Inside the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta: Raising money for cutting edge cancer research
Farrah Fawcett was an icon, beloved by so many, but ten years ago on June 25, 2009, she succumbed to cancer. She fought so hard to live.
Prior to her passing, she launched the Farrah Fawcett Foundation (FFF), which seeks to provide funding for cutting edge cancer research, to support prevention and awareness, and to help those struggling with cancer today.
On September 6, 2019, the FFF held its annual Tex-Mex Fiestat the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in a bid to raise money and awareness for cancer.
Attendees included Chantelle Albers, Billy Baldwin, Jake Busey, Thomas Calabro, Joe Cortese, Denise Crosby, Marcia Cross, Pam Dawber, Shannen Doherty, Kate Flannery & Chris Haston, Frances Fisher, Melanie Griffith, Mike Hagerty, Thelma Houston, Rachel Hunter, John Kapelos, Diane Keaton, Jill & Tom Kenny, Andy Kindler, Susan Maljan, Laura Leighton, Eva Longoria, Nigel Lythgoe, Peter & Laurie Marshall, Jessica Morris, Ryan O’Neal, Dr. Lawrence Piro, John Savage, Doug Savant, Jaclyn Smith, Taylor Stammen, Alana Stewart, Judy Tenuta, Cheryl Tiegs, Fred Willard, Joanne Worley, among others.
This year’s event returned for a special evening to celebrate the life and legacy of Farrah Fawcett 10 years after her passing. The star-studded event included a special honor for cancer survivor and actress Marcia Cross, as well as a touching tribute to the late wife of Fred Willard, philanthropist, and writer Mary Willard. Co-chaired by actress JaclynSmith and Dr. Lawrence Piro, guests enjoyed a one-of-a-kind live auction led by host Billy Baldwin and a special musical performance by Motown / Pop / Disco & R&B GRAMMY®-winning music Legend Thelma Houston.
Farrah Fawcett Foundation CEO Alana Stewart (L) and Jaclyn Smith attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California.Marcia Cross attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation): Eva Longoria attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)Shannen Doherty attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)Melanie Griffith attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)Billy Baldwin attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)Laura Leighton attends the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)Rachel Hunter (L) and Farrah Fawcett Foundation CEO Alana Stewart attend the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)
Thelma Houston performs during the Farrah Fawcett Foundation’s Tex-Mex Fiesta on September 06, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Farrah Fawcett Foundation)
Melissa Myers is a trained journalist working in London and New York. She worked for national newspapers in the U.K. as a celebrity journalist and was the News Director of In Touch magazine in the U.S.
In 2017, she focused on making a difference in the world and launched her website kindnessandhope.org.
Melissa also builds websites for various clientele and runs social media campaigns for non-profits.
