Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon committee.
The 27th Annual Children's Cancer Fund Luncheon brought together celebrities, sponsors and more than 900 caring community members to raise funds for pediatric cancer research at Children's Medical Center. This year's guests at the April 17 luncheon included longtime Event Chairmen Roger Staubach, who has chaired the event for all 27 years, and Troy Aikman, who has co-chaired for the past 18 years. Clarice Tinsley and Steve Eager served as mistress and master of ceremonies.
Event Chairmen Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman kicked off the luncheon introducing committee co-chairs Kathleen Strand and Cara Serber, who each have daughters who have had cancer. Twenty-one young cancer patients from Children's Medical Center selected an outfit donated by Dillard's to model at the luncheon, allowing the children to participate in a fashion show. Prior to the western-themed runway fashion show, a live auction was held, which included original artwork painted by children and Texas-based artist Christopher H. Martin.
The event raises critical funding for pediatric cancer research and programs at Children's Medical Center, and it also serves as a positive social-psychological experience for children undergoing cancer treatment. With the help of area celebrities, sponsors, and a caring community, these children are given a fun day away from hospitals and treatment.
“While all fundraising totals are not yet complete, we are close to our $450,000 goal, and we know that we surpassed what we raised last year on the day of the event, bringing in over $130,000 in live auction, silent auction, call for cash and merchandise sales. Our live auction brought in the largest amount on record - $50,000,” says Brittney Bannon, Director of Development, Children's Cancer Fund.
With over $7 million in funds raised since 1982 for pediatric cancer research, Children's Cancer Fund continues to fund critical research while improving treatments for hundreds of children throughout the greater North Texas community,” says Luncheon Committee Co-Chair Cara Serber. “A significant amount of these funds are raised through this annual luncheon.”