Annual
Awards Gala
10.20.26
Guastavino’s, New York City
Meet the People Shaping the Next Era of Cancer Research
Join us at our Annual Awards Gala and be inspired by the bold thinkers driving change in immunotherapy research to bring us closer to a world immune to cancer.
2026 Award Recipients
Eric Vivier, DVM, PhD
- Recipient of the William B. Coley Award for Distinguished Research in Basic and Tumor Immunology
- Professor of Immunology at Marseille Medical School and Head of the Innate Lymphoid Cells Laboratory at the Centre d’Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy
Joseph Sun, PhD
- Recipient of the Frederick W. Alt Award for New Discoveries in Immunology
- Member of the Immunology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Professor and Director of the Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program at Weill Cornell Medical College
Reed Jobs
- Recipient of the Oliver R. Grace Award for Distinguished Service in Advancing Cancer Research
- Investor, Yosemite
Gala Co-Chairs
Brian J. Brille
Georgia and Don Gogel
Betsy and Paul Shiverick
Next is Now
The next era of cancer immunotherapy is no longer a distant possibility. It is taking shape today through bold science, powerful technology, and the people CRI brings together to move discovery forward.
What once felt like the future is now the work of this moment. Advances in biology, data, and artificial intelligence are helping researchers understand cancer and the immune system in new ways, uncover connections that were once out of reach, and move promising discoveries closer to patients.
At this year’s Gala, we celebrate the scientists, patients, leaders, and supporters helping transform what is possible in cancer immunotherapy and shape what comes next.
Meet our Gala Host
Athena Jones, a veteran journalist, moderator, and public speaker, will host this year’s gala. Over more than two decades in journalism, Jones has reported from the campaign trail, the White House, and across the world. She spent more than a decade at CNN, serving as a White House correspondent and later as a national correspondent.
A breast cancer survivor and advocate, Jones is now co-directing Sisters’ Keepers, a feature documentary exploring breast cancer and health equity among Black women. She is a graduate of Harvard University and Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism.
About The Venue:
Guastavino’s
Located beneath the Queensboro Bridge, Guastavino’s is a New York City landmark renowned for its striking architecture and rich history. Designed by acclaimed Valencian architect Rafael Guastavino and completed in 1909, the space features soaring granite arches and signature Catalan vaulted tile ceilings, showcasing the innovative Guastavino tile vaulting system.
Help Shape What Comes Next
Sponsoring CRI’s Annual Awards Gala is a powerful way to advance lifesaving science and be recognized among a community dedicated to impact. Your support fuels breakthroughs in cancer immunotherapy – from funding world-renowned scientists to saving lives of patients at the heart of this work. Sponsors receive distinguished recognition throughout the evening and demonstrate meaningful alignment with CRI’s mission to create a world immune to cancer. To explore sponsorship opportunities, please contact Brigitte Mor at [email protected].
Highlights from CRI’s 2025 Annual Awards Gala
FAQs
Is my ticket purchase tax deductible?
Yes, a portion of every ticket purchase is tax-deductible. The non-deductible portion of each ticket is $350. Contributions are fully tax-deductible.
What’s the dress code for the Gala?
While the dress for the gala is not black tie, it is a cocktail party and formal dinner—so dress to impress!
How do you get to Guastavino’s?
Guastavino’s is conveniently accessible by subway, car, or rideshare.
By Subway:
- 4, 5, 6, N, R, W trains to 59 St–Lexington Av (approximately a 5-minute walk east)
- Q and M trains to 63 St- Lexington Av (approximately an 8-minute walk east)
By Car/Rideshare:
The GPS address is Guastavino’s 409 E 59th St, New York, NY 10022. Parking is available at nearby parking garages, including one directly across 59th Street.
Is there parking available nearby?
Yes, parking is available near Guastavino’s at several nearby garages. One convenient option is iPark at 422 East 59th St, New York, Ny 10022, directly across from the venue
Still have questions?
Please email us your question at: [email protected]
Event Details
Cancer Research Institute
Annual Awards Gala
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Guastavino’s
409 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022
6:30pm Cocktails
7:30pm Dinner
Cocktail attire – Dress to impress!
Event Location
Guastavino’s
409 E 59th St
New York, NY 10022