Over 400 people packed the Grand Ballroom at The Mar- A-Lago Club to celebrate the living and giving of the American Cancer Society at the 54th Annual American Can- cer Society Gala in Palm Beach. “The Black and White Ball,” modeled after the famous event created by Truman Capote in the 1960s.
The celebration was made possible by the leadership of Julie and Rob Re- veley, Patrick Park, Patty Myura, Tom Quick and countless loyal donors from the Island of Palm Beach community. The event showcased dramatic décor to emphasize the American Cancer So- ciety’s lifesaving mission to find a cure for cancer and help those living with the disease today.
Due to the hard work of the Palm Beach Chairmen, Board Members and Volunteers, the American Cancer Soci- ety’s Island of Palm Beach Unit has al- ready raised more than $1.2 million for the fight against cancer, while keep- ing administrative expenses under 4% and fundraising expenses under 18%, reinforcing the American Cancer Society’s strong commitment to main- taining the lowest administrative costs and being exemplary stewards of do- nors dollars.
Considered one of the highlights of the Palm Beach social season, this year’s Gala was chaired by the Reve- leys, loyal supporters of the American Cancer Society for the past two de- cades. From 2005-2009, Mr. Reveley served as Chairman of the Board for the American Cancer Society’s Island of Palm Bach Unit, raising millions of dollars for the fight against cancer. In addition to serving on the Board for more than 12 years, Mr. Reveley has a strong personal commitment to the organization because he is a cancer survivor himself.
“For 54 years the American Cancer Society has been raising critical funds right here on Island of Palm Beach and tonight we celebrate the incredible accomplishments this organization has made in the fight against cancer,” noted Rob Reveley at the podium.
“As your chairmen, Julie and I want to draw your attention to the fact that the American Cancer Society is a serious custodian of every dollar donated to its mission. Not only is the American Cancer Society available to help cancer patients 24 hours a day 7 days a week but, aside from the U.S. government, it is still the largest funder of cancer re- search. As we continue the fight to find a cure for this disease that affects us all, we want to thank everyone here with us in this room this evening. We trea- sure all of you and your gifts.”
Upon arrival at the majestic estate, guests were greeted by jazz trio Urban Gypsy. As guests made their way down the grand staircase for the poolside reception, they enjoyed dancing entertainment provided by Rum and Coffee from Miami, profes- sional performers donned in black and white for the occasion.pon arrival at the majestic estate, guests were greeted by jazz trio Urban Gypsy. As guests made their way down the grand staircase for the poolside reception, they enjoyed dancing entertainment provided by Rum and Coffee from Miami, profes- sional performers donned in black and white for the occasion.
“The ballroom was spectacular,” noted Tom Quick, chairman of the board of trustees, who also served as emcee for the evening‘s auction. The set- ting, created by Bruce Sutka, revived the extravagant “Black and White Ball” made famous by Truman Capote over five decades ago and included black and white striped linens, black and white feathered plumes and an elegant black and white stage. “The event’s cutting edge vibe reinforced the strides the American Cancer Soci- ety is making in the fight against can- cer,” Quick explained.
A highlight of the evening was a live auction featuring a watch donated from Tiffany & Co., modeled by Megan Hammerdinger. Over $100,000 was raised for the American Cancer Soci- ety’s Reaching Out to Cancer Kids Pro- grams (R.O.C.K. Programs) during the night’s “Cash Call,” which will support future R.O.C.K. Camps and R.O.C.K. Col- lege Scholarships. After the auction, Megan was invited to join the emcee on the stage.
Mr. Quick then revealed to the audien- ce that Megan was not just a model but has also survived leukemia. Me- gan attended R.O.C.K. Camp for eight years, then became a camp counselor and received a four-year college scho- larship from the American Cancer So- ciety. She will graduate from Florida Atlantic University in June, following her internship at St. Mary’s Hospital where she is studying oncology social work.
