Hilton Nonprofits and Charities

2019, what a year it has been. The foundation has by far had their share of challenges. One thing did not change and that was the fundamental charge of this organization.<br>Some of the changes, highlights, and successes for 2019 and where we are headed in 2020.<br>In April we renewed our 4th 5-year commitment of $250,000 payable at $50K/year for the next 5 years. <br>Over the past 40 years to current we have given the University of Rochester now the Wilmot Cancer Institute over $1,000,000 for Cancer Research. <br><br>In 2019, Wilmot Cancer Institute held its 20th Annual Discovery Ball and honored the Edelman - Gardner Cancer Research Foundation with the 2019 Inspiration Award. <br>The Inspiration Award, given annually, aims to recognize an individual or group in the community whose story helps illustrate the importance of cancer research. This year, Karen Hermance gave remarks on behalf of the Edelman Gardner Research Foundation, the Inspiration Award recipient this year. In 1984, after losing his wife and a good friend to cancer years before, George Edelman Jr. decided he wanted to raise $1 million for cancer research, and in the following decades, the organization did. Over the years, the Foundation has funded equipment and projects in Wilmot’s Hallmarks of Cancer research program, which focuses on foundational research, and projects to study treatments for colon, ovarian and breast cancer, among others. “It all began with one person wanting to make a difference and has grown from one to the commitment of many,” said Karen Hermance, who now leads the organization. Edelman died last month, but before he died, he encouraged the group to continue their important efforts around cancer research. <br><br>“In so many ways, it was a successful evening, and we’re so thankful to all who helped make it possible,” said Jonathan Friedberg, M.D., M.M.Sc., director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “As we continue to work toward growing our research strengths and applying for NCI designation, community support like this is increasingly important. We’re so fortunate to have groups like the Edelman Gardner Cancer Research Foundation and others in the community who are willing to support this important work.”<br><br>2020 has certainly had its challenges for all. The foundation was still able to meet ther commitment of $50K in May of 2020. Covid 19 has stopped or slowed most of the world down but the need for research is as important today as it will be tomorrow.<br>