Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner April 25 goes high-tech for cancer care

DETROIT, March 26, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute partners with General Motors and the General Motors Foundation to enhance cancer research and patient care, it not only directly impacts cancer patients in southeast Michigan but also can make a difference for cancer patients across the globe. Join these two Detroit-based organizations for an evening of high-tech allure as they celebrate the Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner, Saturday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m., in the heart of General Motors' most inspired space – The Design Dome in Warren, Mich.

This year's Annual Dinner Chairs are Debra and Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Public Policy, General Motors and chairman of the GM Foundation. Proceeds from this year's event will support the expansion of Karmanos' Intensive Care Unit and develop a 24-hour Acute Care Clinic to support the continuum of specialized care for Karmanos patients.

"This year marks the fifth consecutive year that GM has played a major role in supporting Karmanos' Annual Dinner," said Ferguson. "Debra and I are proud to be among the GM senior leaders who have chaired this event before us, including Karin and Dan Akerson, Mary and Tony Barra, Kim and Mark Reuss, and Pernilla and Dan Ammann. They have set the bar high and inspire us to do the same. We encourage everyone to support the outstanding work of this world-renowned cancer center."  

Earlier this year, the GM Foundation donated $500,000 to directly support cancer research at Karmanos. To recognize the combined philanthropic contributions of GM and the GM Foundation over the years, the Karmanos Cancer Institute has named one of its laboratory floors the GM Foundation Cancer Research Floor.

The Karmanos Cancer Institute's Annual Dinner raises critical funds to benefit patient care, supporting the work of Karmanos researchers and physicians who are creating the next standard of cancer care that will be used around the world.

"We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding support of Annual Dinner Chairs Debra and Bob Ferguson, GM, the GM Foundation and all of the generous sponsors and supporters who help us continue our mission to do all we can to end cancer," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer Institute. "Thanks to their support, we were able to build a state-of-the-art ICU for our cancer patients a few years ago. This year's Annual Dinner proceeds will help enhance the continuum of care to ensure that our patients have the best possible chance to survive this complicated disease."

OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT:

Host Sponsor for the Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner is Cadillac. Presenting Sponsor is Gallagher-Kaiser Corporation and Gala Sponsor is Edw. C. Levy Co. Executive Sponsors are Becker Ventures, Commonwealth//McCann and McCann Worldgroup, and Kenwal Steel Corp. Entertainment Sponsors are AVL Americas, Credit Union ONE and Johnson Controls. Dinner Sponsors include AT&T, Crain Communications Inc., The Delphi Foundation, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, The Jeff Eller Group, LLC, Elizabeth and Michael Kojaian, Lear Corporation, Lowe Campbell Ewald, Quicken Loans, Roberti+White, UAW-GM Center for Human Resources and Worthington Industries. Media Sponsors are HOUR Detroit and dbusinesss Magazines, WDIV Local 4 and WJR 760.

WHAT GUESTS WILL EXPERIENCE:

Karmanos Cancer Institute's 33rd Annual Dinner is one of Detroit's most prestigious black tie events. This year's gathering will include a strolling cocktail reception, seated dinner with brief program, live auction, entertainment and much more, set in the General Motors Design Dome. Hank Winchester, anchor/reporter for WDIV Local 4, will serve as emcee. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in an exciting raffle, presented by David Yurman, for a beautiful David Yurman Cable Coil bracelet and earring set. The stunning 18-karat gold cuff bracelet is 37mm wide and features 0.99 total carat weight diamonds. The matching earrings are 18-karat gold with 0.48 total carat weight diamonds. The combined retail value for the bracelet and earrings is more than $25,400. Raffle tickets are available for $100 each and the ticket holder does not need to be present to win.

The excitement will continue as guests have the opportunity to bid on a variety of unique VIP packages during the live auction, presented by General Motors. VIP packages include experiences at the Cannes Film Festival, the Indy 500, the NCAA 2016 Men's Final Four and WGC Cadillac Championship, a stay at the Broadmoor Resort in Colorado Springs, a Cadillac Racing Package, and a Private J. Mendel Fashion Experience.

The Annual Dinner Tribute Program is another way to support the work of Karmanos Cancer Institute while honoring the memory or celebrating the life of a loved one. For a minimum donation of $100, a beautiful card will be sent to the individual(s) designated by the donor.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED:

For more information about sponsorship opportunities, event reservations, Tribute Program or other ways to show support, contact Roxanne at 313-576-8108 or [email protected]; or visit www.karmanos.org/annualdinner.  

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, a subsidiary of McLaren Health Care, is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS or go to www.karmanos.org.   

About General Motors Co.
General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets.  GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

About Cadillac
Cadillac has been a leading luxury auto brand since 1902. Today Cadillac is growing globally, driven by an expanding product portfolio featuring dramatic design and technology. More information on Cadillac appears at www.cadillac.com. Cadillac's media website with information, images and video can be found at media.cadillac.com.

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SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute