NEW YORK, December 3, 2010 — Legendary music artist and actor P. Diddy will lead industry executives, including BET chairman and chief executive officer Debra Lee, in a roast of Stephen Hill, BET Networks President of music programming and specials, at City of Hope’s fourth annual Music and Entertainment Industry roast. The event will take place Dec. 9 at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway at 60th Street, New York City, and supports lifesaving cancer research and treatment programs at City of Hope, one of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Previous honorees include Richard Palmese, executive vice president of promotion, RCA Music Group, Jason Flom, formerly of Capitol Music Group, and entertainment attorney Allen Grubman. Cocktails and dinner will begin at 7 p.m.
Joining P. Diddy for the roast are actress Gabrielle Union; Nick Cannon, actor, comedian and host of NBC’s America’s Got Talent; actor and comedian Mike Epps; Terrance and Rocsi, hosts of BET’s popular daily show, 106 & Park Weekend Countdown; and comedian Anthony Anderson.
Hill oversees and directs the creation, development and production of all music programming and specials at BET Networks, including the influential 106 & PARK. He recently launched Music Matters, a multi-platform network initiative showcasing groundbreaking music and talent. Hill also serves as Executive Producer for BET Honors, The BET Hip Hop Awards and the most watched awards show on cable television, the BET Awards.
“The complete bludgeoning of my ego during this roast is absolutely worth it for the support and attention that will be brought to City of Hope’s efforts.” said Hill. “The dedication and determination of City of Hope continues to advance the science, treatment and awareness of cancer and AIDS. As an FYI: I will have my therapist on stand-by that night.”
“We are grateful to Stephen Hill for his support and commitment to City of Hope and our mission to quickly bring cures to patients with cancer and other life-threatening diseases,” said Britta Bucholz, senior director of development, Music and Entertainment Industry group, City of Hope.
To register for the roast, contact Mary Carlzen at 800-544-3541 or mcarlzen@coh.org.
Inspired by the guiding humanitarian principles of City of Hope, and motivated by the institution’s commitment to innovative medical research and quality patient care, a group of key industry executives founded the Music and Entertainment Industry chapter in 1973. In its 37 years of dedicated efforts, the chapter has grown to include all the major music labels such as Universal Music Group, Disney Music Group and Warner Bros. The industry has raised well over $90 million through benefits, promotions and partnerships to support ongoing programs at City of Hope. For more information about City of Hope's Music and Entertainment Industry group, visit www.cityofhope.org/music.
