Fifth Annual President's Circle Dinner: A Shining Night for Cancer Philanthropists
Panoramic views of the Pacific sunset provided an inspiring backdrop for this elegant evening celebrating AACR's most generous supporters-the President's Circle members. The event was held at the Oceanfront Ballroom of the Hotel del Coronado-the perfect place for donors and guests, including members of the Entertainment Industry Foundation, to enjoy the opportunity to catch up with colleagues and friends.
Special recognition was given to Dr. George Sehl and his wife Patricia for their contribution at the Laureate level of the President's Circle. Their daughter, Dr. Mary Sehl, was also in attendance and given special recognition for her integral part in selecting the AACR as the best cancer research organization for her parents' $100,000 gift.
The event came full circle with a powerfully captivating and inspiring speech delivered by Laura Ziskin, EIF Member, Motion Picture Producer and Cancer Survivor. Ms. Ziskin spoke passionately to a rapt audience about her own experience with breast cancer, the myriad issues that positively and negatively affect cancer research, and her thoughts on the untapped influence of the scientific community:
"Just imagine the power of seeing 27,000 "white coats" standing firm on one issue of national importance-the effect would be staggering. [...] All of you have the power to begin to change the system that has prevented us from drastically reducing the death rate from cancer. [...] By remembering that you are not just doctors and scientists, but you are husbands, wives, sons, daughters and potential cancer patients yourselves; and your lives too depend on your success."
SPOTLIGHT
AACR Centennial Research Grant Fund Will Continue in 2008
Geoffrey M. Wahl, Ph.D., AACR Past President, AACR Foundation Trustee
As you know well, we are living in an exciting age of discovery. There are more breakthroughs and promises of significant advances in cancer science than ever before. Yet, despite these great opportunities for progress against this devastating disease, the federal government has cut cancer research funding. This has had a chilling effect, not only on senior scientists but also on those just entering the field.
That is why I am asking you to support the AACR Centennial Research Grant Fund. (Give now online.) I am happy to report that 100 percent of your contributions to this Fund will go to research grants. If you wish, you may designate your contribution to the Centennial Research Grant Fund for Early-Career Scientists, which helps to support the work of researchers just beginning their careers.
Your gift to the Centennial Research Grant Fund will not only underwrite research, it will send an important message to government leaders - that we support progress in cancer research by contributing our own charitable gifts.
I hope that I can count on you to join me by making the most generous possible gift today.
Tax Exempt Status
The AACR Foundation for the Prevention and Cure of Cancer is a 501(c)(3) public charity as determined by the Internal Revenue Service. Our IRS tax exempt number is 23-3100004. To view our IRS-990 tax exempt return, please visit Guidestar.org.