American Cancer Society Giants of Science Gala honors researchers

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest not-for-profit investor in cancer research, second only to the federal government.

The American Cancer Society’s Giants of Science Research Awards gala on October 18 at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills celebrated Society-funded researchers  Adam Leventhal, PhD of USC;  Andrew Goldstein, PhD of UCLA;  and Tony Hunter, PhD of the Salk Institute for their stellar work toward eliminating cancer.  In addition, special honors went to apparel chain M. Fredric for their 17 years of support, along with philanthropist Dr. Peter Landecker for his generous support of the Society’s research.  All event proceeds from the event were earmarked for the Society’s groundbreaking research program.

The event was hosted by actress and TV personality Alison Haislip (Con Man, Battlebots, The Voice, American Ninja Warrior) and featured performances by The USC Marching Band (The Spirit of Troy) and UCLA’s celebrated a cappella group, The Scattertones.  The participation of these two musical student groups celebrates the awards for their school’s researchers and demonstrates the students coming together from two rival schools to support a world without cancer.  Another highlight of the event was the presentation of nine cancer survivors dressed in white formal wear with signs of therapies that were made possible through ACS-funded research.

Giants of Science annually pays tribute to current research grant recipients whose work has been selected by a national committee for commendation. This year’s research honorees are: Adam Leventhal, PhD of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center who will receive the DETERMINATION Award; and Andrew Goldstein, PhD of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA who will receive the HOPE Award; and  Tony Hunter, PhD, of the Salk Institute for Biological Studies who will receive the TRIUMPH Award.

During the event, the American Cancer Society also proudly honored Fred and Lisa Levine, Mardi Fox, and the entire team at M. Fredric with the “Corporate Champion” Award for 17 years of generous support and for being dedicated of corporate allies in the fight for a world without cancer.  Their heartful patronage across corporate giving, community events such as Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, and gala fundraisers such as Giants of Science cumulates to an astounding $578,000.  

Lastly, philanthropist Dr. Peter Landecker was honored with the “Mission” Award for his generous three-year pledge to fund the entirety of a grant for a local researcher totaling $165,000. 

Since 1946, it has funded more than $4.6 billion in cancer research, including the early work of 47 Nobel Prize-winning scientists.

Corporate Sponsors included Breakthrough Sponsor Houlihan Lokey and Discovery Sponsors, City of Hope, Herbalife Foundation, UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center and Wells Fargo.  Table Hosts for the event are KPMG, LA CARE Health Plan, Michael Cautillo Real Estate, The Agency, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Carolyn Rhee & Renae Williams Niles & Gregory Niles.  The Los Angeles Business Journal is the media sponsor.  Dekora Concepts is the décor sponsor for the evening. 

The American Cancer Society is the nation’s largest not-for-profit investor in cancer research, second only to the federal government. Since 1946, it has funded more than $4.6 billion in cancer research, including the early work of 47 Nobel Prize-winning scientists. Nationally, the Society currently funds 746 grants for more than $410 million; 87 of those – totaling almost $50 million – in California.