Cancer Center Gala

The Supporters Board of the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center celebrated Gala 2008, the center’s annual celebration marking the culmination of the yearly fundraising campaign, on February 16 at The Kirklin Clinic. This year's event raised $658,000, all of which will remain in Birmingham for cancer research and patient services.

The Gala is a winter tradition in Birmingham, and this year’s event featured several new twists and additions to the festive evening. The theme for this year’s Gala revolved around contemporary art. Guests enjoyed food by B&A Warehouse and live music provided by Cleve Eaton and the Alabama All-Stars.

One particularly exciting addition to the Gala was “ArtBlink,” which featured 11 local artists who had an hour and a half to create a piece of artwork during the event while guests watch. The art was then auctioned off by auctioneer Ken Jackson. The artists included Nall, Vicki Denaburg, Darius Hill, Lonnie Holley, Amy Pleasant, Karen Graffeo, Fran Nagy, Ricky Trione, Randy Gachet, Carolyn Goldsmith and Paul Ware. The first-ever ArtBlink auction added more than $32,000 to the Gala total.

This year's Gala funds will go toward UAB's research in cancer and nutrition. Half of the funds raised will be used to recruit a faculty member to lead our Cancer Nutrition Program, 25 percent will go toward patient and family assistance, and 25 percent will go toward the Cancer Center Director’s Discretionary Fund, which will be used to fund high-priority areas.

Alabama is the second most obese state in the nation. This epidemic is taking a major toll on the health of Alabamians, resulting in loss of health, productivity and even life. Nearly 36 percent of Alabamians are overweight, which can increase the risk of developing and dying from cancer.

Over the years, the Supporters have raised more than $8 million for the UAB Cancer Center, the only such center in the immediate southeast that meets the stringent criteria for “comprehensive” designation by the National Cancer Institute. These funds have provided equipment for establishing research laboratories, cutting-edge instruments for innovative research and treatment, and recruitment packages for attracting superb faculty members, as well as important services for compassionate care.

Jeanie MacKenzie, Helen Pardue and Britt Redden were the chairs of Gala 2008. Howard Nelson was fundraising chairman, and Richard Pardue serves as president of the Supporters. Community Affairs Special Events Coordinators Rachel Waters and Katie Walls were the Cancer Center staff coordinators for the event.