February 13th, 2024

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

PALM BEACH, FL, February 13, 2024 — The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) held its 20th annual Palm Beach Hot Pink Luncheon & Symposium on Tuesday, February 13 at The Breakers, raising a record-breaking $2 million and counting for breast cancer research

Donna & Bill Acquavella were honored with the Evelyn H. Lauder Humanitarian Award for their extraordinary spirit of generosity and unwavering commitment to achieving a world without breast cancer through research. The Award is named in memory of BCRF’s founder and longtime Palm Beach resident, Evelyn H. Lauder, and pays tribute to her tenacity, vision, and passion which continues to drive the critical funding for lifesaving research. The afternoon concluded with a captivating fashion presentation by fashion house, Oscar de la Renta.

The Luncheon featured remarks by BCRF Founding Scientific Director Larry Norton, MD of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. The Symposium was moderated by BCRF’s Scientific Director Judy Garber, MD, MPH of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, with an esteemed panel, including Ian Krop, MD, PhD of Yale School of Medicine, and Lori Pierce, MD of University of Michigan. The BCRF investigators discussed the latest promising research, including advancements in treatment for HER2 negative breast cancer and addressing disparities and health equity in breast cancer outcomes.

“When my mother became an advocate for breast cancer and established BCRF 30 years ago, she wanted to help women, save lives, and ultimately eradicate this disease,” said William P. Lauder, BCRF Co-Chairman. “She had a passion second-to-none, which I know many of you share, and she would be so proud of the immense progress made through research since our founding.”

Notable guests included Donna and Bill Acquavella, Gigi and Harry Benson, Arriana and Dixon Boardman, Eliza and Alex Bolen, Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Lisa and James Cohen, Eleanor Acquavella Dejoux and Morgan Dejoux, Liz Elting, Emilia Fanjul, Raysa and Alfy Fanjul, Karen Hale, Jane Holzer, Kinga and Edward Lampert, Leonard and Judy Lauder, William P. Lauder, Ginger Feuer-Leeds and Larry Leeds, Tom Quick and Michael Donnell, Jack Rooney, Laura and Harry Slatkin, Gucci Westman, Sarah Wetenhall, and Simone Winston.

The event’s leadership included Honorary Co-Chairs: Nina Garcia, Aerin Lauder, Leonard A. Lauder, and William P. Lauder; Founding Chairs: Hildegarde Mahoney, Mary Alice Pappas, Frances Scaife, and Judith P. Schlager; Lead Chairs: Dee Ocleppo Hilfiger, Kinga Lampert, and Laura Slatkin; Co-Chairs: Louise T. Braver, Raysa Fanjul, Betsy Green, Ronnie Heyman, Gail Hilson, Michele Kessler, Judy Lauder, Patricia Quick, Lyn M. Ross, and Andrea Wynn; Vice Chairs: Mickey Beyer, Suzanne Elson, Wendy Holmes, Sheila Lambert, Talbott Maxey, and Barbara Stovall Smith; and Men in Pink Chairs: Burt Minkoff, Thomas C. Quick, Krystian von Speidel, Maya A. Johnson.

Photos by Michael Blanchard & Sara Kauss