Dr. Samuel Waxman is a distinguished oncologist and hematologist, renowned for his pioneering work in cancer research. He is the founder and CEO of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF), established in 1976, which focuses on funding collaborative research to identify and correct abnormal gene functions that cause cancer. Credit for all photos: Lieba Nesis
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) held its 27th annual Collaborating For A Cure Gala on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at Cipriani Wall Street with cocktails beginning at 6:30 PM. SWCRF was founded in 1976 and has since raised $120 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers around the globe. The foundations “Institute Without Walls” program fosters collaboration among leading scientists worldwide to accelerate the pace of research, and eradicate cancer through less toxic and more effective treatments.
In recognition of his commitment to supporting cancer research, Mike Rawls was honored with the 2024 Distinguished Business Leader Award at the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 27th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Gala, held on November 21, 2024, at Cipriani Wall Street in New York City
As one of the premier fundraising events of the year leaders from business, philanthropy and fashion join to fraternize, talk business and have fun while helping Dr. Waxman solve the puzzle of the ubiquitous disease. This year close to $5 million was raised at the sold out dinner where 750 of New York’s best and brightest paid $2500 per ticket.
Michael Nierenberg is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President of Rithm Capital Corp., a leading investment management company specializing in real estate and alternative investments. C. William “Bill” Griffin is a a 1972 graduate of the University of Georgia (UGA) with a Bachelor of Business Administration, has made significant contributions to both the business sector and his alma mater. In recognition of his outstanding achievements and dedication, he was honored with the 2022 Alumni Merit Award by the UGA Alumni Association.
The inclement weather didn’t dampen the room’s spirits as Chairman of SCWRF Michael Nierenberg gathered hundreds of his friends ensuring this is a must on every financial brokers calendar. The night’s only honoree was CEO of Xome Holdings LLC Mike Rawls who received the Distinguished Business Leader Award and made the rare and much appreciated move of deciding to let a two minute film do all the talking-while saving the busy audience a good twenty minutes in the process. He majestically stood on stage, took some pictures and quietly headed back to his seat.
Marion Waxman, Bettina Waxman and Jodie Semel. Marion Waxman is a prominent philanthropist and advocate for cancer research. She is married to Dr. Samuel Waxman. Jodie Semel is a partner at the law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, where she focuses on complex real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, and financings. Bettina Ingber Waxman is a New York-based attorney who is also actively involved in philanthropic activities, particularly with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation.
The rest of the crowd was more verbose as they enthusiastically socialized and partied with abandon as short ribs, and a lavish dessert table added to the revelry. One of my favorite parts of this dinner is the auctioning off of an adorable dog which this year was a mini golden doodle which raised $9000. Dinner for four at famed eatery Rao’s went for $11,000 as this restaurant never loses its high valued allure. We also had the opportunity to hear from Dr. Waxman on the new treatments for liver, lung, pancreatic and colon cancer as the evening’s proceeds fund more than 60 research labs.
Jean Shafiroff is a distinguished American philanthropist, author, advocate, and socialite, renowned for her extensive charitable work and leadership in various organizations
Waxman heralded the partnership between SWCRF and the Mark Foundation for Cancer Research with plans of investing $10 million focused on the leading cause of cancer development-aging. With a more comprehensive isolation of defective genes Waxman noted the advent of increasingly reliable treatments on the horizon. At the reasonable hour of 9:30 PM the real fun began with a live musical performance by returning rock band “Tedeschi Trucks.”
Maria and Ken Fishel. Ken Fishel is the President of Renaissance Properties, a family-owned real estate firm established in 1961. Maria Fishel is a dedicated philanthropist actively involved in various charitable organizations. She has been instrumental in raising funds for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, co-chairing events like the annual Waxman Luncheon, which features fashion shows by renowned designers to support cancer research
One of the best live acts touring today are husband and wife team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi. They have been hailed as two of the best roots rock musicians of their generation and they lived up to that description this evening. When the hour came to finally exit the rainy, cold weather couldn’t ruin one of those unforgettable evenings before the bustling Holiday Season gets underway
Joe Feshbach is a seasoned financial analyst and investor with a distinguished career spanning several decadesKobi Halperin and Susan Pernick. Kobi Halperin is a renowned fashion designer celebrated for his eponymous ready-to-wear label, which artfully blends timeless elegance with contemporary trends. Susan Goldenkranz Pernick is an accomplished attorney based in Glen Head, New York, with a distinguished legal career spanning several decades.Jessica Bailey and Laura Parrott. Jessica Bailey is the President and CEO of Nuveen Green Capital, a leading provider of sustainable commercial real estate finance. Laura Parrott is a Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Fixed Income at Nuveen.George and Christina Umansky. George Umansky is a political figure from St. Lucie County, Florida. In August 2024, he participated in the Republican primary for the position of St. Lucie County Supervisor of Elections. Christina Umansky is the daughter of Mauricio Umansky and Kyle Richards, prominent figures in the real estate and entertainment industries, respectively.Maria Lehman and Randi Schatz. Maria Lehman is a distinguished civil engineer with over 40 years of experience in transportation and infrastructure.. In 2022, President Biden appointed her as Vice Chair of the National Infrastructure Advisory Council, which advises the White House on reducing risks to the nation’s critical infrastructure. Randi Schatz is a seasoned media executive with extensive experience in publishing and media entertainment. She has held prominent positions, including Vice President and Market Leader for Media Entertainment at Future US, overseeing publications like Broadcasting & Cable and Multichannel News.Fern Mallis is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, best known for creating New York Fashion Week. She served as the executive director of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) from 1991 to 2001. In 1993, she launched “7th on Sixth,” a centralized platform for American designers to showcase their collections, which evolved into New York Fashion Week.Auctioning off dog.
