The passing of Lauri D. Lillien underscores our commitment to fighting this deadly disease.
This year, for our 39th Annual Gala, we’ve chosen to support Breast Cancer Research as our charitable recipient for three key reasons:
- To honor the women in our industry who are vital to the success we all enjoy.
- In 2021, 272,454 new breast cancer cases were reported in women, and in 2022, 42,211 women lost their lives to this disease (based on data available as of June 2024).
- Breast cancer destroys women’s health, as seen in these alarming statistics.
Our tradition of raising money for charity began in 1998 at our 14th Awards Dinner. Since then, we have raised over $3.2 million, with eleven events dedicated to cancer research and patient care. Through this journey, we’ve learned that advances in cancer research, regardless of the type, help broaden the understanding and treatment of this devastating disease.
This year, we announced our charity in May, paying tribute to the women in our industry who have bravely faced cancer. Among those we honor are Sandy Lowery, wife of John Lowery of Applied Innovation, who passed away from pancreatic cancer in January 2023; Jennifer Hagman, U.S. Bank’s North Central Regional sales manager, who passed away from cancer on May 22, 2024; Debbie Gaugier, whose husband Jim owns DL Gallivan Office Solutions in Portage, Michigan; and now Lauri D. Lilien, who lost her battle with cancer on August 30, 2024. Lauri’s passing coincided with her husband, Steve Schaps of Specialty Business Solutions, selling his business to his partner after 35 years as a Sharp dealer.
Lauri, a beloved wife, was known for her compassion, grace, and passion for animal rescue. She enjoyed a 35-year career as an executive in the publishing industry, working with prestigious companies such as Simon & Schuster and Black Dog & Leventhal. Lauri’s warmth touched everyone she met, and her legacy lives on through her loving husband, Steve, and their cherished cat, T.C.
As this battle with cancer continues, we ask you to join us in the fight to save lives and support the women affected by this disease. If you cannot attend the Gala, you can still donate by clicking here.
