Moffitt’s Magnolia Ball Raises More Than $8 Million for Cancer Research
Friends, family members, patients, cancer researchers and leading Tampa Bay philanthropists filled the room at Moffitt Cancer Center’s 30th annual Magnolia Ball with a shared mission: to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
This year, the gala at the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street drew more than 900 guests and raised more than $8 million. Proceeds go to cancer research, treatment and care.
During the ball, the crowd heard from patient Bob Snedeker, who was diagnosed with B-cell lymphoma. After six rounds of chemotherapy, he received a second opinion from Moffitt hematologist Julio Chavez, MD. Snedeker spoke about his enrollment in a life-saving CAR T-cell therapy clinical trial.
Over the past 30 years, the Magnolia Ball, Moffitt’s signature event, has raised more than $50 million for innovative cancer research to help patients just like Snedeker, giving someone who was once told to say his goodbyes a second chance at life.
“We are grateful and overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone who came to the Magnolia Ball to support advancements in immunotherapy, bioengineering, prevention, early detection, cancer vaccines and more,” said Maria Muller, president of Moffitt’s Foundation. “Hundreds of donors united this evening to launch the next generation of cancer care.”
Guests at the gala, which was chaired by the Wanek family, got the opportunity to bid on items in live and silent auctions. The party continued with a live performance by country music group Lady A. The excitement didn’t stop there, as the crowd ended the night enjoying an afterparty featuring DJ Fresh.
