Nick Colionne Supports Breast Cancer Research In New National Campaign
Smooth jazz guitarist Nick Colionne has joined with The Pair Tree, a Chicago-area based nonprofit, and Mike Nordskog of Wine And Jazz magazine to create a national silent auction with all proceeds going to support breast cancer research. Colionne’s endorser, Epiphone Guitars, donated a Broadway archtop guitar and case, and Tobin James Cellars donated two nights at its on-property guest house and a magnum of 2006 James Gang Reserve Zinfandel autographed by Tobin James. Also included is a complete autographed Colionne discography and a guided wine tasting at the Tobin James Cellars.
Colionne has a long running history of contributing his efforts in support of fund-raisers focused on finding a cure for breast cancer and it’s totally personal. His mother is a two-time survivor of the disease, a close friend has been battling the disease for two years. “We all have someone we love who has been affected by this disease,” Colionne says, “and it’s time to put an end to it.”
The Pair Tree Foundation began with the efforts Denise and Alix Doro, Colionne’s friends, to support the Breast Cancer 3-Day Walk, a national campaign that raises awareness and funds for the cause with the participation of thousands of walkers every year. Their home is along the route taken by the Chicago-area walkers every year. They came up with a novel way to take a people-friendly approach to a very serious issue by hanging foam “pairs” from their front yard pear tree. Literally hundreds of walkers stopped to have photos taken under the tree, Chicago news stations sent crews out to record it, several thousand dollars were raised and a charity was born. The Doros approached Colionne to be their first celebrity endorser and he readily agreed.
The timing coincided with Nordskog’s desire to have Wine and Jazz support a charity during the holidays as the lastest issue highlights giving back. Colionne is the cover story, with the focus being on his work with kids and supporting charitable efforts.
For more information, you can go to pairtreefoundation.org.