2016 CancerCare Gala Raises $1 Million

Event Honored Bloomingdale’s Frank Doroff and Bristol-Myers Squibb

April 21, 2016 – New York, NY – CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, raised $1,000,000 at its annual Gala, which took place yesterday at Cipriani 42nd Street. More than 500 members of New York City’s philanthropic, fashion and health care communities attended the event, and honored the contributors who make it possible for people with cancer and their families to benefit from CancerCare’s services, including counseling, educational workshops and publications, childcare, transportation to treatment, and financial assistance.

Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman, Bloomingdale’s was honored with the 2016 Help and Hope Award for his commitment to supporting CancerCare’s mission. Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring presented the award to Doroff, acknowledging his decades of dedication to the organization, and highlighting his “unwavering commitment to the people who have sought CancerCare’s support.”

Bloomingdale’s Chairman and CEO Tony Spring presenting Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman, Bloomingdale’s with the 2016 Help and Hope Award

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Doroff, who lost his wife, Kate, to cancer at just 49 years old in 1993, shared “I was very lucky to have the support of my family and friends, as well as my Bloomingdale’s family, and often think about others dealing with cancer who do not have this same level of support and resources. I appreciate that CancerCare is there for them in so many ways, during such a difficult time for families and loved ones.”

CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith announced a generous $100,000 gift made by Dorothy Schachne, CancerCare Board of Trustees member, in memory of her husband, David.

CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith and Dorothy Schachne, CancerCare Board of Trustees member, who made a generous $100,000 gift in memory of her husband, David

Goldsmith proceeded to honor Bristol-Myers Squibb with the 2016 Partnership Award for the company’s dedication to helping people living with the disease, and acknowledged the vital role the company played in transforming CancerCare from a community organization to an incredible national resource over the past 73 years. Teresa Bitetti, Senior Vice President, US Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

At the encouragement of Event Chairs Annette and Andrew Pizzo, attendees also offered enthusiastic applause for the CancerCare social workers who serve people with cancer and their families each day, more than a dozen of whom were in attendance. One of the most moving speakers of the evening was Michael Hahn, who lost his wife Karissa to cancer and was joined on stage by his 6-year old son Ryan.  Together, they shared how CancerCare’s Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp helped both of them, along with Ryan’s 9-year old brother Ethan, learn how to joyously celebrate Karissa’s life and connect with other families who were experiencing the same challenges.  Michael reinforced to attendees how important this was to his family, saying “You made a difference in our lives.”

 

Event Co-chairs Annette and Andrew Pizzo; Honoree Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman Bloomingdale’s; Ryan Hahn and dad Michael Hahn, who shared how they were helped by CancerCare; CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith, and Michael Parisi, President, CancerCare Board of Trustees pose at the 2016 CancerCare Gala

Led by Sotheby’s auctioneer Hugh Hildesley, the live and silent auctions featured more than 100 selections of fine wines, exquisite dinners, luxury items, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and vacation getaways. These included a basketball signed by all 11 legendary members of the 1992 Gold Medal Men’s Olympic Basketball Team, tickets to the smash Broadway hit “Hamilton” with memorabilia signed by cast member and cancer survivor Javier Munoz, and two 5-course private dinners for 15 guests prepared by Chef Pasquale Martinelli. Auction Co-Chairs were Marsha Palanci & Edward Lauber.

CancerCare Gala 2016 Committee Members include Michael Baraldi, Carolyn Bernstein, John Brierty, Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Susan and Paul Friedman, Carmen Garcia, Joshua Goldsmith, Jason Greenstone, Renee Nicholas, Elizabeth Ostow, Lori and Michael Parisi,  Heather and Michael Schechter, Cornelia and Rob Spring, Michael Tumminia, Susan Smirnoff and Kirk Zachary, Anna and Burt Zweigenhaft.

Chef Pasquale Martinelli, founder of WarmPalate.com, who donated two dinners to the CancerCare Gala Live Auction which raised $36,000

Cipriani 42nd Street is set up in style for the 2016 CancerCare Gala

 

Supporters John and Gerry Gentile, CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith and Michael Parisi, President, CancerCare Board of Trustees

Cornelia Spring ,Board of Trustees member, Chef Pasquale Martinelli, and Rob Spring

About CancerCare

Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.

To learn more, visit http://www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

The largest lupus fundraiser in the world raised close to $3 million for innovative research that can save lives while advancing toward a cure

December 1, 2015 – New York, NY – The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR), Lupus Research Institute (LRI) and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation celebrated their first joint dinner at the “Moving Forward Together to Fight Lupus” Gala that heralded their upcoming merger. The largest lupus fundraiser in the world raised close to $3 million for innovative research that can save lives while advancing to a cure. The gala was held at the iconic Waldorf Astoria and the venue looked as beautiful as the donors.

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Megan Hilty, the Broadway, film and singer/actress on NBC’s Smash, brought the audience to its feet with her powerful voice and Hollywood glamour. Having starred in 9 to 5: The Musical, and Wicked, Megan returns to Broadway this December in the revival of Noises Off.

