Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is hosting its 15th annual “Denim & Diamonds” fundraiser Saturday, October 3. The funds raised will support innovative research projects and enhance patient comforts. More than 90 percent of the funds raised at the event stay local.

Guests at Denim & Diamonds are encouraged to dress in their finest denim or formal attire for the event, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. This year’s theme is “It’s a Wonderful Night for a Moondance.” Tickets are $125 per person or $1,250 for a table of 10 and are available by calling 217-545-2955. Register online.

Both the live and silent auctions feature vacation homes, gourmet dinners, sporting event tickets, original artwork, one-of-a-kind jewelry and much more. Along with the auction, the event will feature an elegant sit-down dinner and live music by the upStandard Citizens of Springfield.

This year’s presenting sponsors are Memorial Medical Center and Simmons Hanly Conroy. Other sponsors include:  HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Merrill Lynch – The Noonan Group, Bank of Springfield, BUNN, Clinical Radiologists, Springfield Clinic, Brandt Consolidated, Jeff and Christine Bennett, Aziz and Tarfa Khan, Gina Kovach and Dave Steward, Lois and Jerry Kruse, Dr. Kevin and Pat McVary, REGENCY, Rita and Jack Victor/Michael Davis & Jay Fields, and Walgreens. Media sponsors are Capitol Radio Group; Mid-West Family Broadcasting, The State Journal-Register and Springfield Scene magazine.

The mission of Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU is to serve the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service.