Lupus Research Alliance Inaugural Gala Honors Founding Board & Pfizer Inc. – Raises Over $2.5 Million for Lupus Research

November 22, 2016 – New York, NY – The newly merged Lupus Research Alliance celebrated its debut at the Inaugural Gala, uniting the three world leaders in lupus research as the driving force for better treatments and a cure. In just one night, the country’s largest lupus fundraising event raised over $2.5 million – with every dollar going directly to support lupus research. The organization unveiled its iconic new symbol in grand style, marking its identity as the catalyst, champion and creator of scientific innovation in lupus and autoimmune disease.

Lupus Research Alliance Chairman and CEO of the New York Jets, Robert Wood “Woody” Johnson IV, co-hosted the evening with Vice-Chair Richard K. DeScherer, Chief Legal & Compliance Officer, Bloomberg L.P. along with founding Board members Robert Pittman, Chairman and CEO, iHeartMedia, Inc. and Carol Weisman, long-time supporter and lupus patient. As emcee, Emmy-winning journalist, lupus advocate and devoted mom to her daughter with lupus, Brenda Blackmon charmed the crowd with her vivacious warmth.

Freda-Lewis Hall, MD, DFAPA, Executive Vice President and Chief Medical Officer accepted the Corporate Leadership Award on behalf of Pfizer Inc for their ongoing dedication to improving lupus treatment. “Our commitment to patients with lupus is tied closely to our mission to develop new, safe and effective therapies, especially where there is high medical need. We are proud to collaborate with the Lupus Research Alliance because together we are stronger and smarter than either of us alone.”

“We recognize Pfizer tonight as an exceptional partner in the lupus community,” said Mr. Johnson. “The company’s vision closely aligns with our own – to apply the finest science to improve health across the globe. And we share a deep commitment to work not just for the patient, but with the patient to develop the best possible treatments.”

All 18 members of the Lupus Research Alliance Founding Board of Directors were honored for their visionary leadership in uniting the Alliance for Lupus Research, Lupus Research Institute and S.L.E. Lupus Foundation into one organization with a singular quest to free the world of lupus through the power of science.

 

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“Tonight we recognize the leaders who spearheaded this historic merger,” noted Mr. DeScherer. “Every person on our Board either has lupus or cares deeply about someone who does. That personal connection is transformed directly into action to accelerate the emerging science we need to find better treatments and a cure.”

Watch this video to experience the enthusiasm of the 600 guests in the room as the new symbol and identity of the new Lupus Research Alliance came to life in its very first public appearance.

About Lupus

Lupus is a chronic, complex autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide. More than 90% of lupus sufferers are women, mostly young women between the ages of 15 to 44. Women of color are especially at risk. 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.

 About the Lupus Research Alliance

Born from the merger of three organizations with a common belief in the potential for science to overcome lupus, the Lupus Research Alliance is at the forefront of driving innovative research that can make a difference for people living with the prototypical autoimmune disease. With that shared conviction, the Board of Directors promises to fund all the organization’s administrative and fundraising costs, ensuring that 100% of all public donations go directly to funding research programs to realize our vision of a world free from lupus.

More information can be found at www.lupusresearch.org.

The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Celebrates Innovation at Gala 2014

November 24, 2014– New York, NY – The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute raised $2 million at the annual Life Without Lupus Gala to support novel research that can transform patients’ lives while advancing towards prevention and a cure. Close to 600 members of the metropolitan New York’s philanthropic, government, business, art, music, society and health care communities joined to “Celebrate Innovation” in lupus research and care.

Seventeen-time Grammy-winner and beloved singer for seven decades, Tony Bennett was introduced via videotape by his collaborator and close friend Lady Gaga. She noted, “Fighting lupus is a cause very close to me, my family and to my friend, the one and only Mr. Tony Bennett.”

