10th Annual Goombay Bash Exceeds Expectations“The Best Bash Yet!” | Board members John Rot, Julie Jandris, and Dave Rizner with Dr. Rosen (l to r) |
On August 7, a group of friends gathered to celebrate with delicious food, lively music, great dancing, and an incredible effort to raise funds in support of cancer research. No ordinary party, the 10th Annual Goombay Bash—hosted by the H Foundation, an independent non-profit association comprised of local entrepreneurs—was a wildly successful fundraiser for basic cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. The 2010 Bash coincided with the Foundation’s 10th anniversary, and members of the board were excited to make the event especially successful. Through live and silent auctions, they had a record-setting year! In December 2010, board members John Rot, Julie Jandris, and Dave Rizner presented Steven Rosen, MD, director of the Lurie Cancer Center, with a check for $375,000, more than the Foundation has ever contributed to Northwestern University in any single year. The H Foundation’s grassroots effort has grown over time, but the Foundation has remained focused on involving people of all ages and backgrounds who want to contribute to the fight against cancer. Since inception, the Goombay Bash has surpassed even the highest expectations, annually raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support cancer research and more than $2.3 million in total philanthropic support. And while the H Foundation initially shared the event proceeds with several local universities, they later met with Dr. Rosen to see how they could do the most good at Northwestern. By furthering laboratory-based research, the Foundation has allowed physician-scientists at the Lurie Cancer Center to pursue unique ideas and collect the initial data that ultimately results in their ability to compete successfully for larger, external grants from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and other agencies. The cumulative accomplishments made possible by support from the H Foundation serve as a tremendous testament to the importance of private funding for basic science research at the Lurie Cancer Center. With these laboratory discoveries, researchers across Northwestern University strive to translate new findings into improved clinical treatments and cures for cancer patients everywhere. On Saturday, August 6, 2011, the H Foundation will hold their 11th Annual Goombay Bash at Navy Pier. For this fundraiser, hopes for success grow higher each year. Next year is no exception, and it promises to offer an exceptional time!
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