The 12th Annual A Hamptons Happening marked the 40th Anniversary of the founding of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) by noted oncologist and cancer researcher Samuel Waxman, MD. The event is one of the most attended events in the Hamptons where guests gather to celebrate such an amazing organization. The benefit took place at the residence of Maria and Kenneth Fishel and hosted 40 of the top chefs and restaurants in New York City and the Hamptons. CBS 2 News anchor Chris Wragge served as the host for the 6th consecutive year, while Sandra Lee received honors for her charitable work. Other honorees included New York Times best-selling author and breast cancer survivor; Jayma Cardoso, Founder of the Surf Lodge in Montauk; and Deirdre Quinn, CEO of the luxury fashion company Lafayette 148 New York.
Following the opening remarks by Wragge and Waxman, honoree Sandra Lee captivated the audience with a powerful testimonial of her high-profile battle with breast cancer last year. She smiled as she proudly announced she’s cancer free and praised the medical team at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York for their excellent treatment of her. She also acknowledged SWCRF for their hard work and dedication to cancer research. Following Sandra’s speech, honorees Jayma Cardoso and Deirdre Quinn were welcomed to the stage, where Dr. Waxman presented them crystal awards from Orrefors in thanks for their support for this year’s benefit. The awards ceremony was capped by a fun champagne toast to the SWCRF’s fortieth anniversary.
After listening to such heartwarming speeches, guests were ready to give. Chris Wragge MC’d the live auction that included exclusive items such as an exciting package for two to see the Tony Award-nominated hit show “Hamilton” that included dinner with two cast members and more; a Dominican Republic Getaway package; an Ultimate Spa Package at Canyon Ranch; a Cloud Catering & Events packet, featuring a dinner for 8 prepared by a Michelin-starred chef; and a Dinner for 10 By the World Renowned Chef at Rao’s in New York.
The event was resplendent in floral beauty by Flower Box Wall Gardens, which designed striking installations displayed throughout the venue, most dramatically a gardenlike step-and-repeat that brought a fresh twist to red carpet arrivals. Overall floral décor was provided by Designs by Mark Masone. Adding fun and wonder to the benefit were costumed performers from the National Circus Project, an arts-in-education program, who posed for photos with guests while balanced on stilts and performed tricks for the crowd. An online fundraiser held by Tabooze (www.gettabooze.com), a sugar-free and calorie-free cocktail mixer, raised over $7,000 for A Hamptons Happening in the weeks preceding the event.
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Photos: Rob Rich/SocietyAlllure.com