Supporters of the WVU Cancer Institute will gather April 26-27 to celebrate its collaborative work to expand cancer care, research, and outreach at the Spring Gala.
The signature fundraising event will be held in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, at The Greenbrier, which has hosted the Spring Gala for nearly 40 years. This year’s theme, “Building the Best for the WVU Cancer Institute,” recognizes the pursuit of the state’s first National Cancer Institute designation.
Since its inception in 1985, the Spring Gala has raised nearly $11 million to support the WVU Cancer Institute’s mission of bringing the state’s top doctors and researchers together to offer a brighter future for patients in and around West Virginia.
“I look forward to the Spring Gala every year because it’s a unique opportunity to connect with dedicated supporters and highlight our team’s incredible work,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, Jean and Laurence DeLynn Chair of Oncology, and associate professor of surgery at the WVU School of Medicine, said. “The funds raised through this event provide flexible support to help meet our greatest needs. Those dollars are more meaningful than ever as we work to grow our prevention, treatment, and research operations to lessen the cancer burden in West Virginia and beyond.”
Spring Gala co-chairs Laurie Erickson and Sharon Rowe, along with honorary chair Nikki Izzo-Brown, are excited to welcome guests for two days of educational activities, engaging entertainment, and fine food at one of the nation’s premier luxury resorts. This year’s festivities include a Mexican fiesta and culinary demonstration presented by award-winning celebrity chef Aaron Sanchez, coffee with Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark, a fireside chat with former White House Press Secretary Ari Fleischer, and a black-tie dinner dance featuring Benny Benack and his orchestra, along with Broadway and New York performers.
Dr. Hazard-Jenkins and newly appointed WVU Health Sciences Senior Associate Vice President for Research and Graduate Education Ming Lei, Ph.D., will highlight collaborative efforts to engage doctors and researchers across multiple specialties, including WVU colleagues Amber Ganoe, M.S.N, R.N., Nicole Stout, D.P.T., F.A.P.T.A., Randy Nelson, Ph.D., and William Walker, Ph.D.
“This historic event is so much more than a fun way to reconnect with friends,” Erickson said. “It’s about sharing in a cause for cancer research and treatment that remains a vital part of our healthcare.”
Tickets and sponsorships for the Spring Gala are available through April 5 at WVUCancerGala.com. Accommodations must be booked through The Greenbrier by March 25. Attendees should call 1-855-453-4858 and reference the WVU Cancer Institute Spring Gala to make a reservation.
For registration inquiries, contact Erin Gregory at EGregory@wvuf.org or 304-293-1874.