We are a group of hardworking and “hands-on” volunteers who have pooled our ideas and resources and joined together for the sole purpose of raising funds for the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute. Many of us are motivated by our own experiences, or the experiences of loved ones, with this insidious disease. We want to ensure that other families, who are facing this illness, always have a place to turn to where they will receive the ultimate in patient care, education and treatment.

We are extremely dedicated and passionate about our work, and we’re so proud of all we have accomplished thus far. In 2007, at our 14th Annual Partners Golf Classic and Partners Night, we raised nearly $1 million dollars. This brought our grand total of funds raised to nearly $7 million dollars. The Partners have full discretion as to where to designate our event proceeds; however, our decision is based on the hierarchy of needs, as expressed to us by the KCI staff. Every year we have used these funds to purchase vital research equipment and diagnostic tools for the Institute, therefore helping to ensure that the KCI stays on the cutting edge of modern science.

Having access to this technology is extremely important for the KCI's status as a Comprehensive Research Cancer Center. The Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of only 39, NCI designated, Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the country. This designation has given the KCI all the clout it needed to successfully recruit several prominent physicians and researchers, thereby bolstering an already impressive staff. The Karmanos Cancer Institute continues to be a beacon of hope for those confronting cancer and a source of community pride in being home to one of the nation’s leading cancer centers. These are exciting and challenging times for the Institute, and we feel fortunate to be a part of it.

Partners History

Partners was founded in 1994 by Harry B. Korman. The Partners events began in memory of his daughter, Suzanne Korman Morton. After losing Suzanne to a long battle with cancer, it was Mr. Korman’s vision to recruit his family and their peers in the fight against this ominous disease. The Partners Executive Committee is the result of his vision. The Partners concept was developed around the goal of engaging young volunteers in the search for a cure for cancer. The group’s members range in age from 25 to 45 with a limit of 50 years of age. This age limit ensures that the committee remains dynamic, assuring transition and opportunity for new leadership and direction.

With his family’s leadership and support, the Partners have excelled. In the past fourteen years, the Partners have raised nearly $7 million for the Karmanos Cancer Institute from their two annual fundraising events: the Partners Night and its sister event, the Partners Golf Classic. Their events have become exciting and popular Metro-Detroit traditions, and the attendance has grown exponentially with each passing year - with 900 attending the 14th Annual Partners Night.

Click here to view the history of our past honorees, designations of funds and net revenues from 1994-2007.