Cancer 101 and New Yorker's for Charity Host Annual Black Tie Gala

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CANCER 101 and New Yorkers for Charity recently held their annual Black Tie Gala at the historic Loeb Boathouse in New York's Central Park.

The spirit of the evening and the guest's desire for another banner year were not dampened by the steady rain that fell throughout most of the day and into the evening. Approximately fourteen hundred guests, in formal attire, braved the elements to show support for these worthy causes.


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John Nicholas, the Executive Director for CANCER 101 and event Chairman and Cancer survivor, Monica Knoll, were on hand to greet the many guests and celebrities including New York's State First Lady Michelle Patterson, Miss USA 2008, Crystle Stewart and Miss Teen USA 2008, Stevi Perry. 

The guests were treated to an array of delectable hors d'oeuvres including single bite mini tort shells filled with guacamole and topped with grilled shrimp, lamb kabobs with yogurt sauce, gently deep fried crab cake balls with horseradish sauce, fresh salmon on black bread triangles with a dot of horseradish sauce, asparagus wrapped in prime rib and mini mushroom soufflés with a thin airy crust.

After the delicious hors d'oeuvres ended the chef's prepared an elaborate buffet of prime rib, penne pasta in white crème sauce as well hand rolled ravioli in a red sauce. On either side of the dining area outdoor grills were aflame as Chef's prepared shrimp and chicken kabobs.


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The dance floor opened with fruit, cheese and raw vegetable buffets lining each wall and featured seasonal fruits, raw vegetables, cheeses and miniature breads.  The desserts featured an assortment of mouth watering Petit Four chocolates treats with various other sweets to tempt even the strongest of willpowers.

The entire evening was a thrill for the many cancer survivors in attendance as well as those medical professionals who diligently work with those affected by the disease and also by those attending to support and offer hope and help to victim's of cancer. This devotion was never more obvious than when CANCER 101 founder Monica Knolls took to the mike as the event's auctioneer.

John Nicholas, the evening's host, said that the generous support of the corporate community was overwhelming, "We didn't even have to push them. Everyone was more than happy and willing to donate for this worthy cause."


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That was never more evidenced than by the extravagant items donated that were held in a combination of both silent and lively, and generous, bidding. Those who purchased the premium entry tickets led the exciting bidding on items including two tickets to the People's Choice Awards plus an exclusive invitation to the celebrity filled after-party, two tickets to American Idol's 8th Season elimination round, one week in a private Italian Villa for four, two nights at The Delano in Miami, Florida with private air travel provided by Avantair Inc., and two tickets on Olympic Airways to Athens, Greece.

The corporate response was so generous and continued to include two tickets to the 2009 Miss USA Pageant, an assortment of luxury jewelry and fine handbags including David Yurman Renaissance Classic Bracelet, David Yurman earrings, Nanette Lapore Bracelets. Fashion icon Ralph Lauren provided a Cashmere Throw.

Home items included a Sony 32" Bravia LCD Flat Panel HDTV, Hastens Bed Accessories, a one year membership to Smart Workout, a one year membership to David Barton Gym, four hours of time by renowned photographer Christopher London for a corporate or private function, Michael Dempsey Photography, event sponsor Mercedes-Benz donated a G1450 for a three-day weekend, Gotham Dream Car tours donated a Dream Car Tour.


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Sponsors of the event included Mercedes-Benz of Manhattan, The Greater New York Hospital Associate, Grant Thornton, Columbus Avenue Consulting, Grey Goose Vodka and Bacardi.

It was a grand evening for a worthy cause that ended with dancing in the ballroom to tunes that everyone knew and everyone enjoyed.

CANCER 101 is a New York City-based national nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower people with breast cancer by providing the essential tools needed to make life-saving decisions.