This year’s Gala Honoree Iris Cantor, Chairman and President of the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Foundation, was celebrated as a trailblazer in bringing the power of philanthropy to transform medical research and care. Particularly fitting, the award was presented by Herb Pardes, M.D., retired president and chief executive and current executive vice chairman of New York-Presbyterian Hospital’s Board of Trustees. There Ms. Cantor led the creation of the Iris Cantor Women’s Health Center as well as New York’s first men’s health center. She noted, “Philanthropy and innovation go hand in hand. Through philanthropy we can accelerate the path from concept to practice.”

As Scientific Honoree, Bahija Jallal, Ph.D., Executive Vice President, AstraZeneca, Head of MedImmune was recognized for her leadership in helping the company fulfill its commitment to furthering biomedical innovation that can change the face of autoimmune treatment. “We believe great science will bring great medicine.”

As the biggest single lupus event and highly-anticipated annual fundraiser, the Gala was appropriately held at another larger-than-life New York institution, the American Museum of Natural History. New York City’s chic crowd came out to support the cause in some of fall’s best looks:

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One of the city’s beloved television personalities, NBC’s Today Show Co-host Willie Geist entertained as Master of Ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year. Opera legend Jessye Norman served as Honorary Gala Chair and Gala 2014 Dinner Chairs were: Jennie and Richard DeScherer; Anna R. Fisch; Susan Golick and Alan Wasserman, D.D.S.; Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg; Pamela and Arnold Lehman; and Bing Yao, Ph.D.

Other prominent guests included Former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; philanthropists Edward and Arlyn Gardner; Joan and Arthur Sarnoff; Carol and Michael Weisman; Christina and Robert Baker; and Fox-TV political commentator Jeanine Ferris Pirro; and Miss New York 2014 Jillian Tapper.

 

A live auction conducted by Sotheby’s Chairman Jamie Niven generated donations for research and services to help people with lupus now and in the future. Thanks go to Modern Luxury for providing copies of the latest issue of Manhattan Magazine.

About S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Lupus Research Institute

Formed over 40 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 $185-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.

Looking for a Sexy Chic Popup? Look No Further Than the Hottttt “House of Triumph”

New York, NY – August 21 2014 – Triumph Lingerie, the 127-year-old lingerie brand widely recognized around the world as “The Maker of Lingerie”, proudly announces House of Triumph- a multi-use brand space located at the Old Bowery Station in Manhattan. House of Triumph is open now through September 10th.

Triumph will host a series of events including a luxurious pampering day for women and a premium sample sale – designed to encourage New Yorkers to experience the world of Triumph.

The luxury spa day takes place this Saturday, August 23rd from 2pm-6pm. Invited guests will enjoy an afternoon of champagne, canapés, manicures and massages. Triumph’s Tailoresses will also be on site to offer personal bra fittings and ensure guests walk away with a perfectly fitted bra. Long Island residents will be transported to NYC in style with complimentary pickup and drop off from both Long Island Triumph Lingerie stores (Walt Whitman and Roosevelt Field malls). See in-stores for details.

The premium sample sale- taking place on September 5th, 6th and 7th – will give guests an exclusive preview of the upcoming Autumn/Winter collections while offering past seasons lingerie at reduced prices. Triumph bras, panties, shapewear, nightdresses, swimwear and loungewear will also be available for up to 50% off.

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“Creating an elevated & innovative experience for our customers has always been Triumph’s strength. We pride ourselves on our unparalleled fit, beautiful design and the highest quality lingerie that cater to self-confident women who share in our appreciation for style, fit and comfort. These offerings will be on full display at House of Triumph,” says John Groman, General Manager of Triumph US. “Having seen great success at our stores on Long Island, we are so excited to integrate into the fashion forward culture of Manhattan in advance of a new store opening in 2015. We believe that Triumph lingerie will resonate with the women of New York as they share our appreciation for both quality and design.”

Address:
The Old Bowery Station
168 Bowery, New York, NY, 10013
Lingerie lovers are welcome to RSVP to HouseofTriumph@exposure.net.

