UNLV's Cancer Institute received more than $100,000 from the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, UNLV President Carol C. Harter announced during a check presentation ceremony held at UNLV Thursday, October 5. The gift represents the proceeds from the first-ever Terry Fox Gala and 5K Run and Fun Walk held on Sep. 22 and 24.
More than 200 people attended the gala event at the Four Seasons that included a silent auction and Luther Vandross Concert at the Mandalay Bay Events Center. This was followed by a 5K run and fun walk two days later at Pueblo Park with more than 200 participants.
"The Four Seasons Hotel is thrilled to have had such a wonderful response to this first-time event," said Randy Morton, the hotel's general manager. "This is an international event that we've brought to the Las Vegas community, and we look forward to its continued success in the years to come." Every year, each of the 50 Four Seasons hotels and resorts in 19 countries, hosts a run in honor of Terry Fox. To date, more than $250 million has been raised for cancer research. All proceeds from these events remain in the community in which they are raised to benefit a local organization that is conducting innovative cancer research.
"UNLV is honored and pleased to have this support from the Four Seasons Hotel," Harter noted. "They are exemplary corporate citizens and have been involved with the university since they opened. This is yet another fine example of how they are giving back to the community.
"These monies will be used judiciously in the Cancer Institute where they will have the most leverage in supporting research toward the prevention and cure of cancer," Harter added.
The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also provided a substantial in-kind contribution through its underwriting of food and beverage related expenses associated with the weekend of events.
Terry Fox was a young Canadian who lost his leg to cancer when he was 18 years old. In 1980, Terry ran his "Marathon of Hope" to raise awareness of and funds for cancer research. He ran across Canada using an artificial leg, running 26 miles each day. After 143 days and 3,339 miles, he was forced to quit as the cancer had spread through his body. This year represents the 20-year anniversary of Terry Fox's "Marathon of Hope."
