MIGHTY MINNIE: Minnie Driver, award-winning actress and vocalist, will headline the annual Illumination gala to benefit Siteman Cancer Center and the Washington University medical school on April 14 at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

While Driver is best known for her star turn in such films as "Good Will Hunting," "Circle of Friends" and "Sleepers," she is also a successful vocalist who sang on the original title track for the 2005 version of "Phantom of the Opera," which was nominated for an Oscar and a Golden Globe.

The British-born Driver, 42, is also a staunch supporter of cancer-fighting efforts and helped launch Ralph Lauren's "Fashion Targets Breast Cancer Campaign" in 2008.

Talking about her efforts, Driver said in an email: "Having watched friends and family members battle cancer, it is such an honor to support research that will get us to cures faster. I look forward to joining Illumination guests in April to raise money for Siteman Cancer Center's research."

Gala co-chairs are Tom Hillman of FTL Capital and Ron Kruszewski of Stifel Nicolaus. FTL Capital is the event's presenting sponsor. Money raised from the gala will support The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital's Cancer Frontier Fund, a fundraising initiative spearheaded by Amy and Bill Koman, a Foundation board member.

Dr. Tim Eberlein, director of Siteman, said the theme of this year's gala, "fast-forward to a world without cancer," is timely because of the anticipated continued growth of more personalized cancer treatments.

"It is such an exciting time in cancer research," Eberlein added. "The landscape is changing everyday; we can stay optimistic about where cancer treatments and cures will be in ten years because of the continued support from events like Illumination."

Hillman, Kruszewski, Eberlein and Rich Liekweg, president of Barnes-Jewish Hospital, are hosting Illumination. For more information about tickets and sponsorships, click here or call Kristin Marino at 314-286-0602 or by email at kgm4029@bjc.org.