The Young Supporters Board (YSB) of the UAB O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center is hosting the second annual Palate & Palette, a one-of-a-kind event celebrating the best of Birmingham’s local talent in food, art, and music. The event takes place at The Fennec and brings together the city’s up-and-coming chefs, artists, and musicians—all while raising critical funds for cancer research. It’s more than a showcase of talent—it’s a vital source of support for the next generation of cancer researchers whose work could transform patient care.

A Celebration of Birmingham’s Talent

Palate & Palette highlights the creativity and skill of Birmingham’s rising talent. Guests can sample dishes from restaurants including Current Charcoal Grill, Armour House, Lapeer, El Barrio, Salud, and Rêve, each offering a unique take on their signature flavors.

Local artists bring their work to life in real time. Featured artists include Tim Spanjer, Vaughan Spanjer, Margaret Ann Lee, Virginia Nelson, Christina Brockman, Caleb Clark, and Caroline Gray, creating live paintings throughout the evening. Music adds another layer to the experience, with Dos Pianos performing downstairs and Gri Cashio upstairs, producing an energetic atmosphere that celebrates creativity and local talent. Every bite, brushstroke, and note contributes to an event that directly benefits groundbreaking cancer research.

Supporting the Next Generation of Cancer Researchers

Proceeds from Palate & Palette fund the Mary Ann Harvard and Jacob Baker NextGen Scholar Awards, which support predoctoral and postdoctoral scientists early in their careers. These awards provide critical funding that allows young researchers to advance their work, generate meaningful data, and compete for larger national grants.

“The impact that these young investigators will have on cancer in the next several decades will be remarkable, incredibly rewarding, and very meaningful for the care of our cancer patients,” says Dr. Barry Sleckman, Director of the O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. Without events like Palate & Palette, early-career researchers would face a much steeper climb in pursuing these life-changing studies.

Since 2006, the YSB—a group of young professionals, many personally affected by cancer—has raised nearly $1.25 million to fund young researchers. Last year, Palate & Palette alone raised over $150,000, with hopes to match or exceed that milestone this year. These funds directly support the future of cancer research right here in Birmingham.

Honoring Mary Ann Harvard and Jacob Baker

The NextGen Scholar Awards are named for Mary Ann Harvard and Jacob Baker, two beloved former board members whose dedication to cancer research continues to inspire the YSB. Mary Ann Harvard fought Hodgkin’s lymphoma for 10 years, facing six recurrences with grace and courage before passing in 2013 at the age of 33. Jacob Baker, diagnosed with brain cancer in 2015, remained a passionate advocate for research and care, uplifting everyone around him until his passing in 2019 at 31. Their legacies live on through the NextGen Awards and the young researchers they support, emphasizing how every contribution to the event translates into real impact in the fight against cancer.

Why Early Support Matters

Early-career funding is essential for advancing innovative cancer research. The NextGen Awards allow recipients to pursue studies right here in Birmingham—from breast cancer to brain cancer—taking meaningful steps toward halting these diseases and improving patient outcomes. Support for these awards ensures that the next generation of researchers can continue pushing the boundaries of cancer science.

“The support that our researchers receive from Palate & Palette plays an instrumental role in their career. The future of cancer research depends on these young minds,” adds Dr. Sleckman.

Tickets and Experience

Tickets for Palate & Palette are available at go.uab.edu/palateandpalette, with two levels:

• General Admission ($75): Event entry, food sampling from each chef, 2 drink tickets, access to all musicians, and a front-row view of live painting.
• VIP ($125): All General Admission perks plus VIP lounge access, an additional drink ticket, and a VIP lanyard.

Celebrating Talent, Supporting Research

Palate & Palette brings together Birmingham’s culinary, artistic, and musical talent in one vibrant evening while funding critical cancer research. The event is a bridge between the city’s creative community and the fight against cancer, ensuring that every bite, brushstroke, and note contributes to a meaningful cause. Through events like this, young researchers gain the resources they need to pursue innovative cancer research that could save lives in the decades to come.