Brain Research Foundation Discovery Dinner Marks Organization's 63rd Year Of Funding Innovative Neuroscience Research

CHICAGO, Oct. 6, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Brain Research Foundation will bestow its 2016 Frederic A. Gibbs award to a Chicago couple uniquely invested in supporting scientific research, and a healthcare organization with a distinguished history of community outreach and support. BRF board member and PathoCapital President and CEO Wilbur H. Gantz will present the award for philanthropic leadership to Martha and John Mabie for over 50 years of support to BRF. Mr. Mabie is Chairman of Mid-Continent Capital, a firm he founded in 1983.  BRF board member and Private Bank Chairman Norman R. Bobins will present the award for community service to the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), a federation of 36 independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. Scott P. Serota, president and CEO of BCBSA, will accept on behalf of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies across the country.

"The selection of this year's honorees underscores the important relationship between philanthropy and scientific research that potentially improves the quality of life," stated Dr. Terre A. Constantine, BRF executive director and CEO. "Our Foundation is in its seventh decade of funding innovative neuroscience because of the generosity of people like Martha and John Mabie, and support from like-minded organizations such as Blue Cross Blue Shield. We are grateful to BRF board members Norm Bobins and Wilbur Gantz for their commitment and participation to the foundation and specifically in this year's awards."

The 2016 Brain Research Foundation Annual Gala is chaired by Alicia and Peter Pond. Mr. Pond is BRF board chair and along with his wife is a long-time supporter of the organization.

The Discovery Dinner is a major fundraiser for the Foundation and 100 percent of the proceeds go into basic neuroscience research that will impact our understanding and treatment of ALS, Alzheimer's, autism and virtually all neurological diseases.

About the Brain Research Foundation
Brain Research Foundation supports neuroscience research that leads to advanced understanding of brain function in children and adults. This Foundation is committed to advance discoveries that will lead to novel treatments and prevention of all neurological diseases.  

We deliver this commitment through both research grant programs, which provide initial funding for innovative research projects, as well as educational programs for researchers and the general public. 

CONTACT: Deborah Schneider, [email protected] 

SOURCE Brain Research Foundation