The Amazing Dr. Samuel Waxman Institute Gala 2025 broke new records.
The 28th Annual Waxman Collaboration for a Cure celebrated innovation, generosity, and the enduring fight against cancer.
The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer welcomed an extraordinary gathering of leaders, philanthropists, and scientists to Apella in New York City on October 22, 2025, for its 28th Annual Collaboration for a Cure Gala. The evening, titled “A Celebration of Breakthroughs,” was both a tribute to scientific advancement and a reflection of the unity between research and philanthropy that defines the Institute’s legacy. The PR of Norah Lawlor was awesome.
Guests began arriving at 6:30 p.m., greeted by an atmosphere of elegance and purpose. The event was hosted with the meticulous coordination and public relations expertise of Norah Lawlor and Power Public Relations, whose thoughtful execution ensured a seamless evening. The night’s program highlighted the global scope of the Samuel Waxman Institute’s work and the deeply personal commitment of those who support it.
The gala honored three remarkable individuals whose contributions embody the Institute’s mission. Philanthropist, author, and television personality Jean Shafiroff was recognized as Philanthropist of the Year for her steadfast dedication to humanitarian causes and her long-standing advocacy for cancer research. Robert Wiener, Chairman Emeritus of Maxx Properties, was also named Philanthropist of the Year, acknowledging his consistent leadership and generous support. Jeffrey Settleman, Ph.D., Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Oncology Research and Development at Pfizer, received the Breakthrough Science Award for his work advancing the understanding and treatment of cancer.
Chris Wragge of CBS New York served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, guiding guests through an agenda that reflected both celebration and purpose. Opening remarks from Dr. Samuel Waxman set the tone for an inspiring night, reaffirming the Institute’s mission to address aging—the leading risk factor for cancer—through innovative research and global collaboration. Dr. Waxman, joined by Ryan Schoenfeld, Ph.D., CEO of The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research, spoke of the new initiative officially launched that evening: the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer.
This groundbreaking expansion marks a new era for the organization, positioning it as a global hub dedicated to understanding how aging influences cancer risk and developing strategies for prevention and early detection. The partnership with The Mark Foundation will double the impact of all funds raised at the gala, matching contributions dollar for dollar to accelerate the pace of discovery.
Dinner followed the awards presentation, offering guests a refined selection of dishes such as sliced filet mignon with truffle mashed potatoes or branzino livornese with couscous salad, complemented by alternating desserts of tiramisu and flourless chocolate cake. The meal reflected the same careful thoughtfulness as the evening’s programming, allowing time for conversation, reflection, and shared commitment to the cause.
The entertainment for the night featured Broadway brilliance, with Shayna Steele performing “One” from A Chorus Line accompanied by pianist Dan Micciche, the acclaimed Music Director and Conductor of Wicked. Their performance was met with admiration and enthusiasm, adding a note of artistry to a night defined by science and philanthropy.
A live auction, conducted by Howie Schwartz of GSM Charity Auctions, energized the crowd and inspired spirited bidding. Deborah and Patricia, close friends of H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, led the charge by successfully auctioning two of the evening’s most coveted items. Their enthusiastic participation and generosity elevated the atmosphere, helping to drive fundraising efforts to new heights.
H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe attended the event with friends, offering his warm support for the Institute’s mission. His presence added a touch of international distinction to the evening, reflecting the global recognition that the Samuel Waxman Institute continues to command.
As the evening unfolded, the synergy between science, philanthropy, and community was evident in every exchange. The event’s message resonated deeply: that collaboration—between researchers, donors, and advocates—is the path toward a world without cancer. Dr. Waxman’s closing remarks underscored the extraordinary goal of raising $1 million, a target that, with the Mark Foundation’s matching commitment, would double to $2 million. These funds will support the Institute’s new initiative and help launch $15 million in future research grants over the next three years.
The mission statement of the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer was shared with clarity and conviction. By uniting scientists around the world to explore the intersection of aging and cancer, the Institute seeks to identify the biological mechanisms that drive disease and to transform the landscape of prevention and treatment. It is a mission rooted in collaboration, informed by decades of progress, and fueled by unwavering determination.
Throughout the evening, the commitment of the Institute’s community of supporters was visible in every gesture. The gala’s supporters list read like a testament to enduring partnership, featuring major benefactors, in-kind contributors, and members of the scientific advisory board whose expertise guides the organization’s vision.
Jean Shafiroff, honored for her exceptional contributions, reflected the spirit of compassion and action that defines the gala. Her ongoing dedication to public service and philanthropy continues to inspire engagement in causes that touch millions of lives. Robert Wiener’s recognition underscored the powerful role that personal generosity plays in shaping the future of research, while Dr. Jeffrey Settleman’s scientific leadership illustrated how discovery and humanity intertwine in the pursuit of cures.
As guests concluded the evening over dessert and conversation, there was a shared sense of optimism for the Institute’s future. The announcement of the upcoming 12th Annual Waxman Luncheon, set for May 6, 2025, at Riverpark, invited continued involvement and support. The honoree for that luncheon, Alexandra Adam, will be recognized for her dedication to advancing breakthrough cancer research—an extension of the same spirit that filled the gala with purpose.
The Samuel Waxman Institute’s 28th Annual Collaboration for a Cure succeeded not only in its fundraising goals but in reinforcing a sense of collective vision. It was a night defined by generosity, scientific excellence, and the unwavering belief that collaboration can create a future where cancer is no longer a life-defining diagnosis.
* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a
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