SWEETCHARITY: A Hamptons Happening Feast

By Jessica Mackin

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation will honor luminaries from the worlds of cuisine, fashion, and philanthropy at its tenth annual "A Hamptons Happening Feast" cancer research fundraiser on Saturday evening in Bridgehampton from 6:30 to 9:30 PM. The event will feature celebrity chef David Burke, iconic fashion designer Betsey Johnson, and philanthropist Paul Ridley, co-founder of the cancer research nonprofit Row For Hope. WCBS-TV Channel 2 News anchor Chris Wragge will emcee the event for the third consecutive year. The fête will take place at the Bridgehampton home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel. The evening comes together with the combined efforts of event co-founders Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran, raffle chairperson Jennifer Myles, journal chairperson Erica Fineberg, and co-chairpersons Jennifer Gould Keil and Jill and Bobby Zarin. The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer, a mission that can resonate with everyone. All people, in one way or another, have been touched by cancer. "A nurse at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center once told me that cancer is not just a disease. It is an epidemic," said co-chair Keil, a New York Post celebrity real estate columnist. "Sadly, everyone I know has lost someone they love to cancer," Keil said as she described her heartbreaking experiences with the disease. "My husband, Braden, died of melanoma in 2009 when our children were just three and five years old. I then lost both my parents to cancer." The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research and its mission is to eradicate cancer by funding cutting-edge research that identifies and corrects abnormal gene function that causes cancer and develops minimally toxic treatments for patients. "Every year, cancer research brings us closer to a cure," stated Keil. "The people who dedicate their lives to finding that cure are on the frontline. They are our warriors and heroes, our first line of defense in the fight against cancer. We need to support them as much as we can. There are so many people on the East End who have been blessed with so much good fortune. This is a wonderful way for people to give back. Folks can feel good knowing that they are truly making a difference." Through the Foundation's collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. "We hope to bring awareness to the importance of supporting cancer research. It is the only hope for curing this disease," said co-founder Marion Waxman. Since its inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded over $85 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. "In a season of sparkling charity events, the Hamptons Happening is truly the jewel in the crown," remarked event co-founder Schaffran. "The moderately priced ticket allows us to introduce the work of the Foundation to people of all ages and financial means, so we hope to see many new faces," continued Schaffran. "We can promise [guests] an elegant and spirited evening of non-stop sensational food, free flowing wine and spirits, an exciting live auction, and a celebrity DJ." Music for the evening will be provided by crowd favorite DJ Phresh of the 4AM DJ group. The auction, both silent and live, will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime packages. Schaffran continued, "We are thrilled to welcome David Burke who will be preparing a selection of his culinary specialities," said Schaffran. "We are looking forward to welcoming guests to a wonderful evening with 30 celebrity chefs, an amazing auction, while they celebrate collaborating for a cure," said Marion Waxman. Make sure you arrive to the feast with a big appetite. Local chefs include Chef Mathias Brogie of The Living Room at c/o The Maidstone, Peter Ambrose, Chef Greg Grossman of Georgica, Chef Chris Coleman, Chef Todd Jacobs of Fresh Hamptons and Indy columnist Chef Joe Cipro alongside many other talented chefs. It doesn't stop there, guests will also leave with gift bags filled to the brim with goodies. Have no fear once the clock strikes 9:30, the party continues just down the road. A millennial after party will be hosted at Red Stix in Water Mill following the event. The after party is chaired by Ally Shapiro, Joanna Wexler, Bradley Fishel, and Melissa Fishel, four extraordinary young leaders on the quest for a cure. Melissa Fishel recalls how her family became involved with the foundation. "I was introduced to the Waxman's through my parents about three to four years ago. My father volunteered our property as a venue for the Waxman event because the cause has a place close to my father's heart. Both of his parents died fairly young from cancer and he felt that this was, in a way, a godsend to benefit and learn about Cancer Research." Wrist bands for the after party will be distributed at the door of the Hamptons Happening event and will include an open bar from 10 to 11 PM with cocktails provided by Pampelonne, Tito's Handmade Vodka and Brewery Ommegang. A cash bar will continue from 11 PM to close. Individual tickets to Hamptons Happening are $300. Millennial tickets (attendees 30 years old and under) are $175 and include admission to the Hamptons Happening. Both tickets include admission to the after party at Red Stix. To order tickets visit www.waxmancancer.org/Events/Hamptons-Happening.

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