Thursday eve was the benefits of all benefits. Young Philanthropists hosted their 2nd Annual Midsummer Social event for the Cancer Research Institute at Tenjune. The Meatpacking District is never at a shortage of young hot professionals, and last night was definitely no exception.

The mood lit venue was shoulder to shoulder with gorgeous fashion mavens and suits, all gathered to support CRI. Although it was laborious to maneuver though the plethora of YPs, it was utterly invigorating to witness an immense crowd of the next generation of philanthropists.

“I received some updated numbers this morning… including the raffle and additional ticket sales, we raised just over $25,000 from the event. That’s a fantastic number, especially in this economy.” stated Brian Brewer, Director of Communications for CRI, “We’re thrilled at the level of support we received. It’s a testament to the strength of our YP Council members, who worked very hard to make the event so fabulous.”

The Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists are a network of young professionals committed to philanthropic giving and volunteerism for the purpose of supporting research in cancer immunology.

Over 300 attendees enjoyed a top-shelf open bar, snacks, and cupcakes, and a VIP raffle with prizes collectively valued at nearly $10,000, including: a weekend stay at The Premier at the Millennium Broadway; a Diane von Furstenberg wrap purse and signature towel; a Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge “Lucky Party” for Eight; and a dinner for two at Aureole. Other raffle items included: a Coach purse; a Marc Jacobs hobo; Arbitrage custom men’s dress shirt, tie, and cuff links; sporting packages; signed professional sports paraphernalia; gift certificates for several of New York City’s finest restaurants; and many other fun prizes that appeal to young New Yorkers.

CRI YP Council Chair Alexis Feldman greeted everyone who turned out to show their support for the Institute. Feldman briefly spoke of the Institute’s mission and gave a special thanks to the evening’s sponsors and the Benefit Committee, who helped make the event such a success. She also applauded the hard work of the YP Council: Abigail Cusik, Sarah Kassoff, Ali Lapinsky, Ryan Phillips, Melissa Phillips, Blake Reidy, Peter Siegel, Marissa Schneider, Meredith Stampler, Elizabeth Tatkow, and Josephine Vella.

Completely impressed with the event and Ms. Feldman, I had to sneak in a few questions before she could fully savor a little R & R.

SBS: How did it all begin and what was/is your vision?

AF: Last summer, CRI hosted the first Midsummer Social and from that we found was, some great 20-30 yr old professionals looking to get involved with the cause. The board was put together around September 2008 and I was asked to be the chair. Since then, I have had two goals: putting together fundraising events and building our board. Raising funds for and awareness of CRI is our main objective and hopefully we did a lot of both last night.

SBS: What is your relationship to CRI?

AF: I met Jill O'Donnell-Tormey [CRI Executive Director] and Lynne Harmer last summer with my father and immediately wanted to get involved with their organization. I was impressed with the work they were doing and the different approach to fighting cancer.

SBS: Are you affiliated solely with CRI or as Council Chair of YP, are there other foundations you champion?

AF: I am also very involved with the Mentoring Partnership of New York as the Young Professional Advisory Board's Event Chair. We host the Luke Boisi Memorial Benefit every summer, this was our 6th year, and we raised over $55,000. I also like to support other organizations such as UJA, ASPCA, and the Tribeca Partnership.

SBS: Last night was a smashing success, was it what you had hoped for?

AF: Last night was absolutely everything I had hoped for. We sold over 300 tickets, which wasn't even our goal, we were trying to sell 200! We had an amazing raffle that exceeded our expectations and at the last minute, put together gift bags for all attendees because of the incredible support from some generous companies. Our board worked hard on last night's event and it paid off. I was so proud of the work we had done and the turn out and happy guests made everything worth it.

SBS: I loved your dress, who's it by?

AF: My dress was Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. It was perfect actually to be in bright neon orange, when CRI staff members or Tenjune staff had to find me I was easy to pick out of the crowd!

SBS: Girls were getting pretty possessive of those cupcakes! Who can we thank for those delicious delights?

AF: The cupcakes, this is an incredible story... my friend went to a bakery to ask them to donate 200 cupcakes to our event. She told them about CRI, our board, the evening, everything. The bakery happily declined. When she turned to leave a woman in line behind her asked, "What were you asking for?" So my friend described everything again, mentioned that her mom had just had cancer and luckily survived, and the bakery as not interested in making the donation. The woman said, "I'll donate the cupcakes!" So she purchased 200 cupcakes in CRI colors (white and blue) and arranged for them to be delivered the day of the event. Just some woman with no affiliation with CRI or my friend, probably looking to buy a cupcake, maybe a coffee, spend a couple bucks, ended up buying a perfect stranger 200 cupcakes, doing an incredibly good deed and giving us an amazing contribution to the evening.

SBS: That gives me goose bumps! What's on tap next for YP?

AF: The Young Philanthropists are going to take a few weeks off! And then get back together in the fall with a planning session for the year to come. We've got a lot of ideas for more events and how we'd like to move forward. Last night was just the beginning. I'm excited for what the future has to hold for us. It’s a great group of dedicated people, looking to work hard for CRI.

SBS: Any plans to relax after such a beautiful benefit?

AF: For me, I'm taking the next 10 days off and relaxing in Southampton. I'm so happy that the event went so well and the hard work is over, I'm taking a nice long break.

