2016 CancerCare Gala Raises $1 Million

Event Honored Bloomingdale's Frank Doroff and Bristol-Myers Squibb

News provided by

Apr 21, 2016, 03:57 ET

NEW YORK, April 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CancerCare, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, raised $1,000,000 at its annual Gala, which took place yesterday at Cipriani 42^nd Street. More than 500 members of New York City's philanthropic, fashion and health care communities attended the event, and honored the contributors who make it possible for people with cancer and their families to benefit from CancerCare's services, including counseling, educational workshops and publications, childcare, transportation to treatment, and financial assistance.

Frank Doroff, Vice Chairman, Bloomingdale's was honored with the 2016 Help and Hope Award for his commitment to supporting CancerCare's mission. Bloomingdale's Chairman and CEO Tony Spring presented the award to Doroff, acknowledging his decades of dedication to the organization, and highlighting his "unwavering commitment to the people who have sought CancerCare's support."

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Doroff, who lost his wife, Kate, to cancer at just 49 years old in 1993, shared "I was very lucky to have the support of my family and friends, as well as my Bloomingdale's family, and often think about others dealing with cancer who do not have this same level of support and resources. I appreciate that CancerCare is there for them in so many ways, during such a difficult time for families and loved ones."

CancerCare CEO Patricia J. Goldsmith announced a generous $100,000 gift made by Dorothy Schachne, CancerCare Board of Trustees member, in memory of her husband, David.

Goldsmith proceeded to honor Bristol-Myers Squibb with the 2016 Partnership Award for the company's dedication to helping people living with the disease, and acknowledged the vital role the company played in transforming CancerCare from a community organization to an incredible national resource over the past 73 years. Teresa Bitetti, Senior Vice President, US Oncology, Bristol-Myers Squibb accepted the award on behalf of the organization.

At the encouragement of Event Chairs Annette and Andrew Pizzo, attendees also offered enthusiastic applause for the CancerCare social workers who serve people with cancer and their families each day, more than a dozen of whom were in attendance.

One of the most moving speakers of the evening was Michael Hahn, who lost his wife Karissa to cancer and was joined on stage by his 6-year old son Ryan. Together, they shared how CancerCare's Healing Hearts Family Bereavement Camp helped both of them, along with Ryan's 9-year old brother Ethan, learn how to joyously celebrate Karissa's life and connect with other families who were experiencing the same challenges. Michael reinforced to attendees how important this was to his family, saying "You made a difference in our lives."

Led by Sotheby's auctioneer Hugh Hildesley, the live and silent auctions featured more than 100 selections of fine wines, exquisite dinners, luxury items, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and vacation getaways. These included a basketball signed by all 11 legendary members of the 1992 Gold Medal Men's Olympic Basketball Team, tickets to the smash Broadway hit "Hamilton" with memorabilia signed by cast member and cancer survivor Javier Munoz, and two 5-course private dinners for 15 guests prepared by Chef Pasquale Martinelli. Auction Co-Chairs were Marsha Palanci & Edward Lauber.

CancerCare Gala 2016 Committee Members include Michael Baraldi, Carolyn Bernstein, John Brierty, Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Susan and Paul Friedman, Carmen Garcia, Joshua Goldsmith, Jason Greenstone, Renee Nicholas, Elizabeth Ostow, Lori and Michael Parisi, Heather and Michael Schechter, Cornelia and Rob Spring, Michael Tumminia, Susan Smirnoff and Kirk Zachary, Anna 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. Headquartered in New York, NY, CancerCare maintains three additional locations in Norwalk, CT, Ridgewood, NJ and Syosset, NY.

To learn more, visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

SOURCE CancerCare