For more information and all the latest from Triumph, please visit triumph.com or follow them at @triumph_us on Instagram & Twitter.

Decisions: Boardroom vs. Bedroom Four Essential Points of Style for Men circa 2014

by Cathy Berger, Fashion Societe

Nowadays both sexes firmly count themselves as Decision-Makers. Not all 21st century norms have been overturned as more often its men commanding a boardroom while women remain with ultimate say in the bedroom.  Males continue to dominate the tech and construction industries, while females are gaining ground in engineering and finance. Universally, “dressing for success” has been talked up, over, and inside out.

Boardroom attire for both sexes has evolved constructively, while Victoria’s Secret has caused bedroom attire to become virtually mainstream.  Yet ladies alone have a unique luxury of wardrobe choice where men don’t – skirts and dresses can substitute for pants! Men—metrosexuals, college students, urban guerillas and high-powered corporate execs- have one sartorial option and one alone: all pants, all the time. So it would behoove guys to get the details right, right?

The secret to a proper look for any man is attention to pants in relation to shoes. Starting with the cut at the top, to the color of the fabric to the cuffs at the bottom-  details must be coordinated with the shoes.  Here are 4 of the more pertinent points, because as you know, gentlemen, females are watching:

1.  Jeans – look best when worn with boots or sneakers or casual loafers. The hem should cover the back heel and you should not be able to see the socks (if worn at all).

2.  Chinos – best worn with edgy (not gym) sneakers and should hang quite long over your shoe.

3. Flat-front waists— wear them.  Despite what you think, pleats make you look bigger and cue the world you are out-of-style.

4. What style change lies ahead for 2014? The return of cuffed slacks. “A good trouser is cut to sit properly on a shoe. Precise, clean, sharp.” says Duncan Quinn, a British bespoke owner with shops in New York and Los Angeles who prefers a “turnup”, which is the English term for cuff. Furthermore, Alex Young, the suiting director at NYC’s Freemans Sporting Club Bespoke Studio and self-described “ambassador of cuffs,” says hip men are “cuffing” up. It’s not just a pointless flourish, he states, as a cuff adds weight, anchoring the hem and creating a cleaner drape.

Regardless of whether you buy off-the-rack or via bespoke, note these points:

1. Cuffed Suit Pants – should be worn with classic, clean line shoes, nothing casual or thick-soled. Wear with a sharp crease down the front; let them cover and sit on top of the shoe.
2. Un-cuffed Suit Pants – can be worn with classic, somewhat casual yet current shoes and the hem should come down a little further than with cuffed suit pants and allow for a small break.

With a new year in motion, what better time to “get it right” by starting at the bottom and working your way up! Decisions, decisions, decisions……. ~

The Eyes Don’t Have It- Nine Essential Shoe Tips for Men & Women in 2014

by Cathy Berger, Fashion Societe

Why since the dawn of time is there so much fascination about footwear? After all, shoes simply provide protection from the dirty mean streets of the world, right? A “good pair” will outlast most clothing. But does a pair of shoes get noticed before a pair of eyes? Eyes are windows to the soul but shoes, they say, Make The Man – and women are, admittedly, addicted.

For anyone female or male, young or old, rich or poor, who is looking to sartorially reveal something about themselves, shoes are a most popular indicator. The wrong ones invoke hushed snide remarks. The right ones invoke stares and envy. Articles abound that proclaim to reveal what shoe choices really mean about the wearer.

So Ladies first – here are five points for successful shoe looks at work and play:

1. High heeled pointy shoes are all the rage. Studded, colorblocked, ankle-strapped, D’Orsay– we encourage you to peruse with pleasure. Problem is, this trend is hell on toes. If you can’t/won’t wear them because of discomfort, there is an option: Companies like Nike have paired with Cole Haan to offer sleek looks that offer delightfully comfortable toe boxes. This allows breathing space at the point via an ever so slightly round or square “cut off” that still has that desired sex appeal like the pointy toe sports.

