Chris Wragge, Elin Nierenberg, Michael Nierenberg, Kobi Halperin, Marion Waxman, Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marc Taub, Valery Joseph ©Patrick McMullan
Sold Out 22nd Annual Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Collaborating for a Cure Gala Raises nearly $6 Million Towards Cancer Research
The Annual Gala honored Kobi Halperin, Valery Joseph, and Marc D. Taub, for their leadership in fighting cancer, with a Headline Performance By Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) 22nd Anniversary Collaborating for a Cure Gala raised a record of nearly $6 Million for innovative research studying cancer genetics and metastasis. The event sold out in advance. It drew nearly 1,000 guests who celebrated the SWCRF’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 were treated to a special 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’s 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’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. 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 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’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. Prior to 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 gift 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’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.
Photo Credit: Patrick McMullan, Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com, see individual photo for credit
About Kobi Halperin
For the women who “celebrate getting dressed every day,” Kobi is known for his unique designs and his love for details. Deeply inspired by his Eastern European roots and heritage, Kobi’s collections are marked with a feeling of warm tradition felt in the handcrafted touch and workmanship that embody his aesthetic.
In 2015, Kobi launched his eponymous ready-to-wear label. The label embodies a European sensibility and is recognized by its crafted artisan details and modern femininity. With a design philosophy that aims to elevate the everyday, Kobi’s collections are made with luxurious fabrics and beautiful hand-worked embellishments. Accredited for creating an aspirational yet accessible label, Kobi bridges the gap between timelessness and trend and continues to build a dynamic brand with a global reach, through smart design and a distinct point of view. In 2016, Kobi became a member of the CFDA.
Kobi’s other passion in life is mentoring and developing the future of fashion. He is actively involved with cultivating his alma mater’s emerging fashion students, being a mentor to Savannah College of Art and Design students, and being a role model to his two daughters, Mika and Gali.
Valery Joseph
Valery Joseph is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York. Valery studied architecture at an early age, developing his eye for geometry and an innate craftsmanship. His education in structural design gave him a sense of angle, dimension, body and structure that would later manifest in his hair styling.
Valery discovered his passion for hair after being injured while serving in the army. He was appointed to cut the hair of the high-ranking officials, who first experienced his natural talent and trademark technique in hair styling.
Valery listens attentively, studies his clients, and uses a distinct, architectural technique to create a custom cut tailored to the client’s desires and hair type. His passion for his work stems from the inherent gratification he feels after his transformations that make women look and feel more beautiful.
Marc D. Taub
As President & CEO of Taub Family Companies – which encompasses Palm Bay International and Taub Family Selections – Marc D. Taub represents the third generation in a dynamic, family-owned business that is an established leader in the wine and spirits industry.
Marc has been involved with many charitable endeavors over the years, continuing the family’s long-term commitment to philanthropy. In 1997, he became an associate board member for the Parker Jewish Institute for Health and Rehabilitation. He has served on numerous industry committees for organizations such as the Diabetes Research Foundation, the American Cancer Society and the UJA Foundation. In 2005, he was honored by UJA as a recipient of the prestigious Samuel Bronfman award and in 2012 Marc was recognized by The 50 Club as the Man of the Year. He is a member of the Metro New York Chapter of Young Presidents Organization. Marc and his wife Sandy have two children Jake and Chloe.
About SWCRF Collaborating for a Cure Gala
Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman”, this event directly supports cancer research of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s Institute Without Walls and Aging and Cancer Programs. The evening’s live and silent auction offers guests an exciting return for their gracious contributions. In the past, millions of dollars have been raised in support of the Foundation’s research efforts to cure cancer.
The Collaborating for a Cure Gala has featured performances by the Who’s Who of classic rock and pop music over its 21-year history, including: The Avett Brothers, Peter Frampton, Gregg Allman, Warren Haynes, Steely Dan, Steve Winwood, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, John Fogerty, Sheryl Crow, Kid Rock, The Wallflowers, Lyle Lovett, Counting Crows, Train, Ziggy Marley, Roger Daltrey and Dawes. For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org/gala.
About Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer. This research is the basis for developing minimally toxic treatments for patients. Through the Foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research.
Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded over $100 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe.
For more information on SWCRF, visit: www.waxmancancer.org
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