Press Release
2018-04-30
2018 CancerCare® Gala Showcases Program Impacts, Raises Funds for Free Support Services
NEW YORK, April 30, 2018 – The 2018 CancerCare® Gala brought together philanthropists, health care industry leaders, patient advocates and other supporters to raise funds for the organization’s free counseling, educational and financial assistance programs. The annual event took place on April 25 at New York City’s Cipriani 42nd Street.
To introduce the spirit of the evening, Board of Trustees Members and Gala Co-chairs, Annette and Andrew Pizzo, shared an inspirational message centered on six words that define the organization: trust, hope, compassion, community, resilience and support.
On behalf of CancerCare's social work team, Director of Clinical Programs, William Goeren, MSW, OSW-C, presented the Help & Hope Award to Cornelia & Rob Spring in recognition of their longtime support. Cornelia Spring has been a member of CancerCare’s Board of Trustees since 2011 and with Rob served as Gala Committee Chairs in 2012 and 2013. Upon receiving the award, Ms. Spring shared, “Resilience means showing up every single day to prove that while almost nothing about cancer is linear, CancerCare’s commitment and dedication to being with you every step of the way is unwavering.”
CancerCare Chief Executive Officer, Patricia J. Goldsmith, presented the Partnership Award to TESARO, highlighting their commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. The award was accepted by Lonnie Moulder, Chief Executive Officer, and Mary Lynne Hedley, PhD, President & Chief Operations Officer. Mr. Moulder shared, “What so many of you do – survivors, advocates, social workers – on a daily basis, to make a difference for cancer patients, humbles us. We’re so please to support the mission of CancerCare.”
One of the evening’s most impactful moments was a review of CancerCare's hurricane relief program. In partnership with the Community Oncology Alliance (COA), CancerCare raised nearly $665,000 and helped more than 800 Puerto Rican residents in the wake of Hurricane Maria. In the words of Young Professionals Committee Chair, Seyna Ba, the program “allowed people to gain the resilience they needed to weather the storm of cancer and beyond.”
The Gala’s live and silent auctions, led by Sotheby’s auctioneer, C. Hugh Hildesley, featured selections of fine wines, art, luxury items, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and vacation getaways. These items included a relaxing five-night stay on the white sands of Aruba, tickets to Springsteen on Broadway, a private in-home wine tasting for 10 with famed wine authority, speaker and author Eunice Fried, and a seven-day excursion on The World, the largest privately owned, residential yacht on earth.
CancerCare is grateful to the 2018 Gala Committee Members for helping to organize such a meaningful event: Brittany Aliano, Michael Baraldi, John Brierty, Renata & Flavio Figueiredo, Paul M. Friedman, Christine Converse Hogan, Kay Hsu, Rachel Klein, Loretta & Raymond Moseman, Marsha J. Palanci, Lori & Michael Parisi, Annette & Andrew Pizzo, Eleanor Sigona, Susan Smirnoff & Kirk Zachary, Cornelia & Rob Spring and Burt Zweigenhaft.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include counseling and support groups over the phone, online and in-person, educational workshops, publications and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts.
To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).