2. Know how high a heel you truly can pull off . Face it, not everyone is meant to walk around in five inch stilettos! While sky high heels do look great and make legs look long and beautiful, so do certain lower heels when cut low on the vamp and high on the back of the heel. This gives the illusion of a deeper decline. If you still can’t balance yourself properly with a heel, then try a platform shoe which conceals the elevated area underneath the ball of the feet.

3. Ever leave the fun behind because “my shoes are killing me”? Proper fit is key to happy feet and a good attitude. Make sure your shoes hug the sides and length of your feet regardless of the “size”. Space = Sliding and sliding creates nasty, painful blisters.
Dr. Scholls and others sell padding options that close gaps and ease pressure — use them!

4. Treat yourself to a stylish pair of flats which have been and will remain so on-trend in 2014. Carla Bruni looks hot in them standing next to her husband, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy. For us mere mortals, choose something pretty in a neutral color with a little sparkle for an easy go-to, run- around shoe. And a word to our fellow party-lovers: always keep a pair on standby for those nights when you know your feet will need a break from heels.

5. Take care of your shoes. Clean them, polish them. If they are becoming
worn-looking, take thee to the shoemaker and have them repaired with new taps or soles. [This goes for men too, who also should make sure laces are in good shape and not frayed.]

We find men often have more questions about what pant length should be worn with their shoes, rather than what shoe styles are essential.  So Men — here are 4 pointers to guide the right overall look from your knees down:

1.  Jeans – look best when worn with boots or sneakers or casual loafers. The hem should cover the back heel and you should not be able to see the socks (if worn at all).

2.  Chinos – best worn with edgy (not gym) sneakers and should hang quite long over your shoe.

3.  Cuffed [Suit] Pants – should be worn with classic, clean line shoes, nothing casual or thick-soled. Wear with a sharp crease down the front; let them cover and sit on top of the shoe.

4.  Un-cuffed Suit Pants – can be worn with classic, somewhat casual yet current shoes and the hem should come down a little further than with cuffed suit pants and allow for a small break.

With a new year ahead, what better time to “get it right” by starting at the bottom and working your way up! Style and comfort is our fav blend for 2014. Just don’t forget to think of something as you walk that makes your eyes sparkle as well. ~

Best Dressed Guests: Our 10 Top Looks From S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Hosts the Life Without Lupus Gala 2013: Turning Lupus Research Upside Down

By Cathy Berger

November 26, 2013– New York, NY – The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and the Lupus Research Institute raised over $2 million at its annual Life Without Lupus Gala 2013 to support innovative novel research that can improve care while advancing towards a cure.  Nearly 700 members of New York City’s philanthropic, government, business, art, music and health care communities joined to help turn lupus research upside down and patients’ lives around.

Gala honorees Simona and Jerome Chazen were celebrated as pioneers of the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation and Lupus Research Institute. Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg received the Distinguished Public Health Leadership Award in recognition of his many contributions in helping New Yorkers lead healthier lives and for his long-standing support of the organization’s work in improving the well-being of people with lupus.

Mayor Bloomberg stated “The Lupus Research Institute deserves a lot of credit. Thinking about their intellectual capacity focusing on this one disease, it gives you great comfort that we’re making progress and that, hopefully, sooner, rather than later, we’re going to discover what causes lupus, how to prevent it, and how to cure people who already have the disease. On behalf of 8.4 million New Yorkers, I want to say thank you and keep up the good work.”

From ivory ensembles to shades of vivid green to classic black, we were impressed by the colorful display of looks we saw on guests supporting this formidable cause. Here are some of the most notable looks on impressive ladies who grabbed our attention last Monday night.

Sarah Friend is wearing a gorgeous Zac Posen gown in silver. We couldn’t imagine a more flattering dress for this beauty than this halter style open back number, which features a soft, billowing hem.

