Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation Hosts Annual Fundraiser

Photos: Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman/www.society-in-focus.com

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation held their 11th annual ‘A Hamptons Happening’ fundraiser on July 11 to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF).

The event took place at the Bridgehampton estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel and was hosted for the fourth consecutive year by WCBS-TV news anchor Chris Wragge.

The benefit honored business leaders Marc J. Leder, co-CEO of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and Bobby Zarin, Chairman of Zarin Fabrics and real estate developer.

The event broke previous fundraising records in its 11-year history, bringing in more than $500,000 with over $100,000 raised going to a thyroid cancer research grant established by Zarin, a thyroid cancer survivor, with his wife Jill Zarin in partnership with the SWCRF.

The 500 guests were provided with food from 30 of the top restaurants, caterers and food and beverage brands in New York City and the Hamptons.

This year’s featured restaurateurs were Mauro Maccioni of the Le Cirque Restaurant Group, which includes Le Cirque, Sirio and Circo, and Chef John DeLancie of Crown Group Hospitality, which operates The Lion and Bill’s Food and Drink.

The benefit also showcased artwork for purchase or on auction to raise funds for research.

The evening’s awards ceremony, hosted by Wragge, A Hamptons Happening founding co-chair Laurie Schaffran and SWCRF founder and CEO Samuel Waxman, M.D., who presented awards to the honorees.

Leta Saveikis, St. John’s Vice President of Retail – Boutiques, accepted the SWCRF Fashion Icon honoree award on behalf of St. John.

The live auction was conducted by Grandstand Sports and offered items and experiences including dinner for ten prepared by Egidiana Maccioni, mother of Mauro Maccioni, co-owner of the Le Cirque Restaurant Group, a pair of his and her electric bikes by Polaris eBikes, and a baseball autographed by the three New York Yankees Perfect Game pitchers David Cone, Don Larsen and David Wells.

The online auction hosted on Charitybuzz offered a chance to bid on special experiences such as a virtual matchmaking session with Patti Stanger, star of Bravo’s “The Millionaire Matchmaker.”

A Hamptons Happening was chaired by event co-founders Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran as well as Michael Trokel and Pamela Morgan.

Additional chairpersons included Jessica Cohen as auction chair, Kara Council as marketing chair, Erica Fineberg as journal chair, Sarah Sarpolis as PR and social media chair and Christine Silverstein as chefs chair.

The A Hamptons Happening committee included Karen Amster-Young, Chris Arlotta, Tammy Caress, Maria Fishel, Kenneth Fishel, Jennifer Gould Keil, Adrienne Kantor, Robert Kantor, Marcia Lavipour, Jessica Mackin, Mario Pecoraro, Edward Sadovnik, Jamie Safier, Bettina Waxman, Spencer Waxman, and Jill Zarin.

Check out photos from the event below taken by Tom Fitzgerald and Pam Deutchman.

Photo 1: Bobby and Jill Zarin

Photo 2: Chef Philippe Chow

Photo 3: Daniel Pollera and Jill Zarin

Photo 4: Noa Kahner, Andrew Kahner, Pamela Morgan, Nurit Kahane and Lucia Hwong Gordon

Photo 5: Melissa Fishel, Bradley Fishel, Maria Fishel and Kenneth Fishel

Photo 6: Carlyle off the Green

Photo 7: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Patricia Wagner, Daniel Pollera and Nancy Pollera

Photo 8: Molly Birkenes, Wenwen Lam and Brooke Milstein

Photo 9: Arlene Lazare, Jacqueline Murphy and Jill Zarin

Photo 10: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Sarah Sarpolis, Marc Leder, Marion Waxman, Kara Council, Chris Wragge

Photo 11: St. John (Fashion Honoree)

Photo 12: Scott Alcott and Liza Cervantes