Update: Goombay Fundraiser Nets $575,000 for Cancer Research

All the people in the audience battling cancer were asked to stand up—a handful got to their feet. When those who knew someone battling cancer or someone who had lost a battle with cancer were asked to do so, almost the entire room rose.

The impact of cancer on the more than 1,200 guests at the H Foundation's 10th Annual Goombay Bash on Aug. 7 was evident. The celebration to raise funds for basic cancer research took the form of a party in downtown Chicago where celebrities and supporters filled the Grand Ballroom of Navy Pier.

Guests gave generously. Julie Jandris, director of the H Foundation, said they raised a record-breaking $575,000 this year, which will fund basic cancer research at Northwestern University.

"There was an even more personal bond this year, an aura in the air that made the guests' experience all the more bonded," Jandris said.

The doors opened at 5 p.m. and guests began to crowd the registration tables and began to sign a banner that read "Cancer is Personal to Us." Palm trees, parrots, and a water fountain made a backdrop for photo opportunities. Eager volunteers were present to assist every step of the way.

Sounds of a steel-drum band fill the dome-ceiling building as guests entered the ballroom. Round lights covered the ceiling, dimly lighting the room. Umbrellas resembling those found in tropical drinks bordered the walls. Hawaiian luau leis hung over the backs of all the chairs and tables were covered with chocolates, popcorn and tiny energy drinks.

Volunteers with touch pads stood ready to assist guests with the silent auction. Others held large raffle signs for the $50 balloon raffle. Auction items bordered the entire room.

Outside stood a gourmet buffet and cash bar and a small stage waited for a band to set up following the fireworks.

The night got started as the emcee, CBS 2 Chicago news anchor Rob Johnson, took the stage—it was his fourth year in the role. Johnson, who is also an honorary H Foundation board member, has been personally affected by cancer—his parents each had a form of cancer—and he said he loves the work of the H Foundation.

He got the crowd involved by asking everyone to yell out as long as possible, "Goombay!"

Grammy Award winning co-founder of The Ides of March and Survivor, Jim Peterik, a La Grange resident and honorary H Foundation board member, performed his hit song, "Eye of the Tiger", during the live auction. He played on a guitar which was later auctioned off. It was his second year attending Goombay Bash; he was first invited to attend shortly after his mother beat breast cancer.

This year the guitar and House of Blues backstage package sold for $5,000.

Other special guests included Miss Illinois Teen USA 2010, Alexis Atkins, who assisted Rob Johnson with the live raffle drawing.

Dr. Steven Rosen, director of the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and H Foundation honorary board member, came onto the stage to say a few words about how the money from the H Foundation has opened doors for their research efforts. 

The evening continued with two videos: one was a message from the H Foundation explaining how and why Goombay Bash began 10 years ago. The other video was an H Foundation cancer support video. 

The La Grange community came out to show its support. Carissa Bartolomei, owner of Salon Hype in the west end of La Grange,, said she has donated to the event over the years.

"They give to us; we give to them," Bartolomei said.

She recently started her own fundraiser in honor of her daughter, who has juvenile diabetes. She hosted an event this summer where the proceeds went to the Kovler Diabetes Center.

Sue Glasgow, a lighting specialist at Horton's, reminisced about Pam Herts, a Horton's employee who died shortly after being diagnosed with cancer, survived by her 1-year-old son. The H Foundation was named in her honor. Glasgow remembers her as a very positive person and co-worker.

"Pam was a fighter to the end," she said.

The Goombay Bash has been getting more amazing every year, she said, demonstrating the dedication of the people who help keep it going.

Mike and Linda Schwab have been attending the Goombay Bash since the very start. They are good friends with Steve Palmer and Danny Tischler, both on the board of the H Foundation. The Schwab family shared the event with their daughter and granddaughter this year. Mike's mother had five different forms of cancer, and despite that she was able to raise 9 children. She recently passed away at the age of 80.

The Schwab family donates a week at their home in Marco Island, FL, as a prize at the Goombay Bash.

The silent auction, live auction and Fund-A-Cure all raised more than in any prior year. The new touch pads also helped the silent auction run smoothly. The room was filled with more than 100 computers, which made it easy for bidders to check the status of their bids.

The top auction items included a Tuscan Villa stay for eight people, which sold for $12,000. A New York trip, which included tickets to Saturday Night Live; the Community Wine Cella; and the Backyard BBQ; all sold for $9,000 a piece.

Other packages included a trip to Maui, a night with the Blackhawks, and a trip to the Grammy Awards.

Auctioneer David Goodman reminded bidders to think of it as competitive giving, and not to think about getting an item. He encouraged the crowd to "explode with generosity."

As the night wrapped up, guests were able to stick around Navy Pier for the fireworks and a night of dancing under the stars.

The H Foundation accepts donations year-round, sponsorship information goes out at the beginning of the year and item donations for the Goombay Bash usually start as early as April.