Denim & Diamonds marks 25 years of improved cancer research and care
Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU School of Medicine is hosting its 25th annual Denim & Diamonds fundraising gala on Saturday, October 11.
The signature event commemorates 25 years of improving cancer research and care in central Illinois. It features auctions, raffles, live entertainment and dinner to support local cancer studies and patient programs.
The festivities will begin at 6 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza, 3000 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield. Denim & Diamonds guests are encouraged to dress in their finest denim, formal attire or a chic combination of the two.
A highlight of the evening is the $10,000 Dream Getaway Raffle, open to anyone 21 or older (excluding residents of Hawaii and Alaska). The prize includes $6,500 for travel and accommodations arranged through Effingham Travel Agency, with endless destination options, plus an additional $3,500 voucher for dining, shopping and entertainment, ensuring an unforgettable experience. Raffle tickets are available at 3 for $50, and the winner does not need to be present to win.
Both the live and silent auctions feature vacation homes, gourmet dinners, sporting event tickets, original artwork, one-of-a-kind jewelry and much more. The event also includes dinner and live music by Steve Shininger & the ShinSings Orchestra.
“Denim & Diamonds is more than a celebration—it’s a lifeline of support,” said Kerri Taylor, chair of Denim & Diamonds 2025. “Every breakthrough in cancer treatment begins with community commitment. Here in Springfield, our researchers and physicians are working side by side to turn today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s cures. Around the world, survival rates are rising and new therapies are giving patients more time, more hope and more life. Your generosity fuels that momentum,” she said.
For a quarter century, the annual Denim & Diamonds gala has raised money for local cancer research and programs that address the needs of Simmons Cancer Institute’s patient population. SCI clinicians view the physical aspect of cancer treatment as just one of the approaches to care. They are committed to healing the whole person and offer a variety of complementary therapies, such as yoga, fitness classes, wigs and wellness programs designed to improve patients’ lives. These are provided at no cost to all patients in the area, their family and caregivers, regardless of where they receive cancer treatment.
This year’s presenting sponsors are Chronister Oil dba Qik n Ez, Memorial Health, The Noonan Capital Group at Morgan Stanley, and Simmons Hanly Conroy.
Tickets are $150 per person or $1,525 for a table of 10 and are available by calling 217-545-2955. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at Denim & Diamonds 2025.
