Funding Hope: American Cancer Society

If you sat down to count to 4 billion, you would be counting for 126 years. Yet it did not take the American Cancer Society (ACS) nearly that long to raise $4 billion toward finding a cure for cancer. The largest nonprofit funder of cancer research, the ACS has helped improve and save millions of lives since its inception in 1913.

In St. Louis, plans are already underway for what will be the local office’s largest annual fundraiser. The inaugural Champions of Hope Gala, led by the society’s Missouri Chapter of CEOs Against Cancer, is set to take place Nov. 12 at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. The 35 St. Louis-based companies represented by the CEOs include Ameren, Express Scripts, World Wide Technology, Washington University, Centene and UMB Bank, among others. “When the local CEOs Against Cancer of Missouri initiative was launched in 2011, its leaders knew there was much to be done to help fight cancer,” says Jason McClelland, ACS senior director of corporate relations. “We decided back then to work toward a new, large fundraiser that would raise substantial revenue for the society. Fast forward to 2016, and here we are.” He says he expects the event to sell out and hopes to raise $1 million.

Ameren CEO and gala co-chair Warner Baxter says he has very personal reasons for heading the gala. “In 2014, I lost my oldest brother [to cancer], and a decade ago, I lost my best friend—my father. Every year, one more person we care about is touched by this disease,” he says, adding that he has another brother who has beaten cancer “[Because of the work of the ACS], my message is not one of despair, but of hope,” he says. “My brother is that face of hope.”

Aside from funding 17 researchers at Washington and Saint Louis universities, money raised by the society supports national programs and services like ‘Road to Recovery’ (patient transportation to and from the hospital) and the Hope Lodge centers (homes-away-from-home where people receiving cancer treatment can stay for up to a year). Christine Garner, a stage III breast cancer patient, describes her own stay at the lodge as ‘a gift from God.’ “It was one of the best things to happen in my life,” she says, remembering the kindness and companionship of staff and volunteers.

Another service, the National Cancer Information Center (NCIC), based in Austin, Texas, is staffed around the clock every day of the year and provides advice and information about anything from health insurance to clinical trials. “These are incredible grass roots, volunteer-based efforts,” says McClelland, adding that St. Louis typically raises around $3.5 million a year for the ACS through events like Coaches for Cancer and Relay For Life. “These programs are life-savers,” he says. ACS has 2.5 million volunteers nationwide and 350 offices.

The newly established Mission Hero Award will be presented at the Champions of Hope Gala. “This award is a prestigious local honor for corporations, foundations and individuals who have made significant contributions to the ACS fight against cancer,” McClelland says, adding that could include significant financial donations or longtime support in achieving ACS goals.

The black-tie event is presented by Ameren and includes cocktails, silent and live auctions, dinner and dancing, and a presentation by a nationally known television personality (to be announced). Other corporate supporters to date include Express Scripts, Edward Jones, SSM Health and SLU Cancer Center, RF Holdings, St. Louis Cardinals and KPMG.

The American Cancer Society Champions of Hope gala, led by CEOs Against Cancer, takes place Nov. 12 at St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Pictured on the cover: Warner and Cindy Baxter, Dr. Samantha Morris and Dr. Nicole White, both of Washington University School of Medicine. For information and tickets, call 314.286.8147 or visit championshopegala.org.

Pictured: Warner Baxter, Dr. Samantha Morris, Cindy Baxter and Dr. Nicole White
Featured photo: Tim Parker Photography
Cover design by Julie Streiler | Photo by Tim Parker