Nevada Cancer Institute Receives $20 million Gift from the Engelstad Family Foundation

Second Major Gift from the Foundation to fund research building

For Immediate Release

Contacts: Lisa Stark (702) 821-5223, lstark@nvcancer.org
Jennifer McDonnell, NVCI, (702) 821-0082, jmcdonnell@nvcancer.org

LAS VEGAS, September 13, 2008 – The Engelstad Family Foundation of Las Vegas has generously committed a $20 million gift to Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) in order to further the mission of bringing cutting-edge cancer research to the forefront. This gift will be used to fund the cancer research building currently under construction on the NVCI campus and will be named the Ralph and Betty Engelstad Cancer Research Building.

This second major gift from the Engelstad Family Foundation comes just two years after the Foundation donated a $15 million gift to the Institute in September 2006 for the advancement of scientific research, screening and treatment in the field of lung cancer. NVCI will have three named chairs and fellowships focusing on the prevention and the therapy of lung cancer created by an endowment from the Engelstad Family Foundation. (More information on the fellowships can be found at: http://www.nevadacancerinstitute.org/news.aspx?id=1092)

The announcement of this second major donation from the Engelstad Family Foundation came during the annual Summer’s End Beach Party benefiting NVCI held at the home of Jim and Joan Hammer.

The Engelstad Family Foundation was formed in June 2002. Ralph Engelstad, owner of the Imperial Palace Hotel and Resort, died of lung cancer on Nov. 26, 2002.

"What makes this so perfect for us and for him is that he was a fighter," said Kris Engelstad McGarry, Ralph Engelstad’s daughter. "This is the dream for NVCI, the dream of hope; we’re working toward that goal.

"My dad would be so happy – we are doing exactly what he would have wanted us to do, and that is help the families and people of Nevada, and to help combat this disease that takes the lives of so many."

Heather Murren, chairman of the board and co-founder of NVCI said of the gift: "We are humbled by this second major gift from the Engelstad Family Foundation. This funding will have a direct impact on our ability to discover new treatment options for patients in Nevada and beyond, and to prevent lung cancer and one day to cure it. We are honored with the vision of the Engelstad Family Foundation joining us in our collective effort to reduce the burden of cancer."

The research building will be 183,378 square feet dedicated exclusively to research housing 36 individual laboratories on three floors for investigators and their teams, as well as a core lab to support clinical research and expand basic and translational research.

"These gifts demonstrate the commitment of the private sector, and a leading foundation, to curing cancer and investing in our state’s healthcare needs,” said Nicolas J. Vogelzang, M.D., F.A.C.P., NVCI director. “This continued support proves that Nevada has the capability to be on the leading edge of important and groundbreaking research. These gifts will resonate for generations."

Vogelzang said the new research building is critical to recruiting the best and brightest researchers from around the world.

"Scientists need space to do their work,” he said. “This new building will feature state-of-the-art equipment and space, making it possible for these scientists to leave established institutions, come to Nevada and bring their teams with them."

About Ralph Engelstad

Mr. Engelstad owned the Imperial Palace Hotel and Resort. A native of Minnesota, he came to Las Vegas in 1960 originally employed in the construction industry. He was also one of the founders of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He is survived by his wife Betty Engelstad, his daughter Kris, two sisters and two grandchildren.

Mr. Engelstad was recognized nationally for being a leader in helping people with disabilities, including a "National Employer of the Year" award from the President’s Committee on the Employment of People with Disabilities. He received a "Humanitarian of the Year Award" from the International Gaming & Business Exposition.

About Nevada Cancer Institute

Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) is the official cancer institute for the State of Nevada. NVCI is accredited by The Joint Commission and is dedicated patient health care quality and safety. A nonprofit organization, NVCI is committed to reducing the burden of cancer by pursuing the development of a comprehensive cancer research institute, as defined by the National Cancer Institute. Through the knowledge and expertise of the finest scientists, clinicians, educators and caregivers, the Institute provides hope to communities in Nevada, the southwest and beyond through research, education, early detection, prevention and high quality patient care. NVCI is striving for a future without cancer that is achieved through initiated and collaborative research in basic and clinical science. For more information, please visit www.nevadacancerinstitute.org or call (702) 822-LIFE.