Brain Research Foundation Discovery Dinner Crosses $1 Million Mark, Sets New Fundraising Record

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Brain Research Foundation's annual gala dinner surpassed $1 million in donations for the second consecutive year, a record for the organization that applies 100% of proceeds into funding innovative neuroscience research. "This fundraising success is unprecedented but also necessary," stated Terre A. Constantine, Ph.D., Brain Research Foundation Executive Director and CEO. "Through the leadership of our board and the generosity of our donors, our grant making has reached a new level. This is critical because our scope is national and neuroscience funding has tightened in recent years so we are able to help fill a critical gap."

The Discovery Dinner is an annual Brain Research Foundation event at which the Frederic A. Gibbs Award is given to recipients in the respective areas of philanthropy and community service.

2016 recipients of the Frederic A. Gibbs Award for Philanthropy are Martha and John Mabie for their more than 55 years of support to BRF. Mr. Mabie is Chairman of Mid-Continent Capital, a firm he founded in 1983. The 2016 recipient of the award for community service is the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a federation of 36 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies, which was accepted by Scott P. Serota, president and chief executive officer of BCBSA.

The PrivateBank Chairman Norman R. Bobins and PathoCapital President and CEO Wilbur H. Gantz, both BRF board members, presented the awards.

This year's dinner included a panel discussion on opioid dependence and addiction. T. Celeste Napier, Ph.D., Director, Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction, Rush University Medical Center and Kuei Y. Tseng, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology, The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medical Science, participated in the panel that was moderated by Dr. Constantine.

Alicia and Peter Pond chaired the October 13, 2016 Brain Research Foundation Discovery Dinner. Mr. Pond is BRF board chair and along with his wife is a long-time supporter of the organization. The dinner is a major fundraiser for the Foundation with 100% of the proceeds going toward scientific research on ALS, Alzheimer's, Autism and virtually every affliction of the brain.

About the Brain Research Foundation
Brain Research Foundation supports neuroscience research that leads to advanced understanding of brain function in children and adults. This Foundation is committed to advance discoveries that will lead to novel treatments and prevention of all neurological diseases.  We deliver this commitment through both research grant programs, which provide initial funding for innovative research projects, as well as educational programs for researchers and the general public. 

SOURCE Brain Research Foundation