More than 340 ovarian cancer survivors and supporters gathered at the Ritz Carlton on February 4 to celebrate the 8th Annual Turn Up the Heat gala, a benefit hosted by the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance. The evening featured a sampling of dishes and drinks from some of the top women in DC’s restaurant industry. More than 42 participating restaurants prepared appetizers, savories, desserts and drinks for guests to taste.

Jack Andraka, a high school student from Maryland, captured the audience’s attention with a presentation on his novel method of detecting cancer. Using antibodies that bind to mesothelin (a protein that is elevated by ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancers), Jack’s test is able to detect these cancers with 100 percent accuracy. He recently received a patent on the test and hopes it will be available to consumers within five years.

Turn Up the Heat also included silent and live auctions. Guests bid on jewelry, tickets to the hottest productions, vacation homes and more! A special live auction lot raised more than $24,000 to help ovarian cancer survivors attend the Alliance’s Annual Conference.

To get involved in the planning of our 2014 event as a sponsor, chef or volunteer, please contact ocna@ovariancancer.org.

What They’re Saying…
Watch our CEO, Calaneet Balas, as well as chefs from Lebanese Taverna, L’Academie de Cuisine and Hula Girl Truck on DC’s Fox 5
Read what the Georgetown Dish had to say about Turn Up the Heat
WTOP.com interviewed five women chefs and restauranteurs about why they take part in this event