'Tasting Stars Live' to benefit Buy A Mom A Mammogram

Paul Lisnek of WGN-TV will emcee the virtual "Tasting Stars Live," a champagne event that raises money for breast cancer. The event has raised and distributed over $600,000 to the cause since its founding 18 years ago.

For the 10th year, all proceeds raised from this event will support the "Buy A Mom A Mammogram" program by A Silver Lining Foundation.

Because of COVID-19, the intimate event, usually held in a venue overlooking the Chicago River with spectacular views of the Loop, will be livestreamed on YouTube Live at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 13.

"Even with the challenges of our current situation, we decided not to cancel our event, because the demand for services provided by A Silver Lining Foundation is greater than ever," said Brent Carstensen, co-founder of Tasting Stars, NFP. "Our loyal Tasting Stars family understands the importance of ensuring that uninsured and underinsured individuals continue to have access to cost-free diagnostic mammograms and other diagnostic testing.

"Unfortunately, that number has increased during the past months, due to the large number of people who have lost their health care coverage because of job loss. This one-hour virtual, live event will be entertaining and will raise much-needed funds for a great cause," Carstensen said.

Tickets are not required for this event, but those who register in advance will be entered into a drawing for a door prize - a package of premium Moet Hennessy bubbly and liquor, selected by longtime friend of Tasting Stars, Pat Mangan. Dr. Sandy Goldberg, co-founder and chairman of A Silver Lining Foundation, also will speak at the event.

For information, visit www.tastingstars.org, email champagne@tastingstars.org, or call Brent Carstensen at (312) 218-0934.

Founded in 2002 by Dr. Sandy Goldberg, A Silver Lining Foundation has evolved from a single outreach program connecting those in need with breast health resources and information to a funder of lifesaving breast health testing.

Through its Buy A Mom A Mammogram program, the foundation funds cost-free breast health testing for those who are uninsured, underinsured and/or ineligible for other breast health testing programs. They don't exclude based on age, residency, or socioeconomics. Since the program was established in 2006, nearly 28,000 women have received cost-free screening mammograms and diagnostic testing, including diagnostic mammogram, breast ultrasound, MRI and biopsy. ASLF works with 15 partner hospitals throughout the Chicago area, including Elgin, Evanston, Rockford, and Des Plaines. Partner hospitals ensure that anyone coming through ASLF's program will receive cost-free treatment via public programs or the hospital's charity care program.