Good Medicine, Good Music

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation raises the roof (and $2.5 million for cancer) at Cipriani Wall Street

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation recently hosted its 17th annual benefit dinner and auction featuring reggae-rocker Ziggy Marley. $2.5 million was raised to support cancer research, while Marley raised the roof at Cipriani Wall Street with an incredible set of music that mixed his originals with a few of his father’s classics. Cipriani Wall Street is a towering triumph of Greek revival architecture, and one heck of a place to enjoy this singer, songwriter, Emmy and six-time Grammy award winner.

But the main focus of this annual event is helping people in need—handily redefining the concept of collaborating for a cure. Entertainment aside, the energy in this huge room full of some of New York’s most influential heavy hitters was not about being seen, but more about supporting a visionary named Dr. Samuel Waxman. Waxman, a cancer specialist and founder and CEO of Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, is a disarming dream-maker who, while mixing affably with everyone, also introduces some of his patients who have overcome the odds to beat cancer and continue to thrive. Waxman’s motto: Imagine a world in which cancer can be treated without disrupting life, can be cured, or can even be prevented. Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” the yearly gala is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City. Waxman’s laboratory is at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Once again, CBS News anchor Chris Wragge was the Master of Ceremony while Charity Buzz created a dazzling benefit auction, both live and online. The live auction, led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s Auction House, offered guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items such as two black Labrador puppies which received winning bids of $9,000 and $8,000. Guests were able to bid on an exclusive opportunity to meet Ziggy Marley and receive a guitar autographed by the reggae superstar, which sold to the highest bidder for $23,000. The highest bid of the night, $100,000, went to a luxurious five-night cruise in the Bahamas aboard an M/Y Serque private yacht.

Guests included many notables on the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Board of Directors. The event was also attended by fashion designers Cushnie et Ochs, and more than 750 corporate executives and their guests. The money raised will support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer by reprogramming cancer cells and to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.

Chris Wragge, Louise Camuto, Samuel Waxman, Joyce Varvatos, John Varvatos, Michael Nierenberg (Patrick McMullan)

Go here for more information about the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation—and here for more information on Collaborating for A Cure.

The prior year’s musical guest was Train when this event was held at the Park Avenue Armory. Past celebrity supporters have included the Warren Hayes Band, Kid Rock, Chevy Chase, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, and Counting Crows.

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The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $85 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.