“American Classics: The music, movies and people we love” was the theme of 20th John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary’s Odyssey Ball on Saturday, April 9, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
DJ Brad “Martini” Chambers was master of of ceremonies, Art Deco and his Society Orchestra performed, and actors Harry Carey, Jr., Kim Darby, and Chris Mitchum, each of whom appeared with John Wayne in several films, Kevin Dobson, Larry Hagman, and Anne Jeffreys were among the 600 guests.
Patrick Wayne, Chairman of the Board of the John Wayne Cancer Institute, presented the Special Service Award, known as the “Duke,” to Diana and Robert W. Thom, supporters of the John Wayne Cancer Institute since its inception.
The John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary was founded in 1982 by Sandy Cohen and Noreen Nelson, who had been treated for cancer at the Institute’s Joyce Keefer Eisenberg Breast Center. Beginning with 14 members, It now has over 800 members. Proceeds raised at all Auxiliary events support the John Wayne Cancer Institute, one of the world’s foremost cancer research centers, providing funds for research projects, equipment, and fellowships. Since its inception, the Auxiliary has raised more than $12 million.Founded in 1981, the institute was named after the actor, who died of the disease in 1979.
