KARMANOS CANCER INSTITUTE’ S 23RD ANNUAL PARTNERS EVENTS RAISE MORE THAN $ 750,000
450 guests attended the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’ s 23rd Annual Partners Night last fall. This exciting evening, along with the previously held Partners Golf Classic, together known as the Partners Events, raised more than $ 750,000 to help advance cancer research at Karmanos, creating the Dr. Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius Endowed Chair in Cancer Research. This year’ s Partners honorees were longtime Karmanos supporters and community philanthropists Linda Dresner, owner of Linda Dresner, Inc.; and Ed Levy, Jr., CEO of Edw. C. Levy Co.
The evening kicked off with a strolling cocktail reception featuring dinner by Forte Belanger; entertainment by the John Arnold Trio and visual artist Daniel Cascardo; and a raffle presented by Somerset Collection. The program welcomed supporters and also recognized the unprecedented career of Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius, M. D., who has been serving cancer patients for more than 60 years. The program was followed by a fashion show presented by Linda Dresner that featured more than 30 models wearing unique, edgy styles that captivated the audience. After the fashion show, the party continued with music by DJCaptn20 and a Detroit Circus stilt walker and acrobat.
Gerold Bepler, M. D., Ph. D., president and CEO, said:“ Ed has been a dedicated supporter of Karmanos Cancer Institute for many years, providing invaluable insight and guidance; and Linda’ s creative vision and support have brought excitement and glamour to many of our events, including this year’ s Partners.
“ I’ m also privileged to recognize Dr. Vaitkevicius, fondly referred to as Dr. Vee, who is a legend at Karmanos and one of Michigan’ s leading oncologists for more than six decades. His stellar reputation is known throughout the world. Dr. Vee’ s pioneering work in cancer research has led to new global standards of care and treatment... To honor and continue Dr. Vee’ s legacy, funds raised from this year’ s Partners Events will help create the Dr. Vainutis K. Vaitkevicius Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.”
For more information about the Partners Events and the Partners Committee, visit Karmanos. org / Partners.
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Innovative Health- Winter 2017