John Varvatos Honored By Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation

Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted its ‘Collaborating for a Cure’ Benefit Dinner and Auction, honoring fashion designer John Varvatos, and featured a special musical performance by legendary American Singer-Songwriter John Fogerty, on Thursday, November 12, 2015 at Cipriani Wall Street.

The annual event, now in its eighteenth year, raised $2.5 million to support the Waxman Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer.

Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Waxman (Founder and CEO, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Marion Waxman; Michael and Elin Nierenberg (18th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Hosts); Chris Wragge (Co-Anchor of CBS 2 News This Morning); John Varvatos (Honoree; Fashion Designer John Varvatos); John Fogerty (Special Musical Guest); Spencer Waxman (President, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Cristina Cuomo (Presenter; Editor-In-Chief, Manhattan Magazine); Hugh Hildesley (Executive Vice President & Auctioneer, Sotheby’s); Kenneth Fishel (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); David Hinkelman (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Howard Kurz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Robert Kantor (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Howard Shlafmitz (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Baron Silverstein (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Mary Kantor (Honorary Board Member, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Dena K. Weiner (Board of Directors, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation); Ruth Finley (Founder, Fashion Calendar); Coppy Holzman (Founder & CEO, Charity Buzz); David Burke (Chef, The Wayfarer) and Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropist).

This year’s event was attended by more than 750 corporate executives, board members and their guests. The money raised will support the Waxman 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.

SWCRF Chairman and Collaborating for a Cure host Michael Nierenberg gave opening remarks welcoming attendees to the Dinner & Auction and thanked the SWCRF’s many supporters for their continued efforts to raise funds for cancer research. The evening’s Master of Ceremonies Chris Wragge then took the stage to introduce Dr. Samuel Waxman whose remarks highlighted the importance of investing in cancer research and developing less toxic therapies for cancer patients of all ages, which is a large part of the SWCRF’s mission. After dinner, Wragge introduced Cristina Cuomo, Editor-In-Chief of Manhattan and Beach Magazine, to present the SWCRF Fashion Cares Award to John Varvatos. In accepting his award, Varvatos lauded Dr. Waxman’s work and the research of the SWCRF. He also shared that his father battled leukemia, his sister underwent a double mastectomy and his brother recently received a prostate cancer diagnosis.

The evening’s exciting live auction, which was led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s Auction House. Guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items such as: a $10,000 shopping spree and lunch with John Varvatos which sold for $17,000; an America’s Cup Yacht Race experience captained by former America’s Cup Team Members, sold twice for $10,000; a private wine tasting at Italian Wine Merchants for $17,000; an exclusive opportunity to meet John Fogerty and receive a flannel shirt autographed by the legendary rock star, which sold to the highest bidder for $10,000. The highest bid of the night, $60,000, went to a five day, four night stay for 10 people at the Ian Fleming Villa at the GoldenEye Hotel in Jamaica via private jet. Other travel packages included a CMH 4-day Heli-skiing trip for 2 in Canada sold for $17,000; A Milwaukee Bucks experience including G4 flight to a game and team memorabilia, which sold twice for $20,000 and an Italian wine and truffle adventure in Italy donated by Palm Bay International, which went for $32,000.

Online auction items, which will be available for bidding online at CharityBuzz.com until November 24, 2015 include: Private Suite for 24 People to See the NFL’s New York Jets vs. New England Patriots on December 27, 2015 at MetLife Stadium; 6-Day/5-Night Charter of the Lady Tatiana of London or Lady Alhena of London for up to 11 Guests; Victory: A Song of Thanksgiving, 1968 Signed Lithograph by Salvador Dali and 2 Tickets to the Tadashi Shoji Fall/Winter 2016 Runway Show at New York Fashion Week in February Plus a Dress to Wear to the Show.

After the auction, guests were treated to an exclusive, live performance by John Fogerty, who performed hits from his solo career and from his legendary run as lead singer of Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” the yearly fête is considered to be among the top fundraising events in New York City. In recent years, “The Waxman” has raised several million dollars to support the Waxman Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Past musical performers at the Waxman Gala have included the Warren Hayes Band, Kid Rock, Chevy Chase, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, Sheryl Crow, Ziggy Marley and Counting Crows.