MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Supporters of the WVU Cancer Institute will celebrate the Cancer Institute’s history of excellence in cancer treatment, prevention, and research during the 33rd Annual Spring Gala, which will be held April 27 and 28 at The Greenbrier Resort in White Sulphur Springs.
Participants will be joined by Gala Co-Chairs Betty Puskar and Barbara Alexander McKinney and Gala Honorary Chairs WVU President E. Gordon Gee and Laurie Erickson. The weekend-long signature event includes a wide variety of educational and cultural events and unique entertainment, along with the opportunity to learn how the Cancer Institute is growing to meet the demand for cancer services in West Virginia.
“Just as spring signals rebirth and inspiration, this year’s gala promises to deliver on many new, exciting efforts underway at the Cancer Institute that will bring hope and healing to our state and the patients and families we serve,” Richard Goldberg, M.D., director of the Cancer Institute, said. “I look forward to sharing our progress to advance cancer care in West Virginia with our loyal supporters and friends at this special occasion.”
Gala festivities will begin on Friday with a Gala Tee-Off Opening Reception and Dine Around Dinner at Greenbrier Golf Club. The evening will feature an array of favorites from The Greenbrier’s exceptional culinary and mixology teams.
Saturday’s itinerary includes a full day of activities and events, beginning with an invigorating 5K Run/Walk first thing in the morning. Attendees interested in jumpstarting their day will gather at the North Entrance of The Greenbrier.
Dr. Goldberg will provide an update on the renovation and expansion of the Cancer Institute's Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center, the recruitment of more cancer specialists, and the growth of the statewide network of cancer care.
Guest speaker Mark Bowe, host of DIY Network’s "Barnwood Builders," will share his passion for recovering and restoring 19th century hand hewn log and timber frame structures. A West Virginia native, Bowe resides with his family in Lewisburg and enjoys shining a positive light on West Virginia during his television show. He’s also a WVU alumnus. Bowe earned an undergraduate degree in business administration while he worked as a coal miner and holds a master’s degree in safety management from WVU's College of Business and Economics.
Chef Bill Peet, executive chef at Tavern on the Green in New York will hold a culinary demonstration on Saturday. After attending the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Peet headed to New York City, where he’s worked more than 35 years in some of Manhattan’s finest kitchens. He spent 15 years as sous chef and pastry chef at Lutèce with André Soltner and was also executive chef at Asia de Cuba, Café des Artistes, and Patroon.
Long-time WVU Cancer Institute supporter and friend Joan Stamp will host "Champagne, Chocolates, and Custom Jewelry," during which she will exhibit and sell her unique hand-made pieces from her BeadJeweled collection.
Saturday’s Gala festivities will culminate with the traditional black-tie reception and dinner featuring top-shelf beverages, multi-course dinner, and ballroom dancing with nonstop entertainment by Benny Benack, Jr. and his Orchestra.
Registration is $500 per person. To register online, please visit wvucancergala.com. RSVP deadline is Friday, April 6.
Accommodations are available through The Greenbrier. Please call Greenbrier reservations at 877-380-1033 and mention the WVU Cancer Institute Gala.
For questions about the Gala, please contact Daniel Hare at the WVU Cancer Institute Office of Philanthropy at 304-293-4597 or daniel.hare@hsc.wvu.edu.