ArtBLINK 2023
■❚ PHILANTHROPY
ArtBLINK 2023
The Advisory Board of the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center hosted its 38th annual ArtBLINK Gala on Feb . 4 in the Kirklin Clinic of UAB Hospital , marking the board ’ s first in-person gala since 2020
With more than 700 guests in attendance , the event raised more than $ 900,000 for the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center Fund for Excellence , setting a new fundraising record . The Fund for Excellence promotes broad areas of basic , translational and population science research relevant to cancer and helps the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center further its mission of advancing the understanding of cancer to improve prevention , detection , treatment and survivorship for all people .
This year , 19 local artists participated in the silent auction , creating original works of art live on stage in only 90 minutes . The Advisory Board selected Gray and Lee Thuston as the 2023 Director ’ s Circle honorees , recognizing them for their longstanding , significant commitment to the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center and to Birmingham at large .
“ Gray and Lee Thuston laid the groundwork for community investment in cutting-edge research and innovative patient care at the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center ,” said Charles D . Perry Jr ., president of the 2022-23 Advisory Board . “ We are thrilled that we were able to honor Gray and Lee this year as we brought one of Birmingham ’ s premier events back in person .”
Tony and Marsha Hernandez
“ The money raised by the ArtBLINK Gala allows O ’ Neal investigators to perform critical studies that will make their grant applications more competitive for large levels of extramural funding from the NIH and other organizations ,” said Barry Sleckman , M . D ., Ph . D ., director of the O ’ Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center .
“ The return on investment has historically been about $ 18 in extramural funding for each $ 1 invested from ArtBLINK . So , if ArtBLINK raises $ 900,000 to be invested , the expected yield in extramural funding is $ 16.2 million .”
— EMMA HOLMES AND MARIAH PAYNE
Scott and Lauren Goedecke
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