Scott Hamilton's annual skating benefit in town Saturday

CLEVELAND - Ohio native Scott Hamilton is back in town this weekend with his 11th annual "Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends."

The ice skating show, headlined by the 1984 Olympic Figure Skating champ is an annual fundraiser for the Scott Hamilton C.A.R.E.S. Initiative (Cancer Alliance for Research, Education and Survivorship).

This year's show will feature live music from country superstar Vince Gill, as well as champion skaters such as Evan Lysacek, Sasha Cohen, Todd Eldredge, and Michael Weiss.

Hamilton's show will be co-hosted by 1992 Olympic champion (and Dancing with the Stars champ!) Kristi Yamaguchi.

A black-tie gala fundraiser will also be held immediately after the show at 7:30 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel.

At last year's show, Hamilton took to the ice (at age 51) and pulled out a show-stopping performance featuring his signature backflips.  ( Trust me folks, this is no easy feat--this author is also a figure skater and 22 years Hamilton's junior and just the thought even attempting backflip at this age makes me sore!)

All of this comes after Hamilton survived testicular cancer as well as two surgeries for a brain tumor.  Because of his experiences, Hamilton made the choice to become a lifetime spokesperson for the Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, and founded the CARES Initiative in 1999.

The CARES Initiative is comprised of three major components; the 4th Angel Mentoring Program designed to match newly diagnosed patients with trained volunteers who are also cancer survivors; Chemocare.com a unique website designed to help patients better understand the chemotherapy experience; and research funding.

WHAT: An Evening with Scott Hamilton and Friends Ice Show

WHERE: Quicken Loans Arena, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115

TIME: 5:00 p.m.

TICKETS:  start at $24.50

For more information on tickets: www.theqarena.com

For more information on The Scott Hamilton CARES Initiative: www.scottcares.org