Couple donates $800,000 for KU Law School

July 12, 2012

They came from modest donors in rural Kansas, and from prominent civic leaders in Kansas and Missouri. Large and small, their gifts shared the common vision of bringing an NCI-designated cancer center to the region.

The generosity of private donors has resulted in more than $107 million in support of The University of Kansas Cancer Center.

Included in this total is $61 million given as part of the “Be Part of the Cure” initiative from 2009 to 2011, and other gifts and pledges for the cancer center since July 1, 2008. Donations included 20 separate gifts of $1 million or more. The Hall Family Foundation and Annette Bloch each contributed gifts of $20 million or more.

The Kansas Masonic Foundation set the cornerstone for fundraising success by contributing funds in 2003 to recruit Roy Jensen, M.D., as the cancer center’s director. In 2009, Cancer Funding Partners, a Kansas City volunteer council of area civic leaders, was formed to generate additional private support.

“Private gifts helped us recruit and retain key researchers and provide infrastructure needed to apply for NCI designation,” said Jensen. “This generosity also strengthened our case in demonstrating the commitment and support of the people of the Kansas City region and Kansas toward gaining an NCI-designated cancer center.”

Dale Seuferling, president of KU Endowment, said fundraising for the cancer center will continue. “While NCI designation is phenomenal news, our work is not done,” he said, “We must continue to invest in building a world-class cancer center.”

Results of private philanthropy in NCI fundraising efforts include:

14 cancer-focused professorships and faculty chairs at KU Medical Center;
Advanced cancer treatment and facilities at The University of Kansas Hospital;
Acquisition of the building for the KU Clinical Research Center in Fairway, Kan., which is used for clinical trials;
New drug discovery labs, equipment and researchers;
Collaborations between members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance, a network of 16 hospitals and healthcare organizations in Kansas and Missouri.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is a partnership that includes cancer research and healthcare professionals associated with the KU Medical Center and The University of Kansas Hospital in Kansas City, Kan.; KU’s Lawrence campus; the KU School of Medicine-Wichita; and the members of the Midwest Cancer Alliance.

KU Endowment is the independent, nonprofit organization serving as the official fundraising and fund-management organization for KU. Founded in 1891, KU Endowment was the first foundation of its kind at a U.S. public university.

The University of Kansas Hospital is a partner in philanthropy with KU Endowment.

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July 12, 2012