Triumph: Hamptons Cancer Fundraiser Takes in $400K Despite Pandemic, Celebs A Listers Pony Up for the Cause

Last Saturday night’s Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Fund summer gala was a hit despite the pandemic and social distancing.

Over 300 people went to the tented event on the sweeping Bridgehampton property of Maria and Kenneth Fishel. Guests included Chris Wragge, anchor of CBS 2 Morning News, Hall of Fame linebacker Harry Carson of The NY Giants, Ramona Singer of RHONY. They all enjoyed a performance by “Freestyle Love Supreme,” a Tony Award Winning Broadway Musical Improv Group, that brought almost all of them onto the dance floor.

This year’s honorees included HUGO BOSS, Fashion Inc represented by Rodolfo Esparza III; Dr. Kenneth Mark, Skin Cancer & Cosmetic Dermatology Expert; Natalie Cohen Gould, Co-founder of Come Back Cycle, Dir. of Wholesale, FP Movement; and Chef and Restaurateur David Burke, David Burke Hospitality Management.

The event was co-chaired by Mark D. Friedman of Brown Harris Stevens, Jessica Mackin of James Lane Post, and Randi Schatz. SWCRF founder Samuel Waxman MD, along with event committee members Christine Arlotta, Antonella Bertello, Erica Fineberg, Jacqueline Frank, Norah Lawlor, Jamie Koff, Christine Prydatko, Suzanne Sabet, and Michael Snell were in attendance.

The delicious food was supplied by a huge number of vendors including my personal favorites at Clarkson Avenue Crumb Cake (you eat this and it’s magic!), the Golden Pear tea-and-coffee shops that keep the Hamptons well fed, plus A la Mode, Arlotta Food Studio, Bareburger, Beauty & the Broth, Bimble, Centro Trattoria, Chef Julian Medina, Chef Scott Kampf of Southampton Social Club and Union Sushi & Steak;  David Burke Hospitality Management, Halo Sport, Herradura Tequila, Kurly Kurtosh, Magnolia Bakery, MarieBelle New York, Milene Jardine, Out East Rose, Pompette, Rust & Gold, Simple Vodka, T-Bar Steak & Lounge, Taub Family Companies, and Woodford Reserve.

The Hamptons Happening was The 17^th annual celebration of health and wellness, and the culmination of The Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve with SWCRF partner, Walk with a Doc. The Global Walk to Flatten the Cancer Curve officially started on June 30th, 2021 and culminated at the SWCRF’s 17th Annual Hamptons Happening. The virtual walk raised international awareness and funds for life-saving cancer research. Participants logged their steps during the 11 days with the aim of accumulating 25,000 miles, enough to travel around the world. The virtual fundraising walk collected $100,000 for cancer research.

The incidence of cancer is rising around the world and advanced age is the most significant risk factor. More than 60 percent of Americans diagnosed with cancer are 65 and older. SWCRF, in collaboration with the National Cancer Institute and National Institute on Aging, is leading the way in funding the scientists who are working towards the next breakthrough in cancer treatments. Currently, SWCRF is funding 50 renown investigators on three continents, each working together to develop less toxic cancer treatments.