The Sally Edelman Harry Gardner Cancer Research Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises money for cancer research.
Established in 1984, the Foundation originally aimed to raise $1,000,000 and has continued raising these critical funds even though we’ve surpassed this goal.
The Beginning
George Edelman Jr. initiated the “$buck board” campaign in 1973. The deaths of his friend Harry Gardner and wife Sally Edelman led him to establish the Sally Edelman and Harry Gardner Research Foundation in 1984.
Direct Impact
The foundation committed all funds directly to research, partnering with the University of Rochester to support Wilmot Cancer Institute. Its “seed” grants helped secure over $8 million in additional funding from major institutions.
Milestones Achieved
The original $1 million fundraising goal was reached in 2001. $1,585,000 has since been awarded for research on several Pilot Programs and See Grants.
Community Effort
Success came from Hilton and nearby communities through grassroots events and local business support. What started with one person grew into a community movement, led by a dedicated board, many volunteers and the unwavering support of the community.
It started with one…
It all started with one person wanting to make a difference in a small but mighty community that has since been coined “The little town with a big heart.” Funding research for Cancer was the mission; the goal was to RAISE $1,000,000
In 1973, George Edelman Jr. initiated the “$buck board” in Hilton, a small town that rallied around his cause. Following the deaths of his friend Harry Gardner in 1977 and his wife Sally Edelman in 1982, George launched a campaign to fund cancer research, leading to the establishment of the Sally Edelman and Harry Gardner Research Foundation in 1984.
The foundation’s mission was to allocate all funds raised directly to research projects, avoiding administrative costs. Partnering with the University of Rochester ensured donations directly supported the Wilmot Cancer Institute. The foundation has contributed “seed” grants to Wilmot researchers, encouraging further funding from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). This strategy has secured over $8 million in grants for promising projects.
The original goal was to raise a million. In 2001, we achieved that goal! We have awarded Wilmot Cancer Institute over $1,585,000 for research on colon, ovarian, breast, brain, and pancreatic cancers. In May 2023, we completed our fourth $250,000 commitment, bringing the 20-year total to $1 million.
Our success is due to the generous support of the many amazing people in Hilton and surrounding communities. We achieved this through grassroots fundraising efforts: bowling, golf tournaments, Music Festivals, Poker runs, penny collections, bottle drives, and donations/support from local businesses. What began with one individual has morphed into a community of many supported by a board of nine dedicated members and countless volunteers making a meaningful impact together.
George Edelman was the “It started with one” reference we refer to today. It was his determination and commitment to raise money for Cancer Research right in our own backyard. He created a strong partnership with the University of Rochester which then became the Wilmot Cancer Institute. It was Grass roots fundraising that he used to ignite the incredible energy and commitment of many to make a difference.
A section of his eulogy that best describes what he believed in:
He was never the Grand Marshall of the parade, the citizen of the year, or won any awards, such as the ESL Jefferson award. Should he have??? I do believe he should have been all three. But he did things the way he wanted. He wasn’t for pomp and circumstance; he didn’t like accolades and didn’t ever want it to be about what he started. His only goal was to raise $$$ to find a cure for Cancer. He was only comfortable being behind the scenes.
It wasn’t about him. It was about helping others avoid the pain of losing a loved one to Cancer.
