The evening’s master of ceremonies was the charismatic Tony-
award winning James Naughton. Over the course of the evening,
many were recognized for their contributions. Among them was
MMRF Courage and Commitment Award winner Ryan Anthony,
principal trumpet for the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and founder
of CancerBlows, a symphonic musical event and powerful cancer
fundraiser.
“The MMRF has made it possible for patients like me to have new
drugs and treatments available at the time when they are needed
most,” Ryan said upon receiving his award.
The annual Spirit of Hope Award was then presented to Republic
Records Founders and Chief Officers Avery and Monte Lipman,
whose best friend is fighting multiple myeloma.
“The spirit and momentum of this effort has become nothing
short of extraordinary.” noted the Lipmans.
Preceding the paddle raise and live auction portion of the
evening, an unprecedented announcement was made by Paul
Giusti. MMRF Board Member Rodger Riney and his wife Paula
pledged to match every dollar donated to the MMRF before year-
end – up to $10 million – creating a fever-pitch and raising even
more funds for research.
The evening was capped off by a performance by 19-
time Grammy Award winning legend Tony Bennett, whose
unmistakable voice and stage presence elevated the celebratory
tone, energized the audience, and made the evening memorable
for all.
The MMRF wishes to acknowledge our gratitude for
longstanding partnerships with leading pharmaceutical
companies, including the gala’s presenting sponsor
Takeda Oncology.
ACCEL E RATO R • W I N T E R 2017
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“The MMRF Fall Gala has always been an evening of celebration
and gratitude for the remarkable progress we have made. By
leveraging our precision medicine model, we have launched four
new initiatives this year to advance cures for every patient. This
would not have been possible without the commitment and
support from our partners and friends,” said Paul Giusti, MMRF
President and CEO.
Over 800 supporters gathered under a massive, warm canopy on
a cool October night to participate in the MMRF’s annual Gala—
its signature, star-studded fundraising event. With a boisterous
cocktail hour, dynamic silent auction and plenty of dancing, the
evening provided both a great night out and a chance to reflect
on MMRF’s progress and road ahead.