Celebrating 60 Years of GIRF & Honoring a Legacy of Giving
Beatrice G. Crain
Joseph B. Kirsner Award
On Saturday, May 1st, the GI Research Foundation Diamond Anniversary Ball will celebrate 60 brilliant years of supporting the renowned University of Chicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center.
The milestone celebration honors the incomparable Beatrice “Bee” G. Crain, co-chairman of the Crain-Maling Foundation, with the inaugural Joseph B. Kirsner Award – commemorating her steadfast support of GIRF since its founding in 1961. Bee Crain’s involvement with the GI Research Foundation has its roots in World War II, when her husband and Joseph B. Kirsner, MD met while serving in the military. After the war, their friendship continued, and once the GI Research Foundation was established in 1962, the Crain’s became avid supporters. Beatrice Crain has honored the legacy of her dear friend Dr. Kirsner by supporting major scientific breakthroughs, training for generations of research leaders, and crucial facilities development at the UChicago Medicine Digestive Diseases Center.
Enjoy Bee’s remarks from the GI Research Foundation’s 2020 Virtual Ball.