Cipa Dichter (standing with husband, Misha) opted for a midnight black ensemble, donning a gorgeous simple studded sheath dress with sheer sleeves by Vivienne Tam. Her bag comes from Rio, Brazil as designed by Glorinha Paranagua.

Gwen Marder combined menswear and vintage- two of our favorite trends- by wearing a Magaschoni vest underneath a Petite Bois jacket. Her black sequin pants are vintage, and she carries a vintage beaded bag to complete her look.

Wendy Jeffers pulls off the “anything but a cocktail dress” with a huge dose of style. She pairs her satin-collared Armani jacket with a full skirt by Herve Leger. Her chic eyeglasses are by Alain Mikli.

Alana Levine is a young stunner who keeps things fresh with an emerald green hue J. Crew dress in silk shantung and jewelry styled by Dannijo. The wrap detail dress was perfectly tailored to fit her frame, with the above knee length creating just the right amount of sophistication for this event.

All eyes murmured “wow” when this pair turned for our camera– Alicia Goldstein is wearing a sophisticated black number by Max Mara and is carrying an Edie Parker bag designed by Brett Heyman. By her side is galpal Raina Seitel who rocks a shirred cherry red dress by Beyond Vintage, Both ladies’ shoes are by Jimmy Choo.

Lauren Rosen’s vixenish look is courtesy of an ivory Cushnie et Ochs dress which she styles with sexy stilettos by YSL. She showed just the right amount of skin, while the length and long-sleeves keeps her look chic and elegant.

Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg shimmers in an Oscar de la Renta number that flatters her curves and elevates her exquisite look. Next to her is Carol Weisman looking polished and graceful in a to-die-for classic Chanel maxi dress with a high mock turtleneck. Both ladies are carrying Edie Parker clutches.

Lauren Roberts is sensational in a stunning vintage Chanel suit and Gucci handbag. Next to her is Denise Wohl, wearing an alluring Yves St. Laurent dress paired with a bag from the new elegant and practical handbag collection Deesigns by Dee Ocleppo, aka Mrs. Tommy Hilfiger.

We couldn’t help but notice the statuesque Adrienne Nicole upstairs during dinner as she was rocking a vibrant multicolor Moshood Creations dress with metallic accent that she found in a local independent African Euro boutique.

 

As the world’s biggest fundraising event for lupus, the Gala was held against the fitting larger-than-life backdrop of the whales and dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. NBC’s Today Show Co-host Willie Geist entertained with wit and style as Master of Ceremonies, while Jazz legend and Managing and Artistic Director of Jazz at Lincoln Center Wynton Marsalis literally blew guests away on trumpet.

The Gala was held against the fitting larger-than-life backdrop of the whales and dinosaurs at the American Museum of Natural History. The S.L.E. Lupus Foundation is the country’s preeminent organization delivering direct patient services, public education and novel research at a national level. Founded more than 40 years ago in New York City by lupus patients and their families as the first nonprofit to serve the lupus community, it remains the cornerstone of comprehensive care in all five boroughs in the continuous battle for a Life Without Lupus.

Diabetes Research Institute Foundation’s 15th Annual “Fall Into Fashion” Event Raises Funds And Hope For A Cure

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An elegant event featuring a spectacular runway fashion presentation by Donna Karan was held on November 7th at the Garden City Hotel in support of the Diabetes Research Institute . A packed house of stylish attendees were treated to the unveiling of the understated sophistication of the new Donna Karan New York collection and a full afternoon of fabulous food and a special auction. Hal Rubenstein, InStyle Editor–at-Large served as the charming and jovial Master of Ceremonies.

