Raleigh, NC - August 4, 2008 - After meeting Dawn Torrence, the President and founder of CHERBUS, and becoming educated about the effects of CDH on newborns, more specifically the loss of Dawn's own son Shane, Raleigh's premiere event planning company, Signature Events, Inc. donated their services in producing the Inaugural CHERUBS Angel Ball. 

CHERUBS, a non-profit organization was created to support parents of children born with CDH and assist in leading the medical community toward both the cause and prevention of this devastating birth defect.  With participation from the local community, CHERUBS hosted two events for the public including, the 2008 Angel Ball and the 1st Annual CHERUBS Golf Tournament.

"After meeting Dawn and hearing her story, as well as learning about the devastating effects of children born with CDH, we immediately offered our services in the production of the first CHERUBS Angel Ball," commented Anna Beltran, President of Signature Events, Inc.

The crepe myrtles were blooming at the Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham, North Carolina, where the 2008 Angel Ball took place. The event was filled with ambiance, glamour and entertainment. Tables were set in a beautiful gold and white theme to compliment CHERUBS vision of Angels and white gowns.

The lighting was designed to accent the magnificent features of the garden, accomplished by hanging lights and gorgeous floral center pieces.  Live music was performed by The Stone Age Romeos, a local Top 40's band, throughout the evening.  The Silent Auction consisted of numerous unique items such as prints and artistic paintings - many of which were designed specifically for the Angel Ball, vacation packages, professional services, jewelry and much more.  Men were dressed in tuxedos while the women took center stage as the "angels of the ball", dressed in their wedding dresses and other beautiful white gowns.

"The Angel Ball was the planting of a seed for a tradition of annual Angel Balls, as well as raising much needed attention and funds for CHERUBS," adds Beltran. "There are many worthy causes, but this was an event which we felt compelled to donate our time and resources to. We wanted to create an event for Dawn and the families with children affected by CDH, that was worthy of their passion and commitment toward getting the word out."

"Signature Events was able to take my vision and make it a reality; producing an amazing, well-thought-out, one-of-a-kind event that completely exceeded my expectations," said Torrence.  "They were able to provide so much more than just their services to CHERUBS, they provided CDH sufferers and their families with a night full of fun and long lasting memories."

Signature Events' highly imaginative solutions, consistent cost control and determined focus on client objectives have made them a name to remember when it comes to event planning. From Corporate sales meetings to special occasions, Signature Events provides the required technology, décor, design, menu and complete event management to assure each client's event is an Event that inspires.

FACTS ABOUT CDH:

·         CDH affects 1 in every 2,500 babies, representing approximately 4 milllion babies in the United States each year

·         Half of babies with this birth defect do not survive, and the other half end up suffering through life with lasting health problems such as feeding aversions, asthma, scoliosis or short-term oxygen dependency

·         There are more children born each year with CDH than there are with Cystic Fibrosis

·         There is no known cure or typical treatment, and there is still a significant lack of research and awareness in the public and medical communities

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About Signature Events:

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Signature Events is a full service event planning company specializing in the creation and production of distinctive corporate, non-profit and special occasion events. They provide each client with a unique blend of business sensibility and innovative design experience observed in such cities as New York, Chicago and Los Angeles.  From annual meetings to product launches and milestone celebrations, Signature Events has the expertise and experience to ensure every event is flawless. For more information, please visit www.signatureeventsnc.com

About CHERUBS

CHERUBS are a 501- (c) 3 organization located in North Carolina.  CHERUBS serve families of children and adults born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH).   As of April 2008, CHERUBS has over 2250 members in all 50 states and 33 countries.  Board Members include the founding father of in-utero surgery, genetic counselors, epidemiologists, pediatric surgeons and parents of children born with CDH.  CHERUBS is a volunteer-run organization and a United States Internal Revenue Service recognized 501(c) 3 Non-Profit Organization.