us,” said Rob DeLiema, president of the BJ’s Restaurants Foundation and longtime supporter of Pipeline to a Cure. “We are thrilled to be a part of Pipeline to a Cure and help strengthen Pipeline’s connection to the CF community.”
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
With no public funding, funds raised from the private sector provide a tremendous and critical lifeline to the more than 70,000 children around the world with cystic fibrosis. The last three events attracted a groundswell of support from the business and surf communities. Current and past sponsors include American Airlines, Audi, LAcarGUY, Coast Benefit Consultants, BJ’s Restaurants, Nick Alexander Imports, Kaiser Permanente, Constellation Brands (Pacifico), Quiksilver, Volcom, HB Surf School, Newport Surf Camp, Coca-Cola, The Habit, Raj Manufacturing, TOMS, Kid Creature, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Modern Health, CBS Sports, Health Management Services, Newport Beach Aquatic Center, Pepsi, Quikblade, Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, Skilled Pharmacy, Smart & Final, Time & Alarm Systems, Rutan & Tucker and KROQ.
The Pipeline to a Cure gala begins at 5:00 pm and includes cocktails, silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and special musical guests. Tickets for the event are $500. Table and other sponsorships are available. For more information about Pipeline to a Cure or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please call (714) 938-1393 or visit www.pipelinetoacure.com.
About Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. It has received a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. The Foundation’s business model has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek.
About BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. currently owns and operates 176 casual dining restaurants under the BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse®, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewery®, BJ’s Pizza & Grill® and BJ’s Grill® brand names. BJ’s Restaurants offer an innovative and broad menu featuring award-winning, signature deep-dish pizza complemented with generously portioned salads, appetizers, sandwiches, soups, pastas, entrees and desserts, including the Pizookie® dessert. Quality, flavor, value, moderate prices and sincere service remain distinct attributes of the BJ’s experience. All restaurants feature BJ’s critically acclaimed proprietary craft beers, which are produced at several of the Company’s Restaurant & Brewery locations, brewpub locations in Texas and qualified independent third party craft brewers. The Company’s restaurants are located in 23 states. Visit BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. on the Web at https://www.bjsrestaurants.com.
