The Fifth District AHEPA Cancer Research Foundation hosted its 27th Annual Gala on Saturday in Edison, NJ. The annual event continues to raise awareness and awards funds for cancer research. On this evening the million dollar mark was finally reached as chairman Antoinette Zachariades handed out several checks. The foundation awarded grants to Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, Children’s Blood Foundation, and Fox Chase Cancer Center.
Guests enjoyed and celebrated the evening with a silent auction and dancing to the sounds of Alpha Orchestra who featured Greek and American music. The annual event continues to be a key national fundraising project and reconfirms the commitment by AHEPA as the leading Greek-American fundraising organization.
Foundation History
The Foundation was formed in October 1988, by the Fifth District Order of AHEPA to raise funds from its members and the general public for research grants. Shortly after, the Fifth District Daughters of Penelope came on board uniting the AHEPA Family behind a common cause of philanthropic support of cancer research. The Foundation volunteers began their fundraising efforts in March of 1989. Armed with collections canisters thus inaugurated the humble beginnings of collecting donations to provide funding for cancer research.
Through the efforts of the “all volunteer” Board of Trustees, the Foundation presented its first grant award in the Fall of 1990 to Fox Chase Cancer Center and the amount of $5000.
Through the generosity and support of individuals and the expansion of several new fundraising events, the Foundation has significantly increased its financial support one hundred fold. As of 2016 the Foundation has been honored and privileged to award approximately $1,000,000 to the men and women who diligently work towards a cure for cancer. No one receives a salary, or any compensation and administrative costs are kept to a minimum of 2%.
If you are interested in learning about the Fifth District Cancer Research Foundation or would like to make a charitable donation, please visit them online at their newly launched website.