The Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation raised $870,000 this week from a golf tournament and a concert by Three Dog Night. Proceeds will support medical research at the Oklahoma City nonprofit.
A wine and food festival accompanied the classic rock band’s performance Sunday, Oct. 5, at OMRF as the first part of the foundation’s annual “241” fundraiser – two events for one great cause. Three Dog Night performed from their catalog of hits, including “Joy to the World” and “Mama Told Me Not to Come.”
A golf tournament Monday at Gaillardia Country Club in Oklahoma City concluded the fundraiser.
This was OMRF’s 12th year to hold the benefit. During that time, 241 has raised nearly $8.5 million to recruit and retain scientists and to help fund research projects in areas including cancer, heart disease and stroke, multiple sclerosis, and diseases of aging. The amount raised from this year’s fundraiser broke last year’s previous record of $852,000.
“We couldn’t be more thankful for our loyal donors and for the new supporters who joined us at this year’s 241 events,” said OMRF President Andrew Weyrich, Ph.D. “Their generosity provides our scientists with critical resources to help people live longer, healthier lives.”
This year’s events involved nearly 170 sponsors. Sponsorship chairs were Bruce and Sheryl Benbrook of Woodward.
“We always love attending 241 for the food, the camaraderie and the fantastic music,” Bruce Benbrook said. “Beyond that, as a longtime OMRF Board member, I understand the crucial role this event plays in helping the foundation carry out its mission, so it’s been a privilege to serve this year in a leadership capacity.”
Lead event sponsors included the Chickasaw Nation; Tyler Media Group; American Fidelity Foundation; Virginia & John Groendyke; H.M. Lewis Medical Research Foundation; Presbyterian Health Foundation; Ronnie Rosenfeld; Glenna & Dick Tanenbaum; Mary K. Chapman Foundation; Jane & Lonnie Childress; Hardesty Family Foundation; William D. Hawley, M.D.; Lezlie & David Hudiburg; Gay & Ed Kirby; Sherri & Bill Lance Jr.; Polly & Larry Nichols; Don & Linda Nickles; OG&E; and Danny Zelisko Presents.
For more information about 241, visit www.omrf.org/241.
