THE 21stANNIVERSARY
OF THE
COLLABORATING FOR A CURE
BENEFIT DINNER & AUCTION GALA
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF)
celebrated
the 21stAnniversaryof the annual
Collaborating for a Cure Benefit Dinner & Auction at
Cipriani Wall Street, featuring an exclusive musical
performance by Dawes. The annual gala raised
approximately $2.5 million to support the SWCRF “Invest in
Research” efforts that fund highly collaborative research
projects focused on eradicating cancer. The Collaborating for a
Cure gala was well-attended, undeterred by the snow storm and 14
other fundraising events taking place throughout New York City.
Proudly, the 21st Anniversary’s gala seating encompassed 80%
personal purchases and 20% purchases from corporations, whereas
the other 14 fundraising events saw a turnout comprised of 20%
personal purchases and 80% corporate purchases
After a lively cocktail reception and silent
auction, SWCRF Collaborating for a Cure Gala host
Michael Nierenberg greeted the foundation’s board, staff,
and the evening’s guests with a warm welcome graciously
outlining over 20 years of giving and continued support from the
organization’s donors. From the CBS 2 News studio, co-anchor
Chris Wragge emerged on screen to introduce SWCRF founder and
CEO Dr. Samuel Waxman to the stage. Chris Wragge was the
evening’s virtual host, appearing on screen to help the
evening’s program run smoothly.
Greeting the room of distinguished guests, Dr.
Waxman acknowledged their efforts trekking through New York
City’s winter storm in true altruistic spirit. Detailing the
Foundation’s major achievements, he highlights advancements in
cancers involving the liver, breast, leukemia, pediatric and
lung. The SWCRF has seen great momentum since officially
launching the Partnerships for Aging and Cancer
Researchprogram, a collaboration with the National Cancer
Institute and the National Institute on Agingwhich is
spearheading research to uncover the links between cancers.
Research funded by the program studied the environmental and
genetic factors that increase the risk of cancer as people age.
With a formidable but truly feasible goal of building a $32
million fund,
Dr. Waxman humbly invited donors continued support.
Taking the stage, SWCRF Executive Director
William T. Sullivaninstructed gala guests on how to Text
to Pledge, using the mobile fundraising program which
enables guests to text their donations. Each texted donation was
accompanied by messages of encouragement and celebration that
appeared, in real-time, on large screens throughout the evening,
the first of them being a $5,000 gift, “In honor of Michael
Nierenberg” from Thomas Shea.
The money raisedin support of cancer research at
theSamuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation's Institute
Without Walls and Aging and Cancer Programshave made
significant breakthroughs, including identifying pathways to
deliver novel therapies to treat cancer.The
Collaborating for a Cure gala is among the top fundraising
events in New York City, and this year featured an exclusive
headline performance from the rock band, Dawes –theonly
NYCstop as part of their North American tour.With ‘An Evening
With DAWES: Passwords Tour’ well on its way, Dawes made an
exclusive stop at the gala in honor of the Samuel Waxman
Cancer Research Foundation.
The Collaborating for a Cure gala,
affectionately known as“The
Waxman”, has raised millions of dollars to support the
Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer.
Since 1976, theSamuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundationhas
awarded approximately $90 million to support the work of more
than 200 researchers around the globe. Past celebrity performers
have included The Avett Brothers, Ziggy Marley, Train,Peter
Frampton, Gregg Allman, Kid Rock, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe
Walsh, Sheryl Crow, John Fogerty, Roger Daltrey, and
Counting Crows.
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