Saturday, July 26, 2025 | 5:00 pm – Midnight | AON Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, Chicago
If you’re looking for a fundraiser that trades tuxedos for tiki shirts, you won’t want to miss the Goombay Bash—Chicago’s largest cancer research fundraising event. Now in its 24th year, it’s more than just a party. This tropical-themed extravaganza supports a vital mission: funding basic science cancer research at the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University.
🌟 Presented by The H Foundation
The Goombay Bash is proudly organized by The H Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) organization born in 2001 “over a cocktail called the Goombay Smash”. What started as a group of entrepreneurial friends with a shared vision has since grown into a beloved Chicago tradition—and a major force in cancer research funding.
Since inception, The H Foundation has raised over $13 million, directing nearly every dollar raised to Lurie Cancer Center’s basic science projects. This seed funding has been instrumental in securing a staggering $280 million in additional research grants.
They maintain a unique and impactful partnership with Lurie—ensuring donated funds go straight to pioneering research by scientists, doctors, and students working toward curing cancer.
🎟 Tickets
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General Admission: $195
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VIP Admission: $350 (Includes premium seating and dedicated concierge service.)
Click here to purchase tickets.
🌺 What to Expect
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Celebrity Guest of Honor: Rob Lowe
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Live Auction of exclusive experiences
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Silent Auction with 300+ curated items
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$10,000 Grand Raffle Prize
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Instant‑Win Raffles, including a chance to win the “Best of Live Auction” package
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Gourmet Buffet & Cash Bar
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Fireworks Finale over Lake Michigan
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Casual tropical attire—Hawaiian shirts and leis encouraged!
🤙 Getting There & Dress Code
Everything you need—parking tips, shuttle services, tropical-casual outfit guidance, auction previews, and event printables—is available on the Goombay site to ensure your night runs smoothly.
💛 Why It Matters
Every ticket, bid, and raffle contributes directly to early-stage cancer research. The H Foundation’s model—100% donor-funded with zero overhead—means your contributions go straight to promising Lurie researchers. That $13 million in donations helped fuel $280 million in downstream funding, accelerating breakthroughs and bolstering Chicago’s position in the global fight against cancer.
🎉 Join the Celebration
This is your invite to dress tropical, gather your friends, and party with purpose at Navy Pier. Enjoy a vibrant evening under the stars while championing cutting-edge research at one of Illinois’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers.
LGBA is honored to support The H Foundation’s Goombay Bash—where fun meets philanthropy in the best possible way. We hope to see you there!