Portland, June 25th, 2015. It took a village (and events like the Heart of Doernbecher ) to raise the needed $500 million dollars in matching funds to meet the $1 billion Knight Cancer Challenge. The Knight Cancer Challenge was launched in 2013 after Nike Co-founder Phil Knight and his wife, Penny, pledged $500 million for cancer research if OHSU raised an equal amount by February 2016. (A $100 million dollar donation from Columbia’s Gert Boyle helped speed the process.) On June 25th, Phil Knight and Dr. Brian Druker celebrated hitting the matching amount on Good Morning America with Anchor Robin Roberts. They thanked the more than 10,000 donors who made it possible. Those included the supporters who attended the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation gala where organizers welcomed 450 guests to the Sentinel Hotel. It was the 17th Annual Heart of Doernbecher and the $1.1 million raised was the largest amount to date.
Doernbecher patient and three time cancer warrior Lauranne Ackelson was the guest of honor and shared great news with the crowd – she had clean blood work at her most recent check-up.
Doernbecher’s interim Chair of Pediatrics Dana Braner, M.D., with Brooke Ervin, Doernbecher Foundation Executive Director Jim Ervin and OHSU Foundation Chief Financial Strategist Mary Turina.
Doernbecher Foundation Board Member and former Portland Trail Blazer Terry Porter is all smiles at the Heart of Doernbecher.
OHSU President Joe Robertson Jr., M.D., M.B.A. poses with event co-chairs Cathy Rudd, Linda Rae Hickey and Craig Wessel.
The evening began with a cocktail reception featuring a silent auction and hands-on “Experience Doernbecher” activities where guests could try their hand at surgery simulation or meet Doernbecher’s Chief Canine Officer, Hope. The dinner program was emceed by KGW’s Drew Carney and featured presentations from OHSU President Joseph Robertson Jr., M.D., M.B.A. and Governor Kate Brown. The live auction, under the direction of auctioneer Bill Menish, included incredible packages such as a Vespa, custom painted by Jennifer Winship Mark, a heli-hiking trip in the Canadian Rockies, a suite at the upcoming Madonna concert, and a penthouse condo in Cabo.
The event was presented by Wentworth Subaru and was chaired by Linda Rae Hickey, Cathy and Jim Rudd, and Craig Wessel. The subcommittee chairs were Nathan Bailey, Kelly Montoya, Deanna and Bill Shake and Todd Stucky.
About OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital and the Doernbecher Children’s Hospital Foundation:
Doernbecher Children’s Hospital is Oregon’s premier pediatric health center, providing the region’s widest range of children’s health care services and serving as the primary center for OHSU pediatric programs. As part of Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon’s only academic health center, Doernbecher offers patients exceptional primary care and access to the region’s most advanced treatments. In addition, Doernbecher is Oregon’s primary teaching hospital. Its staff educates tomorrow’s pediatric specialists.
The Doernbecher Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that exists to secure private philanthropic support for Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. The foundation raises funds from individuals, companies, foundations and organizations, and invests and manages gifts in accordance with donors’ wishes.
The 29th annual Friends of Doernbecher Softball Tournament is Saturday, July 25 at Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District. Help support the children at Doernbecher by registering your team today!