The event helped raise $180,000 for Type 1 research, which is the more severe form of diabetes.Type 1, or insulin-dependent diabetes is sometimes called “juvenile” diabetes, because it usually develops in children and teenagers though it can develop at any age. This fundraising continues a history of support from Long Island that has raised a total of more than $3 million for the DRIF.
The heads of this philanthropic endavor this year included Co-Chairs Fran Helfant, Korey Liebman and Eileen Zinn. Long-time DRI activist Barbara Hatz was the event’s Honorary Chair. Co-chair Bruce Siegel and member of the DRIF Northeast Region Board of Directors welcomed the stylish crowd and thanked them for their participation and support. Dedicated diabetes activist Doreen Peykar was recognized as the first Distinguished Service Award Recipient and gratefully accepted her award from Acting CEO and President of the DRIF Deborah Chodrow and Executive Committee and Honorary Chair Barbara Hatz. The inaugural award was given to Doreen because she has dedicated years to help support the luncheon. Co-chairs Fran Helfant, Korey Liebman and Eileen Zinn were thanked along with the entire committee. The luncheon raised approximately $180,000 for the DRI.
Diabetes Research Institute offers a variety of individual and group diabetes education programs, taught by an expert team of certified diabetes educators, nutrition specialists and physicians ta the Kosow Diabetes Treatment Center in the Diabetes Research Institute on the first floor of The Esformes Family Pavilion. To join the DRInsider community, and for more information, click here.

New Year’s Eve Returns in June to Benefit the American Cancer Society at the Long Island Hospitality Ball

The 2013 Long Island Hospitality Ball benefiting the American Cancer Society will be held on Monday, June 3 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Crest Hollow Country Club. Considered the New Year’s Eve for Long Island restaurant and nightlife employees, more than 2,500 guests are expected to strut their stuff and enjoy the evening. Those in the industry see the fashion and style of diners and party-goers every day and this is one of the few nights they get to enjoy themselves while dressing to impress! Last year’s attire ranged from elegant ball gowns to bright-colored mini dresses to high-end printed two-piece ensembles.

The next Long Island Hospitality Ball will be held on Monday, June 3
at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury.
For ticket or donation information, contact Marie Cimaglia, American Cancer Society, at (631) 300-3460.
For information about sponsorships, contact Keith Hart, The Hart Agency, at (631) 752-1053.

Entertainment highlights the evening with featured acts from well-known DJs to live bands including Big Shot with guest appearances by members of the Billy Joel Band. Restaurants and catering entities dish out signature summer specialties such as Besito guacamole and Sage Bistro Moderne salmon tartare. Featured nightclubs and bars as well as wine and spirit sponsors complete the event with cocktails. Tickets are $100 per person (or $150 at the door) and may be purchased at http://bit.ly/2013LIHBtickets

Wow… where’d you get THAT dress? Ohhh right from that um…Truck–

Halal trucks— move over. Hot dog stands, get outta-the-way. Stylish, shopaholic New Yorkers can now get their fix right on city streets. Mobile “boutiques” are cropping up, offering items from unique tops to stylish dresses to handmade accessories. 

“Rolling” retailers are a mainstay on the West Coast, and while table set-ups with fake designer goods are common in NYC, these newest  revamped trucks offer style in spaces where food-on-the-go is usually stationed. Household names such as Cynthia Rowley and Armani Exchange have even delved in this retail phenomenon.

Hoboken, NJ-based Chic Rattle and Roll was started by two hip-thinking mew moms, 28-year-old Danielle Mazzurco and Lisa Dunn, 35 in in December. Danielle’s passion for rock music blended with Lisa’s girly taste and offers Van Halen T-shirts alongside flowing dresses. Joey Wolffer, 31 years old of Manhattan, runs the the high-end Styleliner. Retail is in her blood: she’s the great-great-granddaughter of a founder of the U.K. retailer Marks & Spencer,. Now she drives a 20-foot-long potato-chip delivery truck that’s filled with hand-painted T-shirts and handbags from off-the-radar designers such as Beirut-based Sarah Beydoun, whose artisans are women in prison in Lebanon. Prices range from $30 to $1,800. Jessie Goldenberg, 24, launched her truck, the bohemian-themed Nomad, in late March.

