The RITA Foundation, Inc. Presents $105,000 for Cancer Services
The RITA (Research Is The Answer) Foundation, Inc. has continued its generous support of cancer research and education with a $105,000 donation to Baptist Health.
In a ceremony held Monday, January 10 at Baptist Medical Center, Charles Jantz, volunteer RITA chairman, presented
A. Hugh Greene, FACHE
, President and CEO of Baptist Health;
Carol C. Thompson, FACHE
, President of Baptist Health Foundation;
John Wilbanks, FACHE
, Chief Operating Officer of Baptist Health; Marlene M. Spalten, CFRE, Vice President of Baptist Health Foundation; Mark Slyter, Vice President of Operations; and
Neil Abramson, MD
, Director of Medical Research, Baptist Cancer Institute a check for $80,000. On January 4, Jantz presented a check for $25,000 to Baptist Medical Center Beaches.
"We are continually overwhelmed by the generosity and support the RITA Foundation provides Baptist Health for cancer education and research programs," said Greene.
Including this year's gift, RITA has given $589,800 to Baptist Cancer Institute since 1997. Baptist Medical Center Beaches has received $73,750. This year additional funding totaling $6,000 was directed to Baptist Cancer Institute from Kathy and Mike Azzarello in memory of their son Michael.
The RITA Foundation is Baptist Cancer Institute's principal source of community support for education and research programs. Baptist Cancer Institute's
clinical studies
,
cancer prevention
studies and
genetic risk assessment studies
have all benefited from RITA's support.
The funding Baptist Health receives comes from three annual RITA events. The RITA Black Tie Gala and the RITA Championships support Baptist Cancer Institute, and Baptist Medical Center Beaches benefits from SenioRITAs at Sawgrass. Wachovia sponsors the Black Tie Gala. Key Audi sponsors the SenioRITAs at Sawgrass and the RITA Championships, and Main Street America Group of Jacksonville sponsors the Auction.
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