Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer’s (WOKC) 45th Anniversary Gala raised $4 million Saturday, April 25, at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas, in a powerful evening celebrating children with cancer (Warriors), the families who love them, and the supporters helping advance research in the fight against pediatric cancer.
Tatiana and Peter Cancro, founder of Jersey Mike’s Subs, served as Honorary Chairs for the milestone gala with Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer founder Cindy Brinker Simmons and long-time board member Karee H. Sampson serving as Gala Co-Chairs.
“Everything we do is for the kids,” said Cindy Brinker Simmons. “For 45 years, Wipe Out Kids’ Cancer has remained committed to providing hope and support as we stand firmly anchored with these courageous and inspiring young heroes and resilient families facing their challenging cancer journeys. I am profoundly humbled, touched, and thankful for the dedication and kindness lavished on WOKC these last four-and-a-half decades by so many gracious people.”
“Our hearts are full of gratitude for the enormous generosity and unwavering support from WOKC’s long-time faithful donors, sponsors, and many new friends who made this milestone gala so victorious and impactful in the lives of these precious kids battling cancer. It is an honor and pleasure to help plan and execute this momentous celebration,” said Karee Sampson.
Centered on the theme “Cancer Does NOT Define ME!”, the gala brought together community leaders, philanthropists, and advocates for a memorable night filled with moving stories, tremendous generosity, and high-energy entertainment. Of the $4 million raised at the gala, WOKC will dedicate $2 million to co-fund innovative pediatric cancer research grants in partnership with the V Foundation for Cancer Research. The V Foundation will match this funding with an additional $2 million, bringing the total investment to $4 million for game-changing pediatric cancer research projects across North America.
The remaining $2 million raised from the gala will support WOKC’s relentless mission to fund year-round programs including its signature Buddy Bags, Warrior Family events, and international podcast that provide comfort and hope during these uncertain and stressful times. “Medicine for the soul” is how parents describe the benefit of these programs.
During the evening, WOKC Warriors shared their personal stories of perseverance and hope. Haylie Geraci shared her frightening experience of being diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at the age of 11 and the joy of ringing the bell in 2020 to mark the end of two-and-a-half years of grueling treatment and being declared cancer-free. Today, she is a freshman at Texas A&M University. Niko Tacey spoke about being diagnosed with cancer at 13 years old. Today, he is a sophomore at Texas A&M University studying oceanography and will be commissioned into the Navy upon graduation. Both young speakers reflected on the ways WOKC stood beside them and their families throughout their cancer journeys.
Geraci introduced five-time Emmy-award winner and ESPN sports journalist Holly Rowe who served as emcee for the evening, bringing both warmth and candor as she shared her own story of being diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic melanoma. Her personal remarks added another layer of perspective and encouragement to a night focused on perseverance, hope, and the importance of continued progress in cancer research.
The evening featured a dynamic live auction led by Yve Rojas, a professional auctioneer and past contestant on Survivor, with guests bidding on experiential packages curated by WOKC and the V Foundation for Cancer Research.
Honorary Chairs Tatiana and Peter Cancro, two of the nation’s most genuinely benevolent servant leaders, were presented with WOKC’s Philanthropic Impact Award. Their deep compassion for children battling cancer, along with their steadfast financial support and that of Jersey Mike’s which now totals over $7 million in funding to WOKC throughout the past 16 years, continues to make an enormous lasting impact on WOKC’s critical mission.
Accepting WOKC’s Scientific Research Impact Award was Dr. Andrew Koh, Chief of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Health and Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Children’s Health and UT Southwestern Medical Center have been recipients of WOKC’s novel, cutting-edge research funding over the past 45 years.
Another standout moment came during the evening’s paddle raise, which generated nearly $500,000 in donations from supporters committed to helping children with cancer and their families.
Guests were treated to musical performances by the popular Little River Band during dinner and concluded with a dessert and dance party featuring the Emerald City All-Stars, whose fun and lively performance kept the celebration going late into the night.
Source: Press release
