One of our favorite organizations, The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), held their annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction at Cipriani Wall Street. This marks 21 years of the charitable event. The annual gala raised approximately $2.5 million to support the SWCRF “Invest in Research” efforts that fund highly collaborative research projects focused on eradicating cancer. No snowstorm could keep guests away, including us, as the room was filled with hundreds of people. The gala encompassed 80% personal purchases and 20% purchases from corporations, whereas the other 14 fundraising events saw a turnout comprised of 20% personal purchases and 80% corporate purchases.
After a lively cocktail reception and silent auction, SWCRF Collaborating for a Cure Gala host Michael Nierenberg greeted the foundation’s board, staff, and the evening’s guests with a warm welcome graciously outlining over 20 years of giving and continued support from the organization’s donors. From the CBS 2 News studio, co-anchor Chris Wragge emerged on the screen to introduce SWCRF founder and CEO Dr. Samuel Waxman to the stage.
Greeting the room of distinguished guests, Dr. Waxman acknowledged their efforts trekking through New York City’s winter storm in true altruistic spirit. Detailing the Foundation’s major achievements, he highlights advancements in cancers involving the liver, breast, leukemia, pediatric and lung. The SWCRF has seen great momentum since officially launching the Partnerships for Aging and Cancer Research program, a collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute on Aging which is spearheading research to uncover the links between cancers. Research funded by the program studied the environmental and genetic factors that increase the risk of cancer as people age. With a formidable but truly feasible goal of building a $32 million fund, Dr. Waxman humbly invited donors continued support.
Throughout the evening, guests used their phones to Text to Pledge. Many donations poured in via the monitors. Some digital donations were as big as $5,000.
Keeping up the momentum, the evening’s live auction, led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s, featured luxury items and experiences including: a Palm Bay Italy Winery experience including a six-day stay for four guests which raised $20,000; two house seats to “Springsteen on Broadway” raised $14,000; also Restaurateur Donna Lennard of il Buco Vita welcomes 10-14 guests for an intimate six-course dinner at the home décor showroom, raising $11,000. Other auction items included a Cockapoo Puppy (winning bid of $7,000), a shopping spree at John Varvatos SoHo Boutique (winning bid of $4,000) and a meet-and-greet with the evening’s musical guests, Dawes, who also autographed a guitar for the lucky winner (winning bid of $3,500).
The money raised in support of cancer research at the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s Institute Without Walls and Aging and Cancer Programs have made significant breakthroughs, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer. The Collaborating for a Cure gala is among the top fundraising events in New York City and we were happy to be a part of such a prestigious evening.
Notable attendees included Marion Waxman, Dr. Samuel Waxman, Elin Nierenberg, Michael Nierenberg Chris Wragge, William T. Sullivan, Dawes, Robin Lathrop, Richard Volpe, Christian Volpe, Alison Volpe, Dena K. Weiner, Howard Kurz, James E. Frankel, Jody Gorin, Allie Gorin, Karen Amster-Young, Benjamin Young, Lewis A. Rubin, Joe Steffa, Sara Waxman, Bettina Waxman, Spencer Waxman, Scott Waxman, Joe Ades, Ten Travis, Hugh Hildesley, Julie Waxman, Lucy Salas, Elissa Held, Jamie Koff, Alyssa Greenberg, Samantha Santiago, Stokes Nielson, Ryan Bier and Corbette Jackson.
For more information on SWCRF, please visit www.waxmancancer.org.