By Judy Carmack Bross
A group of newer Breakthrough Board members attend a summer social at the home of Nicole Drusinsky. Pictured from left are Madeline Cascio, Kelli Heinz, Nicole Drusinsky, Pauline Chow, Jean Atchison (Membership co-chair), Elizabeth Luttig (immediate past president) and Ashley Engels Shackleton.
With one tagline–“Where Breakthroughs Blossom”—the brilliant Breakthrough Board sums up new growth in funding groundbreaking cancer research at UChicago Medicine and a harvest of new members, as it invites guests to the black-tie Breakthrough Ball on October 19th at the Four Seasons.
Co-chaired by Anna Smith and Bridget Rahr, who worked closely with Board President Barbara C. Sessions, “Where Breakthroughs Blossom” further captures the nurturing of the board by its robust membership who returned the board to its original roots with its reorganization under the Cancer Research Foundation in 2021. Begun in 1947, the board funds innovative programs with high breakthrough promise across the spectrum of innovation in cancer research, diagnosis and treatment at UChicago Medicine.
Co-chairs Anna Smith, left, and Bridget Rahr earlier this month at the 2024 Kick-Off event, hosted at Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry.
We spoke with the co-chairs who explained that board members often dedicate their service to the Breakthrough Board in honor of family members and friends who have experienced cancer.
Bridget Rahr told us: “Our board is such a talented and dedicated group of volunteers, all bonded by our mission of raising funds for cancer research. We are so lucky to have many cancer survivors on our Board who are living testaments to the successful treatments at UChicago and who work tirelessly to raise funds to further those breakthroughs. When we pull our skills together, it’s incredible to see what we can accomplish.”
Anna Smith honors her late mother, Anna Sroka, who was able to prolong her life through cancer clinical trials. “It is very important to me to be an advocate for research and patient care. My daughter Alessandra loves to get involved as well. She recruits her friends and leads the raffle ticket sales team at the Ball.”
Raffle sales team at the 2023 Breakthrough Ball, from left: Hunter Dias, Alessandra Smith, Hope Stineman, and Eleonora Fazio.
Until you’ve attended a Breakthrough Ball you have no idea of the enthusiasm that builds in the ballroom due to the commitment of board members and guests around the mission to fund innovative programs with high breakthrough promise. A greeting and joyful sales pitch from the young raffle sales team will have you smiling from the start. Having raised $25,000 in ticket sales last year, they have set their goal this year for $30,000. The wine raffle features a superb variety of fine wines, alongside an amazing collection of silent auction items, stewarded by Annemette Clausen and Hanna Helms. The expanded silent auction includes an array of exclusive golf experiences, fabulous jewelry, travel, coveted sports tickets, and wonderful dining opportunities. An inspiring film by longtime presenting sponsor Ogilvy will once again be central to the evening.
Ayo and Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD is the Director of the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, at the 2022 gala. Dr. Odunsi is receiving the 2024 Partner in Breakthroughs Award at this year’s event.
The Board will honor Kunle Odunsi, MD, PhD, and Director of The Comprehensive Cancer Center, presenting to him at the Gala the 2024 in Partner in Breakthroughs Award in recognition of UChicago’s recent award of the highest honor from the National Cancer Institute. UChicago is one of the country’s few comprehensive cancer centers.
Director of Development Margaret Hermanek told us: “Dr. Odunsi is a visionary leader in cancer research, especially clinical trials. The Board has been fortunate to have his partnership and wise counsel and are thrilled to honor him this year.”
Molly Curley, left, with Past President Elizabeth Luttig at the Ball Kickoff Party in September at her Studio.
Breakthrough Board member and Live Auction co-chair Molly Curley, owner and designer of Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry, has donated a. handmade 18 karat yellow gold cushion link necklace with a white gold and diamond twist clasp and a large white gold and sapphire pave oval clasp , valued at more than $30,000. Her donation honors her mentor Barbara Parker, who died of cancer in 2021.
The handmade 18-karat gold link necklace donated by Molly Curley of Barbara Parker Fine Jewelry.
The Live Auction, also co-chaired by Miranda Maxfield, will also include a spectacular Vail trip with accommodations just steps from the gondola in Vail Village and a wine dinner for 10 in the historic David Adler home of Geoffrey and Laura Luce, featuring some of the world’s greatest wines. Co-hosted by Henrik and Annemette Clausen, the rare wines, all valued over $10,000, will be served with a gourmet five course dinner.
Vice-President Jennifer Rhind told us:
“Bridget and Anna are gifted planners, and have inspired enthusiasm for a sophisticated black-tie gala. While the dress code and expanded silent auction may be a return to tradition, the 2024 Breakthrough Ball will not be your typical gala! The ball chairs have conceived a vibrant, glamorous, energized evening with wonderful surprises. The board is so excited to see what Anna and Bridget have created and to come together to raise critical funds for cancer research at UChicago. Our president, Barb Sessions, leads with such exceptional energy and vision, she inspires us and keeps all of us going.”
Alexandra Nikitas, Cancer Research Foundation Board Chair and Barbara Sessions, Breakthrough Board President at the 2023 gala.
“It is an amazingly fun party and after you have worked hard all year it is great to get dressed up, invite your friends, and raise funds for our mission,” Rahr, who is an interior designer, said. “It never seems like work!”
“The Ball raises awareness and shares deeply moving stories,” Smith said. “Our guests and sponsors, many of whom have been with us for decades, understand that their support directly impacts critical, lifesaving cancer research. That’s a great feeling!”
We are pleased to share photographs from past Breakthrough events below.
Kristi and David Nuelle at the 2023 Breakthrough Gala.
Steering Committee for the 2022 Breakthrough Ball.
Top left to right: Jeffrey Smith and David Rhind. Bottom left to right: Laurel Elzinga, Jillisa Brittan and Jennifer Rhind.
Past President Elizabeth Luttig with Dr. Sola Olopade and Dr. Fummi Olopade at the 2023 Breakthrough Gala.
For Further information please contact:
rsvp@thebreakthroughboard.org
