While undergoing chemotherapy for leukemia, Pam Katten decided that when she was cured she would devote her life to fundraising for research to help others beat cancer.

When she died of the disease, her parents decided to take on that fundraising quest for her. And so, Pam Jam was formed.

"Our family knew immediately upon her death that we had to create this foundation as a vehicle to carry out her wishes and her unfilled mission for better results in finding a cure for blood cancers," said Mel Katten, Pam's father.

Now in its eighth year, Pam Jam is an annual party that raises funds for the Pamela B. Katten Memorial Leukemia Research Foundation. The event has raised a million dollars since its inception in 2002.

This year's event will be held at the Exmoor Country Club tonight. In addition to food, drinks and live music, the event includes an auction for items like dinner at Hub 51 plus Chicago Bulls tickets, a four-day Mexico vacation for two and a Chicago Blackhawks Corporate Suite with Autographed Sports Memorabilia. Tickets cost $140.