Chicago Charity Gala Event Raised $2,157,201 to Fund Invaluable Cancer Research
SCHAUMBURG, Ill (PRWEB) November 26, 2014 -- Cures Gala themed Heroes Among Us was an epic event to bravely conquer cancer and renew hope for cancer patients today. Over 1000 heroines and heroes gloriously assembled at the Sheraton Chicago on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, in an effort to raise nearly $2.2 million for innovative cancer clinical trials. The contributions that evening will drive new promising cancer research and more treatment options for patients around the world. Mr. Jarrett W. Payton presided as Cures Gala Master of Ceremonies for the second year as he shared his personal story about losing his superhero, the late, great Walter Payton, to cancer 15 years ago.
“He was my biggest role model, he was my hero and he was my best friend,” said Payton, as he inspired guests to boldly make a difference in cancer research.
Mr. Bruce Lubin, The PrivateBank, was this year’s Cures Gala Honorary Chair and was honored that night with the first ever Gateway Impact Award – given in recognition of Lubin’s longstanding commitment to Gateway’s mission to help people living with cancer feel better, live longer and conquer cancer today!
“Gateway is continuously seeking to develop deep and meaningful relationships with leading innovators who are at the forefront of cancer research and persistently searching for novel and alternative ideas to treat cancer. Gateway is determined to give cancer researchers the funds they need to make cures a reality,” said Mr. Lubin, as he challenged the guests to recommit themselves to Gateway’s vision of “shaping a world in which a cancer diagnosis is no longer feared.”
Musical entertainment was provided by the Netherlands (NL) sensation, Guido Dieteren and Guido’s Orchestra which combines pop genre with classical music. As a tribute to Guido’s father who died after battling cancer, Guido composed “Song of Hope” which was performed for the first time at the Gala.
Honored special guests included Academy Award nominee Terrence Howard, who gave an incredible monologue about his mother and her battle with cancer. Mr. Howard also spoke passionately about events like Gateway’s Cures Gala that have a significant impact on phase 1 and phase 2 clinical trials as they traditionally receive very little research funding and are absolutely necessary for cancer treatments to move from the laboratory to the patient.
Other honored guests were Gateway’s “Researcher of the Year” Dr. Edward Lin of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, honored donor Annie Stephenson Hostetler, honored caregiver Caroline Oliver and last year’s highlighted cancer patient Maddy Oliver. Ms. Oliver received a standing ovation for her victorious battle with cancer.
Gateway will use the money raised at Cures Gala to continue funding truly innovative phase I and phase II cancer clinical trials for all types of cancers affecting both adults and children. To make the greatest impact, Gateway commits 99 cents of every dollar received directly to cancer clinical trials, made possible by the underwriting of its administrative expenses by Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
“At Gateway we believe cures for cancer are within reach, and with the achievements of the Cures Gala fundraiser, we are significantly closer to realizing that vision,” said Teresa Bartels, President of Gateway for Cancer Research. “We are in an auspicious position to invigorate hope and new possibilities for cancer patients around the world.”
Cures Gala major sponsors include the Templer Family Foundation; Cancer Treatment Centers of America; Rising Tide Foundation; AmerisourceBergen; International Capital & Management Company; Katten Muchin Rosenman, LLP; Integrated Media Solutions; Bank of America Merrill Lynch; CliftonLarsonAllen; Bryan and Christina Cressey, Cressey & Company; Insight; Keystone Capital, LLC; Litchfield Advisors; N-Jet; OneNeck IT Solutions; The PrivateBank; Stellar Insurance Company, Ltd.; and T. Danis Charitable Trust.
For more information on Gateway for Cancer Research, visit GatewayCR.org.
About Gateway for Cancer Research
Gateway for Cancer ResearchSM is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization committed to funding innovative cancer research and bold new ideas for lifesaving treatments that can make a difference today. Thanks to generous underwriting, 99 cents of every dollar received funds phase I and phase II cancer clinical trials around the world to help patients living with cancer to feel better, live longer and conquer cancer TODAY! Since its founding in 1991, Gateway has supported more than 120 clinical trials and funded millions in leading-edge research, including blending the best of conventional and complementary/alternative therapies. Get involved today by visiting GatewayCR.org, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/demandcures and join the conversation on Twitter @DemandCures.
Karen Kay, Gateway for Cancer Research, http://www.gatewaycr.org, +1 847.342.6477, [email protected]
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