Young philanthropists plan Karmanos Cancer Institute's 22nd Annual Partners Events; support cancer research

DETROIT, July 15, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- For the past 21 years, a group of hands-on entrepreneurs and philanthropists have stepped up to raise awareness and funds for the cutting-edge cancer research at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. The group of young volunteers, known as the Partners Committee, are gearing up for the 22nd Annual Partners Events: the Golf Classic on Monday, Aug. 31; and Partners Night on Thursday, Oct. 1. Honorary Chairs for this year's Partners Events are Jennifer and Brian Hermelin. This year's Partners Executive Committee Co-Chairs are Jason Geisz and Adam Speck.

"Jennifer and I feel privileged to serve as honorary chairs for this year's Partners," said Brian Hermelin. "All of us know someone who has been touched by cancer. When your loved one receives a diagnosis, you want them to have the very best chance of surviving their disease.

"We're fortunate to have the world-renowned Karmanos Cancer Institute right here in metro Detroit. As one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, Karmanos' physicians and scientists are relentless in their pursuit to find new targeted therapies that can result in better outcomes for cancer patients. Please join us for this year's Partners Events and help support the life-saving work going on at Karmanos."   

Since the committee began, Partners Events have raised nearly $14.5 million to support Karmanos' exceptional state-of-the science cancer research. This year's events will continue that momentum. The Partners Golf Classic will be held at the beautiful Franklin Hills Country Club and include an 18-hole competitive scramble and golf cart, breakfast, barbeque lunch, refreshments and an awards dinner. Awards will be presented to the lowest scoring Men's, Women's, Mixed and Pro-Am teams. This offers a fun day of golf for Partners' Sponsors. Space is limited.

Partners Night will feature an edgy, Detroit style fashion show set in Detroit's industrial chic Russell Industrial Center. Guests will experience a night full of energy, including a strolling cocktail reception, street style edibles, fashion show with club-style seating, an exciting raffle and auction, and live entertainment.      

Pre-registration is required. For sponsorship opportunities or more information about Partners Golf Classic or Partners Night, call 313-576-8106, email [email protected] or visit www.karmanos.org/partners. 

"I'm honored to serve on the Partners Committee with so many other young professionals who share their talent and resources to help advance cancer research at Karmanos," said Geisz.

"Partners gives committee members the opportunity to support critical research at the Institute and give back in their own personal way through their involvement in the Partners Events.  Everyone who supports the events help impact cancer advancements underway at Karmanos."

Speck added, "We're excited to present some innovative elements to this year's Partners Night, which will be a chic, industrial feel that represents the resurgence and resilience of Detroit.

"Those of us who love Detroit never give up on this gem we call home; just as the scientists at Karmanos never stop their quest to discover cancer breakthroughs that can lead to life-saving treatments. Supporting Partners Events is a win for all of us."

The 2015 Partners Committee:

Executive Co-Chairs are Jason Geisz and Adam Speck. Partners Committee Members include: Tom Alongi, Sunny Connolly, Dan Cornwell, KC Crain, Ellyn Davidson, Ethan Davidson, Brian Eisenberg, Jay Farner, Scott Faulkner, David Fischer, Jr., Amanda Fisher, Brenda Guinan-Huddy, David Jacob, Nick Jallos, Nick Karmanos, Dino Kostopoulos, Cheryl Luckoff, Howard Luckoff, Sarah Mally, Christopher Mann, Sean A. Metrose, Michelle Mio, J.J. Modell, David Nicholson, Jason Pace, Carol Ritchie, Jessica Saputo, Brett Schneider, Jill Schumacher, Craig Solgan, David Thewes and Michael Thibideau.

How Partners Started:

Karmanos Cancer Institute long-time supporters, Anna and Harry Korman, had the vision to begin Partners in memory of their late daughter, Suzanne, who died of cancer at the age of 36. The Korman's established the committee as a way to engage young people in raising money for cancer research, knowing that research would lead to advancements in treatment options and early detection methods.

For the past 21 years, the Partners Committee has continued the Korman's legacy. The Partners are united in the fight against cancer and are dedicated to solely raising funds for research at Karmanos Cancer Institute through the signature two-part fundraiser known as the Annual Partners Events.

"We're incredibly grateful for the ongoing generosity of the Partners Committee and the many patrons who support the Partners Events," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO, Karmanos Cancer institute. "To have such a caring group of individuals engaged in raising funds to help advance cancer research at Karmanos is truly gratifying and helps us continue our mission to eradicate this disease."    

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.

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SOURCE Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute

Related Links

http://www.karmanos.org