The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation raised a record $852,500 from a golf tournament and a concert by Tommy James and the Shondells. Proceeds will support medical research at the Oklahoma City nonprofit.
A wine and food festival accompanied the band’s performance Sunday, Oct. 6, at OMRF as the first part of the foundation’s annual “241” fundraiser – two events for one great cause. Tommy James and the Shondells performed from their catalog of hits from the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, including “Crimson and Clover,” Mony Mony” and “Draggin’ the Line.”
A golf tournament Monday at the Territory Golf & Country Club in Duncan concluded 241. The country club is owned by OMRF Board Member Barbara Braught and her husband, Rick.
This was OMRF’s 11th year to hold the benefit since 2012. During that time, 241 has raised more than $7.5 million for medical research at the foundation. The amount raised from this year’s fundraiser exceeded the previous record by more than $20,000.
Funds raised through 241 will help recruit and retain scientists while also helping fund research projects in areas that include cancer, heart disease and stroke, multiple sclerosis, and diseases of aging.
“For more than a decade, donations resulting from 241 have provided OMRF scientists with critical resources as they seek new treatments for a wide range of diseases,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “We are extremely grateful for our supporters’ generosity, which will make a huge difference in our mission to help more people live longer, healthier lives.”
This year’s event involved 148 sponsors. Sponsorship chairs were Sherri and Bill Lance Jr. of Sulphur.
Lead event sponsors included the Chickasaw Nation; Tom & Judy Love Foundation; American Fidelity Foundation; Continental Resources, Inc.; Virginia & John Groendyke; Presbyterian Health Foundation; Ronnie A. Rosenfeld; Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum; Tyler Media Group; Arvest; Mary K. Chapman Foundation; Lonnie Childress; Devon Energy Corp.; GJW & Associates & Lariat Creek, LLC; Hardesty Family Foundation; William D. Hawley, M.D.; Gay & Ed Kirby; Sherri & Bill Lance Jr.; Polly & Larry Nichols; Don & Linda Nickles Charitable Fund; OG&E; and Danny Zelisko Presents.
For more information about 241, visit www.omrf.org/241.
