Photo courtesy of City of Hope
I had the privilege of attending the City of Hope East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League Award Luncheon on June 8th at The Plaza Hotel, and it was an inspiring afternoon filled with generosity, hope, and heartfelt stories.
The annual luncheon, led by Lisa Fuld and her sister Kathy Kaye, brought together some of New York and the Hamptons’ most influential philanthropic women for a cause that touches so many lives. This year’s event was especially meaningful, raising more than $400,000 to support City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer research and patient care.
Photo courtesy of City of Hope
Photo courtesy of City of Hope
One of the most moving moments of the afternoon came when Spirit of Life® Award recipients Lisa Friedman Clark and Jennifer Santiago took the stage. Both cancer survivors, they shared deeply personal stories about their journeys, emphasizing the importance of early detection and expressing profound gratitude for the physicians and researchers at City of Hope. Their remarks resonated throughout the ballroom and served as a powerful reminder of why everyone had gathered. I definitely needed tissues after listening to them speak so bravely about their battles and recovery, 
Photo courtesy of City of Hope
Photo courtesy of City of Hope
The energy in the room remained high throughout the luncheon, particularly during the lively live auction conducted by renowned auctioneer Lisa Rezak. Guests enthusiastically bid on an impressive array of experiences and luxury items, from a round of golf with five-time World Series champion Paul O’Neill and dinner at the legendary Rao’s to a month-long use of a Cadillac luxury vehicle, cosmetic dental treatments, and even a facelift donated by a leading New York plastic surgeon.
Beyond the glamour and excitement, the afternoon underscored the remarkable legacy of the East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League. For more than four decades, the volunteer organization—comprised of more than 500 women from New York’s business, cultural, and philanthropic communities—has raised more than $14 million in support of innovative cancer research and treatment programs at City of Hope.
As I looked around the packed ballroom of nearly 200 guests, it was clear that the event was about much more than fundraising. It was a celebration of resilience, compassion, and the collective determination to make hope a reality for those facing cancer. The afternoon served as a powerful reminder that when a community comes together with purpose, it can truly make a difference.
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