18th Annual Treads & Threads
Friday, September 6, 2019
A party with a purpose
Under the stars and inside the oval at Kansas Speedway, The University of Kansas Health System's Treads & Threads is an annual black-tie gala benefiting cancer patient care, drawing crowds of thousands of partygoers each September. The event experience includes incredible gourmet cuisine from many of the area's finest restaurants and dessert specialists, signature cocktails and specialty drinks, an exclusive concert by a headline entertainer, spectacular fireworks and a dance floor that's packed till midnight!
Behind the fun and glamour, Treads & Threads is a party with a purpose. Since 2002, the gala has raised more than $11.5 million to expand and improve patient care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center. As the region's only National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center, our consistently high-quality outcomes and patient care have earned us a growing national reputation, including being ranked in the top 50 in the nation in U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals 2018-2019.
Your support was incredible!
"Gratitude" was our theme for this year's Treads & Threads, and it was especially appropriate. We had so many reasons to be thankful: great food, wonderful music and a special visit from Eric Stonestreet. And we have so many to thank: all those involved in cancer care – our patients, their caregivers and our healthcare professionals – as well as our event sponsors, patrons, vendors, restaurants and volunteers. But most of all we are grateful for friends like you. Together we continue to improve the lives of those touched by cancer.
Thanks to sponsors and patrons, the 17th annual Treads & Threads, held September 7 at Kansas Speedway, raised nearly $1.7 million to support cancer patient care.
Our leadership
Sincere thanks go to Event Chairs Ray and Jill Kowalik, Honorary Chair Eric Stonestreet and our extraordinary committee who generated overwhelming sponsor support. This year's event boasted many generous supporters, led by Presenting Sponsors Burns & McDonnell and VanTrust Real Estate LLC and Entertainment Sponsor Landers' Visions.
Party with a purpose
In 17 years, Treads & Threads has raised more than $13 million to expand and improve cancer care at The University of Kansas Cancer Center.
Proceeds from this year's sold-out event support precision cancer therapies – considered the future of medicine by the National Cancer Institute. The innovative, emerging approach involves taking individual genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors into account for each patient. This allows physicians to more precisely determine the best treatment or prevention options for each individual patient.
Relive the fun
Experience the joy of the evening again by checking out the online photo gallery and snapping up your guest photo courtesy of Mark Lozano Photography!
It's not too late to contribute
Donate online or contact Fund Development, 913-588-2800 or treadsandthreads@kumc.edu, for more information.
Save the date
We hope you will be a part of next year's event. Mark your calendar for Friday, September 6, 2019!
