"Celebrate! A Future Without Cancer" marks the 25th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute
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Gladys Knight. -
PNC president Sy Holzer and actor David Conrad. -
Thomas Kensler and Dr. Nancy Davidson with Elsie and Henry Hillman. -
Co-chairs Susan and Steve McGalla. -
Tom Flannery and Nick Beckwith. -
Stefania and Jeffrey Romoff. -
Bill, Athena and Jamie Sarris. -
Co-chairs Vanessa and David Morehouse. -
Sen. Arlen Specter. -
Bill and Mikell Schenck and Jay Ferguson. -
Anne Lewis and Jim Zeszutek. -
Velma Montero Tribble and Clyde Jones.
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It was a dark and stormy night ... really! But more than 750 guests gathered on Tuesday in an effort to give a horror story a happy ending. "Celebrate! A Future Without Cancer" marked the 25th anniversary of the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute with a gala at the Monroeville Convention Center. True to its roots as a business dinner, the gala does its best to move at a fast clip so guests can get home early. Rain delays aside, the evening managed to pack in time for cocktails and mingling, a wonderful dinner prepared by the UPMC kitchens and performances by the legendary Gladys Knight and dancers Ade Obayami and Melissa Sandvig. Emcee David Conrad welcomed the guests along with co-chairs Susan McGalla (with Steve) and Vanessa Morehouse (with David). Dr. Nancy Davidson, director of UPCI and UPMC Cancer Centers, offered moving remarks, as did cancer survivor Stephanie Samolovitch.
Mario Lemieux was introduced and thanked for the support his foundation has provided through the years, and Sen. Arlen Specter was also acknowledged. Helping to raise an astonishing $4 million to support research through the Hillman Cancer Center were honorary chairs Cathy and Sy Holzer, chairman of the UPCI Council, and Elsie and Henry Hillman. The money will join the $200 million raised by capital campaign chairs Tom and Bonnie VanKirk. Oxford Development donated the facility (a perfect fit!) and Athena Sarris donated the boxes of candy each guest received (along with a Tiffany dish!) on the way home. What a way to go!
First Published December 7, 2010 12:00 am
