Hutch Holiday Gala generates record-breaking donations
A sell-out crowd of more than 850 people made history in December when they combined their efforts to raise a record-breaking $4.5 million for cancer research at the 27th annual Hutch Holiday Gala.
Despite a slow economy, this year's gala raised $1.2 million more than was projected, amassing a total of $4.5 million, easily the highest amount in the event's history.
"Guests clearly were touched by the words of Joyce Miner, a cancer patient, and our generous challenge donor, Don Listwin," said Larry Feder, vice president of development. "Even with a weak economy, our donors recognized that the costs of cancer to society are too high and that cancer research must continue."
In a surprise move, Listwin, of Openwave Systems in Redwood City, Calif., doubled his original Listwin Family Foundation challenge gift of $1 million for research into the early detection of ovarian cancer.
Hosted by the Grace Heffernan Arnold Guild, the Dec. 7 auction at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel & Towers broke the previous record of $4.23 million raised during the 2000 gala.
Major auction items included a GM Hummer H2 for $57,000; a raffle by Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler, $20,000; tickets to a taping of TV's "Friends," $15,000; Costco Power Trip with VIP Executives, $25,000; Seattle Mariners jerseys, $14,000; and a private jet to the Napa Valley for wine tours, $22,500. For the third year in a row, Moneytree, Inc., made a donation for each item that sold for market value or higher. Their donation totaled $150,000.
Patients inspire baseball stars at Hutch Award Luncheon
Tim Salmon honored; event raises $250,000 for pediatric cancer research
Baseball star Tim Salmon is a hero in the eyes of many baseball fans, young and old. As right fielder for the Anaheim Angels, Salmon fought through injuries and helped lead the team to its first World Series in 2002. But Salmon knows that even bigger heroes fight their battles in a tougher arena.
"I hate to equate anything I do on the baseball field to courage," said Salmon during a January visit to Seattle to accept the 38th annual Hutch Award. "That doesn't even compare to what North has gone through."
He was referring to North Aspelund, a Fred Hutchinson patient who has battled cancer for 10 of his 15 years. North and his mother shared their courageous story with the audience at the Jan. 27 Hutch Award Luncheon, where Salmon received the award named for the late baseball star Fred Hutchinson, the center's namesake.
More than 950 luncheon attendees filled Safeco Field's center field grass to hear North, Salmon and Hall-of-Famer Brooks Robinson tell stories of perseverance and, ultimately, success - in the cancer clinic and on the baseball diamond.
Salmon found the mix of stories a good one. "At times like these, you can really draw from the power of baseball to raise money," he said. "I'm honored to be brought into (the Hutch Award)."
The luncheon - organized by a hard-working committee of volunteers - raised $250,000 for pediatric-cancer research.
After visiting with patients and family members at the Hutch School, Robinson said he was moved by their resolve. "You inspire me," he said. "I go away feeling beautiful. To see a place like this keeps your feet on the ground."
Luncheon-goers were treated to anecdotes from guest speaker Robinson's 23 seasons as a Gold Glove third baseman with the Baltimore Orioles. After the event, Robinson, Salmon, Seattle Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer, manager Bob Melvin and Angels pitcher Aaron Sele signed autographs.
Several auctions and raffles of autographed baseball memorabilia also added to the festivities. The highlight was a framed collection of autographs and baseball cards from all 38 Hutch Award winners.
The collection, donated by Dave Eskenazi, was purchased for $10,000 by a generous donor, who then gave it back to the center.
Hutch Award Luncheon sponsors
Presenting Sponsor
General Motors
MVP
Amgen, Costco Wholesale, KIRO 7, KJR, MagicHour Films, Seattle P-I
Gold Glove
Granston Mechanical, Merrill Lynch
Silver Bat
Affiliated Engineers, NW; American Funds; First Horizon; Hutchinson Family; Key Bank; Dave Mann & Ann Thomson; Turner Construction; Union Bank of California; United Parcel Service; Waggener Edstrom; Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati Foundation
An artistic act of kindness
One of the most touching gestures during the Hutch Holiday Gala came when Dan Lynch of Napa Valley, Calif., bought a painting by Seattle artist Liang Wei depicting "A Day in the Life" for $20,000. He then gave it to Fred Hutchinson patient Joyce Miner, who spoke about her experience fighting cancer. "Dan was so inspired by Joyce's courage and optimism, he wanted to thank her in this way," said Larry Feder, vice president of development. "The gala moves people like Dan to take some extraordinarily generous actions. It's a special night."
Santa helps support Fred Hutchinson
Santa came to town early to the delight of many Seattle-area children who attended the Traditional Fred Hutchinson Center Santa Breakfasts in December. More than 1,700 kids and their family members over two weekends before Christmas enjoyed their morning meals while jugglers, dancers and Santa provided entertainment. The annual event, hosted by the Tim & Dan Watts Guild, raised more than $116,000 in support of Fred Hutchinson.
Team up to raise money at Shore Run, earn perks
It's not too early to start thinking about putting your team together for the 26th annual Shore Run and Walk to support Fred Hutchinson. Teams will earn special perks and prizes this year.
The Shore Run and Walk, hosted by the Broadmoor Washington Park Guild and the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel, will be held Sunday, June 29.
All racers who are members of a team will receive personalized race T-shirts. They will also be invited to the Four Seasons Team Breakfast following the races at the Party in the Park. Teams with the most members and that raise the most money will receive special prizes.
For team information or a team registration packet, contact Sandra Reed at sreed@starbucks.com or (206) 318-5052.
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