Founder of the Alliance for Lupus Research and Chairman and CEO New York Jets, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV, and Bob Pittman, Chairman and CEO, iHeartMedia, Inc. co-hosted the evening with Richard DeScherer, President of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Bloomberg L.P. and Robert J. Ravitz, Chairman, Lupus Research Institute. Television broadcaster, lupus advocate and devoted mom to her daughter with lupus, Brenda Blackmon, served as emcee with inimitable warmth and charm.

Michelle Ifill accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Verizon Communications, Inc. for their long-time support of the ALR’s research initiatives and contributions to the lupus community. Thousands of Verizon employees have attended ALR Walkathon events across the country and have raised more than half a million dollars by going out and fundraising on their own.

The 2015 Visionary Award recognized the outstanding contributions of two extraordinary women with lupus — S.L.E. Lupus Foundation founder Susan Golick and Jennie DeScherer, dedicated member of the Boards of the Foundation and Lupus Research Institute. Three-term Mayor of New York City, entrepreneur and philanthropist Michael R. Bloomberg presented Jennie with her Visionary Award, describing her as an “inspiring example of someone who won’t let this disease get in the way of living her life to the fullest.” Presenting the award to Susan, LRI and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Board member Jerry Chazen thanked her for launching the lupus movement in America 45 years ago and for her continued involvement in helping shape the organization’s growth.

“Tonight we honor the champions who had the extraordinary vision and pioneering spirit to support the most novel research,” noted Margaret G. Dowd, President and CEO of the Lupus Research Institute and Executive Director of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation.  “We support patient-centric research which means that everything is about the patients and for the patients.”

“This year’s Gala celebrates the strength of the lupus community as it brings people from ever-widening circles together to fight for a common cause,” said Kenneth M. Farber, President of the Alliance for Lupus Research.  “The upcoming merger of the ALR with the Lupus Research Institute and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is enormously exciting as the culmination of our ongoing collaboration and the launch of the world’s largest group dedicated to advancing innovative research in lupus.”

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Six hundred guests attended included Matilda Cuomo; Edward and Arlyn Gardner; Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; Brett Heyman; Donald Newhouse; Joan Sarnoff; Fern and Lenard Tessler; and Carol and Michael Weisman. Governor Andrew Cuomo was not able to attend but sent a letter of congratulations and Assistant Secretary of Health Tracie Gardner in his stead.

About the Alliance for Lupus Research
The Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR) is a national voluntary health organization dedicated to finding better treatments and ultimately preventing and curing systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, or lupus). The organization is based in New York City and chaired by Robert Wood Johnson IV. Since its founding in 1999, the ALR has given more money to lupus research than any non-governmental agency in the world. To date the ALR has committed nearly $100 million to fund the most innovative and aggressive research into the cause, prevention and cure of lupus.  The board of directors funds all administrative and fundraising costs, allowing one hundred percent of all donations from the public, and the proceeds of our signature grassroots fundraising program, Walk with Us to Cure Lupus, to go directly to support research programs. More information can be found at lupusresearch.org.

About S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Lupus Research Institute
Formed 45 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is dedicated to advancing lupus research, patient education, advocacy and awareness. In 2000 the Foundation helped launch the Lupus Research Institute to support only bold novel research in lupus – the creativity and innovation needed to drive scientific discovery in this complex autoimmune disease. Together the organizations have generated over $200-million for cutting edge lupus research, delivering many of the most pivotal scientific breakthroughs of the past decade. Today the LRI is the world’s leading private supporter of innovative research in lupus. Learn more at LupusNY.org and LupusResearchInstitute.org.

Defeating Lupus is in the Bag

NEW YORK, NY – April 28, 2014 –

Hundreds of leaders in New York’s fashion, entertainment, travel, philanthropic and lupus communities turned out to support the fight against lupus at the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation’s sixth annual New York Bag Ladies Luncheon. Raising nearly $400,000, the sold-out event featured Emmy-winning Project Runway host Tim Gunn as Master of Ceremonies.

Women of Achievement Honorees

The 2014 Women of Achievement honored were: Desiree Gruber, President and CEO, Full Picture, Co-Creator & Executive Producer, Project Runway and Co-Founder, Theodora & Callum; Lisa R. Sammaritano, MD, Associate Attending Physician, Hospital for Special Surgery and Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College; and Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director and Global Head, Diversity & Inclusion, Credit Suisse. The three honorees were recognized for their outstanding professional accomplishments in their respective fields as well as their help in advancing the fight against lupus.

“I feel it’s my responsibility to help gain awareness for a disease that particularly targets women,” said Ms. Gruber.  “The Bag Ladies Luncheon is the perfect opportunity for the fashion industry to support the very women they serve on a daily basis.”

Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Jessye Norman, Tim Gunn, Desiree Gruber

“The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute have played an important role in the continued focus on lupus research at Hospital for Special Surgery,” said Dr. Sammaritano. “In addition, we care for many shared patients, providing both medical and social support so no one has to face lupus alone.”

