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Community Rallies to Raise $371,000 at Illuminate A Night for Cures

Milwaukee — September 23, 2026

More than 300 supporters gathered on Thursday, Sept. 10, for Illuminate: A Night for Cures, joining together to celebrate hope and invest in the future of lifesaving research.

Together, attendees raised $371,000 to support the lifesaving mission of Versiti and the Versiti Blood Research Institute. Funds raised during the evening will support pioneering blood health research, helping scientists accelerate discoveries that improve the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers and disorders.

The evening marked the largest Illuminate gala to date, reflecting our community's shared commitment to advancing discoveries that improve care for patients who can’t wait.

Throughout the evening, one message resonated above all others: Hope. It's in our blood.

Semi and Temi Olumeko

Guests heard the inspiring story of Semi and Temi Olumeko, recipients of this year's Illuminate Award, whose journey illustrated the life-changing power of scientific discovery. After Semi's bone marrow transplant, researchers at the Versiti Blood Research Institute uncovered an extraordinarily rare condition, providing answers that helped guide his treatment and, together with lifesaving platelet donations from his brother, Temi, helped save Semi’s life.

Dale Kent

The evening also honored Dale Kent, recipient of the 2026 Virginia Brooks Jefferson Award, Versiti’s highest recognition of philanthropic and service leadership. Since becoming involved with Versiti in 2012, Dale has helped guide a period of remarkable growth, including serving for three years as Board Chair and helping Versiti expand its reach into four additional states, strengthen clinical care and advance lifesaving research.

CSL Behring Logo

We are grateful to the attendees, volunteers, donors and auction participants whose generosity made the evening such a success. And a special thank you to our presenting sponsor, CSL Behring, and to all of our event sponsors whose partnership helped make this inspiring evening possible.

Because of this extraordinary generosity, researchers can continue pursuing discoveries that bring hope to patients and families. Together, our community is helping advance research that leads to faster diagnoses, better treatments and more second chances.

Join Us in Investing in Hope

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Smiling guests at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
Smiling guests at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
Guests posing for a picture at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
Guests posing for a picture at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
Guests posing for a picture at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
Temi, Semi and their family smiling for a photo at the 2026 Imagine Gala.
 

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