Rain or shine: HCRF's fashionable fundraiser drives cancer research

Rain sure didn’t dampen the spirits of guests who attended the 10th anniversary of the Hippocratic Cancer Research Foundation and its fashionable fundraiser on June 20. Held appropriately in Maggie Daley Park Cancer Survivor’s Garden, the beautiful venue reflected the inspiration and mission behind the event, to find a cure for cancer.

The sold-out fundraiser was co-chaired by Pam Capitanini, Janell Adames and Jacquelyn McMahon Petrovich and co-emceed by Kelley Flanagan (“The Bachelor”) and Candace Jordan. It supported the important work of Dr. Leonidas Platanias and his team at Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University who are working on out-of-the-box research to find a cure. “Science is advancing fast, and it is only a matter of time before new cures for various types of cancers emerge. The challenge lies in accelerating the process because with every passing minute, lives are at stake, “ he said.

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A reception featured cocktails and hors d’oeuvres among the flowers, with a display of jewelry by Sofoklis Jewels of Greece, custom-made especially for the foundation. Guests were dressed in their finest with a focus on florals. As they entered the venue, they were greeted by a performer dressed as angel with an array of pricey cars from Perillo set up on Randolph St. Electric violinists provided the background music.

The night turned cool following a week of heat, but despite the respite, rain fell briefly before the fashion show began. Guests took it in stride as HCRF staff provided welcome umbrellas. Dinner, provided by Rosebud, was served family-style and included rigatoni alla vodka, salmon limone, chicken Vesuvio, Greek salad and fanciful desserts.

The rain stopped in time for a chic fashion show, produced by ZZAZZ Productions (Tracey Tarantino DiBuono with support from Nancy Long, Natalie Roppo and DJ Akib) with beautiful looks from Peach Carr Designs, Elda de la Rosa, Rede Mas, Anne Fontaine, Contessa Bottega, Menotti Couture, Sylwia Designs, Mira Couture and Lepa Boutique. 

Eleni Bousis, founder/ event chair, shared, “We are here to support Dr. Platanias and his team at Lurie Cancer Center of Northwestern University who are at the forefront of groundbreaking research, including enhancing tumor-killing capabilities and cancer-curing potential; advancing basic research in immunology and immunotherapy for treating malignant melanoma; targeting cell signaling pathways in leukemia and solid cancers; developing novel approaches to tackle aggressive cancers such as pancreatic and brain cancer and building the field of immuno-metabolism in cancer research.”

A surprise check for $250,000 was donated to Dr. Platanias by the Thorek Memorial Foundation to support his research.

The Lurie Cancer Center, led by Dr. Platanias, is a national leader in the advancement of cancer treatments and was named one of the top 10 leading academic comprehensive cancer centers in the country by US News and World Report. (hcrfwingstocure.org)