As she hosted the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual luncheon, actress Julianna Margulies was holding space for her grandmother, Henrietta, in her heart.
BCRF
On October 20, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation held its annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon. Hundreds of attendees came to honor and pay tribute to those who are making a prolific change in the world today. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, BCRF is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. With an approach that accelerates the entire field and moves us closer to a way to eradicate breast cancer forever, the day was both poignant and truly inspirational.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Alina Cho speaks onstage during Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for BCRF)
Guests including Brooke Burke, Gretta Monahan, Emma Myles, Jenna Leigh Green, Orfeh, Chloe Melas,Β andΒ Paige Stables gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown where host Alina Cho helped kick off the day that honored designer and philanthropistΒ Kendra ScottΒ andΒ Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACR.
βI do know one thing. BCRF is leading the way,β Cho told the audience after revealing details on her own personal journey of recovery.
Joan LundenΒ then announced that October 20, 2023 was officially proclaimedΒ Β “Evelyn Lauder Day”Β in New York City. This recognition celebrated BCRFβs Founder and her enduring vision which has led to 30 years of lifesaving advancements through the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: (L-R) Dr. Larry Norton and Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade pose onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for BCRF)
William LauderΒ continued the moving program as he presentedΒ Kendra ScottΒ with theΒ Sandra Taub Humanitarian AwardΒ for her steadfast philanthropic commitment to breast cancer research and empowering women and youth through health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship.Β Dr. Larry NortonΒ presentedΒ Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACRΒ (University of Chicago) with theΒ Jill Rose Award for Scientific ExcellenceΒ for her outstanding contributions to the field of breast cancer genetics and her work to address the root causes of disparities in breast cancer outcomes.
Additional remarks were made by NBC News Chief Environmental Affairs Correspondent Anne Thompson and BCRF President and CEO Donna McKay. Honorary Co-Chairs of the event included Kinga Lampert, Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: Joan Lunden speaks onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for BCRF)
This year, BCRF awarded $60.2 million in annual grants to more than 250 researchers from around the world, many of whom were in attendance to be recognized for their innovative projects and contributions to the field. At a scientific conference the day prior, investigators were provided the rare and critical opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues, across institutions, across disciplines, and across the world.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 20: A ballerina performs during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton on October 20, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for BCRF)
Underwriters of the event includedΒ Jody and John Arnhold,Β Amy Goldman Fowler,Β Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein,Β Neil Golub,Β Judy and Leonard A. Lauder,Β William P. Lauder and Lori Kanter Tritsch, Arlene Taub and Lifetime.
Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’sΒ annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon raised $3.5 million this fall during a poignant gathering at New York Hilton Midtown.
Hosted Amy Robach, this yearβs luncheon honored The EstΓ©e Lauder Companies, Inc. and their employees with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award for their partnership and commitment to funding lifesaving research and raising public awareness through 30 years of The EstΓ©e Lauder Companiesβ Breast Cancer Campaign.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: (L-R) William P. Lauder, Judy Garber, Myra J. Biblowit, Larry Norton, and Kinga Lampert attend the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton Midtown on October 27, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
The award was presented by Global Ambassador of The Campaign Elizabeth Hurley. The Jill Rose Award for Scientific Excellence was presented to Maria Jasin, PhD for her seminal work with BCRA1 and BRCA2.
“There has been $93 millionΒ donated to the BCRF in our 30 years,” stated Hurley on the red carpet about the support and on-going efforts of EstΓ©e Lauder. “And we’ve donated even more money to medical services and education.”

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Myra J. Biblowit and Elizabeth Hurley invite BCRF and EstΓ©e Lauder Grantees onstage during the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton Midtown on October 27, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
The day began with a symposium moderated by BCRF Co-Scientific Directors, Drs. Larry Norton of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and Judy Garber of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Β The panelists included Drs. Maria Jasin of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Andrew Tutt of The Institute of Cancer Research London, and Lisa Newman of Weill Cornell Medicine.
βWe believe our companyβs success is deeply rooted in living our values, and those values have always included supporting outstanding organizations like BCRF,β said Fabrizio Freda, President and CEO of The EstΓ©e Lauder Companies, Inc., who accepted the award on behalf of the Company.Β βWe are so proud that The Breast Cancer Campaign has been a cornerstone of ELCβs social investments in womenβs advancement and health, and we are so grateful for all who have supported it.β

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 27: Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger and Tommy Hilfiger attend the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) New York Symposium & Awards Luncheon at New York Hilton Midtown on October 27, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Eugene Gologursky/Getty Images)
The entire soiree honored the work that is being done to save lives and promote necessary awareness.
Honorary Co-Chairs of the event included: Kinga Lampert, Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder. Event Co-Chairs included Madelyn Bucksbaum Adamson, Roberta M. Amon, Jody Gottfried Arnhold, Louise Camuto, Amy Goldman Fowler, Roslyn Goldstein, Marjorie Reed Gordon, Betsy S. Green, Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Gail Hilson, Shelly Kivell, Elyse Lacher, Aerin Lauder, Amy E. Newburger, MD, Wendi Rose, Jeanne Sorensen Siegel, Arlene Taub and Simone Winston.
Notable guests included: Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger & Tommy Hilfiger, Gretta Monahan, Mandy Gonzalez, Louise Camuto, Orfeh, Emma Myles, Jenna Leigh Green, Eliana Lauder and more.
Underwriters of the event included Jody and John Arnhold, Amy Goldman Fowler, Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein, Neil Golub, Kinga Lampert, Judy and Leonard Lauder, Lori Kanter Tritsch and William P. Lauder, Lifetime and The EstΓ©e Lauder Companies.
BCRF awarded $52.7 million in annual grants to 255 researchers from around the world, many of whom were in attendance to be recognized for their innovative projects and contributions to the field. At a scientific conference the day prior, investigators were provided the rare and critical opportunity to collaborate with their colleagues, across institutions, across disciplines, and across the world.
Socializing From Home – BCRF Raises $5.2 Million At Inaugural Virtual Hot Pink Evening
BCRF held its first-ever Virtual Hot Pink Evening, taking their renowned Hot Pink Party to a new virtual format with a very special live-stream viewing experience.
On Thursday, the 28th, the Womenβs Cancer Research Fund joined forces with the Breast Cancer Research Fund for their annual gala which honors those raising funding and awareness for womenβs cancer research. WCRF has raised over $75 million over the years and is led by women, for women.
The New York Hilton Midtown housed this yearβs annual Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, October 25th.