Israel Cancer Association USA Gala Funds Seven Cancer Research Fellowships
The many accomplishments of Israel were celebrated at Israel Cancer Association USA’s 2013 Gala, “Israel, always in our hearts”, held February 28th at The Breakers Palm Beach. Ari Rifkin and Gail Worth were Co-Chairmen of the fundraising event, to support groundbreaking cancer research. Herme de Wyman Miro was International Chairman;Rhoda and David Chase, Grand Honorary Chairmen; Lois Pope, Honorary Chairman; and Lexye Aversa, Chairman Emeritus.
Proceeds from the evening benefit ICA USA, a nonprofit organization established in Palm Beach in 1994 to fund Cancer Research Fellowship Grants for distinguished Israeli scientists. 100% of fellowship dollars goes directly to the scientist doing the research – not their institution, nor for overhead – a practice unique to ICA. Israel Cancer Association is the leading health-related charitable organization in Israel, but receives no government funding – depending entirely on private donations. The highly successful gala, under the direction of Mrs. Rifkin and Mrs. Worth, generated funding for seven two-year fellowships, at $22,000 each.
Guests viewed compelling photographic vistas of Israel, Italy and Spain during the welcoming reception. The one of a kind photographic art prints were by Gala Co-Chair Ari Rifkin, an accomplished photographer, who donated 100% of the proceeds to benefit ICA’s cancer research. Interspersed with dinner and dancing were a virtuoso musical interlude by the renowned Houston Chamber Symphony concertmaster and violinist Ferenc Illenyi, and a spectacular performance by two-time Oscar nominated singer/songwriter Carol Connors. Ms. Connors co-wrote the lyrics to the theme to the ever-popular movie, Rocky –“Gonna Fly Now” during her illustrious career.
A live auction featured exquisite jewelry pieces generously donated by Mike Lemke of Cy Fredrics Jeweler of Chicago; Roberto Coin, Donald Huber New York, and Saks Fifth Avenue at The Gardens Mall. Fine art photographer Cheryl Medow of California – and sister to performer Carol Connors – donated 3 elegant photographic prints of exotic birds. Another stunning auction piece was “The Fiddler Menorah”, a bronze sculpture created by Boca Raton’s internationally recognized artist Yaacov Heller, of Gallery 22 International, Inc.
Grand Benefactors were Adam Brown, Nancy & Peter Brown, Rhoda & David Chase, Heidi & Bruce Lein, Lois Pope, Lee & Harvey L Poppel, and Ari Rifkin. Platinum Sponsors were Ellen & H. Irwin Levy; Herme de Wyman Miro of the International Society of Palm Beach; Lillian & William Sandler; and Jean & Jack Skodnek; and Gold Sponsors wereSharon & Roy Apple, Arthur E. Benjamin, Heddy & Bruce Koppel, Stacey K. Levy, and Patricia & Donald Mintmire.Corporate partners were Saks Fifth Avenue and Clientele.
Other guests that evening include: Sharon & Roy Apple, Shari & Art Cirkus, Maude Cook, Gigi & Graciano Duarte, cheap brand cialis Elayne Flamm, Deena & Seymour Freeman, Suzi & Rick Goldsmith, Nina & Bill Heitman, Celia Jacobs, Lisa Koeper & Joseph Kerzner, Wyatt Koch, Toni Holt Kramer & Robert Kramer, Annaliese Langner, Robert Mackler, Carol & Phil Mehler, Terry & Joseph Mendozza, Daisy & John Merey, Patsy & Donald Mintmire, Wilma & Charles Mooney, Cameron Neth, Sharon & Alton O’Neil, Nancy & Ellis Jay Parker, Soula Rifkin, Patricia Riley, Joan & Benjamin Rubin, Lauren & Jeremy Schneider, Donna & Barry Slotnick, Ann & Richard Sommer, and Patsy & Leslie Spero.
Photo Caption: Celia Jacobs, Bruce & Heddy Koppel
