COLUMBUS, Ohio ¬– The 5th Annual Mac and Cheese Festival to benefit adult and youth oncology programs at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute (OSUCCC – James) will take place Friday, Oct. 7, at Easton Town Center. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance for this family-friendly, community festival. More than a dozen food trucks and restaurants will be offering unique macaroni and cheese samples. The event will include live musical entertainment, kid zone activities, a raffle with prizes and other activities. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance online – $10 for children (ages 3 to 12), $30 for adults or $70 for a family four-pack (two adults, two children); however, tickets also can be purchased at the event. All proceeds will support the OSUCCC – James Adolescent and Young Adult Program (AYA), which provides comprehensive, patient-centered care and supportive services to patients between the ages of 15-39. Since 2018, the Columbus Mac and Cheese Festival has raised more than $300,000 for the AYA program. The program was developed to address the specific needs of AYA patients, who encounter different, age-related challenges because of the developmental milestones that commonly occur in this stage of life. These may include learning independence, navigating school and degree completion, starting a career, maintaining relationships and family planning. The program provides psychosocial support, financial counseling, social work navigation, fertility and sexual health services, genetics and other supportive care services tailored to this patient population. The festival will take place at The Yard at Easton Town Center (160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, Ohio), located north of Macy’s and east of Nordstrom. It is open to people of all ages and will take place rain or shine. To learn more about the festival and purchase tickets to the event, visit Mac and Cheese Festival | OSUCCC – James. -30- MEDIA CONTACT: Amanda Harper | OSUCCC – James | Media Relations Amanda.Harper2@osumc.edu | 614-685-5420