The Skin Cancer Foundation’s 22nd annual Gala raised $600,000 to support the organization’s educational campaigns, community programs, and research initiatives. More than 400 guests attended the event, including Skin Cancer Foundation donors, industry and physician allies, celebrity supporters and members of the media. Notable guests included Sofía Vergara,David Harbour, Condola Rashad, Kayli Carter andDolores Catania. Singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka performed a medley of his classic songs.

The Champion for Change Award was presented to Robert J. Friedman, MD, clinical professor at NYU School of Medicine, Department of Dermatology, for his dedication to skin cancer education. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s 2018 Media Awardwas presented to O, The Oprah Magazine, in recognition of the magazine’s outstanding skin cancer-related editorial coverage.

At the Champions for Change Gala, held Thursday evening, October 25 at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, Skin Cancer Foundation President Deborah S. Sarnoff, MD spoke about the impact of the Foundation’s work. “We do this work at The Skin Cancer Foundation because we believe in what we do and we have seen the results. Indeed, we have saved lives,” said Dr. Sarnoff. “We celebrate the champions who face this disease head on; their loved ones who fight right alongside them and the people who work tirelessly to provide the resources needed to prevent, detect and treat skin cancer before it can devastate a life.”

The Gala was chaired by Susan Manber (chief planning officer, Digitas Health) and Stephanieand Adam Schweitzer(partner/board member, ICM Partners). The honorary chair was Marcia Robbins-Wilf, EdD. The Gala Committee included Chris G. Adigun, MD, Jeffrey Brackeen, MD, Jeremy Brauer, MD, Kim Campbell, Doris Day, MD, Megan Driscoll, Jennifer and Joseph A. Dussich, Dendy Engelman, MD, April Franzino, Scott M. Friedman, Seth I. Friedman, Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, Adele Haimovic, MD, Erum Ilyas, MD, Julie K. Karen, MD, Jesse Lewin, MD, Celine Mactaggart, Elizabeth Naughton, Ariel Ostad, MD, Isabelle Raymond, PhD, Anne Reilly, Mitzi Runyan, Mary L. Stevenson, MD, Don Uselmann and Kit Wallace.

Photo courtesy of The Skin Cancer Foundation. Pictured: Skin Cancer Foundation President Dr. Deborah S. Sarnoff with Sofia Vergara.