The American Cancer Society’s Riviera Ball, honoring a trio of high-profile cancer survivors with very different stories, will take place Nov. 21 at the Bacara Resort & Spa on the Central California coast north of Santa Barbara.

Jewelry designer Simone I. Smith (wife of LL Cool J), entertainment law icon Doug Davis, event producer and founder of The Davis Firm, PLLC, and 11-year-old Lexi Brown of Santa Maria will share their cancer journeys during the evening, the proceeds of which fund the Society’s groundbreaking research program; free services for cancer patients, their families and caregivers; early detection and prevention programs; and advocacy to assure equal access to quality cancer care for all. To date, the early work of 47 Nobel Prize-winning scientists has been funded by the Society. Nearly $52m supports the work of 103 California researchers this year.

“When you’re diagnosed with a rare and life-threatening illness, the confusion and lack of knowledge is overwhelming,” says Doug. “It’s important to me there is research, access to a patient support network with knowledgeable assistance and their families, and guidance for people like me to get the best treatment.”

A Sponsor VIP Reception will be held at 5pm. An elegant cocktail reception and silent auction begins at 6pm, followed by a world-class gourmet dinner and live auction. There will be entertainment throughout the evening. Among this year’s sponsors are Agilent Technologies, Lady Leslie Ridley-Tree, LASH Construction and Cottage Health System. KSBY/NBC Santa Barbara is once again back as Media Sponsor.

Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities are available. For more info, contact Sylvia Henry at 805.644.4237, ext. 209, or Sylvia.henry@cancer.org.