The University Cancer Foundation (UCF) has a mission to raise funds for the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, as well as to raise awareness of it as a premier cancer institution. The UCF was founded in 1999 by Jay Alix, of Jay Alix & Associates and Questor Partners Funds, and Steven J. Radom, of the Imperial Group, Inc.

Left to right: Gilbert "Buzz" ilverman, Stephen D'Arcy, Harlan Huckleby and Eli Zaret

This season began with UCF’s signature event, the 6th annual Tailgate, chaired as always by Gilbert “Buzz” Silverman of the Silverman Companies. Prior to the U-M vs. Illinois game on Sept. 29, 100 fans were entertained by sportscaster Eli Zaret and Green Bay Packer star Harlan Huckleby, and dined on a delicious Zingerman’s barbecue. Patron VIPs received autographed footballs and all attendees enjoyed fantastic mid-field stadium seats. PricewaterhouseCoopers, led by Partner-in-Charge Stephen D’Arcy, was the major sponsor for the third year in a row.

Supporters barely had time to warm up from the gorgeous fall afternoon before they were rocking at a brand new event, Happy Trails Lead to Turtle Lake. Made possible by the generous sponsorship of David V. Johnson of Victor International, a Diamonds and Denim Moondance was held on October 18 at the Stables of Turtle Lake in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. Chaired by Jay Alix, and Fair and Steven Radom, more than 200 denim and diamond-attired revelers enjoyed a gourmet strolling dinner, danced to the wild music of Marvellous Mark, and helped raise over $150,000.

Detroit Lion Pro-Bowler and “sack king” Robert Porcher and his wife Kimberly were so moved by their visit to the U-M Cancer Center that they decided to establish the Robert and Kimberly Porcher Cancer and Research Relief Fund. The Fund assists families with daily expenses related to cancer treatment for their children. Along with Style magazine and Neiman Marcus, the Porchers hosted the 1st Annual Celebrity Stylemaker event on November 24. Motown and Manhattan savvy collided for a festive evening of fashion, shopping and entertainment that raised more than $37,000.

At the January home game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Detroit Pistons, UCF hosted “Showdown at the Palace — It’s a Slam Dunk for Cancer Research.” Bank One provided very generous support as the Title Sponsor, and 90 guests watched the sold-out game from the press box. Guests enjoyed a pre-game dinner, made free-throw attempts on the Palace court, and got autographs from Detroit Piston Corliss Williamson. Additional support was provided by Larry Slabotsky, Mitchell Bleznak and Jay Alix & Associates.

Finally, UCF supporters have continued to make donations to the Frank S. Moran Clinical Leadership Award at the Cancer Center for the third straight year. With money raised for this endowment, established by Jay Alix to honor Frank S. Moran, the U-M is able to bring in a leading cancer researcher to give an annual lecture.

For sponsorship opportunities or ticket information for any UCF events, please contact Laura Stern at 248-262-8442 or lstern@jayalix.com.

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