The Society Of MSK Raises A Record-Breaking $1.2 Million At Its 2026 Fall Party At The Plaza Hotel
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The annual New York benefit brought together philanthropists, advocates, and supporters to advance data-driven precision medicine and pediatric cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) brought philanthropy and pediatric cancer research into focus on November 10, hosting its annual Fall Party at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Organized by The Society’s Associates Committee, the evening raised a record-breaking $1,201,741 in support of Data-Driven Precision Medicine, an initiative advancing clinical research and treatment for childhood cancers at MSK Kids.
Sponsored by Amazon Luxury, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, and Skydance, the event generated $498,751 through its in-room fundraising initiative alone. The contributions will help support researchers working to improve how childhood cancers are diagnosed and treated through increasingly personalized approaches to medicine.
Among the evening’s featured speakers was Dr. Andrew Kung, Chair of MSK’s Department of Pediatrics, who addressed the institution’s ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric cancer care. Former MSK patient Oliver Israel also shared his perspective…
Among the evening’s featured speakers was Dr. Andrew Kung, Chair of MSK’s Department of Pediatrics, who addressed the institution’s ongoing commitment to advancing pediatric cancer care. Former MSK patient Oliver Israel also shared his perspective, marking a personal milestone this year: the 10th anniversary of his bone marrow transplant following treatment for leukemia at MSK. Since completing treatment, Israel has remained active in the cancer community, advocating for bone marrow registry participation and offering peer support to young people navigating similar experiences.
The evening’s fundraising continued with Lydia Fenet leading an in-room paddle raise, followed by music and dancing with DJ Five Eleven. While the Plaza provided an elegant setting for the annual gathering, the evening's central focus remained on the research and clinical advancements that can shape the future of pediatric oncology.
At the heart of the initiative is the application of innovative technologies, including whole-genome sequencing and artificial intelligence, to better understand individual cancer cases. These tools can help physicians identify meaningful biological information, make more informed treatment decisions, and develop approaches tailored to each patient's needs. The objective extends beyond improving existing protocols toward creating more precise treatment pathways for children and their families.
Founded in 1946, The Society of MSK is a volunteer-led organization dedicated to supporting cancer research, patient care, education, prevention, and early detection. Its Associates Committee continues that mission by bringing together a new generation of supporters around the institution's work.
The 2026 Fall Party was chaired by Marcella Hymowitz, Chair of The Society of MSK’s Associates Committee, alongside Fall Party Chairs Alice Berman, Francesca Bodini, Meghan Klopp, Joyce Kwok, Sherry Lee, Parisa Sahay, and Whitney Schwartz. The gathering welcomed a notable group of philanthropists and community supporters, including Ali and Samira Askari, Kathy and Tom Arrix, Jean Bohm, Lizzie Carr, Grace and Jonathan Garrity, Brooke and Oliver Kennan, Erin O’Connor, Jessie Rudin, Stephanie X. Stamas, and Lesley and Rob Vecsler, among others.
With nearly 2,000 clinical trials underway at any given time and expertise spanning more than 400 cancer types, MSK continues to advance the possibilities of cancer care through research and education. The Society’s record-setting evening demonstrated how collective philanthropy can help translate scientific innovation into meaningful progress for the next generation of patients.
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New York-based multidisciplinary artist Elle Banes brings together 15 years of personal writing, handmade fashion and photography in Parallel To You: Words and Images, a self-published poetry collection examining identity, intimacy, imperfection and the creative process.