160,000 Raised at a Scaled-Down 38th Annual Golf Tournament

SWCRF Golf planning committee 2020
Members of the SWCRF 2020 golf committee (L to R): Jeffrey Mann, Jay Sullivan, Gary Jacob and Dr. Samuel Waxman, with SWCRF executive director, William Sullivan. Committee member missing: Ari Zagdanski.

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) held its 38th Annual Golf Tournament this week at the scenic Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, NY. The event was the first in-person fundraiser for the SWCRF in 2020, and although it was scaled down to allow for social distancing, the tournament raised $160,000. Funds raised support the SWCRF collaborative cancer research programs. Click to view the photo gallery.

Notable attendees included Ann Liguori, Correspondent, WFAN & CBS Sports Radio Network, Samuel Waxman, MD, Founder and CEO of the SWCRF, Gary Jacob, Executive Vice President of Glenwood Management, Robert Ivanhoe, Vice Chair of Greenberg Traurig and Co-Chair of the REIT Practice, Peter D’Arcy, Area Executive of M&T Bank Corp, Jeff Mann, owner of Mann Publications, and William T. Sullivan, Executive Director of the SWCRF.

Following a beautiful brisk and sunny day on the course, golfers gathered for an open-air reception and awards program. “This tournament was started several years ago, and it has helped to raise substantial funds for cancer research. Despite these challenging times, today is an example of the great good that can come when friends gather to support research that is critically needed. More importantly, you are supporting research committed to finding better treatments for cancer, the world’s leading cause of suffering and premature mortality,” Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF.

The American Cancer Society predicts that 1.8 million Americans – or more than 4,900 every day – will receive a cancer diagnosis this year. In 2020, the SWCRF directed more than $2.2 million in donor-supported funds to fund a record 50 research scientists at some of the world’s leading research institutions. The SWCRF research programs address more than 14 types of cancer and require that those who receive research funding, collaborate with labs outside of their disciplines and institutions. This type of collaboration fosters cooperation and knowledge sharing across labs and disciplines to speed the development of promising therapies.

Gary Jacob co-chairs the SWCRF Golf Tournament host committee with Dennis Herman, the Chairman and CEO of Beekman International Center, Ltd. Mr. Jacob and Mr. Herman also are members of the SWCRF Board of Directors. The committee members are Jeff Mann, Jay Sullivan, Director of Business Development at Shannon River Partners, Dr. Samuel Waxman, and Ari Zagdanski of Kinsman Property Group. The tournament is the organization’s longest-running event that has raised millions for cancer research. During the past 43 years, the SWCRF awarded nearly $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers around the world.  Gary Jacob and M&T Bank sponsored the Golf Tournament. Patron Sponsors were Capital One Commercial Banking and Ann Liguori. The Media Sponsor was Mann Publications.

The Virtual Hamptons Happening Supports Cancer Research and Honors COVID-19 First Responders

NEW YORK, NY – August 11, 2020 – One of the Hamptons most popular summer charity events, the 16th Annual Hamptons Happening, went virtual this year with a concert featuring a medley of rock and pop performances by some of today’s favorite enduring and emerging artists. The charity concert benefitted the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), and its cutting-edge research targeting the abnormal gene functions that cause cancer.

The performer lineup included popstars Sophie Beem, Caly Bevier, and Rufus Wainwright, who returned to the Hamptons Happening from prior-year performances. From her home, Beem performed “Petty,” her new single released the day before. Also performing were Grammy-Award nominated pop star, Sophie B. Hawkins, Constantine Maroulis, the Tony-nominated star of Rock of Ages on Broadway, and Steven Reineke, musical director and conductor of the New York Pops. The award-winning a cappella group Pentatonix performed “Dreams.” The artists performed from their homes, which has become the norm during the age of the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19.

The SWCRF dedicated this year’s Hamptons Happening to COVID-19 first responders. Rajeev Fernando, M.D., the Director of Infectious Diseases at the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital spoke on behalf of first responders. “By the time we saw it spread in Long Island, we were very prepared,” he said. “The community has been very grateful to first responders. We want to tell the community that we will always be on the front lines saving lives.”

Although COVID-19 remains a serious threat to public health, cancer remains the world’s leading cause of death worldwide. “We don’t think of cancer as a pandemic, but in fact, it is. Globally, cancer claims the lives of more than 26,000 people every day,” said Antonella Bertello, co-chair of the Hamptons Happening event committee and proprietor of The Baker House 1650 in East Hampton.

