Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation

The Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation (JCCF) is a fully licensed 501 (c) (3) public benefit corporation that exists for the express purpose of raising and distributing funds to support leading-edge cancer research at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The JCCF was founded in 1945 by a group of volunteers dedicated to cancer research at UCLA. Their idea – investing in the work of promising young cancer researchers through seed grants – was the basis for the JCCF’s formation. For more than two decades, the Seed Grant Program has helped the cancer center break new ground in the quest to defeat cancer by using funds raised from private sources to launch innovative start-up projects. Although supporting seed grants remains an important part of JCCF's mission, the Foundation today supports a number of high-priority, multi-disciplinary cancer research efforts focused on rapidly translating discoveries made in the laboratory into improved screening, treatment and prevention.The JCCF has a 41-member board of directors, comprised of respected business and community leaders who are dedicated to raising money through major and planned gifts, annual gifts, direct mail, special events, and community activities.At the JCCF, 90 percent of total contributions directly benefit cancer research and cancer-related programs at UCLA. The remaining 10 percent goes toward administrative and fundraising expenses. Donors to JCCF can be assured that their money benefits the research that is so vital to cancer treatment.

Affiliation with UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Today, the JCCF is the single most important private fundraising vehicle of UCLA’s Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center (JCCC). The JCCC has been ranked the top cancer research center in California for eight consecutive years and is currently ranked #8 nationally by "U.S. News & World Report" [ [http://health.usnews.com/usnews/health/best-hospitals/search.php?spec=ihqcanc Best Hospitals 2007 Specialty Search: Cancer ] ] .

Lifeline Connection

Donors who contribute at least $1,000 a year in unrestricted money become members of Lifeline Connection, a group of active and dedicated individuals who have a special role at the cancer center. Annual unrestricted gifts of $1,000 or more provide support for some of UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center's (JCCC) highest priority research initiatives.

Fundraising Events

Special events play an important role in the JCCF’s mission. Not only do they raise much needed funds, they also build awareness of the important research efforts conducted at the JCCC.

The JCCF hosts an annual signature fundraising event in late spring called [http://www.tasteforacure.com "Taste for a Cure"] (formerly known as "Epicurean Evening"), which over the past 12 years has raised over $5.5 million for highest priority cancer research.

The Community Events Program allows individuals and organizations to select the JCCF as the beneficiary of their fundraising activity. Community Events Participants across the nation host a variety of ranging from run/walks and car shows to wine tastings and holiday boutiques.

Events include:
*Taste for a Cure – JCCF annual signature fundraiser
*EIF Revlon Run/Walk for Women
*Cruisin’ for a Cure
*Avon Walk for Breast Cancer
*Par for the Cure Celebrity Classic

Guilds

The Guilds are regional groups that regularly organize fundraising events around specific interests or themes. Their mission is to encourage individuals and corporations to donate "seed grant" funds for cancer research at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.

External links

* [http://www.cancer.ucla.edu UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center]
* [http://www.cancer.ucla.edu/Index.aspx?page=8 Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation]
* [http://www.cancer.ucla.edu/Index.aspx?page=451 JCCF Lifeline Connection]
* [http://www.cancer.ucla.edu/Index.aspx?page=390 JCCF Fundraising Events]
* [http://www.cancer.ucla.edu/Index.aspx?page=172 JCCF Guild's]

References