Beth and Rob Buccini and family at Light Up a Life's Spook-tacular Halloween Extravaganza.
Last Saturday at Toys “R” Us Times Square on Broadway and 44th, they held “Light Up A Life,” a “Spook-tacular Halloween Extravaganza for “Ghouls and Boys of All Ages” to benefit the Komansky Center for Children’s Health at New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell. There was food, fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Co-chair Cass Adelman with Jasper, Pippa, and Jason Adelman
There were Big Apple “Circus To Go” clowns and performances by John Fogarty Musical Entertainmnt, Arnie Kolodner Magic, “Magic Al” Garber and The New York Lyric Circus, Spank and Total Entertainment. There was also Interactive amusement includes balloon art, juggling, hair braiding by Penny England, and cooking with Michael Salmon, chef from The Next Food Network Star. Pokemon USA and the 501st Northeast Remnant Star Wars characters joined in the festivities. Geoffrey the Giraffe made a special appearance and free rides on the 60-foot indoor Ferris wheel will provide fun for all ages.
There were also princesses and pirates and superheroes, all supporting hospitalized kids at the Komansky Center, offering emotional support providing cheer and ensuring that underserved (the new word for underprivileged) patients will receive the finest medical care, regardless of ability to pay.
More than 1,000 children, parents and grandparents enjoyed rides on the 60-foot indoor Ferris wheel, the exciting performances by musicians, clowns, and characters; and the hands-on, Halloween-themed activities. This spirited affair was hosted by Light Up a Life Honorary Chair Natalie Morales, Founding Chair Kathleen Burns, Event Chairs Cass Adelman, Alexandra Scott, and Catherine Shepard, and the Pediatric Support Committee.
Co-chair Alexandra Scott and family
Co-chair Catherine Shepard and family
Lauren, Amanda, and Tricia Pantzer
Heather Sargent and family
Dara and Tim O'Hara and sons
Annabelle, Jordan, Marcie, Edward, and Pamela Pantzer
Sara and Charlie Ayres and family
Lois, Harley, and Blake Goodner
Sienna, Josh, and Shoshanna Gruss
Leslie and Andrew Heaney and daughter
Kate Doerge and son
Susan Johnson and son
Christian, Shauna, and Nick Graziano
Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Jay Aston, Jett Aston, and Allison Aston
Frances Beatrix Spade, Kate Spade, Daisy Nussbaum, and Darcy Miller
Cecilia and Stephen Owen and family
The Pappas family
Devon and Stephanie Coleman
Dr. Herbert Pardes and friends
The Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation (CCBF) held its annual “Breakthrough Ball” fundraising gala at the Pierre Hotel. The event was a huge success raising $1.3 million for the treatment and research into the causes of childhood cancers and blood diseases.
Her Royal Highness Princess Ghida Talal, Chairperson of the King Hussein Cancer Foundation, was an honoree this year and NFL great and NBC news/sports correspondent, Tiki Barber, was presented with the first CCBF Breakthrough Spirit Award for his work on behalf of sickle cell disease. Charles Grodin served his second year as Master of Ceremonies and Jamie Niven, Vice Chairman of Sotheby’s, led the live auction. Broadway star Kelli O’Hara provided a big surprise for the audience as she performed a number of her favorite songs.
Jonathan and Susanne Davis
Gala Emcee Charles Grodin
Foundation chairperson Les Lieberman said, “Our research and clinical staff are the best in the world, and we are on the cutting edge of developing cures and the best treatments for children suffering from a range of cancers and blood diseases. The money we have raised has gone to building a new, state-of-the-art laboratory, funding new fellowship positions for young scientists and doctors, and has helped develop new treatments for these serious diseases. These funds also ensure that no child or family is left behind regardless of ability to pay.
The Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation supports the pioneering and lifesaving work of the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. It is the oldest and largest organization in the United States dedicated to the care of children afflicted with blood diseases and cancer. Every year the department treats more than 1,000 patients.
The black tie dinner dance included entertainment provided by The Starlight Orchestra featuring Valerie Romanoff.
Les Lieberman, HRH Princess Ghida Talal, Tiki Barber, and Ron Iervolino
Lynne White, Les Lieberman, Barri Lieberman, and Carol Higgins Clark
Dr. David Lyden and Hoda Kotb
Marlene Dann and Henry Schleiff
Kelli O’Hara
Jeanine Pirro and Lisa DiPaulo
Mrs. and Mr. Edward Adler
Jonathan and Susanne Davis
Gala Emcee Charles Grodin
Barrie and Les Lieberman with Isabel Kallman and Reza Raein, event co-chairs
Janice Lieberman, Steve Gerber, and Randee Bank
HRH Princess Ghida Talal and HRH Prince Talal bin Muhammad
Reza Raein, Mrs. Maryam Ansary, and Ravi Trehan
Nancy and Walter Raquet with a friend
Ron Iervolino, Lauren Nadan, and Evan Stanton
Dr. Susanna Cunningham-Rundles, Fred Strauss, and Dr. Jim Bussel
John Calicchio and Trish Iervolino
Sy Syms and Jamie Niven
Dr. Donna DiMichele, Dr. Stefano Rivella, and Kimberly Young