Ms. Gadsden-Williams noted, “I joined the Board of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation because, as a lupus patient myself, I strongly believe in the organization’s vital mission – supporting science and service. I strive to empower myself and others to overcome the challenges of living with this difficult disease.”

Star-Studded Attendees

There to honor Ms. Gadsden-Williams was Cissy Houston, gospel singer and mother of the late pop superstar Whitney Houston. Attending to celebrate another Woman of Achievement was Ms. Gruber’s actor-husband Kyle MacLachlan, well-known for his roles on the TV shows Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Portlandia, Believe and How I Met Your Mother.

Honorary co-chairs were Matilda Raffa Cuomo, Former First Lady of New York State, Founder and Chair of Mentoring USA and opera legend Jessye Norman.  Miss Norman commented, “As an artist, I have always refused to believe in limits. Today we are raising the funding for research that will allow young women with lupus to go beyond the limits of this disease to pursue their dreams.”

Melany Hearne Martins, Founder and Chief Investment Officer at Exantas Capital LLC, chaired the Bag Ladies Luncheon this year. The Foundation’s Board was well represented by founder Susan Golick and members Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; Jennie DeScherer, Fern Kay Tessler; Betsey Selkowitz; Carol Weisman; and Kate Kelly.  The Foundation’s growing Young Leadership Group were among the guests and volunteers, helping make this annual fundraiser a major success.

Stars and stylish attendees graced The Plaza in New York City for this 6th annual fundraiser which raised over $300,000 for Lupus.

Several fashion luminaries attended including Anne Keating, Senior Vice President of Public Relations, Special Events & Corporate Philanthropy at Bloomingdale’s, Inc.; Danielle DiFernando, Founder of Danielle Nicole Handbags; and Foundation board member Mary Belle, President, Licensing at The Jones Group which encompasses iconic lifestyle brands such as Anne Klein, Jones New York and Nine West.  Noted philanthropists and socialites included Phyllis Mack, Denise Wohl, and Lady Va Maughan.

Bags Brimming with Promise

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“We thank everyone who helped make this event an unprecedented success,” said Margaret Dowd, Executive Director, S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. “While the annual Bag Ladies Luncheon is great fun, the reason we’re here is quite serious – to raise the necessary funds to advance the most novel and innovative research. Our Foundation helps people live with lupus day-to-day, but the best way we can help long-term is to deliver better, safer treatments as we pursue a cure. ”

About Lupus:
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or lupus, is a chronic, complex and serious autoimmune disease affecting more than 1.5 million Americans. Nine out of 10 people with lupus are women. In lupus, the immune system, which is designed to protect against infection, creates antibodies that attack the body’s own tissues and organs — the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, blood, skin, and joints. Lupus is difficult to diagnose, difficult to treat, and a leading cause of premature cardiovascular disease, kidney disease and stroke among young women.

About the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation:
Formed over 40 years ago, the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation leads the nation in providing direct patient support, education, public awareness, as well as funding for innovative lupus research on the national level. The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is a member of the Lupus Research Institute National Coalition of patient groups throughout the country. Visit LupusNY.org for more information.

Former NY Senator Fuschillo to Address Business Community at Image of Success Networking Series February 4, 2014

Acting in his new capacity as head of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA), former senator Charles Fuschillo will be a guest speaker at the popular “Image of Success Networking Series” on February 4th at Mio Posto in Hicksville. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to the AFA.

“We are delighted that Mr. Fuschillo will be joining us and helping to draw attention to this devastating disease,” says Cathy Berger, founder and president of Business Societé, which organizes the networking series. “Currently over 5 million Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer’s.  The AFA’s mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals confronting dementia and to their families – through member organizations dedicated to improving their quality of life. This is so important to patients and their loved ones.”

The Image of Success Networking events run throughout the year and feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, first rate opportunities to connect with prominent members of the business community on Long Island and beyond and noted speakers to provide fresh business ideas. On February 4th, Mr. Norman Wasserman will be the featured presenter. Norman is a successful producer of concerts and fundraising events throughout the metro NY area and Las Vegas since the late 80’s. He is also the founder of Friend Entertainment USA, which appeals to all ages and adds a new dimension to an old idea – creating highly profitable fundraising events. His topic is “CONCERT + OPM = FUN-RAI$ER.” The event runs from 6-8pm. Mio Posto is located at 600 W. Old Country Road in Hicksville.

NEW YORK (January 2, 2014) — Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Chairman Bert E. Brodsky announced today that Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., an eight-term New York state senator, has been appointed chief executive officer of the leading national nonprofit organization, which is dedicated to optimal care for individuals with dementia and their families.

Standard and VIP tickets include the program, raffle prizes and  hors d’oeuvres. Standard admission is $18 online or $30 at the door: VIP admission, which is only $39 online or $55 at the door, gets you over $100+ worth of goodies plus a ticket to premium raffle prizes. Online tickets can be purchased at http://bit.ly/K3JQl1. To learn more about this event and future events in the Image of Success Networking Series visit businesssociete.com. If you prefer a direct line to the company, email cathy@fashionsociete.com or call 347.574.4600.