The Goombay Bash, anisland-themed fundraiser for cancer research, has been held annually since 2001.
CHICAGO – The nonprofit H Foundation is holding its annual Goombay Bash fundraiser in Chicago this Saturday. Since its founding in 2001, the H Foundation has raised more than $13 million to support basic cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. What began as a grassroots effort has become a powerful movement, and it is a group near and dear to many in the lighting industry.
This year, Goombay Bash attendees can double their donation impact thanks to WAC Group, which has pledged a $50,000 matching gift in support of the event’s signature Paddle Raiser.
During the Paddle Raiser, guests will be invited to raise their paddles to make a live donation at various giving levels. “It’s one of the most moving and impactful moments of the night,” the organization said in a release. With WAC Group’s match, donors at the $1,000 level with have their donations fully matched, up to $50,000, so their gifts will go twice as far toward making a difference in the fight against cancer.
“We are deeply committed and very proud to support the H Foundation in its efforts to beat cancer and champion critical research,” said Becky Li, president of WAC Group. “We look forward to coming together with all of our industry friends at this year’s Goombay Bash!”
This year’s event will take place at the Navy Pier. Actor Rob Lowe will be the celebrity guest of honor. It will also include a live auction with one-of-a-kind packages, silent auctions with 300+ packages, a live drawing of a $10,000 raffle prize, instant win raffles and a chance to win a “best of live auction” package.
And, in the spirit of the Goombay Bash, which was founded as an alternative to stuffy, black-tie affairs, attire is casual, and a Hawaiian shirt is optional.
