PHILADELPHIA (September 14, 2020) — Fox Chase Cancer Center will present its signature fundraising event, In Vino Vita, on Friday, October 2, 2020, from 7–8 p.m. In order to maintain appropriate health and safety precautions, the 2020 gala was moved from its original spring date and will be held virtually for the first time in its seven-year history.
“In Vino Vita means ‘in wine, life.’ As we reinvent our signature event, we recognize that this special evening is about much more than enjoying a nice glass of vino. This year, in particular, is about community,” said Richard I. Fisher, MD, President and CEO of Fox Chase.
In years past, In Vino Vita has featured live music, a multicourse dinner, and an auction for high-end wine and related experiences. This year, guests are invited to participate from the comfort of their own homes. The online event will provide entertainment, as well as live and silent auctions where the highest bidder can win experiences from top winemaking talent, including Champagne Laurent Perrier, Cain Vineyard & Winery, Frank Family Vineyards, and Ramey Wine Cellars.
“We are honored to have the support of event co-chairs J. Robert Beck, MD, and Maggie Beck, EdD, and wine co-chairs Louis E. Della Penna Sr. and Carol A. Della Penna,” said Fisher. “Their leadership, particularly as we adapt to a new format for this much anticipated event, has been invaluable. In addition, my wife, Susan, and I are pleased to serve as honorary chairs.”
The Presenting Sponsor for this year’s event is West Pharmaceutical Services Inc. Platinum Sponsors are Louis and Carol Della Penna, Jefferson Health, Donald Morel Jr., PhD, and Lauren Morel, and Temple Health. Silver Sponsors are Michael and Reina Cohen, Lutron Electronics, and WCG Clinical.
In addition to the festivities, a key element of the gala is the Special Pledge. The purpose of the pledge is to focus fundraising efforts on a significant opportunity that will directly impact the future of cancer research, treatment, and care at Fox Chase. Previous pledges have funded a state-of-the-art immunotherapy lab, the renovation of a surgical family waiting suite, and other initiatives that have helped to improve the Fox Chase patient experience and advance important research projects.
The 2020 Special Pledge will focus on funding young investigators in cancer research. The goal is to provide resources to exceptional young investigators who are poised to make breakthroughs. The funding will enable them to pursue original research, earn advanced degrees, and collaborate with their peers in an environment where competition for funding is extremely fierce and opportunities are limited.
Registration for In Vino Vita is free at vinovita.org.