Donation to Texas Biomedical Research Institute breaks previous records
SAN ANTONIO (September 17, 2024) – The Texas Biomedical Forum has presented Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed) with a record-breaking donation of more than $960,000. The gift is the largest in The Forum’s 54-year history and will provide critical seed funding for innovative research projects and other initiatives.
Each year, The Forum’s volunteer-based Board builds on momentum generated in previous years to exponentially grow its contributions year over year. The nearly $1 million in funding represents an impressive doubling of The Forum’s annual award to Texas Biomed since 2022.
“Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community, we are absolutely delighted to be gifting nearly $1 million to Texas Biomed this year. The Forum is a proud supporter of the Institute’s groundbreaking scientific research and discovery of new treatments and cures for diseases that affect our families, our community and people around the world,” says Rebecca Nathan, The Forum’s 2023-2024 President.
Founded in 1970, The Forum funds early-phase research and has awarded more than $4.8 million to pilot studies, which has been used to leverage over $90 million in subsequent competitive grants for Texas Biomed scientists. Fundraising is achieved through membership, educational and social events, a robust Grants initiative, and the highly anticipated Forum Gala, which is held each May at The Argyle in San Antonio.
Texas Biomed scientists submit applications for Forum grants each year. Applications are reviewed and awarded internally and have helped fund a wide range of infectious disease and related research, in areas including aging, HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, Ebola and COVID-19.
“The Forum’s 2024 La Vie en Rose gala was a beautiful evening, and we are so grateful to the many patrons who made it a successful fundraiser for Texas Biomed,” says Bonnie Muecke, 2024 Gala Co-Chair.
The theme for the 2025 Gala will be revealed at The Forum’s Fall Lecture Luncheon on Wednesday, October 2, according to this year’s Gala Co-Chairs, Allegra Hawkins and Clara Ostrander.
“It is so gratifying to be part of this group of dedicated women, all working towards a common goal. We are pleased to be an important contributor to Texas Biomed’s critical work,” says Jayme Russell, 2024 Gala Co-Chair.
In 2023, The Forum donated more than $862,000 to Texas Biomed, breaking previous fundraising records at that time.
“The impact of The Forum’s annual giving is felt throughout the Institute. These essential funds enable us to position Texas Biomed as a scientific leader on the national and international stage and supports our mission of protecting the global community from the threat of infectious diseases,” says Larry Schlesinger, M.D., President/CEO.
“We are very grateful for the unwavering dedication and support of The Forum’s members. They are essential to the success of our researchers and play an important role in helping Texas Biomed deliver research that advances human health worldwide,” says Sara Wise, Vice President, Development. “We look forward to The Forum’s ongoing support as the Institute continues to expand and recruit top scientific talent to San Antonio.”
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About Texas Biomedical Research Institute
Texas Biomed is the nation’s only non-profit, independent research institute with the highest-level biocontainment laboratories, a national primate research center and over 80 years of experience. Scientists at the 200-acre campus in San Antonio regularly collaborate with academic institutes, the military, pharmaceutical companies, the National Institutes of Health and biotech start-ups. Its mission is to improve human health as a world leader in lifestyle and infectious disease research. For more information, visit the Texas Biomed website.
About the Texas Biomedical Forum
The Forum, founded in 1970, is a non-profit, membership-based organization of women who raise money to fund early-stage research at Texas Biomed through community relations, volunteer services and fundraising. The Forum hosts educational and social events each year to raise money to fund pilot studies for scientists. For more information, visit texasbiomedicalforum.org.