Editorial: For $10,000, you get ...

Frustrated by lawsuits that have held up funding for California's $3 billion stem cell research institute, some of San Francisco's most prominent philanthropists are holding a gala fundraiser for this state agency on May 22.

A press release for "Reach for Tomorrow, Research Today" says the event will offer "private scientific briefings" and "private tours" of nearby campuses for donors willing to contribute up to $10,000 per person, or $100,000 per table. The event also offers a VIP reception, a black-tie dinner and appearances by actress Julie Andrews, composer Marvin Hamlisch and others.


Presumably, the event will also draw university deans and biotech executives who want some exclusive face time with institute leaders - public officials who will be deciding on multi-million-dollar grants to universities and biotech companies. At least three of these public officials are helping to organize the event. These include Institute President Zach Hall, Oversight Committee Chairman Robert Klein II and Vice Chairman Ed Penhoet, listed as honorary co-chairs of "Reach for Tomorrow." (Details can be found at www.reachfortomorrow.info.)

What is wrong with this picture? Plenty, if...