American Cancer Society, Boeing team up to raise $6 million at annual Discovery Ball
The American Cancer Society today announced that its 2017 Discovery Ball - one of Chicago's premier galas and one of the country's top-rated charity events - raised $6 million to fund vital cancer research, support and services, and advocacy programs.
The 11th annual gala, which took place on Saturday, April 22, at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, boasted nearly 1,100 guests and 100 volunteers. Chicago-based Boeing served as the presenting sponsor. Boeing Chairman, President and CEO Dennis Muilenburg and his wife Becky Muilenburg served as event co-chairs.
The American Cancer Society's top staff executive, CEO Gary M. Reedy said, "Together, we're saving lives, celebrating lives, and leading the fight for a world without cancer. There's never been a better time to invest in that vision. With our supporters, we're making important contributions that have led to significant progress against cancer. Prevention efforts, early detection, and better treatments have resulted in a 25 percent decline in cancer mortality rates since 1991, avoiding 2.1 million cancer deaths nationwide."
"Like so many, Boeing employees have experienced the devastating effects of cancer, which is why we were so honored to support this worthy cause," Muilenburg said. "We take pride in knowing that the funds raised will go a long way toward sustaining leading-edge research, providing free services to those facing a diagnosis and expanding access to important prevention programs here in Illinois and around the United States."
Boeing employees donated more than $856,500 toward the overall fundraising effort, which the company has pledged to match dollar-for-dollar.
Among the evening's many highlights included a special appearance by American Cancer Society's top staff executive, CEO Gary Reedy, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and a performance from Tony Award winning actor James Corden, who also acted as the emcee for the evening.
Further accolades were given to Advocate Health Care as the recipient of the event's annual Corporate Partnership Award in recognition of their extraordinary leadership and fundraising support.
The ongoing success of the American Cancer Society's Discovery Ball is rooted in a strong foundation of corporate support. This year, that support was led by Discovery Sponsors including Accenture, Advocate Health Care, Aon, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Honeywell, McKinsey & Company, Northern Trust, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Optum, United Airlines and Walgreens Boots Alliance.
In addition, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Salesforce came in as Diamond Sponsors.
Platinum Sponsors include Abbott, Aramark, Cisco Systems, Inc. and World Wide Technology, Citi, Dell Technologies, Dover Corporation, Exelon, ITW, JP Morgan Chase & Co., KPMG, Motorola Solutions, Inc., Northrop Grumman Corporation and Raytheon Company.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois will be the Presenting Sponsor of the 2018 Discovery Ball in Chicago.
About the American Cancer Society:
The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots force of 2 million volunteers saving lives in every community. As the largest voluntary health organization, the Society's efforts have contributed to a 25 percent decline in the cancer death rate in the U.S. since 1991, driven by less smoking, better treatments, and earlier detection. We're finding cures as the nation's largest private, not-for-profit investor in cancer research, ensuring people facing cancer have the help they need and continuing the fight for access to quality health care, lifesaving screenings and more. For more information, to get help, or to join the fight, call us anytime, day or night, at (800) 227-2345 or visit cancer.org.
About The Boeing Company:
Chicago-based Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries.