$30,000 RAISED FOR CANCER RESEARCH AT 'HAVANA NIGHTS' 

In spite of cloudy New York City skies, the rooftop lounge at The DL in the Lower East Side was buzzing with the bright sights, sounds and smells of the Caribbean at the inaugural Havana Nights party hosted by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) young professionals Associates Board.

The event drew nearly 250 guests and raised $30,000 to support the SWCRF innovative research that focuses on correcting the abnormal gene functions that cause cancer. The 17-member Associates Board comprises young professionals representing industries such as in finance, wealth management, law, and biomedical research.

“This incredible group of young professionals is the next generation of philanthropists who are committed to supporting research that advances innovative approaches to understanding what causes cancer. Their initial efforts for this inaugural event exceeded all expectations. We are enormously grateful to the Associates Board and their guests for generating enough support to fund an investigator who is developing fresh and original research,” said William T. Sullivan, Executive Director at the SWCRF.

Melissa Garcia, a fashion and lifestyle expert that regularly appears on The Today Show, Good Morning America, E! News and Extra!, addressed the crowd and shared news about her father’s current battle with cancer.

“I have seen firsthand how research like that conducted by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has helped my dad. It is vitally important that we support research to cure cancer,” Ms. Garcia said.

Guests enjoyed Cuban-inspired cocktails and passed hors d’ oeuvres, handmade cigars, and entertainment provided by The Violin Diva, Sarina Suno, dancer Elena Nayiri, DJ Mat Lewis and real-time event photos with props provided by iSnap Photobooth.

Some of the most popular and fledgling craft food and spirits manufacturers provided their delicious and festive specialties including Beard Papa’s Cream Puffs, Haas Brothers San Francisco, Simple Vodka, and tropical-themed shots in Snackadabra cookie cups.

Other participants that provided in-kind support include Cornerstone Macro, The DL, iSnap Photobooth, Mack Hopper Photo + Design, Ali McDaniel, and Pergola New York and Soho Cigar Bar.

Young professionals who want to learn more about the SWCRF Associates Board can contact Rachel Kramer at 212-867-4502.