October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and we at Essentia New York are very pleased to be one of the contributors to a silent auction for a feature film fundraiser all about that very subject, “A Wake-up Call”. Co-writer/producer Barbara Masry was inspired to write her screenplay after undergoing treatment for the disease and meeting a young woman who didn’t have health insurance. Regardless of the fact that they were from vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds, each felt an immediate connection. Two women. One disease. The woman who can afford treatment, lives. The other woman, denied treatment, dies. Enraged by the injustice, and healing, Ms. Masry chose to make her voice heard and chose to channel her rage into creativity… And the screenplay, “A Wake-up Call” was born.
An impressive list of talented actors are all ready on board the project: the film will star Oscar Winner, Mira Sorvino; and Peter Jacobson (house); Dan Hedaya; Amanda Setton (Gossip Girl); and the acclaimed singer-songwriter Ashanti, whose grandmother suffered from breast cancer.
The fundraiser, which includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction will take place: 7 PM, Thursday, October 11th, at the Swing 46 Jazz and Supper Club, 349 W. 46th St. http://www.awakeupcallfilm.com/benefit.html
On hand to entertain the invitees will be legendary comedian, Robert Klein, comedian Susie Essman who co-stars in “CurbYour Enthusiasm,“ and Broadway’s Melissa Errico.
Ms. Masry was one of the founders of the Great Neck Breast Cancer Coalition, 21 years ago. A percentage of the film’s profits will be donated to an organization that helps young women with breast cancer.
