Someone Pinch Me, Please!

Someone pinch me, please. Did last evening really happen? It was definitely one of those memories where you wake up the next day and wonder if it really did, in fact, happen.


As guests arrived and walked through the stately, but welcoming, stone arch, and made their way down the wooden path under the beautiful glow of the lights, wait staff greeted them with a sparkling wine. A classy evening would begin in just a few moments, as I welcomed everyone. I could not help but feel nervous, but  also very excited that so many people were joining us for a beautiful evening for a great cause. Chef's Table's General Manager and host, Brian, gently clanged a glass to ask everyone to be seated, and proceeded to introduce the evening's festivities. Mark Passavant, the wine rep from Okoboji Wines, then took the spotlight to walk guests through the evening's courses, and why he chose each wine to compliment each dish. The artistry behind each pairing enchanted everyone present.

At just $100 a plate, guests were treated to an absolutely incredible five course meal, from crab, to scallop, to pheasant, to bison, and a finale of decadent Mast Brothers Dark Chocolate, accompanied by a side of vanilla bean sherbet. Each course was delicately and expertly paired with a wine, graciously donated by Mark Passavant and Okoboji Wines.

After the first course and the third course, we heard from Gynocologic Oncologist Doctor Goodheart, and Professor Adam Dupuy, two cancer researchers at the Holden Comprehensive Center. Both of them explained to the guests how they collaborate on various research projects, and how seed money provides them with the resources and equipment they need in order to gain preliminary data necessary to qualify them for larger grants. This seed money is crucial to their research. Without it, their new innovative ideas and fresh passion in the field of cancer research are left at a stand still. Cancer research is very inspiring and interesting, but it comes at a great cost. Both Dr. Goodheart and Professor Dupuy also gave guests a unique glimpse into how their contributions can make an impact on cancer research.

After the fourth course, I must admit I was a little nervous to get up and speak after four glasses of wine and four courses of food. I had a lot of very important things to say, some very sentimental and dear to me. My biggest fear was that a burp or a hiccup would sneak up on me and ruin the moment! Thankfully, nothing like that happened. Phew! I talked to our guests about how the Crossing for a Cure campaign began, and where the idea to swim the English Channel came from. It was wonderful being able to tell them about my grandfather, who inspired me to begin this journey. I was also able to acknowledge several very important people, who made the evening possible. I'm going to go ahead and acknowledge them here, as well!


Executive Chef Eric McDowell and his staff of Chef's Table-Every last guest in the restaurant last night was absolutely IN AWE of the dining experience they were treated to. I don't think anything could ever top such an excellent meal, let alone the elegance, professionalism, and expertise displayed by Chef McDowell and his staff! I am so humbled by his generosity to host this benefit dinner-Chef's Table gave us so much and allowed $75 from each plate to be donated to the research fund!

Mark Passavant and Okoboji Wines- Thank you to Mark and Okoboji Wines for donating all of the outstanding wines to accompany our meal! Not only did Okoboji donate the wine, but at the end of the evening, guests were able to purchase the wines they loved at an incredible discount, with ALL of those proceeds going to the cancer fund as well! WOW!

Susan Shullaw of Susan Shullaw & Associates, LLC-My right hand woman during the past two months! Susan donated her impeccable and brilliant communication skills to help me talk to all of the right people in all of the right ways. She used to be the Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications at the University of Iowa Foundation, and donated her time to take me under her wing. I learned so much from her in such a short amount of time!

Robyn Hepker of Benson & Hepker  Design- Robyn, a friend of Susan's, took our idea for the program of the event, and turned it into something more than I could have possibly imagined! We gave her the information, and in less than a week, a beautiful program was made with the Crossing for a Cure logo across the cover. Robyn's job was very tricky-we had so much important information to fit into very little space. Needless to say, she is a pro-It looked beautiful sitting amongst the place settings!

Doctor Michael Goodheart-Who would have thought that a student clerk working with Doctor Goodheart on a research project in 2006 would lead to such an adventure? If you are not familiar with the story, I was a student clerk in the Ob/Gyn Oncology floor of the UIHC during the spring of 2006, and had the privilege to work with Dr. Goodheart on a research project. Dr. Goodheart and his staff were so inspiring and my experience stuck with me. We were so lucky to have Doctor Goodheart there to speak to us about the incredible work he does!

Professor Adam Dupuy-A PhD student, Professor Dupuy works closely with Doctor Goodheart in a research lab. I just met Professor Dupuy a couple of weeks ago when he graciously volunteered to speak at last night's event. It was great getting to hear from both parts of the research duo!

And lastly, a HUGE thanks to all who attended! It was an honor and privilege spending the evening with all of the above mentioned and all of you! I enjoyed meeting and speaking with all of you individually, and I am so thankful you have joined this awesome adventure for a cause that means so much to so many.

With your generosity, we were able to raise $3,530! 

I cannot express my thanks in words! 

Swimcerely,

Cheyanne