The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit raised morethan $2.5 million during its recent annual dinner, making the eventthe most successful event ever in the institute's history.

In addition to Chevrolet, the dinner's host sponsor, the $773million Credit Union ONE in Ferndale, Mich., were among the more than20 other key sponsors that contributed to raising funds for cancerresearch.

This year's event helps support Karmanos' new clinical corelaboratory, a 4,200-square-foot renovated area in the KarmanosCancer Center dedicated to laboratory services for Karmanos'patients, according to officials.

This improvement will mean shorter wait times for patientsneeding blood test results prior to receiving their cancertreatment, enhancing the patient's experience while promotingefficiencies. The lab, set to open in October 2013, will generateapproximately 34 new jobs, including medical technologists andlaboratory assistants. It will be open 24 hours a day, seven days aweek.

More than 550 guests attended the elegant gala held April 20 atthe General Motors' Detroit-Hamtramck Assembly Center.

The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute is one of 41 NationalCancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers in theUnited States, according to officials. The institute cares fornearly 6,000 new patients annually on a budget of $265 million andconducts more than 700 cancer-specific scientific investigationprograms and clinical trials.

Working with 1,000 staff including nearly 300 physicians andresearchers on faculty at the Wayne State University School ofMedicine in Detroit, the institute said it is supported bythousands of volunteers and financial donors.