Feature

A Night of Science and Giving: $1.6 Million Raised for Cancer Research at Waxman Foundation Gala

October 30, 2025

By: Kyran Christy

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) hosted their 28th Annual Collaborating for a Cure fundraiser, A Celebration of Breakthroughs, at Apella in New York City. The prestigious event raised a significant $1.6 million, including a generous dollar-for-dollar match through the partnership with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. The substantial funds raised will directly support innovative new scientific research grants, set to launch in early 2026, helping to drive further advancements in cancer research.

Celebrating nearly 50 years of funding crucial cancer research, the event also marked a significant new milestone for the Foundation — the official launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer. This innovative, unique organization will bring together scientists to study aging and cancer together, fostering innovative research and collaboration to address these two critical areas of health. Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to drive forward significant discoveries and new approaches in both fields.

“Aging is the greatest risk factor for cancer, yet we still have much to learn about how aging impacts cancer development and treatment. By uniting experts in both aging and cancer, we can uncover new ways to prevent and treat it. Thank you to all our supporters for making this vision possible,” said Dr. Samuel Waxman.

The event honored Robert Wiener, Chairman Emeritus of Maxx Properties, as Philanthropist of the Year, Jean Shafiroff, Philanthropist, author and TV personality as Philanthropist of the Year, and Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, Oncology Research and Development at Pfizer, with the Breakthrough Science Award.

The elegant evening featured captivating live musical performances by Shayna Steele (Hairspray, Rent, Hair on Broadway) and John Riddle (Phantom of the Opera, Frozen on Broadway), accompanied by renowned pianist Dan Micciche, the music director and conductor for the Broadway play WICKED. The performances created a memorable atmosphere, adding to the evening’s charm and elegance, while showcasing extraordinary talent.

Recognized as one of New York’s inspiring philanthropic evenings of the year, the Collaborating for a Cure dinner unites influential leaders in business, science, fashion, and entertainment. In addition to the live performances and dinner, guests also participated in a thrilling live auction that included dinner for four at Rao’s, a 10-day cruise with Seabourn, and a VIP Gameday Experience with the NY Knicks, among many other exciting offerings. All of these efforts aim to bring everyone all closer to the critical goal of curing cancer, uniting individuals across industries for a common cause.

Notable Attendees also included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Robert Wiener, Jean Shafiroff, Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Mark D. Friedman, Maxine Friedman, Jamie Koff, Heidi Russo, Randi Schatz, Orital Karelic, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright, Shayna Steele, John Riddle, and Dan Micciche.

About the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF):

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is a prominent global organization focused on the fight against cancer. It drives innovative cancer research, aiming to eliminate the disease by supporting studies that address abnormal gene functions responsible for cancer and working on developing treatments that aim to reduce toxicity for patients. The Foundation’s collaborative group of respected scientists, known as the Institute Without Walls, fosters the sharing of vital data, tools, and resources with the goal of accelerating the progress of cancer research. Since its founding in 1976, the Foundation has allocated over $120 million to back the pioneering efforts of more than 200 researchers worldwide, driving significant progress in cancer treatment and prevention.

For more information, visit www.waxmancancer.org