GI RESEARCH FOUNDATION

The Chicago-based GI Research Foundation’s 63rd annual ball was attended by 550 guests and raised almost $1.8 million for gastrointestinal-related research at the University of Chicago and other leading institutions. Sy Taxman, founder and former CEO of the Chicago real estate development company Taxman Corp., was recognized with the Joseph B. Kirsner Award for his decades of philanthropy. He and his wife, Nancy, also announced a $500,000 gift to the foundation. Co-chairs Jennifer Riback and Amy Goldman described the foundation’s longtime impact, including “more options and improved care–things like emerging treatments for future patients, new imaging techniques, and a better understanding of the diseases that too many people face.” Saturday Night Live alum Kevin Nealon and local band The Gold Coast All Stars closed the night with comedy and dancing. giresearchfoundation.org