Feb. 6, 2018 (Davenport, Iowa) – The Genesis Cancer Care Institute is proud to welcome Mandy Harvey and Preacher Lawson to the stage for the 9th annual Intimate Conversations fundraiser to benefit Gilda’s Club Quad Cities on Friday, April 6. Lawson, a comedian from Orlando, Florida, was a 2017 top 10 finalist on America’s Got Talent while Harvey took 4th place on the same stage as she used her ukulele to perform original songs during the competition. Both artists are sure to captivate the audience as they provide a night of music, laughter, and inspiration.

Mandy Harvey is an award-winning singer, songwriter and motivational speaker who just happens to have an invisible disability. While a Vocal Music Education major at Colorado State University, Mandy lost her residual hearing in 2006-2007 at the age of eighteen due to a connective tissue disorder. After leaving the program, she pursued several career options but returned to music in 2008 as her true passion could no longer be denied. Harvey quickly became a regular performer at various venues and has released three albums thus far. Though her hearing loss is profound, her timing and pitch are perfect and her passion is tremendous.

In 2017, Harvey appeared on America's Got Talentseason 12, where she took 4th place, using her ukulele while performing original songs during the competition. The same year, she published a memoir with co-author Mark Atteberry, Sensing the Rhythm: Finding My Voice in a World Without Sound. Harvey continues to perform around the United States and has been recently featured on NBC Nightly News, The Steve Harvey Show and the Los Angeles Times. In addition to performing and speaking, Mandy has become an ambassador to both No Barriers USA and Invisible Disabilities Association with a mission to encourage, inspire and assist others to break through their personal barriers.

Preacher Lawson was born in Portland, Oregon but raised for most of his adolescence in Memphis, Tennessee. He moved 20 times before the age of 10 but considers himself a native to Orlando, Florida as he believes this is the city where he grew most as a comedian. As Lawson grew up in multiple cities and constantly switched schools, he had to learn how to adapt. Wherever he was, he would learn about different people and cultures, but noticed the one universal language everyone had in common was laughter, which is how he connected with and warmed up to new people.

Lawson started writing jokes when he was 16 and performed for the first time at 17. In 2015 he won the Funniest Comedian in Florida competition and the Seattle International Comedy Competition in 2016. In 2017, Lawson appeared on season 12 of America's Got Talent and made it through successive elimination rounds, reaching the season finals, where he was one of the final 10. Some people have referred to him as the best comedian to ever perform on the show.

The Intimate Conversations event will start at 6:30pm on Friday, April 6 at Rhythm City Casino Resort in Davenport, IA.  This event is for the entire family. Main Event show tickets are $35.  A special meet and greet dinner with Mandy Harvey will take place before the Main Event for a limited number of guests beginning at 5:00 pm.  Those attending this meet and greet will enjoy a fabulous dinner while mingling with Mandy and getting photos taken prior to the show. Individual meet and greet dinner tickets are $75. After the Main Event, a special meet and greet cocktail hour with Preacher Lawson will take place for a limited number of guests beginning at 8:00 pm. Those attending will enjoy hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails while mingling with Preacher. Individual meet and greet cocktail hour tickets are $75. Tickets for both the meet and greet dinner and cocktail hour can also be purchased for $125 each. For more information or to purchase tickets for the Main Event or either meet and greets visit gildasclubqc.org/conversations.

This event is made possible through the support from Genesis Cancer Care Institute, WQAD, Wells Fargo and Mid State Transmission Parts.

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About Gilda’s Club Quad Cities

Free of charge, Gilda’s Club Quad Cities provides support, education and hope to all people affected by cancer. As a Cancer Support Community affiliate, we are part of the largest employer of psychosocial oncology mental health professionals in the United States. Our global network brings the highest quality cancer support to the millions of people touched by cancer. Gilda’s Club is located at 1234 E. River Dr., Davenport, Iowa 52803.

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