CAMPAIGN IN MEMORY OF DANNY FEDERICI, LONGTIME E STREET BAND MEMBER, LAUNCHED BY MELANOMA RESEARCH ALLIANCE AND PARTNERS
Washington, DC, May 1, 2013 – A grassroots campaign launches today to raise funds for melanoma research in memory of Danny Federici, a longtime member of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band who passed away in 2008 after battling the deadly form of skin cancer. The campaign honors the fifth anniversary of Federici’s death with a drive to raise melanoma awareness and fund research to better prevent, detect and cure this disease.
Federici, who played the organ, glockenspiel and accordion with The E Street Band and Bruce Springsteen for nearly forty years, was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma in 2007. He and his family established The Danny Fund to raise melanoma awareness and fund promising research. The Danny Fund is now a program of the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest private funder of melanoma research, whose global reach totals nearly $48 million in research awards in 13 countries.
“We hope this innovative Danny Fund campaign takes our message and impact to new heights,” said Jason Federici, Danny’s son and MRA Board Member. “The Danny Fund was started just before our Dad succumbed to this horrific disease, and while we have accomplished a great deal, much more remains to be done, especially given the crucial research now being pursued.”
Throughout Melanoma Awareness Month in May, MRA’s Danny Fund campaign will solicit donations in support of melanoma research via text message and an online giving portal. Individuals who text “DANNY” to 50555 and then reply “YES” when prompted will donate $10 to the effort. AT&T and mGive have partnered with MRA and are providing carrier and technical support for the campaign.
“Melanoma is an important and growing health issue, and it’s inspiring to see the Federici Family and The E Street Band actively involved in advancing and accelerating melanoma research,” said Jenifer Snyder, Executive Director of The mGive Foundation. “A mobile campaign for the Danny Fund literally puts the power of helping to cure this cancer into the hands of anyone who wants to simply text a donation.”
In addition to the texting campaign, Backstreets Magazine and website will be providing fans with an opportunity to connect with Danny memorabilia generously donated by the
Federici Family. Backstreets is the premiere fan magazine focusing on Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
“There is tremendous loyalty among Springsteen and E Street Band fans,” said Christopher Phillips, editor and publisher of Backstreets Magazine. “They remember Danny Federici and his great courage when faced with melanoma, and I am certain that they will respond to this opportunity to honor a musician who meant so much to all of us.”
Funds raised by the Danny Fund Campaign will be used to support promising research, including an MRA Young Investigator Award in Danny’s honor given to a talented scientist investigating melanoma. MRA awards research grants through a competitive application and review process that draws researchers from leading institutions around the world.
About the Melanoma Research Alliance MRA is a public charity formed in 2007 under the auspices of the Milken Institute, with the generous founding support of Debra and Leon Black. MRA is poised to build on recent momentum in the field, accelerating the pace of scientific discovery and translation in order to eliminate suffering and death due to melanoma. MRA’s ability to fund wide‐ranging research in melanoma is amplified by unique multi‐faceted collaborations and partnerships with individuals, private foundations and corporations. For more information, please visit www.curemelanoma.org.
About Backstreets Magazine Backstreets magazine has been covering the music of Bruce Springsteen and Jersey Shore artists for more than a quarter‐century. Backstreets.com, the online home of Backstreets Magazine, features regular updates with the latest Springsteen news on recording activities, performances, setlists, and more. For more information, please visit www.backstreets.com.
About The mGive Foundation The mGive Foundation is a 501(c)(3) created to certify nonprofits wishing to participate in the mobile giving channel and facilitate the flow of funds from carriers directly to participating nonprofits. The mission of the organization is to drive innovation and to assist other nonprofits in their efforts to raise money and communicate with donors more effectively through the mobile channel. For more information please visit www.mGive.org.
*Mobile Donation Terms: $10.00 donation to Melanoma Research Alliance. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Must be 18 years of age or have parental permission to participate. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to
STOP.Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy: mGive.org/P ###
CONTACT: Anreder & Company 212.532.3232 Steven S. Anreder – [email protected] Cristina Bacon –[email protected]
Marissa Maybee (MRA) – [email protected] 202.336.8922