Press Release
2024-04-25
CancerCare®'s 2024 National Gala and 80th Anniversary Celebration: A Milestone Event That Raised Over $1,000,000 to Support Those Affected by Cancer
CancerCare®, the leading national nonprofit organization providing free, professional support services to anyone affected by cancer, is pleased to share that this year’s national gala raised over $1 million to help fund CancerCare’s free emotional, practical and financial support services for anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis.
This year’s gala was a particularly special one. It not only celebrated CancerCare’s 80th anniversary but also paid tribute to the unsung heroes of cancer care – the organization’s oncology social workers.
“I'm truly overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity we experienced at this year’s gala. Reflecting on 80 years of CancerCare and the support offered to our organization shows how deeply our community cares about helping those affected by cancer,” said Christine Verini, RPh, CancerCare’s Chief Executive Officer. “A huge thank you to everyone involved — our donors, our dedicated gala committee, all of our staff and especially our oncology social workers, who are the real heroes behind the scenes.”
The evening was filled with joy and celebration as Broadway performer Aramie Payton took the stage, captivating over 400 attendees with his mesmerizing performance and giving them a reason to dance and celebrate CancerCare’s community.
In addition to the standout musical performances of the night, attendees participated in a live and silent auction, with prizes ranging from wine and one-of-a-kind dining experiences to tickets to the Tribeca Film Festival’s opening night and the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics closing ceremonies. Mastercard served as the exclusive auction sponsor and preferred payment partner.
CancerCare would like to thank its 2024 Gala Co-Chairs Marsha Palanci and Lori & Michael Parisi, Auction Co-Chairs Joan Brower and Jan Hazard, as well as the Gala Committee: Annette Alvarez Pizzo, James Bigglestone, Paul M. Friedman, Kay Hsu, Donna Lowery, Loretta & Raymond Moseman, Chandni Patel, Harvey Shapiro, Eleanor Sigona, Susan Smirnoff & Kirk Zachary and Burt & Susan Zweigenhaft.
This year’s gala was made possible by the generous support of our sponsors, including Premier Sponsor, the Schachne Family and Leadership Sponsors: Collection 18, Kay Hsu & Anthony Zaret, Merck and the Lauber-Palanci Family. Gala Gold Sponsors are Lori & Michael Parisi, Pfizer, and PhRMA. Silver Sponsors include Amgen, the Association for Value-Based Cancer Care (AVBCC), Barasch & McGarry, Blaylock Van, LLC, Bristol Myers Squibb, Eisai, the Evans Family, Renata and Flavio Figueiredo, Susan and Paul Friedman, Janssen Oncology, Carolyn & Walter Messner, Loretta and Raymond Moseman, Onco360, PINC AI Applied Sciences, Annette Alvarez Pizzo and Drew Pizzo, Premier, The Shore Spot Inc. and Stemline.
About CancerCare®
Founded in 1944, CancerCare is the leading national organization providing free, professional support services and information to help people manage the emotional, practical and financial challenges of cancer. Our comprehensive services include resource navigation, counseling and support groups over the phone, online, and in-person; educational workshops; publications; and financial and co-payment assistance. All CancerCare services are provided by master’s-prepared oncology social workers and world-leading cancer experts. To learn more, visit our website or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).