Raisbecks challenge Hutch Holiday Gala guests with $1 million matching grant

With the help of a $1 million challenge grant from James and Sherry Raisbeck, organizers of the Hutch Holiday Gala are aiming to raise record funds at the 25th annual event Dec. 2.

The Raisbecks, of Seattle, will match every dollar—up to $1 million— donated at the Gala during the exciting Help the Hutch portion of the evening, a 20-minute period where donors generously open their checkbooks for the Hutchinson Center. Combined with the evening’s auctions, the Gala is shooting to raise more than $3 million for cancer research at the Hutch.

The Raisbeck’s contribution will be dedicated to research of lymphatic cancers and is made in the memory of the late Dr. Penny Petersen, who died of lymphoma last spring.

“This terribly debilitating and often-fatal disease must be understood, treated and conquered,” said the Raisbecks. “We can think of no better place to help expedite this process than at the Hutch.”

The Raisbecks became involved with the Hutch in 1996, when their son-in-law received a bone-marrow transplant to battle his chronic myologenic leukemia. Within a year, he was cancer-free. Clinical research conducted at the Hutch led to the procedure’s success in spite of complications.

To donate toward the Raisbecks’ generous challenge, call (206) 667-2980.

Gala features abundance of great auction items

Polish your shoes and powder your nose—it’s time to prepare for the 25th anniversary Hutch Holiday Gala!

Hundreds of unique and unusual items will make their way to the auction block at the Northwest’s premier fund-raising event. Best of all, every successful bid will help the Hutchinson Center get closer to eliminating cancer.

Once again, General Motors has donated a Yukon Denali, valued at $46,000. Two other vehicles will appeal to the collector and driver alike. A 1999 Indian Motorcycle, valued at $27,500, from Fast Company is on the block. Sandy Brentlinger donated a vintage 1946 Willys Jeep in excellent condition, valued at $10,500.

For those interested in less earthbound travel, the successful bidder will fly to the edge of space in the highest-flying combat aircraft ever built. Back down to earth, the Boeing Company has donated a dinner cruise for 10 on their private yacht, Daedalus. Campagne Restaurant has donated artworks valued at $20,000. In addition, countless other items will be available. For information, call (206) 667-2980.

Thanks to all who supported these activities that raised funds for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center:

The Pete Gross House Luncheon on Aug. 4 drew 350 people and raised $125,000 for the Pete Gross House, which provides affordable housing for out-of-town patients. Thanks to Six Degrees Restaurants, which provided the gourmet meal, and to our sponsors: the Seattle Seahawks, 710 KIRO and Entercom Seattle.

The Evergreen Classic Benefit Horse Show from Aug. 8 to 13 raised more than $100,000 for cancer research at the Hutch. Several thousand people attended the event at Redmond’s Marymoor Park. Thanks to our $25,000 Grand Prix sponsor, Wells Fargo.

The Terry Fox Run and Walk on Oct. 1 and auction on Sept. 22 raised more than $40,000 for the Hutch’s pediatric oncology program. Thanks to the Four Seasons Olympic Hotel, Tully’s Coffee, Photozone.com and Albertsons.com.

The Seattle Mariners Home Plates family cookbook has raised $200,000 to date for the Hutch’s pediatric-oncology program. Compiled by the Mariners Wives and underwritten by From the Heart Foundation, the cookbook has sold more than 20,000 copies at Mariners baseball games and team stores.