By: Margaux Rowan 

New York, NY – December 4, 2024—On Tuesday, December 3, Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF) Founder Thomas Pierce and Board Member and Media Executive Monica Elias hosted a Giving Tuesday Holiday Dinner for its Benefactors to kick off the holidays. It was an Aspen-inspired, intimate evening of conversation, celebration, dance, and culinary excellence dedicated to supporting the fight against pediatric cancer. The dinner was held at the exclusive members club Coco’s at Colette on 5th Avenue in New York City. 

To kick off the Holidays, COSF benefactors were offered a curated dinner, and guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, serving as a prequel to the culinary experience that embodied generosity and community, curated by the team at Coco’s, headed by Executive Chef Philippe Oricco, and curated entertainment.

Among the guests in attendance were COSF board members and supporters, including Muffie Potter-Aston, Isabelle Bscher, Janna Bullock, Candace Bushnell, Sabrina DiMaggio, Monica Elias, Ivey Getty, McKaelyn Guirdy, McKinley Guirdy, Kobi Halperin, Nikki Haskell, Couri Hay, Orital Karelic, Courtney Leavitt, Adrien Lesser, Dr. Shirley Madhere, Isiah Magsino, Janet Mandell, Jeremy Merrifield, Michael Orcutt, Thomas Pierce, Julian Polak, Dolly Pratt, Kimberly Rockefeller, Kayla Rockefeller, Steven Rockefeller, Peter Thomas Roth, Kristine Santayana, Michael James Scott, Keni Silva, Jamie Ticsch and Ashley Wyndham.

Following the cocktail hour, the guests were seated for dinner at a beautiful table adorned with silver and white frosted candles, floral arrangements, and fur pelts draped over the chairs, evoking an ethereal Aspen scene. As a special surprise, the guests were treated to an intimate performance from the ballerinas of Youth America Grand Prix, who performed three musical selections, including “Ave Maria” and “Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy.” 

Before the dinner service, Elias and Pierce took the floor to thank their guests and speak about COSF’s mission. 

Elias spoke about her father’s battle with cancer and the final days she spent with him as the driving force behind her inspiration to join COSF. “When he was suffering, I was by his side at Sloan Kettering. I vividly remember watching the commercials for St. Jude’s, which deeply moved him, as he was a physician.  He would often say, ‘I’m 81 years old. I have lived a full and beautiful life, but these children… I wish there were some way I could help them or that you could help them.’ She continued by thanking her guests and explaining, ‘When I met Thomas a year ago, the organization’s mission really resonated with me. My father’s words about giving back and helping others still echo in my ear, especially when I think of those children. As the founder of a global multimedia company with a career spanning over two decades in video production and television, I deeply believe in the importance of sharing stories and shining a light on the vital work of COSF. I am committed to using my resources to inform and engage the media and key donors, Helping ensure that COSF’s impact is recognized and supported. That’s why I’m here tonight and why we’re hosting this dinner—to raise awareness for COSF and bring everyone together for this important cause.'”

Pierce spoke about his journey to founding COSF, which was sparked by the loss of his late friend, Pamela Johnson, who bravely fought her battle with cancer. “I started this foundation just three years ago, and since its inception, We’ve raised funds to support wellness programs. I started my marketing agency, PMA, in 2015, and when COVID emerged, I was evolving in entertainment as a filmmaker and thought, ‘What do I do with this Rolodex that I built in New York over the last 13 years?’ It was then that I uncovered white space that these hospitals all have the same pain points and that these children didn’t have access to very simple activities we call programs that allow them to have access to what resembles a normal childhood while in treatment.  It’s not just the diagnosed child that suffers; it’s their siblings, their friends, their parents, their community. We think about the whole family unit.” He said that COSF focuses on creating spaces for children and families to enjoy art, music, therapy, sports, theater, peer-to-peer programs, and even field trips. They aim to provide children with real exposure and make happy memories outside the hospital walls so they can continue to develop as children in these very critical years. 

It was then time for Executive Chef Philippe Oricco to announce the dinner service. This decadent four-course tasting menu featured Venison Terrine, Bouillabaisse, Canard a L’Orange, and a magical dessert course, Ornaments of Wonder, a stunning red chocolate ornament filled with delicate hand-made mini chocolates. The menu was paired with fine wines, expertly curated by Sommelier Thomas Beauchamp. 

In the third course, board member and author Keni Silva shared her passion for the foundation’s work and a personal story about her daughter’s cancer scare and how it rocked her family. COSF Vice Chair Michael Orcutt then took to the stage alongside jeweler and board member Julian Polak. Polak founded the luxury natural diamond brand Maison Spoiled and created a special bracelet for COSF, with all proceeds going to the foundation’s core mission to provide research for less toxic treatments and access to wellness programs and artistic activities. Julian stated, “I joined the COSF team two years ago because our visions aligned with their philanthropic work. This year, we partnered on a silver beaded bracelet tied with a turquoise string featuring aquamarine to go with the snowball theme for Aspen.” 

Pierce then went on to speak about the mission of Giving Tuesday and the annual Aspen Snow Ball coming up in February 2025. “Four years ago, we had our first cocktail event with the Aspen community, with the help of Founding Board Members Scott and Carly Weber. Forty guests attended, and we raised significant funds to support our foundation. We keep overhead low to maximize impact. The first few years were tough and still are; this work isn’t easy, but we have dedicated board and committee members whose support is unwavering. Each year for Snow Ball, we partner with businesses and work with celebrity entertainers and  artists, blending fashion, entertainment, art, and philanthropy.” He went on to announce that this year’s third annual Aspen Snow Ball would be hosted by Jay Leno, honoring Christie Brinkley and the late Rollie Jordan. The three-day event is filled with special performances by Carlita, Luke K. Chloe Jane, Robin Thicke, and Zara Larsson. 

The evening concluded with record-breaking award-winning actor and recording artist Michael James Scott commanding the room with two spectacular holiday performances from his holiday album, “A Fierce Christmas.” Scott is currently starring as the Genie in Aladdin on Broadway. 

About Children’s Oncology Support Fund (COSF):

The Children’s Oncology Support Fund’s mission is to support the development, researching, and programs of less toxic therapies for pediatric cancer patients nationwide. COSF provides grant funding and supports donor-dependent patient programs across the country. COSF works directly with hospitals and established non-profits to build partnerships with its core values: Transparency, Community, and Relevance. www.cosffoundation.org

About Aspen Snow Ball:

The Aspen Snow Ball Gala evolved into Aspen Snow Ball Week, bringing together philanthropists, brands, and entertainers to support the fight against pediatric cancer. The event features performances and honors individuals contributing to humanitarian and philanthropic causes.

Published by Jeremy S.