2010 Gala guests donate more than $5.6 million

Donations at the 35th anniversary Hutch Holiday Gala Dec. 4 totaled more than $5.6 million for Hutchinson Center research. The single largest fundraiser for the Center, the Gala has now generated more than $75 million since its inception in 1975.

During a segment of the live auction, called “Help the Hutch,” members of the Bezos family encouraged guests to complete their $10 million challenge gift—first announced at the 2009 Gala—to fund the Hutchinson Center’s Immunotherapy Initiative. Spurred by the Bezos’ offer to match donations dollar-for-dollar, guests completed the challenge goal.

Best auction items

An impressive array of silent and live auction items drew lively bidding. Here’s a sample: 

• 2011 Acadia Denali SUV raised $50,000;
• Culinary tour of Spain raised $20,000;
• Rome Fashion Week trip raised $15,000; and a
• "Cars of the Stars" tour, including private jet and tour of the private car collection of comedian Jay Leno, sold for $70,000 at $7,000 per person. 

Comedian Kevin Nealon of “Saturday Night Live” fame served as celebrity emcee of the black tie event at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel.

Find more information or make a contribution.