“Scientists we have funded over the years have been incredibly impressed with the culture of collaboration we have created. Our collaborative research is focused on answering a number of questions around cancer. For instance, why does the immune system get corrupted by cancer and how to prevent this corruption and prevent cancer? And why does cancer spread or become dormant? Our funded scientists are leading the way in conducting research to answer questions like these,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF and distinguished service professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Waxman also made a tribute to COVID-19 first responders. “I can identify with first responders personally because I know what it is like to care for sick people. I have spoken to several front-line healthcare workers who shared with me the sadness of loss and I say to them, you are giving something of yourself but you are getting so much more back in return. Tonight, we are thinking about those who have saved lives, supported lives, comforted lives and given of themselves and we thank you.”

Chris Wragge, anchor of CBS 2 News New York This Morning and co-ancho of CBS 2 New York News at Noon returned to the Hamptons Happening as master of ceremony. He delighted viewers with his blend of humor and energetic news-anchor personality.

The Hamptons Happening typically draws large crowds for a fête featuring gourmet food, wine, and spirit tastings, but this year, supporters hosted dozens of small, private viewing parties with friends and family to observe social-distance guidelines. Many supporters opted to receive a delicious four-course catered dinner by renowned Hamptons chef Peter Ambrose that was delivered individually wrapped for each guest. Also, the Hamptons Happening beverage sponsors Out East Rosé and Simple Vodka generously provided bottles of their small-batch specialties to accompany the boxed dinners.

Additional sponsors included Elissa Held Events, Fusion Productions, focus New York, Hank Lane Music & Production, Lawlor Media Group, and MJS Groupe.

“To date, the Hamptons Happening has raised more than $5 million for cancer research, and we are tremendously grateful to the community of supporters who participate each year,” said William T. Sullivan, Executive Director of the SWCRF.

SWCRF Launches a Joint Cancer Research Collaboration for Israeli and North American Scientists

The SWCRF issued this announcement jointly with the Alan B. Slifka Foundation and the Israel Cancer Research Fund.

Dr. Waxman with Dr. Israel and Dr. Ritvo-Slifka
(L to R) Dr. Mark Israel, Israel Cancer Research Fund, Dr. Samuel Waxman, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, and Dr. Ariella Riva Ritvo-Slifka, the Alan B. Slifka Foundation, announce the joint cancer research collaboration at the Israel Cancer Research Fund Gala in New York. Photo: Jared Siskin

New York, NY, December 3, 2019 – The Alan B. Slifka Foundation (ABSF), the Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF), and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) have partnered to establish an innovative cancer research program that will pair scientists in North America with scientists in Israel.

The partnership will harness the resources of three New York-based nonprofit institutions and leading North American and Israeli scientists to advance research of rare pediatric cancers and the metastatic process. 

Two groups of cancer investigators will each receive $250,000 for two years. One group will study fusion proteins that form in pediatric cancer, prioritizing Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare bone disease that primarily affects children and young adults. The second group will  study the role of epigenetics, or the process by which genes get turned on and off, in causing cancer to spread from its original tumor site, a process known as metastasis. Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer death.

“This collaboration is an exciting opportunity to create an innovative and collaborative research alliance between Israeli and North American scientists. We anticipate that the collaboration will move science to the clinic more rapidly with groundbreaking treatments,” said Samuel Waxman, MD, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, and Distinguished Service Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

“This partnership, created through the collective efforts of the Israel Cancer Research Fund, the Alan B. Slifka Foundation and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research

Foundation, will provide support for the funding of research that can be transformative. We expect the collaboration will provide not only insights into the underlying cellular alterations that make these malignancies life-threatening, but also targets for the development of more efficacious and less toxic therapies,” said Mark Israel, MD, National Executive Director at the Israel Cancer Research Fund.

“Long before my double tragedy of losing both my husband and son to cancer, Dr. Sam Waxman, a dear friend, explained to Alan and me that the only way to beat this beast and cure cancer is through a collaboration of scientists and institutions. Scientists must share data and work together if we are to gain a better understanding of cancer. Academic institutions encourage competition. Although this kind of competition is well-intended, it can stifle an exchange of expertise across scientific disciplines and institutions. This is why I support a model of cross-institutional collaboration. As a cancer advocate and an Israeli, a three-way international collaboration with SWCRF and ICRF is exciting and promising,” said Ariella Riva Ritvo-Slifka PhD, President and Chairwoman of the Alan B. Slifka Foundation and Assistant Professor, Clinical Faculty at the Yale University School Of Medicine.

The ICRF and the SWCRF will jointly administer the research program, and the selected investigators will be required to present their research findings each year at the SWCRF Annual Scientific Review held in New York City. The organizations will issue a request for applications (RFA) by invitation, and each organization’s scientific review boards will jointly evaluate and select the investigators. 

“We anticipate that this partnership will be the beginning of a long-term relationship and will continue to expand groundbreaking research between leading scientists in Israel and North America,” added Dr. Waxman.

About The Alan B. Slifka Foundation:  

Founded in 1965, the Alan B. Slifka Foundation is a private family foundation dedicated to the pursuit of inclusion, diversity, peace and healing. The Foundation seeks to combat  cancer, especially childhood cancer, through the support of innovative biomedical research. Among the Foundation’s top priorities is funding research into less toxic, more effective and potentially curative therapies for a variety of cancers, but especially for connective tissue cancers, known as sarcomas, that disproportionately impact children and young adults. The Alan B. Slifka Foundation is particularly interested in supporting bench-to-bedside research that results in targeted therapies, and also research that enhances our understanding of the metastatic process. To learn more, visit www.slifkafoundation.org.

About the Israel Cancer Research Fund:  

The Israel Cancer Research Fund is the largest single source of private funds for cancer research in Israel. With the 2019/2020 grants, ICRF funding has now reached more than $72 million dollars since its founding in 1975. A total of 72 grants are being funded this year at most major Israeli biomedical research institutions. Among the areas of focus for ICRF funding this year are cancer genetics, targeted cancer therapies and immunotherapy. Three grants to study immunotherapy were funded as part of a collaboration between ICRF and the Cancer Research Institute, which is a preeminent funder of immunotherapy research in the United States.  ICRF has a long history of supporting fundamental laboratory science that provides the foundation for work with clinical impact. In addition, early phase studies that seek to characterize the potential for clinical impact in the care of patients with specific tumor types have been funded as well.  Three awards for collaborative work between Israeli investigators and cancer scientists at the City of Hope National Medical Center in California are also amongst the work currently funded. For more information, visit https://www.icrfonline.org.

A Record $6 Million Raised at 2019 Collaborating for a Cure Gala

2019 Gala honorees and SWCRF leadership
L to R – Gala Honoree Kobi Halperin, SWCRF Founder and CEO Samuel Waxman, MD, SWCRF Board Chairman, Michael Nierenberg, Gala Honoree Marc Taub, Gala Honoree Valery Joseph, and SWCRF Executive Director, William T. Sullivan.

The SWCRF 22nd Anniversary Collaborating for a Cure Gala raised a record of nearly $6 Million for innovative research studying abnormal gene function and minimally-toxic treatments. The event sold out in advance. It drew approximately 1,000 guests who celebrated the SWCRF’sSWCRF’s research achievements and honorees Kobi Halperin, Valery Joseph, and Marc Taub, who received the SWCRF Collaborating for Cure awards. Guests at this year’s gala enjoyed an exclusive performance by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, who just released their fifth studio album and will finish a tour opening for legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Who. CBS 2 New York co-anchor Chris Wragge emceed the event. 

Mr. Halperin, Mr. Joseph, and Mr. Taub each shared personal stories of how cancer has indelibly touched their lives. Mr. Joseph received a standing ovation after recounting his late wife Revi Joseph’sJoseph’s battle with ovarian cancer, which had gone into remission after her initial treatment only to recur two years later.

“The innovative ways, in which the Samuel Waxman Foundation uses collaborative research, has inspired me to help. Research around how, why, and when cancers come back, is what I intend to focus my fundraising efforts on. When cancers come back, they are usually more aggressive, on the body of the patient, and on the spirit of the entire family,” Mr. Joseph said.

Mr. Kobi explained that both his mother and aunt are breast cancer survivors and credited them in inspiring his interest in fashion. His father, a Holocaust survivor, and his mother and other family members traveled from Israel for the SWCRF Gala. “I grew up in a home familiar with loss and grieving for those who had suffered. And from this loss and anguish came a drive and passion to push forth and an inspiration to not just survive, but to succeed. Thank you for allowing me to join the effort of the Waxman Foundation and their quest to find a cure for this terrible disease.”

Mr. Taub was honored for both his philanthropy and leadership as a member of the SWCRF Board of Directors. “The mission of eradicating cancer is a call to our generation. In many aspects of life, we talk about six degrees of separation and the measure of social distance between people. When it comes to cancer, unfortunately, it’s never more than one degree. This is why the work of the Waxman Foundation’sFoundation’s Institutes Without Walls mission is so critical to saving lives. It’s the work that’s being done every day that leads us to where we all want to be: with a cure to this insidious disease.”

Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Kobi Halperin, Valery Joseph, Marc Taub, Chris Wragge Elin Nierenberg, Michael Nierenberg, Jake Taub, Sandy Taub, William T. Sullivan, Donata Minelli Yirmiyahu, Craig B. Thompson, Steven Kolb, Nicholas Santoro, Spencer Waxman, Bettina Waxman, Diego Avanzato, Howard Shlafmitz, Deborah Shlafmitz, Riva Ariella Ritvo-Slifka, Frank Dato, Orital Karelic, Laurie Richter, Dena K. Weiner, Alyssa Greenberg, Cliff Greenberg, Maria Fishel, Bradley Fishel, Erica Fineberg, and Gary Jacob. 

The Waxman Gala set a record of nearly $6 million for the SWCRF and their cutting-edge research, which was the most raised in the event’s history. Before the event, the Gladstein Family presented the SWCRF with a $1 million gift and a challenge to supporters to match their gift dollar-for-dollar. The generous donation will support the SWCRF Gladstein Bladder Cancer Research Program and will fund in part, a research collaboration between the SWCRF and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Craig B. Thompson, president and CEO of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, made brief remarks as one of the Waxman Gala program presenters.

After a lively cocktail reception, host Michael Nierenberg greeted the foundation’s board, staff, and the evening’s guests with a warm welcome graciously outlining over 21 years of giving and continued support from the organization’s donors. Chris Wragge came to the stage and introduced SWCRF founder and CEO Dr. Samuel Waxman to the stage who thanked everyone for their continued support before introducing honoree Valery Joseph who spoke about his wife’s battle with ovarian cancer, and how he came to support the foundation. 

After a delectable dinner, honorees Kobi Halperin and Marc D. Taub were each presented a special award for their continued support for the foundation, as well as spoke about their personal family experiences with battling cancer. Keeping up the momentum, the evening’s live auction, led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’sSotheby’s, featured luxury items and experiences including: a Palm Bay Italy Winery experience; not one but TWO Cockapoo Puppies; and meet-and-greet with the evening’s musical guests, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, who also autographed a guitar for the lucky winner

This year, the SWCRF has so far funded more than $2 million for a record of fifty world-class scientists who are working collaboratively to research cancer.

Grantees Announced for NCI/NIA Partnership Researching Aging and Cancer

New York, NY, September 30, 2019 – Seven research grants were funded to study the links between aging and cancer from the Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program, a research collaboration between the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), National Cancer Institute (NCI) and National Institute on Aging (NIA). The Partnership launched in 2018 as a two-year pilot to fund cross-institutional and cross-disciplinary research that will focus on why aging is a leading risk factor for getting cancer.

This partnership model pairs investigators who study cancer with investigators who study aging. An independent panel of scientists, a scientific review group, organized by the NCI reviewed all research proposals and the recommended applications were reviewed by the National Cancer Advisory Board. The NIH then selected the seven grants.

The US Census Bureau estimates that the population of people over 65 will reach 83.7 million in 2050, almost double its size of 43.1 million in 2012. According to the NCI, cancer incidence increases significantly after age 40, and the median age of people diagnosed with cancer in the United States is 65 years. Americans diagnosed with the most prevalent cancer types are, on average, over the age of 50.

“Cancer is a disease of aging, and this Partnership seeks to boost our understanding of why the incidences of cancer increase with age. The collective expertise among these investigators is extraordinary, and they will be invited to join the SWCRF Institute Without Walls, a brain trust of more than 30 scientists who commit to collaborate further. We look forward to the initial findings that result from this important collaboration,” said Samuel Waxman, MD, founder and CEO of the SWCRF.

“There is a clear link between age and the likelihood of cancer, but the reasons and cellular mechanisms for this striking correlation are unknown,” says Tom Misteli, PhD, Director, Center for Cancer Research, NCI. “This partnership is an opportunity to discover these mechanisms.”

“It’s especially interesting that while some biological mechanisms of aging increase the risk of developing cancer, scientists are now finding that others are protective against the disease,” said Richard J. Hodes, MD, director of the NIA. “I am excited about these teams of innovative investigators and their potential to uncover new strategies for cancer prevention and treatment.”

The Partnership for Aging and Cancer Program grantees are:

 

 

 

 

 

James V. DeGregori, Ph.D., University of Colorado, Denver Collaborating with Ranjan Sen, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging

Research Focus:
Understanding and Circumventing Aging-Dependent
Changes in the Bone Marrow Microenvironment that
Promote Leukemogenesis

 

 

 

 

 

Hariharan Easwaran, MSc, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University Collaborating with Rafael DeCabo, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging

Research Focus:
Characterizing Age-Associated Epigenetic Alterations
and Their Roles in Tumor Development

 

 

 

 

 

Doris Germain, Ph.D., Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Collaborating with Rafael DeCabo, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging

Research Focus:
The Role of the Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein
Response in the Etiology of Breast Cancer in Young
Versus Elderly Women

 

 

 

 

 

Margaret Goodell, Ph.D., Baylor College of Medicine Collaborating with Andre Nussenzweig, Ph.D., National Caner Institute

Research Focus:
Clonal Hematopoiesis, Aging and Genome Stability in
Ppm1d Mutants

 

 

 

 

 

Carl June, M.D., University of Pennsylvania Collaborating with Nan-ping Weng, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging

Research Focus:
Determinants of Cd8+ T Cell Aging and Reduced Function
in B Cell Cancer

 

 

 

 

 

Cristina Montagna, Ph.D., Albert Einstein College of Medicine Collaborating with Thomas Reid, M.D., National Cancer Institute

Research Focus:
Age Associated Genomic Instability and Brain Tumor Risk

 

 

 

 

 

Mary Stack, Ph.D., University of Notre Dame Collaborating with Christina Annuziata, M.D., Ph.D., National Cancer Institute and Arya Biragyn, Ph.D., National Institute on Aging

Research Focus:
Aging and the Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment

The SWCRF Awards $1.4 Million in Research Grants

New York, NY – September 10, 2019 – The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) today announced that it awarded $1.4 million in new grants to scientists conducting groundbreaking research. The grants will fund research in aging and cancer, differentiation therapy, abnormal gene expression, and epigenetic therapies.

These grants are part of more than $2 million in donor-supported funding that SWCRF has allocated this year for cancer research. In addition, the SWCRF now funds a record of nearly 50 physician-scientists as part of the Foundation’s Institute Without Walls, which promotes inter-disciplinary collaboration and breaks down institutional research silos.

“The SWCRF is making a substantial investment in funding cutting-edge research ideas that show remarkable promise for uncovering abnormal gene expression in cancer and developing less-toxic therapies. We welcome these scientists to the SWCRF Institute Without Walls, which will expand our network of scientists committed to cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional collaboration as a mechanism to speed discoveries,” said Samuel Waxman, MD, founder and CEO of the SWCRF.

Earlier this year, the SWCRF issued an RFA to cancer research institutions around the world. Proposals underwent a rigorous review process by the Scientific Advisory Board of the SWCRF. Grant recipients are expected to declare collaboration with at least one other SWCRF Investigator to join publications, grant application and other mechanisms that support the mission of the Foundation. These investigators present a progress report of their research findings through participation at the annual SWCRF symposium for peer review.

“This level of funding would not be possible without the generous support from dedicated donors of the SWCRF and we are extraordinarily grateful,” said William T. Sullivan, executive director at the SWCRF. “We anticipate even more breakthroughs by directing an increased level of support to these outstanding scientists who have a track record of novel approaches to cancer cures.”

The 2019-2021 individual research grant recipients are:

Tyler Curiel MD MPH

Tyler J. Curiel, MD, MPH

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Research focus: Age effects of T cell stem cells, cancer stem cells and immune checkpoints on cancer immunotherapy

 

Ronald M. Evans, PhD

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies
Research focus: FXR as a novel therapeutic target in Colitis-induced Colorectal Cancer

 

Maria Figueroa MD

Maria E. Figueroa, MD

University of Miami
Research focus: The role of age-related reprogramming of KLF6 in HSC dysfunction and myeloid malignancies

 

Jan Karlseder PhD

Jan Karlseder, PhD

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies

Research focus: The regulation of proliferative boundaries by autophagy

 

Ross Levine, MD

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Research focus: Determining the role of somatic clonal evolution in aging, hematopoiesis, and predisposition to malignancies

