MACC Fund’s 25^th Anniversary Gala Results
in Record-setting $750,000 Donation    

Milwaukee, WI — The MACC Fund, Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, Inc. celebrated its 25^th Anniversary with a special event at the Bradley Center in Milwaukee. A sell-out crowd of 1,000 attended in an arena that normally features athletic competition but was transformed into an incredible setting befitting a Silver Anniversary. This was much more than an anniversary. It was a celebration of hope and life for children with cancer.

The evening began with a remembrance of the events of the week and recognition of another faceless, cowardly killer known as childhood cancer. The singing of God Bless America followed the moment of silence. Jane Bradley Pettit was also remembered in the building she generously gave to the city 16 years ago. The night ended with a check presentation that followed an intimate concert by 5-time Grammy winning recording artist Dionne Warwick. In between, the audience learned about the fight against childhood cancer from those in the trenches who are the caregivers, as well as from the soldiers themselves, the children who fight the battle each day. They also learned of the generous people who support the battle with their financial and moral support.

The Gala was underwritten through the generosity of Fresh Express, Inc. of Salinas, California in a collaborative effort with Fresh Brands, Inc. of Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Home of Piggly Wiggly and Dick’s Supermarkets.

Michael Houser, Vice Chairman, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of Fresh Brands Inc. Chaired the Gala. He presented the record-breaking check for $750,000 from evening along with Jon McGlocklin, President and Co-Founder of the MACC Fund and John Cary, Executive Director of the MACC Fund. The check was presented to Dr. Bruce Camitta, M.D. who has been the Director of the Midwest Children’s Cancer Center since 1978.

The record contribution will be used to establish the development of a tumor vaccine research program in the MACC Fund Research Center of the Medical College of Wisconsin conducted by the staff of the Midwest Children’s Cancer Center. The Center is the primary beneficiary of MACC Fund support. Since 1976, the MACC Fund has contributed over $18 million to pediatric cancer research in Wisconsin. Cancer is the leading disease-related killer of children after the newborn period. The overall cure rate has risen from 25% to 65% in the past 25 years. Great strides have been made, but far more needs to be done.

The proceeds of this event will help with that process.