In February 2006, the Foundation announced a $5 million gift for cancer research and treatment to the University of Virginia Health System. The donation will help the university to recruit an internationally recognized cancer prevention specialist as well as provide programmatic support for research laboratories and start-up funds for an individualized patient care program that will utilize molecular profiling technologies.

The gift was made in honor of Palmer Weber, a long time Smithfield associate and director. Weber, who died in 1986, was born in Smithfield, Va. and earned his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees all at U.Va.

To learn more about this gift visit Smithfield Foods News.