Lombardi Gala Brings Together Friends, Supporters
Posted in Lombardi Stories | Tagged Lombardi Gala, philanthropy
(March 19, 2025) — Continuing a tradition spanning nearly four decades, more than 450 friends and supporters of Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center gathered for an evening of elegant fun and fundraising at the 37th annual Lombardi Gala.
The March 15 event, held at The Anthem at the Wharf in D.C., raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through corporate sponsorships, tickets sales, a silent auction and an exciting live fundraising appeal to support research at Washington’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center.
Louis M. Weiner, MD, director of Georgetown Lombardi, expressed his gratitude as he welcomed attendees and shared why their philanthropic support of cancer research is vital.
“If there’s one thing that moves us closer to a cancer-free future, it’s research,” Weiner said.
Georgetown University Medical Center’s new leader, Norman J. Beauchamp Jr., MD, MHS, executive vice president for health sciences and executive dean of the School of Medicine, saluted the people at the cancer center and their commitment to serving others.
“What brought me here was this idea that when people are struggling with their health, they shouldn’t feel alone. They should feel supported and cared about,” he said. “And when I think about Lombardi, it really is emblematic of that — that when people are facing the journey of being with cancer, they feel supported. They feel like they have access to the very best care and the very best people.”
Honoring a Longtime Supporter
The Director’s Champion in Research Award, which honors individuals and organizations whose philanthropy, leadership and advocacy have made transformative contributions in the world of cancer research, was presented to the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation.
“I cannot think of an organization more fitting or deserving of this distinction,” Weiner said, describing the foundation as an “exceptional advocate and tireless ambassador for cancer prevention.”
In 2023, Georgetown Lombardi opened the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention in Ward 8 in Washington, D.C. One of five planned Ralph Lauren-named cancer centers in underserved communities across the United States, it is funded by a multimillion-dollar commitment from the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation.
Led by founding director Lucile Adams-Campbell, PhD, the Ralph Lauren Center offers a dynamic patient navigation model that supports early detection screenings, diagnostics, treatment and preventative measures for breast, prostate, colorectal, lung and other cancers. It also offers legal support for patients whose cancer diagnosis leads to a cascade of challenges that benefit from a legal remedy.
“I’m grateful to the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation for understanding that we can do far more together than we can alone,” Weiner said.
The cancer center’s relationship with Ralph Lauren began in 1989, when he, alongside Katharine Graham, co-founded the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research in honor of their close friend and former fashion editor of The Washington Post.
In accepting the award, Roseann Lynch, chief people officer of Ralph Lauren and head of The Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, commended the team of the Ralph Lauren Center for delivering much-needed hope.
“In just two years, the Ralph Lauren Center team has brought so much hope to patients and their loved ones, offering care and comfort to those who have been fearful of getting the screening and given support to those facing the most difficult moments of their lives,” Lynch said in video remarks. “On behalf of the Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, thank you again for this honor and thank you for welcoming us into your community to be part of this moving forward.”
Young Philanthropist Honored
Emily Bhatnagar, a young philanthropist and advocate for children facing a cancer diagnosis, was celebrated with the annual Margaret L. Hodges Award, named for the gala’s founder. The distinction pays tribute to sustained contributions of time, energy and leadership at Georgetown Lombardi.
At the age of 16, Bhatnagar faced the profound challenge of her father’s stage 4 thyroid cancer diagnosis. During the difficult time, she found solace in literature, which inspired her to create “For Love & Buttercup,” an initiative dedicated to uplifting children battling cancer through the gift of books to young patients in hospitals across D.C., Maryland and Virginia.
“Emily’s unwavering dedication to spreading hope and comfort exemplifies the profound impact one individual can have on their community,” said Walter Hodges, Margaret Hodges’s son. He presented the award alongside his sister, Laurie Hodges Lapeyre.
In accepting the award, Bhatnagar said her drive began as a small dream inspired by her father’s cancer battle.
“My hope is that through the magic of stories, we can bring comfort, joy and a little escape to these young warriors during their bravest battle,” she said. “Lombardi is not just about fighting cancer, it’s about living through it, living beyond it with love, hope and resilience.”
Recognizing Rising Stars in Research
Candace Mainor, MD, a physician-scientist, and Randi Williams, PhD, MPH, a behavioral scientist were honored for their dedication to cancer research. They received the 2025 John F. Potter, MD, Award, which honors rising-star researchers driving progress through innovation and persistence.
Mainor is pioneering less-toxic therapies for breast cancer, while addressing health care disparities. Williams focuses on improving communication in lung cancer screening to reduce disparities between Black and white patients.
Driven by Personal Experiences
This year’s gala co-chairs, Sherrie Beckstead and Wes Hall, shared personal experiences that drove their desire to help organize the event.
“Tonight we come together to celebrate the spirit and hope of resilience… to stand united in the fight against cancer,” Beckstead said. “Our core belief is this, cura personalis, care of the whole person, which is one of the reasons that I have been involved with Georgetown for almost 10 years.”
Beckstead lost her husband, Sid, to cancer in 2020. “The compassionate care and advocacy for patients and families affected by this disease is a driving force for me. I, along with our team, call it Miracle-Making Medicine.”
Hall lost his father to lung cancer. He described the emotional impact of that loss.
“I felt robbed of the time to have final moments,” Hall said. “I felt robbed of the time to say goodbye. And I hated that. I don’t ever want anyone else ever to feel that pain of not having the opportunity to see your loved one. So if we’re going to eradicate, we’re going to do it as a team.”
‘Stand Up’
In a matter of minutes, a live appeal for cash donations delivered more than $300,000 from card-waving supporters. Attendees were asked to commit to donations ranging from $250 to $25,000.
Weiner kicked off the excitement with a rousing call to action.
“If you believe in the power of cancer research to create a brighter and healthier tomorrow, please stand up and wave your card!” he said.
“Come on, let’s all stand and wave our cards! Because tonight we are all cancer researchers, and we all fight for a better future!”
Photo Gallery: “Lou’s Mad Labs”
New at this year’s gala, during the cocktail hour attendees could tour “Lou’s Mad Labs”: mini scientific presentations by Georgetown Lombardi personnel. (Click the arrows to advance through the gallery.)
Mireille Bright, PhD, RDN, and Nathaly Garces Lenis talked about nutrition education at the Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Prevention 
Chiranjeev Dash, MBBS, PhD, MPH, discussed “Connecting Science, Community, and the Future of Cancer Care” 
Rachael Maynard, PhD, and Alex Lekan, PhD, gave gala attendees “A Closer Look: The Science Behind the Cure” 
Alex Lekan, PhD, spoke with a gala guest 
Rachael Maynard, PhD, explained ongoing research in the Weiner Lab at Georgetown Lombardi to a group of guests 
Eric Glasgow, PhD, discussed his exhibit, “Zebrafish: Small Fish, Big Breakthroughs”
Many Thanks to This Year’s Lombardi Gala Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Pierre F. Lapeyre and Laurie Hodges Lapeyre, Albert (Bud) and Kelley Hawk, Dr. Mitchell and Cindy Stark
Diamond Sponsors
Hyundai Hope on Wheels, J Street Group, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Jill Kirkpatrick and Tony Connor, Schweitzer and Siegel Family, Paul J. and Chandler M. Tagliabue
Platinum Sponsors
Amplitude Legal, Sherrie Beckstead Luxury Group, Ralph Lauren Corporate Foundation, Ullico