 

Joel Neilson, PhD

Baylor College of Medicine One Baylor Plaza
Research focus: In vivo disruption of a novel translation pre-initiation complex as a putative therapeutic vulnerability for breast cancer differentiation therapy

 

Emmanuelle Passegué, PhD

Emmanuelle Passegué, PhD

Columbia University
Research focus: Autophagy and Hematopoietic stem cell function in aging and leukemia

The Hamptons Happening Raised $450,000 for SWCRF Research

L to R: Ian Due, Nicole Miller, Lidia Bastianich and Antonella Bertello were honored at the 15th Annual Hamptons Happening for their support of cancer research. Photo: Rossa Cole for Rob Rich

New York, NY – July 16, 2019 – More than 300 guests attended the 15th Annual Hamptons Happening culinary charity event that raised $450,000 to support the groundbreaking research of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF)

The SWCRF honored luminaries in cuisine, fashion, and business for their longtime support of cancer research. The honorees were: celebrity chef and Emmy-Awarding Winning cooking show host Lidia Bastianich and generations of the Bastianich family; Ian Duke, legendary owner of five restaurants in Southampton and New York City; business honoree, Antonella Bertello, real estate entrepreneur and owner of the historic The Baker House 1650 boutique hotel in East Hampton; and iconic womenswear designer Nicole Miller as fashion honoree.

Notable guests included Samuel and Marion Waxman, Spencer and Bettina Waxman, Michael and Elin Nierenberg, Lidia Bastianich, Tanya Bastianich Manuali and Corrado Manuali, Joe and Deanna Bastianich, Antonella Bertello and Patrick Blakslee, Ian and Dina Duke, Nicole Miller, Caly Bevier, Chris and Sarah Wragge, Kenneth and Maria Fishel, Lewis and Wendy Rubin, Dina Weiner and David Rozenholc, Chef Fortunato Nicotra, Chef William Gallagher, Chef Palak Patel, Chef Scott Kampf, Ann Liguori, Jean Shafiroff, Eames Yates, Pamela Taylor, Sharon Bush, William T. Sullivan, Marvin and Lori Scott, Michael Snell, Randy Zelin, Allen Salkin, Aaron Short, and Mentalist Kevin Nicholas.

“The proceeds generated by the Hamptons Happening help support more than 30 scientists who are some of the world’s brightest minds working diligently to develop a cure for cancer. The SWCRF seeks to award more than $2,000,000 in new grants this year and community support is critically important in this effort,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF. “We are always grateful and moved by the generosity of our honorees, sponsors, guests, and the more than 25 participating chefs, restaurants, wine and spirit makers and food purveyors who make this fun summer event possible.”

This year, the Hamptons Happening was reinvented to bring guests the flavors of the world to Bridgehampton for one night. Guests skipped a trip to the airport and instead enjoyed more than 25 food, wine and spirit tastings representing some of the favorite five-star culinary destinations around the world including Colombia, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Peru, and the United States. Dessert stations sweetened the night with favorites such as Baked by Melissa hand-crafted mini cupcakes, Kurly Kürtősh chimney cake, and Nutella, which served its famous hazelnut cocoa spread over freshly baked banana bread and topped in hazelnuts. Delicious chocolate ganache was served by MarieBelle Chocolates.

Chef Honoree Lidia Bastianich along with her children Tanya Bastianich Manuali and Joe Bastianich featured tastings from Lidia’s acclaimed restaurants Del Posto, Becco and her flagship, Felidia. Joe Bastianich featured tastings from Otto Enoteca Pizzeria and Bastianich Winery.

“The Bastianich family is honored to lend our support to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, who, for more than 40 years, has made a difference in the lives of countless people living with cancer. We applaud the foundation’s cutting-edge work with the science community to shut down the DNA of cancer. I ask you to support the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, so they may do even more to eradicate cancer,” said Lidia Bastianich.

Business Honoree Antonella Bertello, owner of The Baker House 1650 historic boutique hotel in East Hampton featured tastings from her native Peru along with favorite dishes from Colombia. “When I was asked to get involved with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, I was truly honored and thrilled to be able to contribute to such an amazing cause and their sensational, collaborative research. I know we have all been deeply affected by this disease and, I could not be more pleased and happy to put my grain of sand to help advance their innovative research,” said Ms. Bertello.

