On October 23rd, The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation celebrated their 28th annual fundraiser at Apella in New York City. The illustrious party for a cause is recognized as one of New York’s most philanthropic evenings of the year – commencing with an impressive $1.6 million raise. The dollar-for-dollar match highlighted a celebration of break throughs as doctors, philanthropists, and New Yorks’ elite gathered to support the cutting-edge research aimed to find a cure for cancer.
Marion Waxman, Dr. Samuel Waxman (Photo Credit: PMC / Paul Bruinooge)
For nearly 50 years, the Samuel Waxman Foundation has been at the helm of funding crucial cancer research. This year a new milestone was added to their humanitarian efforts the launch of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer. Spearheading a new initiative bringing top scientists together to study the correlation between aging and cancer. “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.
Rebecca Seawright and Philanthropist of the Year recipient, Jean Shafiroff (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC)
The notable evening 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.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Julio Aguirre-Ghiso and Jeffrey Settleman attend SWCRF 28th Annual Gala at Apella on October 22, 2025 in New York. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC/PMC)
In addition, to the live dinner, guests were enthralled by live performance by Shayne Steele (Hairspray, Rent, Hair on Broadway) and John Riddle (Phantom of the Opera, Frozen on Broadway) accompanied by pianist, Dan Miccicle, music director and conductor for the Wicked on Broadway. Notable attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Robert Wiener, Jean Shafiroff, Dr. Jeffrey Settleman, Mark D. Friedman, Maxine Friedman, Jamie Koff, Heidi Russo, Randi Schat, Orital Karelic and NYS Assembly Member Rebecca A. Seawright.
NEW YORK, NY – OCTOBER 22: Susan Pernick, Marion Waxman and Chris Arlotta attend SWCRF 28th Annual Gala at Apella on October 22, 2025 in New York. (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC)
The Collaborating for a Cure dinner united thought-leaders in business, science, fashion, and entertainment. A pioneering organization dedicated to preventing and curing cancer. Through their collaborative groups and efforts, the international organization brings awareness and resources. Since inception in 1976, SWCRF has raised over $120 million to support more than 200 researchers all over the globe.
Chairman Samuel Waxman and Christine Schoenfeld, Ryan Schoenfeld, Samuel Waxman, Amaia Lujambio, Maddie Fichter (Photo by Paul Bruinooge/PMC)
