McArdle Laboratory Director Dr. Paul Lambert (left) and UW School of Medicine and Public Health Dean Dr. Robert Golden (right) speak at the Night of Hope event.
On January 19th, McArdle students, staff, and faculty gathered together with teachers, staff, and supporters from Verona Area High School at Gray’s Tied House for the 13th Annual “Night of Hope” fundraiser. Festivities included a silent auction and raffles, with live performances by MUD Music and The Fauxtons. The annual fundraiser, which has grown steadily since its inception in 2005, raises money to benefit basic cancer research at the McArdle Laboratory (Department of Oncology). Additionally, Gray’s generously donates a portion of all food and drink sales made during the event.
The “Night of Hope” was inspired by the life of Verona Area High School teacher Anne Boehm. Ms. Boehm was a beloved member of the Verona community and a mother of three who passed away from breast cancer in 2006. The first “Night of Hope” was held to raise money towards supporting Ms. Boehm’s medical expenses and to allow her and her family to take a vacation.
In subsequent years, as more members of the Verona Area High School community were affected by cancer, the teachers of Verona decided to continue holding the event, and to donate the money to fund new cancer research.
“The teachers of Verona wanted to raise money for a cancer institution where they could assure that 100% of the money was going to research, and they wanted to keep the money local,” said Nancy Cahill, who helps coordinate the event.
Over the years, the relationship between the McArdle Lab and the Verona Area High School staff has grown strong. McArdle faculty and staff have hosted several tours of their facilities for members of the Verona Area High School community, allowing them to meet with researchers and see the work that their generosity makes possible. Every year, McArdle faculty and staff look forward to participating in the festivities at Gray’s Tied House.
To date, the “Night of Hope” event has raised over $35,000 for research at McArdle and shows no signs of slowing down. This year’s event boasted one of the strongest showings yet by both Verona and McArdle staff, raising over $5,000.
The McArdle Laboratory wishes to thank the Verona Area High School staff, the amazing bands who performed, all who donated gift baskets and raffle items, and Gray’s Tied House for hosting. Your generosity and efforts make the cancer research breakthroughs at McArdle possible!
Coming up: On July 14, Nancy Cahill will host her annual Be The Cure event, to benefit the UW Carbone Cancer Center. More information on that event can be found here.