Celebrating 10 years of a Hamptons Happening to support Cancer Research
On Saturday, July 26, among the many events Happening in the Hamptons was the 10th Annual “A Hamptons Happening” to benefit The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation featuring Chef David Burke and honoring fashion designer Betsey Johnson and co-founder of Row for Hope Paul Ridley on at the home of Maria and Kenneth Fishel in Bridgehampton, New York.
The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing 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. 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. Fantastic top-of-the-line research technology like brand new centrifuges (take a look at scientific centrifuges if you’re interested to learn more) will likely play a huge part in making massive breakthroughs in this field of medical science, which this foundation contributes money towards. Since the foundations’ inception in 1976, the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation has awarded more than $85 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers across the globe. For more information, visit: www.waxmancancer.org.
Tastemakers from the Hamptons and New York City indulged their appetites for cuisine and philanthropy at the tenth annual “A Hamptons Happening” fundraiser on July 26, raising an estimated $400,000 to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). I happened to not be feeling great that day, but I managed to taste the crab cakes from the BoatHouse Restaurant in NYC. These Crabcakes were the BEST crab cakes I have ever tasted!!!
Staged at the scenic Bridgehampton estate of Maria and Kenneth Fishel, the event’s tented venue was resplendent in white accentuated by décor and floral arrangements in the SWCRF’s cancer research awareness color Orchid for the Cure. The event honored celebrity chef David Burke, iconic fashion designer Betsey Johnson, and Paul Ridley, co-founder of Row For Hope, to support the SWCRF’s funded research programs to reprogram cancer cells and develop less toxic treatments for patients.
Approximately 400 guests, including former stars of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City” Jill Zarin and Allyson Shapiro, and Christine Silverstein, a contestant on the current season of FOX’s Master Chef and contributor to The Savory.com, enjoyed cuisine presented by the top chefs, restaurants and food and spirits brands in New York City and the Hamptons. 
The evening included an awards presentation and live auction presided over by WCBS-TV Channel 2 News anchor Chris Wragge, “A Hamptons Happening” founding co-chair Laurie Schaffran and SWCRF founder and CEO Samuel Waxman, M.D., who announced a $25,000 grant for brain cancer research established by the Fishel family in memory of Avi Concool. Wragge galvanized the audience by holding an impromptu auction to match the Fishel’s donation.
Howard Schwartz, principal of Grandstand Sports & Memorabilia, conducted the primary auction, which was highlighted by the appearance of Gianni Russo, one of the stars of the classic film “The Godfather,” to present his donation of an authentic Sicilian dinner for eight and a serenade of Italian classic songs performed by Russo himself. Dr. Waxman then presented SWCRF awards to honorees David Burke, Betsey Johnson and Paul Ridley for their support of fundraising and awareness for cancer research.
“A Hamptons Happening” was chaired by event co-founders Marion Waxman and Laurie Schaffran as well as Jennifer Gould Keil and Jill and Bobby Zarin. The night’s raffle was chaired by Jennifer Myles, who sourced an exciting line-up of designer products donated by Calvin Klein Home, Tori Burch and Lauren Cecchi New York, among many others. Erica Fineberg was the journal chair.
An after party to celebrate the SWCRF’s new Millennial Society committee was hosted at Red Stix by chairpersons Bradley Fishel, Melissa Fishel, Allyson Shapiro and Joanna Wexler.
In addition to David Burke, participating “A Hamptons Happening” chefs, restaurants and food brands included: 75 Main, Peter Ambrose Catering & Events, Arlotta Food Studio, Bostwick’s Chowder House, Bareburger, The Candied Anchor, Carlyle on the Green, Joe Cipro, Chris Coleman, The Cuddy, Dawn’s Delights, Delmonico’s, Elegant Affairs, Erica’s Rugelach & Baking Co., Fresh Hamptons, Georgica, Hampton Chocolate Factory, Hampton Coffee Co., Komegashi, The Living @ ? The Maidstone, The Loeb Boathouse Central Park, Marcony, Pizza Luca, Red Horse Market, Red Stix, The Seafood Shop, Sen Restaurant, Smush and T Salon and The Golden Pear was unable to attend but donated several cases of water.
As we left this beautiful event we were given a beautiful gift bag that consisted of a gift box of assorted tea’s from Harney & Sons, Body Cream from Orogold Cosmetics & gift card for a Complimentary Facial, Probelle Nail grow…A perfect ending to a beautiful and wonderful event.
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