Collaborating For A Cure

It was the first winter storm of the season, but that wouldn’t stop me from celebrating at The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner and Auction. So, I swapped out my snow boots for stilettos on the steps of Cipriani Wall Street.

For those who are wondering: No. There is no graceful way to do this. After 30 minutes trying to get a cab in the snow, followed by a treacherous taxi ride from uptown, it was time to be less “Abominable Snowman” and more “Snow Queen.”

Each summer The Independent is the media sponsor of the SWCRF’s annual Hamptons Happening, a super-fun multi-chef event that takes place in Bridgehampton. The Collaborating for a Cure New York City gala is among the top fundraising events in New York. The 21st anniversary event took place on Thursday, November 13, and featured a musical performance by Dawes. It was the band’s only NYC stop as part of their North American “An Evening With Dawes: Passwords Tour.” Past performers have included The Avett Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Train, Peter Frampton, Gregg Allman, Steely Dan, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, Roger Daltrey, and many others.

The gala has raised millions to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. This year the event raised approximately $2.5 million to support the SWCRF “Invest in Research” efforts that fund highly collaborative research projects focused on eradicating cancer.

After a lively cocktail reception, host Michael Nierenberg greeted guests. From the CBS 2 News studio, co-anchor Chris Wragge emerged on screen to bring SWCRF founder and CEO Dr. Samuel Waxman to the stage.

Detailing the foundation’s major achievements, Dr. Waxman highlighted advancements in cancers involving the liver, breast, leukemia, pediatric, and lung. The money raised in support of cancer research at the SWCRF’s Institute Without Walls and Aging and Cancer Programs have made significant breakthroughs, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.

For more information on SWCRF, visit www.waxmancancer.org.

jessica@indyeastend.com
@hamptondaze