SEATTLE, Dec. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The 37^th annual Hutch Holiday Gala raised more than $4.8 million for research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

The black-tie event, held Saturday, Dec. 1 at the Sheraton Seattle Hotel, rallied private support to accelerate lifesaving discoveries and new treatments in transplantation research. Hosted by the Grace Heffernan Arnold Guild and the Hutch Holiday Gala board of directors, the Gala featured live and silent auctions, an elegant dinner and entertainment with more than 700 business and community leaders in attendance.

A large portion of the live auction funds was generously matched dollar for dollar by The David and Patricia Giuliani Family Foundation in support of Fred Hutch immunotherapy pioneer Dr. Oliver Press and colleagues, to combine a series of highly promising innovations for safer and more effective T-cell therapy for lymphomas. By fueling this breakthrough work, Hutch Holiday Gala benefactors are helping Fred Hutch improve survival and quality of life for thousands of patients with lymphoma – and extend the lifesaving power of transplantation to more of the patients who need it.

The silent auction included cellar items, trips and a new "Fund-A-Lab" section, offering guests the opportunity to purchase and donate specific pieces of equipment – such as a mini-centrifuge – directly to research laboratories of Fred Hutch scientists.

Private support is essential to Fred Hutch to pursue early stage, potentially transformative research. In its 37-year history, the Hutch Holiday Gala has raised $86 million in support of its research. For more information or to make a contribution visit www.fhcrc.org/gala.

Note for media only: Photos from the Hutch Holiday Gala are available on request.

At Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, home to three Nobel laureates, interdisciplinary teams of world-renowned scientists seek new and innovative ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Fred Hutch's pioneering work in bone marrow transplantation led to the development of immunotherapy, which harnesses the power of the immune system to treat cancer with minimal side effects. An independent, nonprofit research institute based in Seattle, Fred Hutch houses the nation's first and largest cancer prevention research program, as well as the clinical coordinating center of the Women's Health Initiative and the international headquarters of the HIV Vaccine Trials Network. Private contributions are essential for enabling Fred Hutch scientists to explore novel research opportunities that lead to important medical breakthroughs. For more information visit www.fhcrc.org or follow Fred Hutch on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

CONTACT
Christi Ball Loso
206-667-5215
closo@fhcrc.org

SOURCE Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center