Maya Rudolph to speak at cancer research luncheon

Every year the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation brings in a well-known entertainer as keynoter for the organization’s fall benefit luncheon, and this year will be no exception. Actress and comedian Maya Rudolph has been tapped for the job, following in the footsteps of such stars as Sally Field, Diane Keaton, Rob Lowe, Goldie Hawn, Fran Drescher and the late Joan Rivers.The Oct. 15 event at the Chicago Hilton will mark the 30th anniversary of the luncheon and is being chaired by Meredith Soren Freese, Allison Zisook Goldstein and Stephanie Lieber— daughters of three of the founding members of LSCRF, which has raised more than $30 million since its 1985 founding to advance medical knowledge about breast cancer.For the past 24 years LSCRF has been affiliated with Northwestern Medicine and has helped fund research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center in novel treatments, education and early detection of breast cancer.Along with the Rudolph address, the Oct. 15 luncheon will feature its popular “Purse-sue-the Cure” — an auction of more than 200 new and collectible handbags from top retailers, designers and private collections.Rudolph first gained national prominence as a member of the “Saturday Night Live” ensemble from 2000 to 2007. The Emmy-nominated actress also has been featured in such films as “Idiocracy,” “Away We Go,” “Bridesmaids” and “Grown Ups.” She also starred on the NBC sitcom “Up All Night” and headlined her own variety special, “The Maya Rudolph Show,” also on NBC.In addition, Rudolph clearly has a very close, personal connection to the LSCRF event. Her mother, noted singer and songwriter (and Chicago native) Minnie Riperton died of breast cancer at age 31 in 1979. Perhaps best known for the song “Lovin’ You,” Riperton grew up on the South Side and was long associated with Chess Records.For more information about the Lynn Sage event, go to lynnsage.org or call (312) 926-7133.