Because this path to sales signals uniqueness and urgency to buyers, many hopeful fashion-minded entrepreneurs see this as a quick entry to selling their prized designs. Be warned: this new retail avenue is not cheap to enter as outfitting a truck runs between $15,000 and $60,000. While nationwide the number of mobile fashion trucks is growing, here Mr. Bloomberg limits the maximum number on the streets to 853 at a time; the waiting list is closed. The American Mobile Retail Association has grown from five members in California in 2011 to about 70 nationwide. So as long as no one conjectures that these trucks are highly caloric or cholesterol-ridden, perhaps the mayor will ease up on the limit…..

This boutique on wheels showcases the latest styles from exclusive designer brands not found in your everyday boutique or department store; and brings them to a corner near you. Fashion Societe loves this!!!

Fashion Industry Supports Lupus Science and Service with Style

NEW YORK, NY – April 11, 2012 – More than 300 leaders in New York’s fashion, philanthropic and lupus communities raised nearly $300,000 for the fight against lupus at S.L.E. Lupus Foundation’s fifth annual New York Bag Ladies Luncheon. The support of the fashion industry with donations of over 150 handbags from 50 top designers seems particularly “fitting” since the devastating autoimmune disease primarily affects women. Held every spring, the luncheon celebrates a season brimming with the hope of promise fulfilled.

Prominent New York Philanthropists Raise Over a Quarter of a Million Dollars at
S.L.E. Lupus Foundation’s 5th Annual NY Bag Ladies Luncheon

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. With her commanding presence and majestic operatic voice, Miss Norman welcomed the crowd. “Like many in this room, I have been involved in this marvelous fundraising luncheon since its inception. I am here each year on behalf of all the magnificent women with lupus who wage an unimaginable battle against this devastating disease affecting not only the bodies of women, but as often, their spirits.”

This year’s noted guest was fashion meteorite Alexandra Wilkis Wilson, who embodies the same pioneering innovative spirit that characterizes the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. Ms. Wilson went from positions at Bulgari and Louis Vuitton to co-found Gilt Groupe, an innovative e-commerce company offering highly-coveted luxury lifestyle products. She noted, “Three people near and dear to me suffer from lupus so I have seen some of the challenges it poses. Maintaining a positive attitude is not easy when battling such a difficult illness.  But as someone entrenched in the fashion industry, I wanted to speak today to help inspire women to ‘Dress for Happiness,’ boosting their spirits and self-image.”

Jamie Peretz gave a heartwarming talk on her experiences with lupus.

Special recognition was given to Deborah McKeever, President and COO of EHE International for her help in increasing awareness of lupus through its highly visible Rockefeller Center Window Campaign. “EHE International has been very proud to support the S.L.E. Lupus Foundation for the past several years,” said Ms. McKeever. “Our goal is to help groups build awareness of diseases like lupus that are not very well known but warrant public attention.”

New York Turns out for the Lupus Community

Luncheon guests included S.L.E. Lupus Foundation Founder and Vice President Susan Golick and Board members Bonnie Englebardt Lautenberg, wife of Senator Frank Lautenberg; Jennie DeScherer; Betsey Selkowitz; Carol Weisman; and Kate Kelly.  Fashion luminaries included Danielle DiFernando, Founder of Danielle Nicole Handbags and Mary Belle, President, Licensing at The Jones Group which includes iconic lifestyle brands such as Anne Klein, Jones New York and Nine West.  A first-time attendee of special note was long-time champion for women’s causes, Gloria Steinem.

Supporting Lupus is in Style

A silent auction of stunning handbags generated essential funding for the innovative science needed to find a cure for lupus as well as the necessary services to help patients live with the disease day-to-day.

“We thank everyone here today and every designer who generously donated handbags holding so much promise for lupus patients,” said Margaret Dowd, Executive Director, S.L.E. Lupus Foundation. “The funds raised here today turn on the lights of laboratories throughout the country and allow our finest scientists to deliver the breakthrough discoveries that will deliver a Life Without Lupus. So much progress has already been made as we are closing in on the cause and going for the 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 services, 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.