The 22nd annual Goombay Bash, the festive Caribbean-themed fundraiser for finding a cure for cancer presented SATCO President Bill Gildin with the 2024 Rick Wiedemer Guiding Light Award.
Nearly 13 years ago, Gildin’s wife Melissa was diagnosed with a rare form of adenoid cystic carcinoma. Prior to this past weekend’s bash and the announcement that he would be the recipient of the Guiding Light Award, he launched a fundraiser in honor of his late wife to support basic science cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University through The H Foundation. SATCO then matched every donation, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000.
You can listen to Bill’s story here
Held at Chicago’s Navy Pier, The Goombay Bash was founded by lighting industry veterans John Rot and David Rizner of Horton’s in La Grange, Illinois and members of their surrounding community after two beloved Horton’s employees lost their battles with cancer. Under the entity “The H Foundation,” the group has raised millions of dollars over the past two decades to fund this important research.
The 2024 Goombay Bash included a massive gift auction. The Celebrity Guest of Honor was actor and comedian David Spade.
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