“Megan is an incredible young wo- man, whose story of triumph is the perfect example of how the American Cancer Society helps children through the many chapters of their cancer journey. She personifies the mission of the American Cancer Society and conti-nues to inspire others,” noted Quick.
Following the auction, guests at the 54th Annual American Cancer Society Gala danced until the wee hours to the tunes of Soul Survivor.
Patrick Park once again served as Ho- norary Chairmen of the Gala. Mr. Park has served as the Honorary Chairman of the gala for ten consecutive years and was General Chairman for the 2007 and 2008 Galas. In addition, Mr. Park received the Dame Celia Lipton Farris National Lifetime Achievement Award at last year’s Gala. This exclu- sive award was first given to Dame Farris at The Golden Anniversary Gala in 2008 in recognition of her unyield- ing generosity to the American Can- cer Society.
Patty Myura was Honorary Chairwoman of the event. Mrs. Myura was Gala Chair- man for 2009 and 2010 Ame- rican Cancer Society Galas.
In addition, Mrs. Myura has been a long standing Board Member for the American Cancer Society’s Island of Palm Beach Unit, a dedicated leader- ship volunteer and a faithful donor and supporter of the mission of the organization.
The event’s list of loyal and gene- rous contributors included: Platinum Benefactors Patrick Park and Donald Trump. Norma Fireman served as Am- bassador of Hope. The Distinguished Humanitarian for this year’s gala was once again the Addison Hines Chari- table Trust. The Grand Corporate Benefactor was Tiffany & Co. Grand Patrons of the Gala were Mr. and Mrs. Harold J. Baxter, Rhoda and David Chase, Mary and Marvin Davidson, Mrs. Florence DeGeorge, Ms. Lois Pope, Mr. M. Mac Schwebel, Dr. and Mrs. Irving Sherman and Meredith and Barry Snader (the Isador Segall Trust).
Leading Benefactors of the 2012 event were Helaine and Eddy Cantor, Mr. and Mrs. DeVos, Mrs. Harold Has- senfeld, Gerald and Frances Gilberg, Ruth S. and Edward L. Hennessy, Jr., Herme de’ Wyman Miro, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio Jr., Benefactors were He- len Bernstein, Dr. Elizabeth Bowden, Mark W. Cook, Mr. and Mrs. Peter A. Dupuis, Greta Faigen, Arlette Gordon, Darlene and Stephen Grace, JM Rubin Foundation, Helene and Stanley Karp, Howard and Michele Kessler, Mr. Ro- bert Nederlander and Mrs. Patricia Cook, Tom Quick, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Reveley, Mr. and Mrs. Irvin Saltzman, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Scott, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Spero, and Paula and Ni- kita Zukov. Patrons of the event were Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Adler, Paula and Bob Butler, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Garvy, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald R. Jordan, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Christopher Larmo- yeux, Pat and Ed McLaughlin, Mrs. Sydell Miller, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Miller, Ms. Carole Martin and Ms. Cyn- thia Martin and Mr. and Mrs. K. Alexis Mersentes, Mr. and Mrs. Ellis J. Par- ker, Mrs. Beverly Sommer, Corporate Benefactors were, Braman Motorcars of Palm Beach, and Guns-ter, and the Corporate Patron was Air Partner.
Proceeds raised through the Cancer Ball on Palm Beach, and the support of these generous donors and un- derwriters, further the organization’s mission to eliminate cancer as a ma- jor health problem. The American Cancer Socie-ty, www.cancer.org, combines an unyielding passion with nearly a century of experience to save lives and end suffering from cancer. They save lives by helping people stay well through preventing cancer or detecting it early; by helping peo- ple get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in ground brea-king discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawma- kers to pass laws to defeat cancer and rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. As the nation’s largest non-governmental investor in cancer research, contributing about $3.4 bil- lion, they turn what they know about cancer into what they do. In fact, 46 scientists funded by the American Cancer Society have won the es- teemed Nobel Prize for their ground- breaking research no other non-pro- fit can state that fact
