The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s 19th Annual Hamptons Happening took place at the Bridgehampton estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel. Over 300 guests attended this prominent social event, which remains one of the highlights of the summer season in the Hamptons.
The event successfully raised more than $450,000, with these funds dedicated to groundbreaking cancer research. The SWCRF has a long history of investing in collaborative cancer research, having contributed more than $100 million since its inception.
This year’s Hamptons Happening placed special focus on supporting the SWCRF Mission Possible Research Program. The program aims to fund six leading investigators pursuing projects related to new preventions and treatments for cancer, with the ultimate goal of helping people live longer, healthier lives with reduced cancer risk as they age.
Honoring Those Making a Difference
During the event, several individuals and organizations were recognized for their outstanding contributions. Chef Ralph Scamardella, EVP and Chief Culinary Officer of Tao Group Hospitality, received the Hospitality and Service Award. Lori and Scott Levine, co-founders of Scott’s Protein Balls, were honored with the Outstanding Product Award. Denise Albert, CEO and co-founder of My Cancer Family, received the Community Service Award. Anna Zuckerman, Founder and Chief Designer at Anna Zuckerman, was recognized with the Fashion Cares Award.
What continues to distinguish this event is how directly its recognitions tie back to the cause itself, honoring not just donors but the entrepreneurs, chefs, and community leaders actively building support networks for patients and families navigating cancer. That connection between celebration and purpose gives the evening’s honors real weight beyond a typical gala award.
Attendees enjoyed a delightful evening filled with tastings from numerous chefs, restaurants, and beverage companies. A live auction conducted by Heritage Auctions added further excitement to the night.
Overall, the Hamptons Happening brought together individuals passionate about supporting cancer research, enjoying excellent cuisine, and honoring those making a genuine difference in the fight against cancer.
Notable Attendees
Notable attendees included Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Chef Ralph Scamardella, Lori Levine, Scott Levine, Anna Zuckerman, Denise Albert, Ken Fishel, Maria Fishel, Bess Freedman, Mark D. Friedman, Jamie Koff, Bryan Griffin, Elena Gibbs, Erica Feinberg, Chris Wragge, Sarah Wragge, Bill Sullivan, Harry Carson, Jean Shafiroff, and Pamela Morgan.
Sponsors
Gold Sponsor: Theodore A. Rapp Foundation
Bronze Sponsor: Jay W. Eisenhofer
VIP Sponsors: Ken and Maria Fishel, Bess Freedman, Brown Harris Stevens, the Brown Harris Stevens-The Friedman-Rosenthal Team, Scott’s Protein Balls, Tao Group Hospitality, and Anna Zuckerman
Supporting Sponsors: Eurostruct Inc., Fabric to Finish, My Cancer Family, Taub Family Companies, Palm Bay International, and Tito’s Vodka
Media Sponsors: Lawlor Media Group, Hamptons Magazine, and James Lane Post
Official Transportation Sponsor: Tote Taxi
Step Up To Turn Cancer Off Sponsors: Crunch Gym, New Rez, Tradeweb, and The Brown-Polloch Charitable Trust
The Hamptons Happening event is chaired by Mark D. Friedman of Brown Harris Stevens and Jamie Koff of Fabric to Finish, with co-chairs Bess Freedman and Bryan Griffin, and Journal Chair Erica Fineberg.
The event committee included Alexandra Adame, Karen Amster-Young, Chris Arlotta, Arthur Backal, Antonella Bertello, Dawn Celovsky, Gina Conzo, Maxine Danowitz, Maria Fishel, Elena Gibbs, Nathalie Cohen Gould, Leslie Keidan, Dina Koutroumanis, Norah Lawlor, Jessica Mackin, Gennaro Pecchia, Christine Prydatko, and Randi Schatz.
Featured Tastings
The Hamptons Happening featured tastings from Tao Group Hospitality and Chef Ralph Scamardella, Lavo, Luchini Italian, 317 Main and Chef Eric Levine, A La Mode Ice Cream, Alidoro and Chef John Streep, Peter Ambrose, Arlotta Food Studio, Bellissima Prosecco and Wine by Christie Brinkley, Bero International, Centro Trattoria and Bar, Chef Harold Moore, Chef Francois Payard, Cagri Kanver of El Turco Hamptons, El Verano and Chef Julian Medina, FIELDTRIP and Chef JJ Johnson, Herradura Tequila, House of Saturn Café, Lemon Perfect, Magnolia Bakery, North Fork Craft Wines and Spirits, Crush Wine XP, Ovelia Psistaria and Chef Peter Giannakas, Scott’s Protein Balls, Spritz Society, T-Bar Steak and Lounge, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Tommy Bahama and Chef Wade Ganache, and Woodford Reserve.
