Breakthroughs and Balls

Tiki Barber, Al Leiter, Laureen Kelley, Les Lieberman, Swizz Beatz, Steve Guttenberg, and Gail Evertz

The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation (CCBF) hosted its annual “Breakthrough Ball” fundraising gala at the Plaza. The Foundation raised over $1.5 million for treatment and research into the causes of childhood cancers and blood diseases. Proceeds from this benefit will ensure that the CCBF continues its exceptional mission to provide the very best up-to-date treatments for young people, as well as engage in breakthrough research that will hopefully lead to improved care and cures.

Swizz Beatz wrote and produced a soon-to-be-released song entitled “One Day,” an inspirational song dedicated to the children who are being treated for cancer and blood diseases. A very heartwarming video of Beatz’s visit to the clinic, and the time he spent with the children, was shown at the event.

Charles Grodin once again served as master of ceremonies. Former NFL great Tiki Barber, last year’s honoree and honorary co-chair, returned to award this year’s CCBF Breakthrough Spirit Awards. This year’s honorees were: artist, musician and producer, Swizz Beatz; actor/activist Steve Guttenberg; major league star and Yankee analyst Al Leiter; and Laureen Kelley, founder, Save One Life, Inc.

Simon de Pury and Gail Evertz

Brian and Stacy Hundt, Bob, and Kathie and Kristin Eckert

CCBF Chairman Les Lieberman, Ray Mirra, and Dr. James Bussel

Hunt Slonem, Tara Reddi, and Les Lieberman

Dr. Ward Cunningham-Rundles and Dr. Susanna Cunningham-Rundles

Lauren Iervolino and Patrick Ryan

Jennifer Zaleski and Suzanne Salamon

Peter and Erika Marsh with Les Lieberman

Trish Iervolino, Tiki Barber, and Ron Iervolino

CCBF Doctors James Bussel, Rosandra Kaplan, David Lyden, and Stefano Rivella

Craig Kallman, holding football signed by Tiki Barber

Charles Grodin and Al Leiter

Jerome and Anne Guttenberg, Steve Guttenberg, and friend

Sy Syms, Denise Calicchio, and Lynn Syms

Suzanne and Jonathan Davis

This past Sunday afternoon Peggy Siegal gathered together a large gang of pals for a casual pre-Thanksgiving Brunch at the new Oak Room at the Plaza. Along with the buffet there were plenty of screens for fans to watch the Jets defeat the previously undefeated Tennessee Titans.

Annabelle Selldorf and Martha Stewart

Ian and Mary Snow

Besides Peggy, the rest of the girls hosting were: Sara Ayres, Tory Burch, Marisa Brown, Susan Hess, Suzanne Ircha, Renee Rockefeller, Jill Fairchild, Danielle Ganek, Marjorie Gubelmann, Perri Peltz, Jeanne Greenberg-Rohatyn, Christine Schwarzman, Vera Wang, Vicky Ward and Linda Wells.

Lilly McCuddy and Katie Clark

Robert Wiesenthal, Lisa Anastos, Felicia Taylor, and friend

Alexia Hamm Ryan and Mary Snow

Carol McFadden, Piers Moreton, and Georgia Moreton

Bonnie Englebardt and Peggy Siegal

Katie Lee Joel and friend

Lauren Allaham, Martha Stewart, Joey Allaham, Annabelle Selldorf,and Peggy Siegal

Celerie Kemble and Boykin Curry

Christine Schwarzman and son

Senator Frank Lautenberg and Bonnie Englebardt

Bill McCuddy and Ken Clark

Helen Schifter and Marcia Mishaan

Steve Schwarzman and Gov. John Corzine

Brooke and Dan Neidich

Alex Hitz and friend

Dennis Paul and son

Joanna Jordan and Holly Millea

Lisa Jackson and Tory Burch

Marina Rust and Tory Burch

Paul Schneider, Arthur Becker, and Vera Wang

Linda Karas and Vicki Mabrey

Victor Neufeld and John Stossel

At the 11th annual Samuel Waxman Foundation Benefit, “Collaborating for a Cure,” Honorary Chair Chevy Chase opened the live auction with a chance to bid on an evening with him and wife, Jayni, at the Waverly Inn, which sold for $20,000.

Auctioneer Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby’s proved guests of the benefit were in the spirit of giving when he enticed six people to donate $50,000 to the foundation without an auction item even in the bidding.

Donald Fagen of Steely Dan

A total of $4 million was raised at the benefit, with $1.2 million from the live auction. Steely Dan & the Lost Trailers closed the evening with an over the top concert at the benefit. Guests included Dr. Samuel and Marion Waxman, Michael and Ellin Nierenberg, Tamara Tunie of Law & Order: SVU, jazz singer Gregory Generet, CANCER101 founder Monica Knoll and Joey Kramer, drummer for Aerosmith.