Young Philanthropists Benefit Cancer Research Institute at NYC Midsummer Social
Next Generation of Philanthropists Support Research into the Next Generation of Cancer Therapy

More than 320 young and charitable professionals gathered for an exclusive two-hour "Midsummer Social" fundraising benefit on August 6 at Tenjune, a premier nightclub in Manhattan’s West Village, to support the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) Young Philanthropists second annual fundraising social.  The event raised more than $25,000 for the Institute.

The CRI Young Philanthropists is a network of socially conscious, young professionals in their 20s and 30s who are committed to supporting the Cancer Research Institute’s efforts to advance immunological research toward the development of cancer vaccines and other immune-based cancer therapies.  The Cancer Research Institute formed the group in 2008 to provide the next generation of New York City’s philanthropic leaders an opportunity to become "a new force for good" that will help create a world free from the fear of cancer.

From 7 to 9 p.m., event goers enjoyed exclusive access to Tenjune.  Special guest DJ Andrew G kept the beat moving while the capacity crowd helped themselves to complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a top-shelf open bar that featured the Young Philanthropists’ signature drink, the “YP-tini”—a purple concoction to match the event’s color theme.

The evening also featured a raffle drawing of 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 prizes included: a Coach purse; a Marc Jacobs hobo; Arbitrage custom men’s dress shirt, tie, and cufflinks; 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 Young Philanthropists chair Alexis Feldman was at hand to welcome everyone who turned out to show their support for the Institute.  Feldman briefly spoke of the Institute’s mission and invited event-goers to learn more about future Young Philanthropists events.  She gave a special thanks to the evening’s sponsors and the Benefit Committee, who helped make the event such a success.  She also lauded the hard work of the Young Philanthropists Council, a permanent body of young professionals Feldman chairs that includes Abigail Cusik, Sarah Kassoff, Ali Lapinsky, Ryan Phillips, Melissa Phillips, Blake Reidy, Peter Siegel, Marissa Schneider, Meredith Stampler, Elizabeth Tatkow, and Josephine Vella.

"The Midsummer Social is a great way for young people that are enthusiastic about supporting the Cancer Research Institute to come together, have a great time, and raise money and awareness for an important cause," Feldman says.  All proceeds from this and all future CRI Young Philanthropists events go directly toward funding the Institute’s world-class scientists and leading-edge laboratory and clinical investigations in cancer immunology.

Cancer Research Institute executive director Jill O’Donnell-Tormey, Ph.D., praised the CRI Young Philanthropists Council and Benefit Committee for their excellent work.  "Our organization is focused on creating the next generation of cancer therapies that harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer.  It’s important that the next generation of philanthropists get engaged in helping us accomplish our mission, because theirs will be the first generation most likely to benefit from the work we’re doing today," O’Donnell-Tormey said.

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

For more information about the Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists, please contact Lynne Harmer at (212) 688-7515, or lharmer@cancerresearch.org.  The group also has a Facebook Cause page at http://apps.facebook.com/causes/83946.

We would also like to thank    for their generous sponsorship.

About the Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists
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. The CRI Young Philanthropists group: (1) Cultivates an upcoming generation of philanthropic leaders; (2) Empowers young people with the ability to make tangible changes in their community; (3) Creates an established network of young professionals committed to social responsibility; and (4) Provides an opportunity to impact the development of cutting edge cancer immunotherapy.

The CRI Young Philanthropists Council includes: Alexis Feldman, Chair; Abigail Cusik, Sarah Kassoff, Ali Lapinsky, Ryan Phillips, Melissa Phillips, Blake Reidy, Peter Siegel, Marissa Schneider, Meredith Stampler, Elizabeth Tatkow, and Josephine Vella.

The 2nd Annual Midsummer Social Benefit Committee includes: James Bergamo, Jessica Bloch, Bryan Boisi, Jackie Cohen, Ryan Egan, Brittany Feldman, Anne Ferrer, Jamie Fleck, Katie Gall, Matthew Hallisey, Kathryn Harvey, Deborah Hong, Brigitte Knezevich, Chris Leahy, Meredith Meyer, Eric Moran, Susan Nacorda, Jennifer Osborne, Toby Osofsky, Katie Peek, Kate Puma, Laura Rabinovitz, Timmy Rosenman, Rebecca Shingleton, Caleb Smith, Caitlin Tormey, Killian Tormey, Jill Wallerstein, Andrew Yaffe, Samantha Lerner Zimmerman, and Nicole Zimmerman.

See pictures from the 2008 Midsummer Social.

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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. The CRI Young Philanthropists group: