The 25th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Gala, one of New York City’s favorite charity events celebrated its
silver anniversary at Cipriani Wall Street. The “fun-raiser as opposed to fundraiser” as described by Michael
Nierenberg raised more than $4 million towards the goal of funding the next five years of crucial SWCRF
cancer research programs such as the Partnership for Aging and Cancer Research Program, the SWCRF
Institute Without Walls TM , and the Women’s Cancer Research Program.
Following a cocktail reception across the street, guests made their way to the main dining room where emcee,
CBS’s Chris Wragge, welcomed the more than 700 guests, introduced the evening’s honorees, and
highlighted many of the Foundation’s groundbreaking achievements over the past 50 years. “Tonight, we have
a great program to celebrate two giants in the fight against cancer”, said Wragge.
Upon receiving the Vision and Leadership Award, SWCRF Board Chairman Michael Nierenberg commented,
“The real honorees are Dr. Waxman and the great heroes like him who treat and cure cancer every day.”
Founder and CEO Dr. Samuel Waxman, who received the well-deserved and long-overdue Lifetime
Achievement Award, spoke to his vision (goal) for a future in which cancer does not have to be a disease
associated with aging. “The incidence of cancer is increasing, in part, as a by-product of improvements we are
making in human longevity,” said Dr. Waxman. “But through our collaborative research programs, we can
flatten this curve. I am thrilled to be a part of many amazing breakthroughs that have occurred in cancer
research – with more to come.”
Special guest, author and breast cancer survivor, Musa Mayer, shared why she has been a longtime supporter
of SWCRF and very generously offered a $1 million match for all donations made during the gala. “I will be
celebrating my 80 th birthday soon thanks to the work of this foundation and Dr. Samuel Waxman,” said Mayer.
As in previous years, the Collaborating for a Cure Gala included a live auction during the night’s festivities,
including a meet and greet with MT. JOY, culinary experiences at the Cipriani Vault, il Buco Vita, and New
York Vintners, and a Palm Bay Italian Winery experience (in Tuscany) to name a few. There was also a raffle
for a private 7-day Bahamas cruise aboard an 82-foot, hybrid-powered, luxury yacht.
Notable attendees include SWCRF Board Chairman Michael Nierenberg, Founder and CEO Dr. Samuel
Waxman, Gala Event Chairs, Spencer Waxman, Nicholas Santoro, Baron Silverstein, Marc Taub and
Gala MC, Chris Wragge, Elin Nierenberg, Marion Waxman, Sandra Dugoff, Julie Waxman, Eliz Waxman,
Jack Waxman, Sophia Bergan, Mario Pecoraro, Chris Arlotta, Mark D. Friedman, Jeremy Hoffman, Sara
Waxman, Bettina Waxman, Scott Waxman, Bryan Griffin, Katya Tolstova, Nadja Sayej,
William T. Sullivan, Erica Fineberg. Robin Lathrop, MT. JOY.
