The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted its third annual Collaborating for a Cure Luncheon at the private Upper East Side residence of Andrea Stark on Wednesday, May 18th, 2016. The event honored Oscar de la Renta with a fashion presentation showcasing the fashion house’s pre-fall 2016 designs before a private audience, and benefited the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. Guests in attendance included Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Ramona Singer, Andrea Stark, Jean Shafiroff, Pamela Morgan, Erica Fineberg, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Ingeborg Rennert, Bernice Schwartz and Randi Schatz among others.
The luncheon was the third annual event of its kind to raise funds for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, with all event proceeds benefiting the charity. Event Chair Pamela Morgan welcomed guests to the event prior to the fashion presentation, and thanked Andrea Stark for opening her home to host this year’s Ladies Luncheon. She introduced Marion Waxman who said a few words about the luncheon, and how it was initiated by Erica Fineberg three years ago.
Dr. Samuel Waxman spoke to the guests about the increasing risk of developing cancer as one ages and mentioned the organization’s new research program investigating the genetic causes of increased incidence of cancer as people age. He mentioned that this ongoing research aims to collaborate with the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Waxman went on to mention the important advances the foundation’s collaborative group of world-class scientists, known as the Institute Without Walls, has reached in trying to find less toxic cancer treatment methods. He also mentioned that SWCRF has made major breakthroughs in breast cancer research in the past few years, and how this important work is made possible by charitable donations.
Following Dr. Waxman’s speech, Chris Tully, Senior Director of RTW US at Oscar de la Renta went on to thank Dr. Waxman and the SWCRF for inviting them to showcase their fashions at this important fundraiser and mentioned Mr. de la Renta’s own struggle with cancer that led to his passing in 2014. Ms. Tully introduced the pre-fall 2016 designs that the models would be showcasing, after which the fashion presentation took place.
A raffle was also held, featuring items such as a Large Metal Collar Necklace in Antique Gold from Lafayette 148; one month of unlimited blowouts and/or express styles at Glam & Go; a wallet from Hugo Boss; Long Silk Tassel Clip Earrings from Oscar de la Renta; a gift card toward Verve Medical Cosmetics and products from Firm Commitment, Tocca, Lollia & Jane Iredale; a John Varvatos package of colognes, sunglasses and his book; and a cashmere collection from Arlotta Cashmere.
The event’s contemporary luncheon was catered by renowned CxRA Catering with wines from Palm Bay.