Ambassador of Hope gala set for Nov. 5

Chuck Durham

The Friends of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Cancer Center will honor Omaha philanthropist Chuck Durham at its Ambassador of Hope Gala at the Qwest Center Omaha Friday, Nov. 5.

The Ambassador of Hope Award, which will be presented to Durham, is given to those who’ve made significant contributions in the fight against cancer through research or patient care activities or by raising the public’s awareness of cancer. The event is hosted by the Friends of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, a community-based group committed to raising funds for cancer research.

Korey, Kalen, Kara and Laurel Karnes

The Margre and Chuck Durham Spirit of Nebraska Award also will be presented to the Omaha family of the late Liz Karnes, an Omaha community leader who died last year following a 12-year battle with cancer. Liz’s husband, David, their four daughters, and Liz’s parents, Bob and Mary Lueder, will receive the award.

The award — named in honor of major donors to UNMC, Omahan Chuck Durham and his late wife, Margre — is presented to those whose contributions to the Eppley Cancer Center demonstrate the spirit of giving back to the community. The honorees established Liz’s Legacy, a fund to advance cancer research and care at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center.

David and Liz Karnes

A business and civic leader in Omaha for several decades, Chuck Durham and his late wife, Margre, have made a major impact on UNMC research, education and patient care.

Durham has given UNMC its single largest contribution ever and helped to support further fund-raising efforts for the 10-level, $77 million Durham Research Center that opened in 2003. The 289,000-square-foot Durham Research Center houses 116 research laboratories, a 319-seat auditorium, three classrooms and 12 conference/seminar rooms. Five of the 12 primary researchers in the center are involved in cancer research. His donations also included a 540,000-square-foot employee parking structure which opened in 2003.

In 1998, the Durhams established a permanent endowment fund through the University of Nebraska Foundation. The Charles W. and Margre H. Durham Excellence in Medicine Fund is used to support innovative education and research programs in the UNMC College of Medicine in three key areas — arthritis, prostate and breast cancer, and minimally invasive surgery. In recognition of the gift, the Outpatient Care Center was renamed the Durham Outpatient Center in 1999.

If you go Tickets for the dinner are available with several different cost options for individuals, couples, corporations and groups, starting at $150. Proceeds raised from the dinner will go toward cancer research at the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. For ticket information or to become a Friend of the UNMC Eppley Cancer Center, call 559-4238.

The Durhams’ support also made it possible for UNMC to be the eighth medical center in the country to acquire the computer-assisted surgical robotic da Vinci Surgical System.
Durham serves as the chief executive officer of Durham Resources. He previously served as chairman and chief executive officer of HDR, Inc., an international engineering and architectural firm with work in all 50 states and 20 countries.

“Chuck Durham has directly helped UNMC advance towards its goal of becoming a leader in research,” said Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D, director, UNMC Eppley Cancer Center. “The generosity of Chuck Durham has helped the cancer center make great strides in the fight against these devastating diseases.”

Honorary chairpersons for the Nov. 5 event are Walter and Sue Scott. The general co-chairs are Jane Rips, Teri Teutsch and Susie Buffett.