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Ohio Cancer Research fundraiser event is back

T-L Photo/ROBERT A. DEFRANK Local sponsors and advisory board members of Ohio Cancer Research from the Belmont County area are excited to re-launch their yearly fundraiser, the Grand Illusions Saute. In the front row, from left, are John Dutton of Capstone Holding Co., Dawn Zenner-Gaudi of WesBanco, board members Rita Dutton and Alberta Cross, guests of honor Kellie and Sid Loudin of Rumer Loudin Inc., and board members Lorrinda Saxby-Vincenzo and Bob Vincenzo. Standing, from left, Dave Krulock and Bob Burlenski of KCCI, Albert Carapellotti of the Anthony Mining Co., Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato, Paul Carapellotti of the Anthony Mining Co., and Robert and Brian Thomas of Thomas Auto Center.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — After being halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a major fundraiser for cancer research is back on its feet and gaining momentum.

The Grand Illusions Saute through Ohio Cancer Research is a yearly event and a lighter version of a comedic “roast” that will feature Sid and Kellie Loudin of Rumer Loudin Inc. as the guests of honor.

“We’ve had friends who lost friends,” Sid Loudin said, adding cancer has impacted many in the Ohio Valley.

He said they have been involved with OCR for about five years, and the need for research and funding keeps them involved. He added they were surprised and honored by the nomination.

“We try to sponsor every year and be somewhat involved,” Sid Loudin said.

The Loudins live in Barnesville and maintain businesses in Barnesville and St. Clairsville.

“We only honor people who have had significant impact on the community, success in business, they are committed to the community. They are involved in other philanthropic endeavors,” Bill Bogges, executive director of Ohio Cancer Research, said. “We couldn’t be more excited because they represent the very best of the Ohio Valley.”

Bogges said the Ohio Valley has raised $8 million in more than 30 years. Of that, Belmont County has raised more than $1.7 million in the past 28 years. He added that some fundraisers have gone on even during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the Saute event could not be held.

Bogges added that researchers have used this funding as “seed money” to seek other grants, totalling $782 million.

He said he is hoping the Belmont County saute might raise $50,000, slightly less than what an event would normally raise, but he said OCR is building momentum.

“It’s been three years since we had an event, 2019 is the last one and we’re hopefully going to build back to where we were,” Bogges said.

He added that many businesses and potential sponsors have suffered during the pandemic and must prioritize philanthropic activities, but members of the Belmont County team remain committed and OCR is producing impressive results.

Attendees also heard from Matthew Summers, an associate professor at Ohio State University, who received assistance for his breast cancer research years ago while he was at the Cleveland Clinic.

Bogges said OCR is currently funding five ongoing cancer research projects and will be selecting a new group of research projects to be funded in early June.

“This (fundraiser) will go to funding new ideas, whether they’re breast cancer or lung cancer, we don’t know because we only fund the very best ideas,” Bogges said. “These are young investigators competing against … their mentors and their mentors’ mentor for (National Institutes of Health) funding, and that’s very difficult until you get started.”

Bogges said once the researchers have tangible data, they are better able to obtain more funding. He added the ongoing projects include breast cancer research at Ohio State University, as well as other research at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, and the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.

“The biggest results are coming from people that were funded five years ago, 10 years ago, 15 years ago,” Bogges said. “When people donate to us, they aren’t just giving something, they’re investing in something. They’re investing in an idea.”

“I’m so proud that I’m a part of it,” longtime advisory board member Alberta Cross said, adding she joined the local effort 27 years ago and much has been accomplished. “We’ve had a lot of honorees in the years.”

The event will be held at 6 p.m. May 25 at Undo’s West in St. Clairsville. More information can be found at ohiocancer.org.

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