35TH ANNUAL VINCE LOMBARDI AWARD OF EXCELLENCE DINNER
HONORING THE LEGACY OF THE MILWAUKEE BREWERS

March 7, 2026
The Pfister Hotel
Milwaukee, WI

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Email us at info@lombardifoundation.org for more information.

2026 AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Join the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation on Saturday, March 7, at the Pfister Hotel for the 35th annual Award of Excellence dinner! We are thrilled to celebrate our 2026 honoree, the Milwaukee Brewers, as an organization that captures the spirit of commitment and pursuit of excellence that defines legendary Coach Vince Lombardi.  

We are pleased to also recognize Cecelia Gore with the second annual Champion for a Cure Award – an award honoring a local leader who embodies the same spirit of commitment and excellence in the fight against cancer.  

Funds raised during the unforgettable, black-tie event directly support cancer research and treatments, celebrating the legacy of Coach Lombardi through the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation's mission to prevent cancer, provide superior patient care, and find a cure. 

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE HONOREE

The Milwaukee Brewers are a source of pride throughout Wisconsin, recognized not only for their success on the field, but for their leadership beyond it. A record-breaking 2025 season underscored the organization’s commitment to teamwork, accountability, and the pursuit of excellence – hallmarks of Coach Vince Lombardi’s philosophy. 

The Milwaukee Brewers are woven into the fabric of Wisconsin, serving as a steadfast community partner. Through ongoing community relations efforts and the work of the Brewers Community Foundation, the organization supports hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year, investing in health, education, recreation, and basic needs across the state. They demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing cancer research and awareness, supporting organizations like the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation and individuals and families affected by cancer. By engaging players, coaches, staff, and fans in meaningful causes, the Brewers have made a lasting and measurable impact on the lives of children and families throughout Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin. 

The Brewers exemplify what it means to compete with integrity while remaining deeply committed to the community they serve. The Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation is proud to recognize the Milwaukee Brewers for their enduring commitment to Wisconsin and their continued excellence on and off the field as the 2026 Award of Excellence honoree. 

CHAMPION FOR A CURE AWARD

In addition to honoring the Milwaukee Brewers, Cecelia Gore will be recognized with the Champion for a Cure Award, celebrating her resilience as a cancer survivor and her enduring commitment to advocacy, leadership, and community impact. Introduced last year, this award honors local leaders who embody Coach Vince Lombardi's spirit of commitment and excellence in the fight against cancer. 

Cecelia currently serves as Executive Director of Brewers Community Foundation, the charitable arm of Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club.  The Foundation harnesses the pride, passion and commitment of our fans, players and other supporters to positively impact the community.  Focused areas of support for Brewers Community Foundation include nonprofits in the areas of health, education, recreation, and basic needs, with a particular focus on low income and disadvantaged youth and their families in Greater Milwaukee and Wisconsin. 

Cecelia is a founding member of the Wisconsin chapter of the American Cancer Society’s CEOs Against Cancer, bringing together business leaders to advance cancer prevention and treatment. Her influence extends through her service on numerous boards, including Town Bank, a Wintrust Company, C.G. Schmidt a family-owned construction company, Greater Milwaukee Committee, and Alverno College. She recently served as a director for the Greater Milwaukee Foundation and Sojourner Family Peace Center, and has supported significant fundraising goals for numerous organizations throughout her tenure. 

Her work has been recognized through several awards and honors, including a Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa from Carroll University. 

A dynamic senior-level executive with extensive experience in community and external affairs, Cecelia is a champion in many ways. Milwaukee would not be the community it is today without her contributions and leadership, and we are proud to honor her as our 2026 Champion for a Cure.
 

Past Recipients

2025 - Dr. David Margolis

Check out photos from last year’s event!

THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSORS!