Gala

Fighter Award – Strategic Factory

Founded in 1999, Strategic Factory is a leading marketing, branding, printing, and signage company based in Owings Mills, Maryland. Guided by their “Can Do, Will Do, Happy To” attitude, the company embraces community involvement as a way to give back and acknowledge the support that has fueled their 26 years of growth—from an 800-square-foot shop to a full-service enterprise with over 100,000 square feet of production space across three facilities. A proud supporter of the Children’s Cancer Foundation, Strategic Factory’s commitment shines through the leadership of Bobby Cardoni, Director of Business Development and CCF board member. CCF is thrilled to present the Fighter Award to Strategic Factory.

Hero Award – Jeffrey Toretsky, M.D. Chief for the Division of Pediatric, Adolescent and Young Adult Hematology/Oncology at Georgetown University and former Head of Molecular Biology Oncology Program at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Jeff has dedicated his career to identifying treatments that would lead to cures for Ewing sarcoma. Since receiving a CCF grant 30 years ago from CCF Founder Shirley Howard, Jeff has given back to CCF and to our community with his commitment, leadership, and friendship.

Jeff frequently recognizes CCF’s investment in his early research as critical to his later achievements. He has championed young local researchers and their need for early funding. Most significantly, Jeff envisioned the CCF Research Symposium, now in its ninth year, aimed at facilitating collaboration, public dialogue and mentorship. Jeff also served as Chair of CCF’s Scientific Advisory Board from 2015-2024.

Stewardship Award – The McMillan Family CCF is delighted to recognize the McMillan family for nearly 40 years of philanthropy and service. What began as a friendship with our founder, Shirley Howard, has grown into a decades-long dedication to this community. Charmel started donating to CCF in the late 1980s and has served on the CCF Board of Directors since 1999. Her parents, Melba and Charles, continue to be steadfast in their monetary contributions and support of the CCF mission.

PRESENTING SPONSOR
Pepsi

Partnership Sponsors
Dole Fresh Vegetables
JOH
Giant Food
Coca-Cola Consolidated

Platinum Sponsor
Sysco

Gold Sponsors
Bimbo Bakeries USA
Johns Hopkins Division of Pediatric Oncology
Museles Family
Weis Markets

Annually, the CCF Gala unites researchers, patients, survivors, donors and volunteers who come together to advance our mission. Together, on this special evening, we recognize those who share our voice, our goals and our purpose.