The H Foundation of LaGrange, Illinois, recently presented a $310,000 check to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University to support basic science research. Over the past six years, the Foundation—comprising a volunteer group of LaGrange-based business owners and friends—has donated more than $1.4 million in philanthropic support to the Lurie Cancer Center.  Specifically, the Foundation''s support has enabled the Cancer Center to award "bridge" funding and incentive grants to scientists who are pursuing highly innovative and promising cancer studies. 

"Some of the most incredible findings originate from a crazy idea," says Steve Palmer, H Foundation board member and owner of Palmer Place restaurant. "Most of the large donations do not fund these ideas until they get farther along in the process. Hopefully, our H Foundation funds will help provide a more robust basic research foundation at Northwestern from which great cancer programs can be built."

Proceeds from the H Foundation’s wildly successful Goombay Bash—A Caribbean Festival to Find a Cure for Cancer—provide the majority of its philanthropic funds. The seventh annual Goombay Bash, held in August 2007, was the Foundation’s largest and attracted more than 1,200 guests who enjoyed silent and live auctions, an extensive dinner buffet and bar featuring the event’s signature "Goombay Smash," and a Caribbean band. The event also allowed attendees to pay tribute to family members and/or friends with cancer by featuring photos and messages on large video monitors throughout the evening.

"Our belief in the work of Dr. Rosen and his team at Northwestern is our motivation to continue to grow and raise more money for basic science cancer research through our Goombay Bash each year," says John Rot, founding member and president of the H Foundation board and co-owner of Hortons Home Lighting.

To recognize and thank the H Foundation board for its extraordinary commitment to the Lurie Cancer Center, Steven Rosen, MD, director and Genevieve E. Teuton Professor of Medicine, and Tom O’Halloran, PhD, associate director for basic sciences research, announced that the center’s annual basic science symposium will now be named the "H Foundation Annual Basic Science Symposium."