February 10, 2003
Research: Today's Hope for Tomorrow's
Cures
Palm Beach Discovery Ball supports Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Feb. 22
PALM BEACH, Fla. — More than 400 civic and philanthropic leaders will join some of Boston's top physicians and scientists from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at the 12th annual Discovery Ball at The Breakers in Palm Beach on Saturday, Feb. 22.
Bostonian Sandra Krakoff is serving as co-chair of the black-tie gala. An active volunteer for many charities, Krakoff divides her time between Boston and Palm Beach. Joining her in organizing the prestigious event is another active community leader and volunteer, Jan Willinger of Sag Harbor, N.Y., and Palm Beach.
Other Boston residents helping to organize the gala include Judie Schlager of Chestnut Hill, Mass., who is in charge of the menu for the evening, and Elaine Schuster, also of Chestnut Hill, chair of decorations. Gail Nessel and Bryan Rafanelli, both of Boston, are assisting Schuster with the decorations and promise a truly elegant setting.
The Discovery Ball, which last year raised more than $1 million, is designed to help bring the world closer to new "discoveries" in cancer through its support of Dana-Farber and the Jimmy Fund in Boston, in addition to its support of the Pediatric Oncology Support Team (POST) at St. Mary's Medical Center in West Palm Beach. This year's theme is "Research: Today's Hope for Tomorrow's Cures."
"The funds raised at the Ball will further research into cures for many cancers and continue the important work of POST at St. Mary's," says Krakoff.
"Cancer knows no geographic boundaries," adds Willinger. "Dana-Farber spreads its discoveries worldwide — a breakthrough in Boston benefits people in Palm Beach and around the world."
Among the Dana-Farber contingent attending will be Institute President Edward J. Benz Jr., MD; Chief of Staff Stephen Sallan, MD; Vice Chair for Clinical Services Lawrence Shulman, MD; Chief of Surgical Services David Sugarbaker, MD; Barbara Smith, MD, PhD, clinical co-director, Gillette Center for Women's Cancers; Director of the Center for Gastrointestinal Oncology Robert Mayer, MD; Senior Vice President for Patient Care Services Pat Reid Ponte, RN, DNSc; and George Demetri, MD, co-director of the Center for Sarcoma and Bone Oncology.
The Discovery Ball will begin with a presentation of Christie's "Magnificent Jewels" collection during the cocktail hour. Dinner will follow with dancing to the Michael Rose Orchestra. During the evening's festivities, a live auction will be conducted by Simon Teakle, Senior VP, Head of Christie's Jewelry Department of North America.
Items up for bid include a glass assemblage by Dale Chihuly, an 18-karat gold and diamond brooch from Verdura, a one-week cruise featuring an exotic itinerary on the brand new "World of ResidenSea," a work of art by David Hockney, and an "Armani Adventure" in Milan, which includes two business class tickets on Alitalia Airlines and a stay at the five-star Principe di Savoie, a visit to the atelier of Giorgio Armani, the Armani shops, and exclusive dining experiences. Other "priceless" items to be auctioned include a round of golf with network TV personality Bryant Gumble and lunch for 10 in the boardroom of Christie's in New York City.
"The outpouring of generosity from Ball patrons is evidence of our commitment to eradicating cancer," says Krakoff.
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a principal teaching affiliate of the Harvard Medical School and is among the leading cancer research and care centers in the United States. It is a founding member of the Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, a designated comprehensive cancer center by the National Cancer Institute.
