SAMUEL WAXMAN CANCER RESEARCH FETE

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15th Annual Benefit Dinner & Auction

HONORING

Carmen Marc Valvo
Humanitarian Award Honoree

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Dale & Peter Claman
Distinguished Service Awardees
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Gregg Allman

Warren Haynes And Peter Frampton

Dale And Peter Claman

Carmen Marc Valvo

Samuel And Marion Waxman

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) celebrated their 15th Annual Collaborating For A Cure Dinner and Auction at the landmark Park Avenue Armory on Thursday, November 15, 2012. Carmen Marc Valvo was honored with the Humanitarian Award and Dale & Peter Claman received the Distinguished Service Award; the evening was headlined by The Warren Haynes Band, featuring performances by Peter Frampton and Gregg Allman. Notable guest attendees included Michael and Elin Nierenberg (hosts of the 15th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Dinner & Auction), Hugh Hildesley (Sotheby’s Executive Vice President & Auctioneer), Spencer Waxman (SWCRF Board of Directors), James Frankel (SWCRF Board of Directors), Mary Kantor (SWCRF Honorary Board Member), Michael Burkhardt (Board Member of Voices Against Brain Cancer), Tom Murro (The Fox Morning Extra Host), Tor Hamer (Professional Boxer), Suzanne Johnson (Model and Actress) and Peter Tunney (Artist).

SWCRF Collaborating For A Cure host Michael Nierenberg welcomed everyone to the 15th Annual Dinner & Auction, to raise funds for cancer research. Nierenberg stated that “cancer does not discriminate” and thanked everyone for attending the fundraiser; he then brought honoree Carmen Marc Valvo to the stage. Valvo, a 10 year colon cancer survivor said he was impressed by the amazing event and stated that he “wants to make it fashionable to talk about cancer.” Dr. Samuel Waxman then spoke about the importance of epigenetics, the process of re-teaching a gene how to behave and what the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is working on to find a cure for cancer. Dr. Waxman then introduced honorees Dale and Peter Claman and thanked them for their tireless efforts for SWCRF. Michael Burkhardt was then introduced by Nierenberg and read a passage from his blog which details his thoughts during his battle with cancer. Burkhardt eloquently wrote that cancer is like running track, each day more hurdles are added getting higher and closer together. He hopes that his new round of chemotherapy will help him pull down those hurdles

The dinner, auction and concert was attended by more than 950 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. The 15th Annual Waxman benefit raised more than $4 million to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer, reprogramming cancer cells to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists who are funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver drugs and novel therapies to treat cancer.

The evening’s live auction offered guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items such a Black Lab puppy which started a bidding war between two attendees, each ending up going home with the adorable dog for $8,000 each. Guests were also able to bid on an exclusive opportunity to meet Peter Frampton, Warren Haynes and Gregg Allman backstage at the event with a signed guitar by each; the winning bids went for $10,000, $8,000 and $8,000, respectively. The highest bid of the night went to a luxurious five night stay aboard a Private Yacht complete with a private jet and seaplane for $125,000. Other packages included a trip for ten to the world famous Golden Eye Resort in Jamaica for $70,000, a week stay at a private ocean front villa in Jamaica with private jet service for $65,000, a golf outing for 36 people at Hamptons Hills Country Club in Westhampton, NY for $25,000 , a stellar wine tasting for 20 at the winner’s home, catered by Restaurant Associates and décor from byROBIN for $5,000, two private wine tastings for 25 at Italian Wine Merchants for $22,500, “Suddenly” original artwork by Peter Tunney for $30,000, “Sunlit Birches” limited edition print by Peter Lik for $21,000, Neta Sushi experience with Nick Kim and Jimmy Lau for $25,000, a one of a kind dress and two seats to the Carmen Marc Valvo 2013 New York Fashion Week Show for $4,000 and a five on five game against NBA greats Gilbert Arenas and Jason Richardson for $18,000. The live auction was led by Hugh Hildesley, Executive Vice President of Sotheby’s Auction House. Auction items are currently still available for bidding on Charity Buzz until December 4th, 2012. After the auction guests were treated to an exclusive, live performance by rock legends the Warren Haynes Band, Peter Frampton and Gregg Allman.

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

Imagine a world in which cancer can be treated without disrupting life, can be cured, or can even be prevented.


Photos By: Patrick McMullan And Rob Rich