By Leslie Ridgeway

Keck School Board of Overseers member Deborah Lanni is a presenting sponsor at the 40th year celebration gala for the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Philanthropist and Pasadena resident Deborah Lanni has pledged $250,000 as a presenting sponsor to support the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, which is celebrating its 40th year with a gala celebration this fall.

The event, titled “40 Years of Progress — Discovering New Cures” will take place Friday, Oct. 11, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Westin Bonaventure hotel. Award-winning comedian and actor Martin Short will emcee, and there will be special musical entertainment.

The goal of the event is to raise more than $1 million for cancer research at USC Norris while looking back on breakthroughs and successes and looking forward to the future of cancer research.

Lanni, a USC alumna, is a member of the Keck School of Medicine of USC Board of Overseers. She is president of the Lanni Family Charitable Foundation, and her husband Terry Lanni served on the Keck School Board of Overseers until his death due to cancer in 2011.

“My husband was treated two years ago by Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, and since then I have stayed close to USC Norris,” said Lanni. “USC Norris is a very special place. I’m happy to help them. It’s important to support a medical endeavor like this in your community.”

The event will also feature recognition of two of USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center’s dedicated sponsors. The Founder’s Award will be presented to benefactors Harlyne Norris and Lisa Hansen of the Kenneth T. and Eileen L. Norris Foundation, and the Visionary Award to USC alumnus and benefactor Ming and Eva Hsieh. Harlyne Norris and Ming Hsieh are also on the USC Board of Trustees.

Opportunities to participate in sponsorship activities are available. For more information on the gala, contact Jacqueline Andrejich at jacqueline.andrejich@med.usc.edu.