T.J. MARTELL FOUNDATION TURNS 50

The T.J. Martell Foundation, founded 50 years ago by music executive Tony Martell in honor of his leukemia-stricken son, T.J., has funded significant advances in cancer treatment.

In that half-century, the organization has raised more than $280 million. What's more, it's been awarded a four-star rating by Charity Navigator, scoring 98%—the highest rating in its history.

As it marks its milestone anniversary, the foundation is laying the groundwork for the future under the leadership of REPUBLIC Collective EVP of Business & Legal Affairs and Business Development Steve Gawley, the newly appointed chairman of the board of trustees.

The org’s executive committee comprises BMLG’s Scott Borchetta, Warner’s Tom Corson, Executive Chairman John Esposito, REPUBLIC’s Avery Lipman and Joe Schmidt, Glassnote’s Daniel Glass, UMG’s Jeffrey Harleston, SoundExchange’s Michael Huppe, RI Entertainment’s Rich Isaacson, WMG’s Michael Kushner, attorneys Dennis Lord and Andy Tavel, Metallica manager Marc Reiter, Sony Music’s Darren Stupak and Julie Swidler and treasurer Ron Wilcox of MD Consulting. Lynn-Anne Huck, CEO of the foundation, serves as an ex officio member.

“For 50 years, the T.J. Martell Foundation has been at the intersection of music and medicine, turning passion into progress,” said Gawley. “As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead to a future where every dollar raised and every partnership formed brings us closer to a cure.

"The music industry thrives on discovering and nurturing new talent before the world knows their name. We must take the same approach to cancer research—funding the boldest, most promising ideas to help drive them toward mainstream solutions that will benefit anyone who suffers from this terrible disease."

“Steve Gawley’s leadership is shaping the next era of our mission,” said Huck. “His ability to unite people, build partnerships and drive innovation ensures that we are not just preserving a legacy—we are creating a future where groundbreaking cancer research thrives.”

As part of its 50th anniversary celebration, the T.J. Martell Foundation will hold a series of fundraising dinners, including the L.A. Wine Dinner (3/20), Nashville’s Best Cellars Dinner (4/22), Napa’s Best Cellars Dinner (5/22, at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena) and the culminating New York Honors Gala (9/16, at Cipriani 42nd Street).

Additionally, the Music’s Team for a Cure initiative will rally health-conscious volunteers to raise funds by participating in fitness and endurance events. Upcoming such happenings include the Hamptons Marathon & Half (9/27) and Run Nash Half Marathon & 5K (10/25).

More event info can be found here.