Press Release
2019-04-29
2019 CancerCare® Gala Celebrates 75 Years of Help & Hope, Event Raises Funds for Free Support Services
The 2019 CancerCare® Gala took place on Wednesday, April 17, at New York City’s Ziegfeld Ballroom. The annual event brought together philanthropists, health care industry leaders, patient advocates and other supporters to raise funds for the organization’s free counseling, education¬ and financial assistance programs.
In honor of 75 years of service to the cancer community, earlier this year CancerCare launched a new campaign, “If It Matters To You, It Matters To Us.” The campaign declares CancerCare’s commitment to holistic, patient-centered support services and celebrates a legacy of comprehensive care for people living with cancer. The heart of the campaign features distinct, personalized stories from CancerCare clients.
“For 75 years, CancerCare has pioneered the importance of addressing what matters most to patients and their families through free, direct services to help cope with the emotional, practical and financial challenges of a cancer diagnosis,” said CancerCare CEO, Patricia J. Goldsmith. “We’re excited to celebrate over seven decades of this incredible work.”
The Gala’s live and silent auctions featured selections of fine wines, art, luxury items, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and vacation getaways. These items included a trip to Paris, a Labor Day week in the Hamptons, a Brooklyn food tour, a Yankee’s private suite, various tickets to shows and sporting events and a celebrity experience at The Emmys.
The event also showcased live entertainment for guests, including vocals by the Young People’s Chorus of New York City, conducted by Founder and Artistic Director Francisco Nunez, alongside piano accompanist Taisiya Pushkar. Actress, singer and impressionist Christina Bianco performed a medley of songs as well.
CancerCare is grateful to the 2019 Co-Chairs, Marsha Palanci and Andrew C. Pizzo, as well as the 2019 Gala Committee Members for helping to organize such a meaningful event. Those members include: Michael Baraldi, Renata & Flavio Figueiredo, Paul M. Friedman, Christine Converse Hogan, Kay Hsu, Rachel Klein, Loretta & Raymond Moseman, Lori & Michael Parisi, Chandni Patel, 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).