Richard “Dick” and Glenna Tanenbaum have donated $1 million to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, marking both Dick Tanenbaum’s 80th birthday and the biomedical research organization’s 80th anniversary.
The Oklahoma City gift connects two milestones dating to 1946, the year Dick Tanenbaum was born and OMRF was founded. The couple said the contribution is intended to support medical research and help the foundation continue its scientific work for generations to come.
“There is something incredibly special about celebrating my 80th birthday at the same time OMRF is celebrating 80 years of medical research and discovery,” said Dick Tanenbaum. “Glenna and I wanted to mark the occasion in a way that could make a meaningful difference long after the birthday candles are gone. We can’t think of a better investment than supporting research that can improve and save lives.”
OMRF Marks 80 Years of Biomedical Research
Founded in 1946 with support from Oklahomans, OMRF has developed into a nationally recognized biomedical research institute. For eight decades, its scientists have pursued discoveries focused on understanding, treating and ultimately preventing diseases affecting families in Oklahoma and elsewhere.
The Tanenbaums’ $1 million contribution comes as the foundation reflects on its history while preparing for the next phase of its scientific work.
“Richard and Glenna’s extraordinary generosity is a beautiful way to honor two 80-year milestones while investing in all that is still ahead,” said Penny Voss, Vice President of Philanthropy & Community Relations at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation. “For eight decades, OMRF has been driven by a belief that research can change lives. A $1 million gift like this helps ensure our scientists can continue pursuing discoveries that bring new treatments, new answers and new hope to patients and families. We are deeply grateful to Richard and Glenna for choosing to celebrate this moment by investing in OMRF’s future.”
The donation highlights the role private philanthropy can play in supporting research institutions as scientists pursue long-term projects and potential medical advances.
Gift Reflects Tanenbaums’ Oklahoma Connections
For Richard and Glenna Tanenbaum, the contribution also reflects their longstanding connection to Oklahoma and their belief in giving back to the community that has played an important role in their lives.
Dick Tanenbaum has spent decades working in Oklahoma’s commercial real estate sector through Gardner Tanenbaum. His career and business portfolio have developed alongside Oklahoma City, strengthening the family’s connection to the community where OMRF conducts its research.
The couple said reaching the milestone prompted them to consider not only the previous eight decades but also the impact their philanthropy could have in the years ahead.
“When you reach a milestone like 80, you realize what an extraordinary gift time really is,” said Glenna Tanenbaum. “If our gift can help researchers discover a new treatment, find an answer for a family waiting for one, or give someone more time with the people they love, that is a beautiful way for us to celebrate.”
Donation Looks Toward OMRF’s Next Chapter
Beyond providing financial support for OMRF, the Tanenbaums hope their donation will encourage others to recognize the foundation’s 80th anniversary by supporting its scientists and research.
The $1 million gift places an emphasis on OMRF’s future as the organization enters its next chapter of biomedical research. For the Tanenbaums, the contribution represents an opportunity to transform a personal milestone into long-term support for scientific discovery.
“OMRF and I have both been fortunate enough to have 80 years of history,” Dick Tanenbaum said. “But Glenna and I believe the most exciting question is: What can we make possible in the next 80? That’s what this gift is really about.”
As OMRF marks eight decades since its founding, the Tanenbaums’ contribution provides additional support for its continuing research mission while commemorating two milestones rooted in Oklahoma history.
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