MMRF Accelerator Magazine Winter 2017 Edition | Page 21

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 21 “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.