A NEW ERA FOR THE SPRING GALA
2025 marked a special milestone for the WVU Cancer Institute Spring Gala: 40 years of the cherished event, originally conceived by Jean DeLynn, Rita Solomon, and Gayle Swanson before the first spade of dirt was turned to build what is now the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. For 39 of those 40 years, our community has come together at The Greenbrier to honor their vision, raise critical funds, and support the future of cancer care in and around West Virginia.
As we enter year 41 of this special benefit, we usher in a new era for the Gala and for the Institute by readying ourselves for growth. We are at a critical junction in the history of the WVUCI. Much like 40 years ago, we are embarking on a monumental investment in the growth of our program with a new cancer hospital, the Hazel Ruby McQuain Cancer Hospital. As we usher in this new era, we are excited to explore new ventures and venues that will allow us to continue to build new memories with longstanding supporters while bringing new partnerships into the fold.. To do so, we are pleased to announce that the Spring Gala will transition to Nemacolin in 2026. Please mark your calendar and plan to join us from April 17-19.
WELCOME TO NEMACOLIN
The award-winning luxury resort is located just 40 minutes from Morgantown, in Pennsylvania’s scenic Laurel Highlands region. With “real-life magic” as its motto, Nemacolin delivers five-star golf, spa, and dining experiences across its 2,200 acres, which include three luxury hotels, a range of private homes and estates, a casino, a rod and range club, a kids’ club, a private airfield, and much more.
Nemacolin generously supports WVU, serving as the official resort of WVU Athletics and making possible both the Hardy Family Hospitality Program and Nemacolin Hospitality Innovation and Technology Lab at the WVU John Chambers College of Business and Economics.
GALA REGISTRATION AND SPONSORSHIPS
Due to overwhelming interest and incredibly generous support related to the 2026 Cancer Gala, the event is near capacity. Please select the appropriate link below for information related to your desired registration type.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Friday, April 17
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Grand Ballroom
Mix & Mingle Welcome Reception
Cocktails and Heavy Hors D'oeuvres
Saturday, April 18
9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. | Nemacolin Rooms
Strolling Continental Breakfast and Exhibits
9:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | Auditorium
WVU Cancer Institute Presentations
LUNCH AND AFTERNOON ACTIVITES AT YOUR LEISURE
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Horizon Point
Confectionery Workshop & Demo (full details forthcoming)
3:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. | Nightcap Lounge
Fireside Chat Hosted ft. Charles Wesley Godwin by Tony Caridi
5:45 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. | Marquis Ballroom
Invite-Only VIP Reception and Private Ballroom Reveal
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Marquis Foyer
Cocktail Reception
7:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. | Marquis Ballroom
Black-Tie Ball and Live Auction
Sunday April 19
8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. | Sequoia Conference Rooms
Pharmaceutical and Medical Device Sponsors are Invited to a Private Farewell Breakfast Being Hosted and Attended by WVU Cancer Institute and WVU Medicine Leadership
FEATURED GUEST
Charles Wesley Godwin
Following Charles Wesley Godwin’s 2023 critically acclaimed Family Ties — a highly personal, 17-song diary-like LP that was both universally praised and catapulted the West Virginian singer-songwriter to new heights in his career — the rising musician returned in 2025 with a pair of releases: The Lonely Mountain Town EP and Live From The Steel City. The former is a quieter, more contemplative affair than Family Ties, containing some of the most thrilling songs of Godwin’s career. Written principally on the road, Lonely Mountain Town is at its heart a collection of on-the-move snapshots and quiet moments in life set to tune. The latter, Live From The Steel City, is a raucous live record that perfectly encapsulates the energy Charles Wesley Godwin brings to his performances, which last year included a sold out Red Rocks headline debut and a string of dates opening Eric Church’s Free The Machine Tour.
Godwin has been on a steady upward climb following his beloved debut album, 2019’s Seneca. Alongside his longtime band, the Allegheny High, the musician has developed a reputation as a thrilling and beautifully raucous live performer. Godwin has appeared on ESPN’s Sportscenter, performed on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and CBS Saturday Sessions. 2026 will see Godwin release his 4th full-length album, as well as a slew of tour dates and festivals, including Stagecoach and Under The Big Sky, amongst others.
FUND THE MISSION
Annually, a special philanthropic campaign takes place as part of the Saturday night ball, which is the culminating event for Gala weekend. Each year, this effort – referred to as the Fund the Mission Campaign – raises hundreds of thousands of dollars in about one hour’s time to fund a special project identified by Dr. Hazard-Jenkins, director and executive chair of the WVU Cancer Institute. In the past, funds raised have supported the purchase of advanced medical equipment. In recent history, funds were raised to secure THOR red light therapy devices for use at a number of sites where the WVU Cancer Institute provides services across WVU Medicine’s growing footprint.
This year’s special campaign will support the acquisition of advanced scalp cooling systems for multiple sites in the Institute’s system. A $250,000 goal has been established to fund this patient-centered acquisition, which includes warranties for the devices. Negotiations with the equipment company have resulted in an incredibly valuable device match: for every scalp cooling system our fundraising makes possible, an additional system will provided by the device company – an unparalleled opportunity to provide more high quality care to more patients in our communities.
GET IN TOUCH
We are pleased to assist, should you have questions regarding the Spring Cancer Gala.
For inquiries related to ticketing and sponsorship registration, please contact Erin Gregory at EGregory@wvuf.org or 304-554-0234, or Jasmine Combs at JCombs@wvuf.org 304-554-0215.
For inquiries related to the event schedule and event logistics, please contact Stephanie McCandless at SMcCandless@wvuf.org or 304-293-7585.
For questions about accommodations, please contact Nemacolin at (866) 344-6957 and mention room block group name “WVU Cancer Institute Spring Gala”.