Cancer works its way into the lives of nearly everyone at some point, either directly or through a loved one. It’s a condition that takes a deep physical and mental toll, so equal amounts of research, care and compassion are needed to fight it. That’s the mission of the American Cancer Society (ACS), whose St. Louis office is gearing up for one of its most important fundraisers of the year—the second annual Champions of Hope Gala Nov. 4.
The 2017 gala’s presenting sponsors are World Wide Technology and the Steward Family Foundation. It’s co-chaired by World Wide Technology founder and chairman David Steward and his wife, Thelma Steward, who leads numerous charitable initiatives in the St. Louis region. The chapter plans to mix things up a bit this year at a local landmark venue, says director of communications Christine Winter. The black-tie event will be held at The Sheldon Concert Hall in Grand Center— indoors and out—and will include cocktails, dinner, musical entertainment, and live and silent auctions. Most importantly, it will provide a way to make a difference for cancer patients. Well-known entertainment and presenters will grace the stage, and the lineup will be announced by the end of August.
“Thelma and I are honored to partner with the men and women of World Wide Technology to support the critical mission of the American Cancer Society,” David Steward says. “By supporting the gala, we honor and celebrate friends and family who have been impacted by cancer. We are all committed to making this gala the most successful ACS event yet, and to taking a big leap forward in the fight against cancer.”
The evening is a collaborative effort between the ACS and the St. Louis CEOs Against Cancer chapter, which brings together Fortune 1000 executives who share a commitment to the cause. Last year’s gala raised more than $1 million, making it one of the society’s most successful first-year fundraisers nationwide, Winter says.
“The outdoor portion of the gala will be a beautiful tented affair with amazing decor and wonderful food in the newly built Steward Family Plaza,” says senior event manager Kathy Fritz. “Then everyone will go into The Sheldon for more entertainment and fun.” The evening also will feature poignant tributes to cancer patients currently in treatment and those who have passed on, she notes.
Cancer is responsible for $216 billion in U.S. health care costs each year, so the need for funding is huge, Winter says. The ACS’ fundraising efforts allow it to support cancer detection and prevention, patient and family support services, groundbreaking research, and public policy work, all of which offer patients healing and hope. “We are supporting the next generation of promising cancer researchers by funding investigators early in their careers,” she says. “Funding from the American Cancer Society is often a springboard that allows them to attract more funding and make groundbreaking discoveries. The society is proud to fund forward-thinking cancer research and contribute to work that has resulted in a 25 percent drop in the overall cancer death rate in the U.S.”
One of the event planning committee’s most integral members is Mark Frederickson, director of program management at World Wide Technology. He is in treatment for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer that has been in the news with U.S. Sen. John McCain’s recent diagnosis. So Frederickson has an all-too-personal perspective on the importance of advancing cancer research and supporting patients and their families. “When I first was impacted by cancer last fall, it raised my level of desire to get involved,” he says of his work on the committee. “So many people who have experienced cancer have reached out to me with compassion and personal connections. I wanted to do the same.”
Fritz says the gala’s ‘Raise the Paddle’ auction will support Hope Lodge, a temporary residence for cancer patients who are receiving care in St. Louis and live more than 40 miles away. Many of them have to remain in town for weeks or months while undergoing treatment, so a free, comfortable place to stay is invaluable, she notes. The main idea behind the Lindell Boulevard facility is to make sure patients don’t miss important ongoing treatments because they can’t afford a hotel. Hope Lodge can accommodate 88 guests at a time, and it’s conveniently located near facilities like Siteman Cancer Center and SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital. A companion can stay with each patient, and shuttles are available to transport them to treatment. Since the lodge opened in 1995, it has served 2,000 guests a year and saved them $1.4 million annually in hotel costs.
“It’s really about saving lives,” Winter says of the lodge—and all of the ACS’ efforts on behalf of patients. “There shouldn’t have to be a choice between getting the best treatment or no treatment at all.”
Pictured: American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge
Funds raised at the Champions of Hope Gala support the American Cancer Society’ s mission to save lives, celebrate lives and lead the fight for a world without cancer. Pictured on the cover: Kathy Frederickson; event planning committee member and cancer patient Mark Frederickson of World Wide Technology; gala co-chairs David and Thelma Steward. Additional corporate sponsors include Ameren, Edward Jones, Express Scripts, CSI Leasing, Monsanto, Deloitte, Emerson, Pw C, SSM Health, Armstrong Teasdale, Nestle Purina, UMB Bank, KPMG, Siteman Cancer Center, Barnes – Jewish Hospital and Washington University. To learn more about the Champions of Hope gala Nov. 4, contact Kathy Fritz at 314.286.8147 or visit championshopegala.org.
Cover design by Allie Bronsky | Cover photo by Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
