As she hosted the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual luncheon, actress Julianna Margulies was holding space for her grandmother, Henrietta, in her heart.
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, and Paige Stables gathered at the New York Hilton Midtown where host Alina Cho helped kick off the day that honored designer and philanthropist Kendra Scott and Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACR.
“I do know one thing. BCRF is leading the way,” Cho told the audience after revealing details on her own personal journey of recovery.
Joan Lunden then announced that October 20, 2023 was officially proclaimed “Evelyn Lauder Day” in New York City. This recognition celebrated BCRF’s 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 Lauder continued the moving program as he presented Kendra Scott with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award for her steadfast philanthropic commitment to breast cancer research and empowering women and youth through health and wellness, education, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Larry Norton presented Olufunmilayo (Funmi) I. Olopade, MD, FAACR (University of Chicago) with the Jill Rose Award for Scientific Excellence 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 included Jody and John Arnhold, Amy Goldman Fowler, Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein, Neil Golub, Judy and Leonard A. Lauder, William P. Lauder and Lori Kanter Tritsch, Arlene Taub and Lifetime.
Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon raised $3.5 million this fall during a poignant gathering at New York Hilton Midtown.
Hosted Amy Robach, this year’s luncheon honored The Estée 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 Estée Lauder Companies’ 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 million donated to the BCRF in our 30 years,” stated Hurley on the red carpet about the support and on-going efforts of Estée 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 Estée 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. 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.
“We believe our company’s success is deeply rooted in living our values, and those values have always included supporting outstanding organizations like BCRF,” said Fabrizio Freda, President and CEO of The Estée Lauder Companies, Inc., who accepted the award on behalf of the Company. “We are so proud that The Breast Cancer Campaign has been a cornerstone of ELC’s social investments in women’s advancement and health, and we are so grateful for all who have supported it.”
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 Estée 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.
Now in its seventh year, Play for P.I.N.K. Millbrook is all but a tradition in this tight-knit community. Millbrook, located some two hours from New York City, is a serene seasonal escape noted for its undulating hilly terrain and longtime ties to equestrian life. It also happens to be where the Play for P.I.N.K. organization has laid roots, raises funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through sporting and lifestyle events.
To speed advances in breast cancer detection, treatment and survivorship, Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) supports thousands of volunteers nationwide as they raise funds for research. Their efforts raise $4 million annually, and 100% of that goes to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, founded by Evelyn Lauder of The Estée Lauder Companies in 1993.
PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Marion de Vogel, Larry Graev and Emma Sweeney attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC)
For the Play for P.I.N.K. Millbrook event, supporters arrived at the bucolic Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve; the backdrop of the event being the impressionistic Halcyon Lake and spring green and pink flowers decorating the luncheon tables for a standing room-only audience. The co-chairs of this event were Cathy Franklin, Karen Klopp, Beth Ledy, and Alexandra Traber McNamara.
Myra Biblowit, the longtime President and CEO of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation conveyed the fact that Evelyn Lauder’s vision of an organization has stood the test of time. The organic development of Play For P.I.N.K. is evidence of that. “Evelyn would be overjoyed to see you all here today.”
Lorna Graev had the honor of presenting the inaugural Millbrook Humanitarian Award to the illustrious Barbara Tober, longtime editor of Brides Magazine, proud Millbrook resident, and supporter a vast range of charitable organizations. Loran Graev spoke on the intent of the award saying, “She and her beloved husband Donald have lived a life of philanthropy that have impacted so many people.”
PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Will Eckstein, Vera Farmiga and Alex Eckstein attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC) *** Local Caption *** Will Eckstein;Vera Farmiga;Alex Eckstein
In a letter, Leonard Lauder praised Mrs. Tober: “You have helped so many people through your impactful philanthropy. Where there is art and design, there is you, Barbara. Where there is fashion, there is you, Barbara. Where there is a zest for life, there is you, Barbara. Where there is Barbara, there is hope for a better world. I can think of no individual more deserving of this award. Barbara dear, you are a true humanitarian, and I am humbled by your friendship.”
Guests at the luncheon were able to take home a small token in the form of a series of “Thoughts to Live By”, written by Barbara herself.
- Surround yourself with Beauty
- Laugh first, Problems are meant to be solved
- Open your eyes, then your Heart to new ideas
- Stay with the Happy People
- Help those who aren’t
- Nurture your inner child; Fun is healthy
- Inspire those around you
- Do something Constructive every day
- Accept that Challenges are “growing pains”
- Take charge of your own Health
- Be responsible for Yourself
PINE PLAINS, NY – JULY 8: Meghan Klopp, Karen Klopp, Nichola Gray, Joyann King and Caroline Merison attend BCRF Millbrook “Humanitarian Award” to Mrs. Barbara Tober at Mashomack Fish & Game Preserve on July 8, 2022 in Pine Plains, NY. (Photo by Patrick McMullan/PMC/PMC)
Barbara was greeted with a standing ovation as she received the inaugural Millbrook Humanitarian Award. She closed the luncheon with a reflection on the progress made as an organization. “There are thousands of women proudly walking forward because of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. YOU are all Philanthropists and should be proud of YOUR efforts to make this disease disappear!”
Learn more about Play for P.I.N.K. here. Learn more about the Breast Cancer Research Foundation here.
Color me pink!