(photo credit Patrick McMullan)
The 24th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Gala, one of New York City’s much-anticipated Autumn charity events, made its grand return at downtown’s Cipriani Wall Street. Aptly themed Together Again, the 24th Annual fundraiser supported groundbreaking cancer research funded by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). The Gala raised more than $4,000,000. Known for its history of top-notch live performances, this year’s gala featured a live concert by Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit with very special guest artist Warren Haynes.
(photo credit Patrick McMullan)
Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Dr. Kevan Shokat, Deborah Kamali, Mark Fedyk, Erica Feinberg, Matthew Waller, Michael Nierenberg, Elin Nierenberg, Jonny Nierenberg, Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, Tess Dmitrovsky, Chris Wragge, Allie Gorin, Jody Gorin, Matt Gorin, David Ronzenhole, Dena K. Weiner, William T. Sullivan, Dennis Loyola, Ruben Fajardo, Cesar Ricci, Howard Kurz, Nancy Kurz, Vinnie Cammarata, Spencer Waxman, Bettina Waxman, Scott Waxman, Randi Schatz, David Hinkelman, Nick Santoro.
This year, SWCRF presented its Fashion Cares Award to Debra S. Waller, Chairman and CEO of Jockey International, Inc. and its first-ever Breakthrough Science Award to Dr. Kevan Shokat, from the University of San Francisco. Waller, who has been personally impacted by cancer in her family, was recognized for her commitment to eradicating cancer and decades of philanthropy. Jockey COO Mark Fedyk and the Jockey team represented and accepted the award on behalf of Waller.
Dr. Shokat, an SWCRF-funded investigator, recently discovered a new compound that effectively shuts off one of the most common cancer-causing genetic mutations – the overactive KRAS protein – which is a driver in lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. This mutant protein was considered “undruggable” for decades, but after 15 years of research and significant investments from SWCRF, a new FDA-approved medication is now available that shrinks these tumors by up to 50 percent with remarkably low toxicity.
After a cocktail reception across the street, guests made their way to the main dining room where host Michael Nierenberg and emcee Chris Wragge welcomed everyone back. SWCRF CEO & Founder Dr. Samuel Waxman gave a presentation which was followed by a video of the extraordinary work of Dr. Shokat, and then the awards ceremony. Dr. Shokat’s video presentation can be viewed here: youtu.be/Ssv2yv6pCm8