Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County Presents the 2010 Annual Black Tie Gala

Online, October 17, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (Orange County, Ca) - The stage is set for a remarkable night to remember as The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County host their annual gala to raise awareness of Sickle Cell Disease. The black tie event, featuring live entertainment by the Phil Gates Blues Band & charitable poker tables, will be held on Saturday October, 23, 2010 at the beautiful Wyndham Orange County at 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 at 7:00 p.m. Event highlights include: Red Carpet, a live auction, and Texas Hold 'Em! Musicians, actors, athletes and more will attend SCDFOC's annual event to help them continue its efforts to bring awareness of this crippling disease and support those who are suffering from it.

Two million people carry the Sickle Cell trait and it occurs in 1 out of every 500 African-American births. The average life expectancy of someone who suffers from Sickle Cell in America is about 40 years. Where treatments are not readily available, they often die in early stages of childhood. In underdeveloped countries, 60-to-80 percent of babies' with the disease die before two years of age. In well-developed countries, people with the disease are now living much longer than before. The most critical time for diagnosis and treatment is the first few years of life. Although the disease primarily affects minority children and youth, recent studies show the disease is now crossing all cultures and race lines.

SCDFOC founder Starlerra Simmons says, "It is our mission to help break the Sickle Cell cycle. It is extremely important to raise awareness and educate our youth on this horrific disease. I believe that each individual should have a choice to live rightfully to overcome such obstacles and spreading correct knowledge about this disease can add years on this life-long journey."

Confirmed celebrities lending their support and participation are: KiKi Shepard, Billie Mitchel, Mary Coppin, Glynn Turman, Dawnn Lewis, Arjay Smith, Freddie Pool, Art Evans, Roger E. Mosely, Ted Lange, Garnet Lewis and many more!

"The impact of awareness will mitigate the challenges to those suffering from the disease to truly "Live by Design, and not by Diagnosis", says Founder Starlerra Simmons. Our yearly gala raises funds to help educate, empower and equip those individuals with Sickle Cell Disease to take charge of the disease."

Sponsorship opportunities and tickets are still available. Discounted tickets are $50 per person before October 15th; after, $75 per person. Purchases can be made online at www.SCDFOC.org or by calling 949-331-8121

About the Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County was founded in 2006 by Starlerra Simmons due to the ever-increasing disparities among Orange County youth and adults living with SCD. It is a 501(c)(3) organization that provides services to individuals and families suffering with Sickle Cell Disease as well as at-risk individuals for Sickle Cell Disease.

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Orange County is committed to increasing the public's awareness of sickle cell disease; through educational seminars, community based workshops, educational activities, and other support programs. Our goal is to provide continuous education about the disease, its management, and its myriad of issues. Our strategy is to educate youth, young adults, parents, caregivers, family member, teachers, and the community; by helping raise awareness about Sickle Cell Disease