Culinary Stars Shine for Cancer Research raises $6.2 million

Baylor College of Medicine’s Culinary Stars Shine for Cancer Research event raised $6.2 million to support cancer research at Baylor's Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center. More than 230 guests attended the event on Thursday, Dec. 7, at POST Houston to support the Duncan Cancer Center mission. The evening’s festivities included cocktails, dinner, live auction and live entertainment from the Fab 5.
 
The event featured offerings of Houston’s rich and vibrant cuisines prepared by chefs who have conquered “Top Chef” and won James Beard and Michelin awards. The culinary stars included chefs Paul Qui, Tom Cunanan, Christopher Haatuft and Nicolas Nikic, mixologist at FAM Hospitality Jarmel Doss and sommelier Timothy Contreras. The menu included grilled Hen-of-the-Woods mushroom and asparagus soup, whole steamed flounder with Golfstrømmen-Style “Nam Prik Nam Pla,” Filipino-style whole roasted lechon, fresh Alaskan king crab served in two presentations and handmade tagliolini with Parmigiano Reggiano and white truffle sauce. 

The evening’s program spotlighted the cutting-edge research of Duncan Cancer Center physicians and scientists who are working to develop new approaches to detecting, preventing and treating cancer. The Duncan Cancer Center is recognized nationally and internationally as an academic leader with a goal of making foundational discoveries that translate to the clinic and transform the care of cancer patients. Speakers included Dr. Paul Klotman, president, CEO and executive dean of Baylor College of Medicine and Dr. Pavan Reddy, professor and director of the Duncan Cancer Center. A patient family shared moving remarks about their experience at Baylor. Supporters of this event and the Duncan Cancer Center include Adopt-A-Scientist – Cure Cancer, Albert and Margaret Alkek Foundation, the John M. O’Quinn Foundation, POST Houston and VICTORY Houston, Inc.  

“It was an amazing evening of celebration of and commitment to our cancer center and the College,” Reddy said. “The heartfelt and deep support from the community was inspiring. The venue, the people, the food and the music were spectacular. We are fortunate to have the support. We hope to build on the momentum and forge ahead to redefine cancer care.” 

See photos from the event here. Learn more about the Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center and its research.