On Wednesday, February 7, the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope (CAHH) hosted one of the most anticipated lunches of the season. This year it was the most elegant affair with Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Over 500 guests gathered in the Mediterranean Ballroom at the Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach for light bites and Champagne. Guests shopped the day away via the silent auction with luxury brands and experiences. Here handbags, accessories, home decor, and men’s merchandise were found with one-of-a-kind travel experiences. Global brands collaborated via their Palm Beach representatives to bring some of the most luxurious items to the auction. Items were also donated by CAHH chairs.
After the Champagne affair, the well-clad guests moved into the breathtaking Venetian Ballroom overlooking the sea. Here, Jay Cashmere emcee introduced keynote speaker Sarah Ferguson, Duchess of York who had the room enthralled with her address. Max McNamara, Chair spoke as well as Stanton Collemer, CEO of CAHH.
Fergie, who has previously been described as Country Genry, is very likable, entertaining, and down to earth. She also seems very determined with whatever she puts her mind to. For almost 30 years she has been involved with charity work, which focuses on cancer patients and children. She has been a patron of the Teenage Cancer Trust since 1990 and founded Children in Crisis. To date, Ferguson has written over 60 children’s and self-help books. As a cancer survivor and philanthropist, she has raised millions of dollars for charities globally and focuses on early cancer detection.
The Duchess of York was diagnosed with melanoma in January following her battle with breast cancer last year. The Duchess credits her daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie as being her strength during this challenging time.
“It was a pleasure to attend the Cancer Alliance Hope and Help Luncheon, my first event since my melanoma diagnosis and since hearing of His Majesty The King’s recent cancer diagnosis. His Majesty is very dear to me and I think I speak for everyone when I say he is in my thoughts and prayers.
It felt like a timely moment to help raise funds to support others dealing with cancer diagnoses, who may be going through financial or emotional struggles in light of a health emergency. It was both healing and inspiring to meet so many amazing ladies, who do so much for others through their work with Cancer Alliance.”
During her monologue, the Duchess urged her brother-in-law, King Charles, to “keep fighting on” while thanking the charity for supporting her family. “I want to thank you all for your kindness in supporting my family members who are going through a hard time, and we wish everyone well, every family in the world, that has been diagnosed or who is going through a difficult time we wish them well,” said the Duchess.
She also shared in her speech about a breakthrough for change in prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors Lutetium 177, and melanoma success with Rhenium-SCT. The Duchess advocated for ICPO and discussed how Sir Chris Evans saved Andy Taylor’s life with Lutetium 177.
Stanton Collemer, expressed his gratitude towards the Duchess for sharing some of the intimate moments of her life during the 2024 Shop The Day Away Luncheon.
“It was truly inspiring to have the Duchess of York speak at our largest fundraising event, which raised over 1 million dollars for local families battling cancer. Her kindness, humor, and graciousness left a lasting impression on everyone present in the room. Sincerity flowed with every word she spoke, touching each heart with a sprinkle of magic.”
Arlette Gordon and Joseph and Max McNamara, served as chairs of the 2024 Shop The Day Away Luncheon,™ along with Honorary Chairs Jacqui Michel, Laura Moore Tanne, and Michelle Worth.
The chairs were supported by Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope’s Leadership Group, a distinguished group of accomplished individuals who have joined forces to support the mission of CAHH in supporting local cancer patients in their time of need. Grand Honorary Chair, Gloria Herman; International Chair, Ari Rifkin; Grand Benefactor Chairs, Virginia Gildea, Janet Levy, Lois Richards, and Soula Rifkin; Benefactor Chairs, Martha Bilodeau, Brenda Diuro, Donna Mulholland, David Sarama and Dan Drennen; Vice Chairs, Lori Berg, Sheila Buchbinder, Robin Ganzert, Julie Kampf, Lisa Peterfreund– The Merrill G. & Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Julie Rudolph and Barbara Zand; Ambassadors, Linda Adelson, Lee Alderton, Diane and Peter Avonda, Chris Cox, Donna Craft, Elizabeth DeBrule, Rhonda Fischer, Susan Gibson, Connie Gordon, Victoria Herbert, John Herrick, Linda Lachman, Rosemary Laphen, Terri Schottenstein, Renee Scott, and Gail Worth; Auction Chairs, Trish Caroll, Julie Kampf and Jennifer Kinsman; Junior Chair, Samantha Marulli.
Media Sponsor: Palm Beach Illustrated
All proceeds from this event support the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope’s mission of assisting local children, adults, and families affected by cancer and helping with subsequent bills they acquire during the treatment and recovery process.
About the Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, Inc.:
Cancer Alliance of Help and Hope, Inc. is a Palm Beach County not-for-profit organization that eases the burden of qualified local cancer patients by paying a portion of their non-medical bills, supplementing basic needs, and providing support and information resources. For more information about Cancer Alliance of Help & Hope, visit CAHH.org.
