PALM BEACH, Fla.—Patrick Park joined with his sweetheart Nathalie Fernandez opening his beautiful new estate home on Thursday evening, January 22, 2009, to host a cocktail reception to honor Dame Celia Lipton Farris, honorary chairwoman and chairwoman emeritus and Patty Myura, general chairwoman of the 2009 American Cancer Society – Island of Palm Beach Gala entitled “A New York Minute.” 

On Friday, February 6, 2009, the 51^st Annual American Cancer Society Gala will celebrate “A New York Minute” at the elegant Mar-a-Lago Club. Funds raised by the gala support critical cancer research, education, advocacy and patient services. 

Patty Myura serves as general chairwoman of the Gala and she has left no detail to chance for this black-tie evening.  She is pulling out all the stops to make this gala one to remember.  The cocktail hour will transport honored guests to a real Manahattan cocktail lounge, complete with cosmos and sounds of the sophisticated Bobby Swaiden Trio. Guests will be entertained by the talent of The Manhattan Transfer, following dinner, which will provide musical entertainment that is quintessentially New York. 

Dame Celia Lipton Farris is serving as honorary chairwoman and chairwoman emeritus.  Dame Celia has been a long standing supporter – dedicating her time, talent, energy and resources to the organization for almost 30 years.  In recognition of her unyielding support of the American Cancer Society she was awarded with an exclusive award established in her honor, The Dame Celia Lipton Farris Lifetime Achievement Award, at The Golden Anniversary Gala in 2008.  Patrick Park and Nathalie Fernandez de Lavalle serve as honorary chairman and honorary chairwoman.  Mr. Park has been a loyal and dedicated patron and volunteer leader of the American Cancer Society Island of Palm Beach Unit. He has served as the Honorary Vice Chairman of the gala for six years and was Chairman for the 49^th and 50^th Cancer Balls. 

Now in its 51^st year, the “Cancer Ball” is fortunate to have a loyal list of generous supporters.  Norma and Simon Fireman will again be Ambassadors of Hope.  The Distinguished Humanitarian for this year’s gala is the Addison Hines Charitable Trust.  Serving as International Honorary Chairman are Florence and Lawrence De George. Platinum Benefactors of the gala are Dame Celia Lipton Farris, Patty Myura and the Eleanor Patterson Reeves Foundation and Patrick Park and Nathalie Fernandez de Lavalle. Grand Benefactors of the 2009 event are Connie and Samuel Frankino.  Grand Patrons are Elizabeth Bowden, Rhoda and David Chase, Ellen and Robert Jaffe, the J.M. Rubin Foundation and Kathryn and Leo Vecellio.  Leading Benefactors are Eddy and Helaine Cantor, Mary and Marvin Davidson, Frances and Gerald Gildberg, Arlette and Robert Gordon, Rita Dee Hassenfeld, Ruth and Edward Hennessey, Darlene and Gerald Jordan and Cindy and Terry Taylor. The Grand Corporate Benefactor is Mercedes-Benz of Palm Beach and the Leading Corporate Benefactor is Tiffany & Co. Mr. Donald J. Trump has graciously agreed to serves as the New York Ambassador for the gala.

Among those joining the Mr. Park and Ms. Fernandez to kick-off the season were Ruth and Ed Hennessy, Jr., Mac and Jamie Zahringer, Karen and Dan Swanson, Nancy Sherigan, Florence and Dr. Irving Sherman, Pam and Peter Dupuis and Patsy and Leslie Spero.

For additional information about the 2009 American Cancer Society – Island of Palm Beach Unit Gala please contact Victoria Ulano at (561) 655-3449.