SALT LAKE CITY (April 7, 2014) - The Utah Jazz and Mountain America Credit Union today announced Huntsman Cancer Foundation as an additional recipient of ‘Pass It Along,’ a new program featuring fan nomination opportunities that has now awarded $30,000 to six local charitable organizations. The program is part of Mountain America and the Utah Jazz’s shared commitment to community outreach.
In recognition of its significant and ongoing contributions to Utah residents, Huntsman Cancer Foundation will be presented with a $5,000 donation during the Jazz home game on Friday, April 11. Utah Jazz forward/center Derrick Favors and Mountain America Executive Vice President Marshall Paepke will help present the check to the organization.
As part of the program, Paepke and Utah Jazz broadcaster Ron Boone recently visited the Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) in Salt Lake City to learn first-hand about the Huntsman Cancer Foundation’s efforts to support the facility’s ongoing innovative research to eradicate cancer.
“Both Mountain America Credit Union and the Utah Jazz have been steadfast supporters of cancer research at Huntsman Cancer Institute,” said David Huntsman, president of Huntsman Cancer Foundation. “We are honored to put the dollars to work in the laboratories of Huntsman Cancer Institute, a place that not only cares for patients in a serene setting, but also inspires new treatments and ways to diagnose cancer earlier through the work in our labs.”
Jon and Karen Huntsman established the Huntsman Cancer Foundation in 1995 to ensure the financial future of cutting-edge research at HCI. Each year, Huntsman Cancer Foundation secures one-third of HCI's operating budget. HCI is part of the University of Utah health care system; it is not owned by the Huntsman family. In 2005, HCI was named the official cancer center of the state of Utah. One family cannot do it alone, which is why Huntsman Cancer Foundation relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations, and community groups.
In addition to receiving a $5,000 donation, every organization selected as a ‘Pass It Along’ recipient this season was treated to a special visit from the Utah Jazz, tickets to an upcoming game and in-arena recognition. In addition to Huntsman Cancer Foundation, this season’s ‘Pass It Along’ recipients included Shriner’s Hospitals for Children – Salt Lake City, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Intermountain Area, Utah Youth Village, Boys & Girls Clubs of South Valley and Columbus Community Center.