The Quincy Lee Foundation held its 11th Annual Henry Wright’s Heart/ Quincy Lee benefit on Sept. 9 with a packed house at The Parker House to support childhood cancer research. Lisa Lee, the founder of the Quincy Lee Foundation, said she was thrilled with this year's record-breaking attendance and the generosity of the 17 sponsors. "It’s truly a labor of love with family and friends, along with this wonderful community who help make the benefit a success," said Ms. Lee. "I am filled with gratitude by all the support." She also said she was grateful for The Parker House owners and staff, and the many local businesses who donated to the gift basket raffle and silent auction. All of the benefit's proceeds go directly to the Quincy Lee Endowed Research Fellowship at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, providing research specializing in children’s cancers. According to Lee, this is vitally important, “as less than 4 % of all cancer funding goes to pediatric cancer research.” “I love the annual benefit because it reminds me of how fortunate my family is to be surrounded by such caring people," said Ms. Lee.
The benefit was created after Parker House owner Frank Matthew learned that Ms. Lee, who is his niece, had lost her 6-year-old daughter Quincy to cancer in 2004, he decided to host a benefit to help Quincy’s wish come true so that “all kids with cancer could be all better," and to honor his partner, Henry Wright who also passed away the same year.
The Quincy Lee Foundation is a 501[c][3] nonprofit, dedicated to supporting childhood cancer research. In August 2016, the Quincy Lee Endowed Fellowship in Pediatric Oncology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital was created. It provides, in perpetuity, funding for a research oncologist specializing in children’s cancers, the release states. Since its creation, the foundation has raised over $500,000 with a goal of $1 million to fully endow the fellowship. "After Quincy died from cancer at 6 years of age, our world was forever changed," said Ms. Lee. "Establishing the foundation gave us something positive to focus on after the horrible tragedy of losing our daughter and allows us to help 'all kids with cancer'…just what Quincy wanted."
Guests were treated to cuisines from 17 shore restaurants and bars all around The Parker House porch. Bar Anticipation, Boathouse Bar and Grill, Brandl, The Column’s, Cravings, Cross & Orange, Four Winds, Fratello’s, Green Planet Coffee, Joe’s Surf Shack, Langosta Lounge, McGillicuddy’s, Mossuto’s Market, The Parker House, Reef and Barrel, Smiths of Philadelphia and St. Stephen’s Green Publick House all participated. "Delicious seafood, pasta and other specialties, along with yummy desserts and unique libations, made it an enjoyable and tasty night for all who came out," said Ms. Lee.
Ms. Lee also asks attendees to mark their calendars for the 12th annual benefit on September 14, 2020.