FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (July 2014) — The Don Shula Foundation is donating $1.5 million to Moffitt Cancer Center to establish The Don Shula Breast Cancer Research Fund (The Shula Fund). Scientists at Moffitt, the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center based in Florida, will use The Shula Fund to support cutting-edge research projects that will generate new treatment and prevention strategies for breast cancer patients in Florida and beyond.
Don Shula, the winningest coach of all time, and his wife, Mary Anne, joined Moffitt to announce a partnership at a press conference on Tuesday, July 15th. The event was held by Shula’s on the Beach at The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, 321 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Shula family was joined by Miami Dolphins legend Bob Griese, the chairman of Moffitt’s national Board of Advisors.
The Don Shula Foundation, established in Miami more than 20 years ago as a tribute to Shula’s late wife, Dorothy, will add a generous gift to a long-lasting relationship with Moffitt. The organization has supported breast cancer research at Moffitt for over a decade, donating nearly half a million dollars. According to Shula, the new Shula Fund will fuel important breast cancer research discoveries that will improve patient outcomes.
“Cancer has touched our family personally, and I know that the more we give to cancer research, the closer we are to finding a cure,” said Coach Shula, a member of Moffitt’s national Board of Advisors. “We want to make a difference in this fight, and we believe The Shula Fund will help do just that.”
Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP, a Fort Lauderdale-based restaurant franchisor, led by President Dave Shula and CEO Mary Anne Shula, will be an active contributor to the partnership, as well. The company will contribute to The Shula Fund and promote breast cancer awareness in their restaurants. Participating Shula’s restaurants throughout Florida, including Shula Burger, will help grow The Shula Fund through special promotions in October for breast cancer awareness month and in May for Mother’s Day.
Others may contribute to the fight to end breast cancer by donating to The Shula Fund at MOFFITT.org/ShulaFund.
A committee comprised of Shula designees, Moffitt leadership and a Moffitt breast cancer physician-scientist will select the most promising breast cancer research projects to fund. Moffitt researchers are unraveling the disease at the molecular level, recognizing that genetic changes can lead to personalized breast cancer treatment. Recent scientific advances in breast cancer research at Moffitt include outlining the best use of genetic counseling and testing, assessing a gene mutation’s impact on cancer risk and lifestyle, and identifying environmental risk factors contributing to the disease. The Shula Fund will continue to support similar innovative breast cancer research projects that are being translated into novel treatments to improve patient outcomes.
About Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP
Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP owns the Shula family of restaurant brands. The company first debuted its signature steak house concept in 1989 in Miami Lakes, Florida. This white-table cloth, fine-dining concept was the pioneer for all the concepts to come. All Shula’s restaurants serve The Best Beef Money Can Buy, The SHULA CUT consisting of only center cuts of Premium Black Angus Beef. Today Shula’s Steak Houses, LLLP has 34 restaurants nationwide, ranging from casual to fine-dining. Shula’s 347 Grill is a chic, energetic restaurant offering menu variety at a lower price point. Shula’s 2, Steak & Sports, is a laid back, sports restaurant. Shula’s Bar and Grill exclusively at airport locations, combines gourmet hamburgers, signature appetizers, crafted cocktails and premium wines, in a comfortable yet energetic bar environment. The newest concept, Shula Burger, is a quality fast-casual restaurant providing mouthwatering burgers. For general or franchise information, please visit www.donshula.com.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Moffitt is one of only 41 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, a distinction that recognizes Moffitt’s excellence in research, its contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt is the No.1 cancer hospital in Florida and has been listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” for cancer since 1999. With more than 4,200 employees, Moffitt has an economic impact on the state of nearly $2 billion. For more information, visit MOFFITT.org, and follow the Moffitt momentum on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Media Contacts
Patty Kim, 813-507-2784, [email protected]
Allison Bader, 954-393-1923, [email protected]