Events

EVENTS / Star Award Gala – Columbus

DATE

September 24, 2025

TIME

6:30 pm

LOCATION

Hilton Columbus at Easton

3900 Chagrin Drive, Columbus, OH 43219

Sponsor & Attend

Star Award Gala – Columbus

Join us for an inspiring evening at Ohio Cancer Research’s 33rd Star Award Gala as we celebrate leadership, innovation, and impact in the fight against cancer!

This year, we are proud to honor Kenny McDonald, President & CEO, and recognize the powerful work of One Columbus in driving regional growth and opportunity. We will also present the Sanford Goldston Memorial Research Award to Dr. Prajwal Rajappa of Nationwide Children’s Hospital for his groundbreaking research in pediatric brain cancer.

Enjoy an evening filled with incredible food stations, signature cocktails, live music, and high-energy entertainment all in support of OCR’s mission to fund life-saving cancer research across Ohio.

Whether you’re bringing colleagues, clients, or friends, this is the perfect night to purchase a table for your business or simply grab a few tickets and join the fun.

Proceeds from the evening support OCR’s mission to fund life-saving cancer research through early-stage seed grants across Ohio’s leading institutions.

Sponsor & Attend

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Additional Information

Ticket Packages

Researcher Sponsor – $50,000 – Funds Year 1 of a Groundbreaking Research Project
Enjoy 5 tables of 10 guests with priority placement and personalized name or logo display at each table.

Exclusive Naming Rights: Feature your name or organization prominently in the event title (e.g., OCR presents [Your Organization’s] A Capital Valentine).
Statewide Recognition: Your name and logo will be featured on the OCR website as a statewide sponsor for an entire year.
Exclusive Invitation: Join an exclusive pre-event luncheon or dinner to connect with OCR leadership, researchers, and honoree(s).
On-Stage Recognition: Receive special acknowledgment by the emcee during the event.
High-Impact Visibility: Prominent display of your name and/or logo on event materials, online event pages, and in social media promotions.
On-Screen Advertisement: Your advertisement will be prominently rotated throughout the event.
Host a Researcher or Honoree: Opportunity to host a researcher or honoree at your table, if available.
Memorable Experience: Receive a complimentary framed group photo with event honoree(s), researcher(s), and/or OCR leadership.

$40,000 tax deductible

Discover Sponsor – $30,000 – Funds Year 2 of a Groundbreaking Research Project

Enjoy 4 tables of 10 guests with priority placement and personalized name or logo display at each table.

Statewide Recognition: Your name and logo will be featured on the OCR website as a statewide sponsor for an entire year.
Exclusive Invitation: Join an exclusive pre-event luncheon or dinner to connect with OCR leadership, researchers and honoree(s).
On-Stage Recognition: Special acknowledgment by the emcee during the event.
High-Impact Visibility: Prominent display of your name and/or logo on event materials, online event pages, and in social media promotions.
On-Screen Advertisement: Your advertisement will be prominently rotated throughout the event.
Memorable Experience: Receive a complimentary framed group photo with event honoree(s), researcher(s), and/or OCR leadership.

$26,000 tax deductible

Innovator Sponsor – $15,000 – Funds ½ of Year 2 of a Groundbreaking Research Project

Enjoy 3 table of 10 guests with priority placement and personalized name or logo display at each table.

Exclusive Invitation: Join an exclusive pre-event luncheon or dinner to connect with OCR leadership, researchers and honoree(s).
On-Stage Recognition: Special acknowledgment by the emcee during the event.
High-Impact Visibility: Prominent display of your name and/or logo on event materials, online event pages, and in social media promotions.
On-Screen Advertisement: Your advertisement will be prominently rotated throughout the event.
Memorable Experience: Receive a complimentary digital group photo with event honoree(s), researcher(s), and/or OCR leadership.

$12,000 tax deductible

New Ideas Sponsor – $10,000

Enjoy 2 tables of 10 guests with personalized name or logo display at each table.

Exclusive Invitation: Join an exclusive pre-event luncheon or dinner to connect with OCR leadership, researchers and honoree(s).
On-Stage Recognition: Special acknowledgment by the emcee during the event.
Sponsor Visibility: Display of your name and/or logo on event materials and online event pages.
On-Screen Advertisement: Your advertisement will be prominently rotated throughout the event.
Memorable Experience: Receive a complimentary digital group photo with event honoree(s), researcher(s), and/or OCR leadership.

$8,000 tax deductible

Seed Money Sponsor – $5,000

Enjoy 1 table of 10 guests with personalized name or logo display at each table.

Sponsor Visibility: Display of your name and/or logo on event-night on-screen displays.
On-Screen Advertisement: Your advertisement will be rotated throughout the event for maximum visibility.

$4,000 tax deductible

Corporate Sponsor – $3,500

Enjoy 1 table of 10 guests with personalized name or logo display at each table.

Sponsor Visibility: Display of your name and/or logo on event-night on-screen displays.

$2,500 tax deductible

Table Sponsor – $3,000

Enjoy 1 table of 10 guests.

Admission Benefits: Standard admission benefits for all guests.

$2,000 tax deductible

Patron Sponsor – $375

Enjoy 1 ticket.

Sponsor Visibility: Display of your name on event-night on-screen displays.

$275 tax deductible

Individual Sponsor – $300