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# Stars and cars ‘Pair’ up for cancer benefit
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/stars-and-cars-pair-up-for-cancer-benefit/
- Published: 2005-07-01T15:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-23T07:21:48.000Z
- Author: Guest Author
- Tags: Health, Santa Monica, #archive-import

*By Daily Press staff*

Two cancer-fighting groups have become one. Bentley of Beverly Hills will host a celebration, featuring Tony-nominated actress Valarie Petiford and Latin Jazz group Sistema 6, to celebrate the new partnership between “What A Pair!” and the John Wayne Cancer Institute. The kick-off event will raise funds to support the “What A Pair! concert scheduled for June 2006\. Proceeds from the concert will benefit breast cancer research efforts at the John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica.

Jo Levi DiSante created “What A Pair!” in 2002 in honor of her mother and sister, both of whom suffered from breast cancer and loved the theater.

Since 1981, the John Wayne name has been committed by the Wayne family to groundbreaking cancer research and education in memory of their father who died of cancer, officials say. The John Wayne Cancer Institute has received worldwide acclaim for advances in melanoma skin cancer, breast, and colon cancer. Other areas of research include prostate and liver cancer, as well as lymphoma and leukemia. With its ability to rapidly turn scientific breakthroughs into innovative approaches to treatment and early detection, JWCI provides immediate hope to cancer patients from around the globe.

The benefit will take place July 14\. Foundation for the Junior Blind hosts Summer Games

*Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on July 1, 2005.* [Read the original PDF.](https://s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/smdp%5Fbackissues/070105.pdf?ref=smdp.com)