Tenth annual Eisenopoly raises record funds for cancer research

On Friday, February 1st, the associate board of the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation hosted the tenth annual EISENOPOLY at Revel Fulton Market. The event raised over $215,000—a record high—for gastrointestinal cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center at Northwestern University.

The funding supports the GI Cancer Tissue Bank and the $1.5 million dollar commitment to the Harold E. Eisenberg GI Cancer OncoSET program, an unprecedented initiative to deliver personalized, effective cancer treatments to patients who currently have very limited options.

This fundraiser, unlike any other, welcomed a group of over 550 guests to face off in speed rounds of the monopoly-themed board game. Live music by Gold Coast All Stars, dancing and delicious food served by some of Chicago’s most notable chefs made the night one to remember. The Grand Prize winner took home a weekend at the Talbott Hotel, dinner at Shaw’s Crab House, theatre tickets and a nightcap at Kingston Mines.

“In its tenth year, the outpouring of support from guests, local restaurants, sponsors and our outstanding board have made this signature event more successful than ever,” said Katie Wales, Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation executive director. “Together this group is making a lasting and necessary impact on the future of cancer research.”

Exclusive silent auction items included a Canadian getaway to a luxury ski chalet at the Bel Air Resort in Mont-Tremblant, an opportunity to get behind the counter with the crew of Chicago’s famous Wiener’s Circle and experiences at incredible restaurants and spas across the city.

Some of Chicago’s favorite restaurants represented with samplings of their best dishes. Brown Bag Seafood, Cafe Robey, Capital Grille, Formento’s, Gene & Georgetti, Nando’s Peri Peri, Press Room, Wow Bao and more lined “Restaurant Row.” A decadent dessert station featured cookies from Beatrix, Carol’s Cookies and Sweet Shot, as well as Eli’s Cheesecake bites. After game play guests enjoyed late night eats courtesy of Homeslice pizza and Chick-fil-A. VIPs were offered an exclusive tasting and crafty cocktails from Heaven’s Door.

The evening’s “Most Wanted” served time in the signature life-sized jail, raising thousands in bail. Party-goers were also able to throw fellow guests in jail where they were encouraged to gather bail to support the foundation. One lucky guest walked away with a pair of diamond stud earrings valued at $5,000 courtesy of Shelly Becker Designs at the “Bubbles and Bling” station. The event, co-chaired by Michael Mintz and Hanna Oimoen, was sponsored byLakeside Bank, Blue Water Builders and The Carpet Group.

The Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and as one of the largest organizations dedicated to gastrointestinal cancer research, remains committed to embracing life’s challenges through furthering the future of cancer research and education. Proceeds from the event contribute to innovative research programs at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, where the foundation funds a GI cancer tissue bank.