Restaurateur Honoree Ian Duke featured American and Mexican tastings from his Southampton hotspots, Southampton Social Club, Union Burger Bar, and Union Cantina.  “I’m very grateful to have been named as an honoree this year by the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.

All of those working tirelessly for the foundation that should be honored, not me, because of the lives that have been extended, improved and saved from their research.  None of it happens without the work of such an amazing collaboration,” said Mr. Duke.

Fashion Honoree Nicole Miller was honored for her longtime support of the SWCRF. “The organization’s funding for innovative research is leading the cancer treatment revolution and has helped countless people living with Cancer. I urge everyone to support the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation so they can continue to change the lives of people living with cancer,” said Ms. Miller.

Miller also dressed Caly Bevier, a finalist on America’s Got Talent who performed Rachel Platten’s “Fight Song” and her single, “Held Head High,” which she wrote while undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer at age 15.

Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band (The Billy Joel Tribute Show) and DJ Lisie from Jarrell Entertainment had guests dancing under the tent all night. 

For a complete listing of participating restaurants and beverage sponsors, please visit www.waxmancancer.org/hamptons.

For a selection of high-resolution images, please visit:

Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan, Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com and Lenny Stucker, see individual photo for credit

To view the full gallery of images, please visit:

Patrick McMullan: https://www.patrickmcmullan.com/events/5d2b1943cc85941b1f000001/

Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com: https://www.societyallure.com/Hamptons-2019/The-Samuel-Waxman-15th-Annual-Hamptons-Happening-at-the/

Gerard F. Joyce appointed to the SWCRF Board of Directors

 

Gerard F Joyce Board of Directors Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
Gerard F. Joyce was appointed to the SWCRF Board of Directors in June 2019. Mr. Joyce is the National Head of Trusts & Estates and Deputy Trust Counsel for Fiduciary Trust Company International.

NEW YORK, NY—July 10, 2019—Fiduciary Trust Company International, a global wealth manager and wholly-owned subsidiary of Franklin Templeton, announces that Gerard F. Joyce, Jr., managing director, deputy general trust counsel, and national head of trust and estates, has been elected to the board of directors of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF).

“The Foundation’s commitment to international collaboration among cancer researchers has led to significant breakthroughs in the fight for cures and better treatment options,” said Mr. Joyce. “I am proud to work with an organization which continues to make great strides toward the eradication of cancer.”

Mr. Joyce has more than 30 years of experience in the wealth management industry, and joined Fiduciary Trust in August 2017. In addition to his work with the SWCRF, he serves on the Calvary Hospital Professional Advisors Council and the New York Public Library’s Planned Giving Advisory Board. Mr. Joyce also previously served as an officer of the New York Community Trust.

“We wouldn’t be able to fund critical scientific research without the dedication and generosity of our board members, supporters and volunteers,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and chief executive officer of the SWCRF. “We welcome Gerry to our board of directors, and we are grateful to him for devoting his time to helping us reach our goals.”

About Fiduciary Trust

Fiduciary Trust Company International, a global wealth management firm, has served individuals, families, endowments and foundations since 1931. With over $75 billion in assets under administration and management as of March 31, 2019, the firm specializes in strategic wealth planning, investment management and trust and estate services, as well as tax and custody services. The firm and its subsidiaries maintain offices in New York, NY, Coral Gables, FL, Boca Raton, FL, St. Petersburg, FL, Los Angeles, CA, San Mateo, CA, San Francisco, CA, Washington, DC, Wilmington, DE, and Arlington, VA.

Golf Tournament Raises $225,000 for Cancer Research, Honors Ann Liguori

(L to R) William Sullivan, Samuel Waxman, MD, Gary Jacob, Dennis Herman, Ari Zagdanski and Jeffrey Mann.

 

June 25, 2019 | The SWCRF honored Ann Liguori at its 37th Annual Golf Tournament and Dinner in June 2019 at the scenic Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success, NY. More than 100 golfers and donors raised over $225,000 to support the Foundation’s cancer research programs, including the SWCRF Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research. The Partnership studies the genetic, metabolic, and environmental factors that promote increased cancer incidence among people as they age.

The SWCRF honored Ann Liguori for her support of ovarian cancer research. Ann Liguori, nationally-renown sports television and radio talk show host, renewed a gift of $15,000 to support SWCRF-funded research in ovarian cancer.

Ms. Liguori is Golf Correspondent at the WFAN & CBS Sports Radio Network; author, ‘A Passion for Golf, Celebrity Musings About the Game;’  She is also president of Ann Liguori Productions & Founder, Ann Liguori Foundation.

