The WVU Cancer Institute invites supporters to join the festivities April 25-27 as the Spring Gala celebrates 40 years of advancing cancer care, research, and outreach in West Virginia.
The Spring Gala is a premier fundraising event held annually at The Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs. Since its inception in 1985, the event has raised about $12 million — including a record $1.1 million in 2024 — to benefit the WVU Cancer Institute and its initiatives.
This year’s event will honor the rich history of the Spring Gala, first conceived by supporters Jean DeLynn, Rita Solomon, and Gayle Swanson long before the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center was constructed. Their vision has stood the test of time and provided critical funding to help meet the Cancer Institute’s greatest needs as determined by leadership.
Last year’s Spring Gala funds supported the purchase of THOR light therapy equipment for use in patient care, as well as the ongoing pursuit of the state’s first National Cancer Institute designation.
“The Spring Gala is an incredible opportunity to highlight the collaborative work we do to lessen the cancer burden in Appalachia and build a brighter future for our patients across the Mountain State,” Hannah Hazard-Jenkins, M.D., executive chair and director of the WVU Cancer Institute, said. “The money we raise enables our team to accelerate research, educational, and clinical initiatives that ultimately result in lower incidence and better outcomes for the people of West Virginia and our region.”
The 2025 Betty Puskar Winged Victory Award will be awarded to retiring WVU President E. Gordon Gee, First Lady Laurie Erickson, and longtime supporter Sharon Rowe in recognition of their tireless dedication and leadership efforts to advance the mission of the WVU Cancer Institute.
Rowe and Erickson are returning as co-chairs for this year’s Spring Gala.
“It's such a fun weekend for people to get together,” Erickson said. “It's a celebration. People love going back to The Greenbrier and reminiscing and seeing old friends, but our primary goal is to raise as much support as we can for our Cancer Institute and the patients they support.”
Spring Gala festivities will kick off Friday with a reception and dine-around dinner featuring foods of the south created by The Greenbrier culinary brigade and guest chef Elizabeth Heiskell, a “Today” show food contributor.
Saturday begins with a WVU Cancer Institute showcase and updates on the latest achievements from leadership. Heiskell will share her cancer journey and later host an afternoon culinary demonstration and cookbook signing. Guests will also be invited to sip bourbon and enjoy conversation with WVU Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker and Head Football Coach Rich Rodriguez.
The weekend concludes with a traditional black-tie dinner dance on Saturday night. Renowned pianist Barbara Nissman, a member of the inaugural class of Steinway “Legends,” will perform, along with Benny Benack and his orchestra.
Tickets and sponsorships for the Spring Gala are available through April 4 at WVUCancerGala.com. Accommodations must be booked through The Greenbrier by March 24. 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.
All gifts to the WVU Cancer Institute are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.