This year’s Premier Chefs Dinner for the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center was a smashing success, setting a record by raising about $518,000 in donations to fund cancer research.
The gala event was held at the Sodo Park by Herban Feast and was co-hosted by the Magnolia Guild. Never heard of them? You are probably not alone.
This quiet 25-member group of dynamic women may be one of the best-kept secrets in Seattle philanthropy.
Since it was formed in 1992 by a small band of women who were community leaders living in the Magnolia and Queen Anne neighborhoods, the Magnolia Guild has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars on behalf of the cancer research center. Events that have been hosted by this group have ranged from the Seattle Symphony Designer Showhouse to the successful Evergreen Classic Benefit Horse Show, and most recently the Premier Chefs Dinner.
Moira Borchert, who was one of the founding members of the group, said the horse show was among the first events ever organized by the Guild. It was followed by the symphony showhouse event. In the spirit of Street of Dreams, residents would buy a ticket to come and tour a very special home over three days. The tour ended up making between $7,000 and $10,000 for the Seattle Symphony and the Guild was on its way.
In recent years, the Guild has focused much of its attention on cancer research, working with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. It has joined with other organizations to volunteer at events and also use member connections to raise money.
“A lot of members have been touched by cancer in some way or another,” said Guild President Barbara Kubesh. “Everyone is very passionate about the issue.”
While the group began with members just from the immediate neighborhoods, it is open to anyone interested in joining and volunteering. Members meet each month from September to June, and usually have a speaker, often from the cancer research center, talk about some research or aspect of cancer study.
The group is also involved with helping the families of those suffering from cancer get through a difficult time. They have hosted parties for the families of patients at the Hutch’s Pete Gross House. They also collect books, magazines, videos and tapes to help entertain the patients undergoing chemotherapy. During the holidays, guild members bring candy and presents to family members of those being treated. Currently, they are looking into offering families dinners at the facility.
One other unique project is the organization’s fleece campaign, in which they collect items made of fleece to be used by patients and family members.
While it sounds like a lot of work, Kubesh said it is a rewarding way to volunteer. She stresses that the organization is always looking for new women to join this high-energy group. They can be any age and from anywhere in the area, they just have to be willing to volunteer their time.
“We are always looking for new members,” Kubesh said. “But it isn’t all work. We do have a lot of fun as well.”
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