Nevada Cancer Institute Receives $10 million Gift from Jim and Glynda Rhodes

Gift announced during the Annual Gala Rock for the Cure

The Nevada Cancer Institute is pleased to announce that Jim and Glynda Rhodes of Rhodes Homes have generously given a $10 million gift to Nevada Cancer Institute (NVCI) to help the Institute further its mission of  cancer research, treatment and education.

The announcement came during the Annual “Rock for the Cure” gala. Jim and Glynda Rhodes are chairs for this year’s event.

Jim Rhodes’ mother, Betsy, is a breast cancer survivor and his father, Leonard, died of esophageal cancer. Rhodes Homes is among the early founders of NVCI, first donating $1 million in 2004, and continuing to show strong support for the Institute throughout the following years.

“This is a very significant investment in the battle to reduce the burden of cancer in Nevada,” said Heather Murren, chief executive officer of NVCI. “This gift will enable us to make great strides in advancing the field of knowledge for cancer research and extending our presence across the state. We are honored by the vision of Jim and Glynda Rhodes who are helping us so generously in this momentous effort.”

The hallmark donation comes at a time when the housing market, nationally and locally, has been suffering. Despite those challenges, the Rhodes said it is important to take care of the community that has taken care of them over the years, no matter what the economic climate may be.

“Having been touched personally by cancer, I know how important it is for this community to have a place where Nevadans can get the best care available in a comfortable, healing environment,” said Jim Rhodes, founder and president of Rhodes Homes. “NVCI is a best-in-class organization, and we know this gift will go a long way to finding a cure.”

Jim and Glynda Rhodes are not only visionaries in making Nevada a better place to live but have been instrumental in developing southern Nevada into what it is today. Rhodes Homes has built more than 6,000 houses in Las Vegas over the past two decades, a time of great expansion in the Valley. Jim Rhodes started out as a carpenter and framer, and then expanded into building custom homes. Glynda Rhodes is the vice president of interior and architectural design and chairs the Rhodes Homes Charitable Giving Committee. Both are proud to be lifelong Las Vegans.

“So much work still needs to be done, and we hope that our gift will go a long way to helping reduce the burden of cancer for Nevadans,” Glynda Rhodes said. “Hopefully our gift will help us get that much closer to what we all want – a cure.”

Celebrity entertainers were on hand to show their support for the gala event, with a high-energy concert by the legendary Rod Stewart. Entertainment also was provided by Howie Mandel, host of the hit show Deal or No Deal. Famed illusionist Criss Angel and party princess Paris Hilton both appeared to promote special live auction packages they helped create for the cause. Sylvester Stallone, Tommy Lee, Vince Neil, Kimberly and Sean Stewart, Miss Universe Riyo Mori and Miss USA Rachel Smith also attended Rock for the Cure.

Shelley Gitomer, vice president for Development at NVCI said: “Rhodes Homes has demonstrated itself as an organization that is compassionate about the residents of our state. We are honored to include them as a leader in our efforts to mitigate and eradicate cancer.”