Karmanos Cancer Institute 20th Annual Partners Events honor Danialle and Peter Karmanos, Jr.

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Aug 20, 2013, 11:38 ET

Partners Golf Classic Sept. 9, Partners Night, Oct. 5

DETROIT, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute will hold its 20^th Annual Partners Events this fall in support of its nationally-recognized comprehensive cancer research programs. Proceeds from the events will fund important scientific recruitment initiatives, bringing promising talent to Detroit and further strengthening Karmanos' accomplished research programs.

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The honorees for this year's Partners Events are Danialle and Peter Karmanos, Jr.

The Partners group was the original vision of Anna and Harry Korman in memory of their daughter, Suzanne, who died of cancer at age 36. They established a research fund to help others with cancer and to begin a legacy of research into creating more effective treatments and earlier detection methods as well as building support for patients and their families so that others would not have to suffer as their daughter did. Since then, Partners have raised nearly $13 million for cancer research.

In keeping with the Korman's vision, Partners annually honors an individual or individuals who have positively impacted cancer care and research in our community. Honorees Danialle and Peter Karmanos, Jr., are well-known for their dedication and passion for giving back to the community, and especially to those impacted by cancer.

After the loss of his wife Barbara Ann to breast cancer in 1989, Peter Karmanos, Jr., contributed $15 million to the cancer institute that now bears her name, ensuring that the best and most advanced cancer care is available to other families. Since then, he, along with his wife Danialle, has continually supported the Institute, both personally and through corporate philanthropy.

In addition to Mr. and Mrs. Karmanos being the Institute's largest benefactors, Danialle has continuously applied her expertise and creativity to various committee positions she has held. Her talent has been instrumental in elevating Karmanos Cancer Institute's signature events to a new level, creating a tremendous buzz that increases attendance.

"Danialle and Peter Karmanos, Jr., are a very dynamic couple who are passionate about revitalizing the city of Detroit – and by extension Karmanos Cancer Institute and other Detroit-based companies and organizations," said Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., president and CEO of Karmanos. "Their efforts are characterized with a great style and an infectious energy. This honor is well-deserved."

Today, Karmanos is a beacon of hope to more than 6,000 new patients annually who seek the help of the Institute's renowned physicians and scientists. Karmanos scientists work each day to help establish the most innovative and effective therapies for patients who come to the Institute.

"Philanthropic support from Partners helps keep vital cancer research on track and moving forward," said Ann G. Schwartz, Ph.D., deputy center director and executive vice president of Research and Academic Affairs at Karmanos. "We depend on individuals and corporate sponsors because their generosity ensures that innovative scientific research will continue at the Karmanos Cancer Institute, bringing about better treatment options for our patients."

The Partners Golf Classic features two shotgun starts, one at 8 a.m. and another at 1:30 p.m., Sept. 9 at Franklin Hills Country Club and will include a competitive golf scramble, lunch, refreshments and an awards dinner. The Partners Night, which features special guest comedian J Chris Newberg, includes a strolling dinner, short program, exciting raffle, live entertainment and late night dancing at The Fillmore Detroit, Oct. 5.

Partners Executive Committee Co-Chairs this year are Brian Eisenberg and Michelle Mio.

Major event sponsors of the Partners events include Presenting Sponsor Quicken Loans, Lead Sponsor Compuware Corporation, Platinum Sponsors Becker Ventures, Cambridge Consulting Group, Credit Union ONE, Lil and Alex Erdeljan, The Ferrantino Foundation, Marjorie S. Fisher, The Forbes Company/Somerset Collection, Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP, Kenwal Steel Corp. and The Suburban Collection.; Magazine Sponsor Hour Detroit and Dbusiness Magazines, and Radio Sponsor, News/Talk 760 WJR.

Additional sponsorship opportunities and tickets are available for both Partners events. For information on Partners sponsorship opportunities, contact Maureen Bender at 313-576-8111 or email [email protected].

Benefactor tickets are $250 each; and Friend tickets are $175 each. Pre-registration is required. To register, contact Lisa Koltunchik at 313-576-8106, email [email protected]; or visit www.karmanos.org/partners.

About the Partners
The Partners are a group of hardworking and "hands-on" volunteers, ages 25 – 50, who have pooled their ideas and resources and joined together for the sole purpose of raising funds for the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Many of these dedicated volunteers are motivated by their own personal struggles or those of loved ones battling this disease. The Partners are dedicated to making sure that other families, who are facing this illness, always have a place to turn where they will receive the ultimate in patient care, education and treatment. For more information, go to http://www.karmanos.org/partners.

About the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute
Located in mid-town Detroit, Michigan, the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States. Caring for more than 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $260 million, conducting more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigation programs and clinical trials, Karmanos is among the nation's best cancer centers. Through the commitment of 1,000 staff, including nearly 300 physicians and researchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School of Medicine, and supported by thousands of volunteer and financial donors, Karmanos strives to prevent, detect and eradicate all forms of cancer. Its long-term partnership with the WSU School of Medicine enhances the collaboration of critical research and academics related to cancer care. Gerold Bepler, M.D., Ph.D., is the Institute's president and chief executive officer. For more information call 1-800-KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266) or go to www.karmanos.org.

SOURCE Karmanos Cancer Institute