Second row: Rebecca Nathan, Jayme Russell, Adrianna Grossman, Christina Ketabchi, Elaine Vornsand, Lauren Biegler, Carolina Lewis, Bonnie Muecke
The dedicated women of the Texas Biomedical Forum presented a donation for more than $862,000 to Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) this fall, following a record-breaking year of fundraising.
The Texas Biomedical Forum, founded in 1970, is a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funds for Texas Biomed. Fundraising comes through membership, educational and social events, including one of San Antonio’s most anticipated events of the year: the Forum Gala held each May at The Argyle.
“We are thrilled that our efforts have resulted in our largest donation to date and that we are powering the innovative research at Texas Biomed, which ultimately helps keep our families and families around the world safe and healthy,” says Emilie Petty, the Forum’s 2022-2023 President.
Funds from the Forum are used to support early phase research. Pilot grants enable researchers to pursue exciting new ideas, collect initial results and then use that data to apply for larger grants. Each year, Texas Biomed scientists at all career levels submit applications for Forum grants, which are reviewed and awarded internally. Grants have helped fund a wide range of health and infectious disease research, such as aging, tuberculosis, malaria and COVID-19.
“This was a team effort of all the incredible ladies of the Forum and we are blown away by the generosity of our community,” says Triana Grossman, 2023 Gala Co-Chair.
Last year, the Forum generously donated close to $494,000 to Texas Biomed. In addition to research grants, Forum donations also support education programs put on by Texas Biomed to inspire the next generation of scientists.
“We are passionate about spreading the word about the importance of science and supporting world-class research right here in our own backyard,” says Gloria Dilley, 2023 Gala Co-Chair. “Texas Biomed is making a true difference in the world and we are proud to be a part of advancing its mission.”
The Forum recently unveiled the 2024 Gala theme: La Vie en Rose, with an eye towards further building support for the Institute as it continues to expand and recruit top talent to San Antonio.
“We are so grateful for the ongoing support from such involved community members,” says Akudo Anyanwu, MD, MPH, Texas Biomed’s Vice President for Development. “While our researchers are working hard in the lab, the women of the Forum are working just as diligently to ensure ideas that could change the world have a chance to get off the ground. They are an essential part of the scientific process.”
Learn more about the Texas Biomedical Forum.