For more event photos, please visit: Be Fabulous Gallery

The Institute extends its gratitude to the event sponsors: Ben Lyons of E!, Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, Millennium Broadway Hotel, Arbitrage, and Coach. CRI also gives a special thanks to the Young Philanthropists Council members and the Benefit Committee.


*All photos by Dylan Armajani for SBS

"That's what it is about. Tonight is about the children." Timothy Bayly, Northeast Senior Regional Director stated, while pointing to the dissolving video images on the large format screen. These could not have been better opening words to an unforgettable event.

The 3rd annual Design Cares, presented by Saks Fifth Avenue, was held at the Armory Thursday evening, April 30th, 2009. The fashion and style industries came together to give back by utilizing their experiences and supporting St. Jude Research Hospital.

36 designers, including: John Galliano, Vera Wang, Alberta Ferretti, Nicole Miller, Neil Bieff, J. Mendel, Christian Cota, Reem Acra, Jonvaldi Couture, Diane von Furstenberg, Maggie Norris Couture, Versace, Edwin D'Angelo, Domenico Vacca, Catherine Malandrino, Angel Sanchez, Gucci, Matthew Williamson, Marc Jacobs Collection, Luca Luca, Yigal Azrouel, Carolina Herrera, Zuhair Murad, Michael Kors, Chado Ralph Rucci, Valentino, Badgley Mischka, Adrienne Landau, B Michael, Carlos Alberto, David Meister, J. Gerard, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Karl Largerfeld, donated their time and evening gowns to present an unforgettable runway show. All gowns were available for auction and including extraordinary designs by Micah and Courtney, two children of St. Jude, interpreted for the runway by Christian Siriano and Tian Justman respectively.

Hosts: Phillip Bloch, Chanel Iman, and Veronica Webb led the glorious evening by introducing co-chairs Dawn Gallagher and Reynaldo Davis Carter, as guests enjoyed tastings from 25 different restaurants, and perused the silent auction items.

I thought it would be a great idea to get the inside scoop on how this all comes to fruition. I turned to Kerry Bannigan, CEO Nolcha and Backstage Director for Design Cares 2009.

SBS: Nolcha is an all inclusive fashion business, what is your main objective?

KB: To provide business opportunities – sales, marketing and networking – to the emerging fashion designer and retailer.

SBS: How/why did you get involved in Design Cares?

KB: Arthur (Mandel, ESQ/President Nolcha) and I are active committee members and with our current job roles we naturally feel into the Design Cares Runway Show initiative.

SBS: Why St. Jude, what does it mean to you?

KB: St. Jude stands for so much more than research. Due to the research it has allowed so many members a successful and continuous survival rate that it is awe inspiring. Seeing Vivian (a patient) walk down the runway without her crutches at the runway show made it all worth while. Her confidence, her enthusiasm and most of all her belief was incredible. In addition working with reputable brands such as, MAC and Warren Tricomi, plus designers such as Versace, Valentino and Lagerfeld, made the connection for fashion giving back even stronger.

SBS: Yes. Incredible, really. What was the process like being the Backstage Sponsor/Director and have you done anything like that before?

KB: Due to running Nolcha Fashion Week, every season we are very equipped to fully produce runway shows. As active committee members, this is what Nolcha provided to St Jude Design Cares.

SBS: What does it mean to you and Nolcha to be a part of such a fab event?

KB: It is not about the event that is fabulous to Nolcha, although unfortunately for some it is a wonderful way to boost your resume, it is about the fundraising, the childrens hopes and dreams plus working with an amazing team that dedicate their lives to theses children on a daily basis.

SBS: Absolutely. For me, the fact that a group of individuals came together for those hopes and dreams and those of the future, is truly amazing. What did you personally take away from the evening?

KB: As I stated before, it was the patients on the runway that made my night. Vivian has the dream to be a co-host for red carpet stars and FOX! made that happen. It made me feel alive and step outside of the superficial fashion bubble we tend to live in.

SBS: What was your favorite part and, not to be superficial, yet I must ask- your favorite dress?

KB: I am being biased, but I loved the runway show. The gowns were gorgeous. My favorite was Karl Lagerfeld, with his dress closing the show.

SBS: I loved that one too. Those lines were so striking. What's next for Nolcha?

KB: Stay tuned as we prepare for Nolcha Fashion Week: NYC. Runway and Accessory opportunities available at info@nolchafashionweek.com Plus many private shopping parties coming at Nolcha Retail Space retail@nolcha.com.

This remarkable extravaganza showcased dreams, contributions, gratitude, beauty, elegance, inspiration, the power of donation, and all the possibilities that can be achieved when individuals come together for the greater good.

100% of every auction purchase benefits St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and could not have been done without the attendees, supporters, donors, and the Fashion Show producers: Reynaldo Davis Carter, Dawn Gallagher, Brad Parsons- of Yes Productions, launchmedia:group, and Nolcha.

For more photos: click here

*photo 1 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha:Gown by Carlos Alberto

*photo 2 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Veronica Webb, Phillip Bloch, and Chanel Iman

*photo 3 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Courtney, Vivian Laws, and Tian Justman

*photo 4 by Aracelis Batista courtesy of Nolcha: Kerry Bannigan- CEO Nolcha