WVU Cancer Institute raises over $1.1M at record-breaking Spring Gala

This year’s Spring Gala theme, “Building the Best for the WVU Cancer Institute,” highlighted collaborative efforts and recent successes amid ongoing work to achieve the state’s first National Cancer Institute designation and construct a new cancer hospital.

“The Spring Gala is a cherished tradition, and we are grateful to connect with them again this year to share these exciting new initiatives on the horizon for the WVU Cancer Institute,” 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 generosity of our Gala attendees and loyal supporters makes a difference as we continue to expand coordinated care to ensure we can meet every patient’s needs – and offer better outcomes – closer to home.”

In addition to educational presentations about the WVU Cancer Institute and its work, this year’s festivities included a Mexican fiesta and culinary demonstration presented by 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.

Longtime supporters William and Patricia Bright of Summersville attended the event and accepted the 2024 Betty Puskar Winged Victory Award in recognition of their years of dedication to the WVU Cancer Institute.

The Spring Gala raises money to support the WVU Cancer Institute’s mission via ticket sales, a live auction, on-site donations, and more. Proceeds from this year’s event will support the purchase of THOR light therapy equipment for use in patient care and the pursuit of NCI designation.

The gala committee was led by co-chairs Laurie Erickson and Sharon Rowe. They received support from honorary chair and WVU Women’s Soccer Coach Nikki Izzo-Brown, along with Matthew Veith and Deb Matthews.

“Sharon Rowe and I could not be more grateful to all who heard the message of our Cancer Institute and stepped up to support its mission,” Erickson said. “This wonderful group of Gala supporters responded to the stories of care and research and joined us in making this Gala our most successful yet!”

Top-level sponsors who contributed to the success of the event include the Jean J. and Laurence S. DeLynn Foundation, the Jeanne G. and Lawson W. Hamilton, Jr. Foundation, The Greenbrier, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust, Laura and Stephen Wehrle in honor of Laurie Erickson, Charles and Tanya Sutton, Gordon Gee and Laurie Erickson, William and Patricia Bright, and WVU Medicine.

Visit Cancer.WVUMedicine.org/Giving for more information about supporting the WVU Cancer Institute.

All gifts are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.