The paddle raise round was on fire in the Grand Ballroom of The Plaza on Wednesday evening—quite literally. Not only did the energized display of philanthropy amass hundreds of thousands of dollars for the MSK Kids Wellness Initiative on the spot, a tiny blaze had momentarily broken out at a table. “That’s one way to get my attention,” quick-witted charity auctioneer Lydia Fenet told the crowd, as she encouraged attendees to dig deep for a great cause beloved by so many New Yorkers.
The annual gathering, which was sponsored by Prada for a second year running, raised an incredible $950,000 for this year’s pediatric fundraising focus. From 7 p.m. onwards, guests descended on the famed Fifth Avenue hotel in black tie and cocktail attire to take part in the sold-out event. As the Manhattan cancer care center has—sadly—been a part of so many people’s family stories, the Fall Party once again saw multiple generations come together, with a younger cohort of 21 to 30-year-olds even arriving after dessert to join their folks on the dancefloor. Among the guestlist were also many of those who certainly deserved a glass raised in their honor on the night: the medical staff of MSK.
“Tonight is a true collaboration between time and talent and dedication to raising important funds for cancer care, research, and education,” Austen Cruz, chair of The Associates Committee, said while introducing the evening’s program. “And don’t you all look like a generous bunch!”
As guests—polished in their Prada—tucked into a dinner of salad, grilled fish, and plates of The Plaza’s famed s’mores, the spotlight was turned to Marie Barnett, PhD. As MSK’s assistant attending psychologist, and a new mom, she shared an emotive insight into why the cause is so worthy of being uplifted. “We are focusing on accessibility, action, and impact on mental wellness—this initiative brings the often invisible and intangible aspects of children’s mental health to the forefront,” she explained.
Using a variety of therapeutic approaches, Barnett helps young patients and their families develop coping skills that improve their overall resilience and quality of life, ease their emotional distress, and arm them with the tools they need in order to thrive once things’ go back to normal’ post-treatment. Or as she called it, aiding them to figure out the human side of cancer in the short- and long-term. “Like ripple effects across the water, the impact of cancer diagnosis on a child, caregiver, and their siblings is not only physical, but emotional, social, and cognitive. We teach them about resources and strategies. Kids don’t always have the answer, but we help them learn how to identify feelings in the moment and what to do with them,” she added.
Post-s’mores, people joined the incoming Juniors for a spin around the dancefloor, fuelled by music by DJ Twilo.
