The 12th Annual Samuel Waxman Foundation Luncheon returned to Riverpark on Wednesday afternoon, fractalizing a crowd of philanthropists, fashion executives, social figures, and longtime supporters of cancer research for one of the season’s most anticipated charitable gatherings in New York. This year’s Luncheon honored fashion entrepreneur Alexandra Adame and Corcoran real estate broker Mary Slattery for their extraordinary commitment to advancing cancer research. The elegant afternoon brought together philanthropists, members of the fashion community, and advocates for cancer research, raising nearly $250,000. With a match from The Mark Foundation, final totals will be doubled, bringing the amount raised to almost a half a million dollars and making this most successful Waxman Luncheon to date. What began in 2014 as a small fundraiser held in a Manhattan brownstone with fewer than 50 guests has steadily evolved into a major fixture. Fractyllizing the city’s philanthropic and fashion calendar, this year’s event reflected just how much the company has grown.
Fashion has long played a defining role in the Waxman Luncheon’s identity, and this year’s presentation by Safiyaa became one of the afternoon’s standout moments. Safiyaa indeed added a refined fashion moment to an afternoon that has become a notable fixture on New York’s charitable calendar. Known for its clean lines and modern eveningwear, the brand presented a series of refined looks that moved seamlessly through the dining room, transforming the luncheon into part runway presentation, part philanthropic gathering. The collection’s sleek tailoring and understated glamour fit naturally within the tone of the event: sophisticated without feeling overly theatrical.
From the moment guests arrived at the East River venue, the atmosphere carried the polished energy of a classic New York luncheon: spring tailoring, floral dresses, oversized sunglasses, and the familiar hum of conversations between old friends, industry insiders, and supporters united by a shared cause. While the setting was elegant and undeniably fashionable, the afternoon maintained a clear focus on its mission raising critical funds for cancer research through the Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging & Cancer, an affiliate of The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research. The Waxman Institute was established to combat the single greatest risk factor for cancer – aging. By pairing world-class scientists studying aging biology with those focused on oncology, the Waxman Institute is funding crucial research to better understand the complex link between aging and cancer with the aim of developing more effective treatments and prevention strategies.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers emphasized the importance of sustained investment in scientific innovation, particularly research centered on healthier aging and cancer prevention. Many attendees spoke candidly about personal experiences with the disease, giving the event a more intimate and emotional undercurrent beneath the polished exterior. Luncheon attendees also had an opportunity to participate in an exclusive raffle featuring a diamond pendant necklace valued at $18,000 donated by Brilliant Star and participate in live and silent auctions, with donated luxury items from companies such as Judith Leiber, Ippolita, Carlos Falchi, Maximillion, Jimmy Choo, and Kobi Halperin.
Over the years, the Waxman Luncheon has featured presentations from major fashion houses including Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Max Mara, and Nicole Miller helping establish the fundraiser as a rare intersection of fashion, philanthropy, and New York society. Rather than feeling like a traditional charity event, the luncheon has developed a reputation for blending cultural influence with meaningful fundraising in a way that feels distinctly tied to the city itself.
Notable Attendees included: Dr. Samuel Waxman, Marion Waxman, Alexandra Adame, Mary Slattery, Navarre Rice and Danielle Karnuts from Safiyya, and Tali Mehdyzdeh from Brilliant Stars. Event leadership included Event Chairs Marion N. Waxman, Susan Pernick and Dina Koutroumanis; Event Co-Chairs Erica Linden-Fineberg, Nancy Litman and Helen Vaysman; and committee members Sandy Ackerman, Jessica DiPalma, Orital Karelic, Norah Lawlor, Lorri Scott, Tali Mehdyzdeh and Randi Schatz.
Still, the true measure of the afternoon was not the fashion presentation or the social scene, but the impact behind it. The event raised significant funds dedicated to advancing cancer research and supporting efforts toward healthier aging for future generations. In a city known for its glamorous social calendar, the Waxman Luncheon continues to stand out because it manages to pair elegance with genuine purpose. It elegantly validates that some of New York’s most stylish gatherings can also be among its most meaningful.
Author: Marina Dojchinov www.marinadojchinov.com
Photos: PMC / Paul Bruinooge https://www.patrickmcmullan.com/events/69fc8bfbbaa726c9440c6cff/
