WVU Cancer Institute to celebrate 31st Annual Spring Gala
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Supporters of the WVU Cancer Institute will celebrate its history of excellence in cancer treatment, prevention, and research during the 31st Annual Spring Gala April 22-24 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs.
This year’s theme, “A Weekend Among the Stars,” will feature a variety of engaging educational and cultural events, unique entertainment, and Mountaineer football action. William Petros, Pharm.D., interim director of the WVU Cancer Institute, will update Gala attendees on exciting new endeavors to strengthen the Institute and enhance the quality of life for patients, their loved ones, and all of West Virginia.
“Through the generosity of our loyal supporters and friends, WVU faculty and staff have achieved much in 30-plus years of work,” Dr. Petros said. “In looking to the future, we want to build on those accomplishments and create a culture of hope and wellness for a healthier state and become a healthcare leader for the nation. Partnerships within a network of cancer affiliates located across West Virginia and the surrounding area will be key to elevating optimal cancer care to a higher level.”
Cancer Prevention and Control at the WVU Cancer Institute will kick off Friday’s schedule of events with a continuing education session aimed at enlightening Gala attendees and healthcare professionals on the mission of reducing the impact of cancer in West Virginia. Cancer specialists, experts, and educators will address a range of topics focused on cancer risk factors and preventive vaccines, inherited cancer risks and genetic screening, and precision nutrition, to name a few.
Bonnie’s Bus, WVU’s mobile digital mammography unit, will be available for tours. The Bus has provided breast cancer screening services for more than 10,000 underserved women throughout West Virginia since 2009.
Thanks to the Cancer Institute’s continued partnership with the Mountaineer Athletic Club and WVU Athletics, there will be plenty of outdoor recreation with WVU’s shooting stars – Golf Coach Sean Covich and Rifle Coach Jon Hammond – who will host clinics specifically for Gala attendees hoping to improve their golf swing and become better marksmen.
A “Galaxy of Stars from Almost Heaven” highlights Friday evening, featuring a Mountain State themed Boots and Bowties reception and dine-around dinner. WVU Basketball Head Coach Bob Huggins will introduce Grammy Award-winning country recording artist Kathy Mattea, who will provide a musical performance and a tribute, followed by The Davisson Brothers dance band from North Central West Virginia.
Saturday’s events will begin with a “Chalk Talk” session, including Cancer Institute leaders Petros and Hannah Hazard, M.D., director of clinical services, along with Huggins and WVU Football Head Coach Dana Holgorsen.
Mountaineer fans attending the Gala will have a bird’s-eye view of the WVU Football team at The Greenbrier’s AdvoCare Sports Performance Center during the annual Gold-Blue Spring Football Game.
Additional, optional Saturday afternoon activities include:
- Corks and Canvases – an opportunity to paint a Greenbrier-themed masterpiece with the assistance of The Greenbrier’s art instructor
- “Soul Food Love” – a healthy eating culinary demonstration with Caroline Randall-Williams, an author, poet, and a visiting professor at WVU
- Champagne, Chocolates, and Custom Jewelry with Joan Stamp, a longtime Cancer Institute supporter, who will exhibit and sell her one-of-a-kind, custom-made jewelry
Saturday’s Gala festivities will culminate with “An Evening Among the Stars” black-tie dinner dance featuring the Benny Benack orchestra.
Registration is $500 per person. Accommodations are available through The Greenbrier, which is offering special rates for Gala attendees. Call 888-781-0527, and select Option 2. no later than March 20 for these special rates.
For questions about the Gala, please contact the WVU Cancer Institute Office of Philanthropy at 304-293-4597 or CancerGala@hsc.wvu.edu.
To register online, please visit: wvucancer.org/gala.
For information about the WVU Cancer Institute, see www.wvucancer.org.