Over $1.4 Million Dollars Raised for GI Research at 55th Annual Ball

On Saturday, June 4, over 500 supporters of the GI Research Foundation gathered in the magnificent Rotunda Room of the Museum of Science and Industry to mark the occasion of the 55th annual gala fundraiser, "A Magical Night at the Museum". More than $1.4 million was raised that evening.

After enjoying cocktails in the delightful train room, guests were welcomed by Master of Ceremonies Ben Bradley of Channel 7 ABC news, who spoke of his own struggles with Crohn's disease. Medical Director David T. Rubin, MD, offered opening remarks highlighting the importance of support for GI research at the University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center with stories of several discoveries made possible by the GI Research Foundation in just the past year.

Following dinner, a live auction, and a raffle drawing, a challenge grant offered by a generous anonymous donor, and in an act of incredible generosity, Platinum Angels Sy and Nancy Taxman made a special pledge of an additional $100,000. Together, these pledges met the anonymous donor's challenge, doubling the individual contributions and bringing the total amount raised to $1.4 million dollars.

At the close of the event, as a poignant reminder of the ultimate purpose of the festive occasion, Abra Alscher shared her family's moving struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, in particular, the challenges faced by her youngest daughter, diagnosed at just 16 months, finally on her path to remission thanks to the care she received at the University of Chicago Medicine.

The GI Research Foundation will use the funds raised during this gala to support its mission to support the physicians and scientists at The University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center in their efforts to provide outstanding care, train future leaders and perform innovative clinical and laboratory research in order to treat, cure and prevent digestive diseases.

For more information about the GI Research Foundation, please call 312.332.1350 or email info@girf.org or visit girf.org.

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