“Ann raised millions for cancer research that has benefitted the SWCRF and many other research organizations. We are grateful for her enduring support and her dedication to finding a cure to this devastating disease,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF.

The golf tournament and dinner is the Foundation’s longest-running charity fundraiser. The 2019 golf tournament co-chairs are SWCRF board members Dennis Herman and Gary Jacob. The golf tournament committee members are: Robert Eichler, Jeffrey Mann, Samuel Waxman, M.D., Ofer Yardeni, and Ari Zagdanski.

The SWCRF gratefully acknowledges the following tournament sponsors:

EVENT SPONSORS

M&T Bank
Gary Jacob
Kalikow Group
Douglas Elliman Real Estate

PATRON SPONSORS

AmTrust Financial
Capital One

MEDIA SPONSOR

MANN Publications

GIFT BAG SPONSOR

StayMarquis

RAFFLE SPONSORS

Five Iron Golf
Flying Point Surf School
Gimmie – Golf Beer Mug
Golf & Body NYC
Heart of the Hunger
John Allan’s
John Varvatos
Martini Golf Balls
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
REKS Eyewear
Round 4 Competitions Putters
TBar Steak & Lounge
Topgolf

VIEW THE 2019 TOURNAMENT PHOTO GALLERY
Photos by Charles Manley

THE HAMPTONS HAPPENING EVENT WILL HONOR LUMINARIES IN CUISINE, BUSINESS AND FASHION

July 13, 2019 – The 15th Annual Hamptons Happening, one of the Hamptons much-anticipated summer social events, will honor luminaries in the world of cuisine, business and fashion who are supporting the groundbreaking research of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). Guests will rub elbows with celebrity chef honoree, Lidia Bastianich and generations of the Bastianich family; restaurateur honoree, Ian Duke, legendary owner of three restaurants in the South Fork; business honoree, Antonella Bertello, real estate entrepreneur and owner of the historic and luxurious The Baker House 1650 bed and breakfast in East Hampton; and iconic womenswear designer Nicole Miller as fashion honoree.

This year, the Hamptons Happening has been reinvented to bring guests the flavors of the world to Bridgehampton for one night. More than 350 guests will skip a trip to the airport and instead, book “first class” tickets to the 15th Annual Hamptons Happening “Tour de Cuisine” on July 13 to enjoy food, wine and spirit tastings representing some of the favorite culinary destinations around the world.

“The Bastianich family is honored to lend our support to the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation who, for more than 40 years, has made a difference in the lives of countless people living with cancer,” said Lidia Bastianich. “We applaud the foundation’s cutting-edge work with the science community to shut down the DNA of cancer. I ask you to support this event and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, so they may do even more to eradicate cancer,” said Lidia Bastianich

“I am thrilled to be honored by this organization which does such great work,” said fashion designer Nicole Miller who heads her global womenswear brand Nicole Miller. Ms. Miller has been a longtime supporter of the SWCRF and was the inaugural designer showcasing her eveningwear at the SWCRF Collaborating for a Cure Ladies Luncheon, which is now in its seventh year.

“The proceeds generated by the Hamptons Happening help support more than 30 scientists who are some of the world’s brightest minds working diligently to develop a cure for cancer. The SWCRF seeks to award $1,600,000 in new grants this year and community support is critically important in this effort,” said Samuel Waxman, M.D., founder and CEO of the SWCRF. “We are always grateful and moved by the generosity of our honorees, sponsors, guests, and the more than 30 participating chefs, restaurants, wine and spirit makers and food purveyors who make this fun summer event possible.”

Pat Farrell and the Cold Spring Harbor Band (The Billy Joel Tribute Show) and DJ Jarrell Entertainment will have guests dancing under the tent all night. Rising pop star Caly Bevier who was a finalist on America’s Got Talent after an ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 15, will delight fans with a special performance.

For a complete listing of participating restaurants and beverage sponsors, please visit www.waxmancancer.org/hamptons.

In its 15th year, the Hamptons Happening was one of the first charity events for cancer research to offer tastings from South Fork’s and New York City’s most celebrated chefs. While the summer calendar has become filled with an assortment of food- and wine-related events, only the Hamptons Happening supports research that is uncovering the genetic and non-genetic changes that lead to cancer in the brain, breast, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, and other organs as well as blood-borne cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma. For more information about the SWCRF research, visit www.waxmancancer.org.