October 25th, 2012 
It wasn’t too early to start Christmas shopping at the Beverly Hills Hotel on Thursday, October 18. The shopping extravaganza kicked of the annual John Wayne Cancer Institute Auxiliary Luncheon. Attendees enjoyed shopping the latest styles from exclusive vendors, which included gorgeous designer beauty caps by Dry Divas, hot new workout gear from Strut This, and luxurious pajamas and loungewear by Kiki Bean. A percentage of all proceeds generated went to fund cancer research.
Nancy Heim, Laura Baron and Paula Pinhaus (Photo credit Getty Images)
The equally fabulous luncheon was co-chaired by Nancy Heim and Paula Pinhas, and emceed by Today Show contributor Laura Baron. President of the Associates for Breast Cancer Studies, Gloria Gebbia was honored with the Angel Award, which was presented to her by Patrick Wayne, President of the Associates for Breast and Prostate Cancer Studies. Colonel Alexander Stojadinovic, MD, FACS was honored with the Public Service award.
An exciting highpoint of the afternoon was a check presented by Auxiliary President, Anita Swift and Auxiliary Treasurer, Martha Harp, for $432,811.00. The check was presented to JWCI Chairman of the Board, Patrick Wayne, and JWCI Director, Maureen Chung, MD.
Of honorees, Auxiliary President, Anita Swift said “Each of honorees has demonstrated a long-standing commitment as role models and dedicated supporters of cancer research. We are honored to celebrate both of these remarkable individuals and are extremely grateful for their generosity and commitment to eradicating cancer and providing hope to cancer patients around the globe.”
Patrick Wayne and Gloria Gebbia (Photo credit Getty Images)
The Auxiliary was started in 1982 by two courageous cancer survivors, Noreen Nelson and Sandy Cohen. The group, which originally had 14 women, has now grown to over 800 women, who have raised over $18 million dollars for cancer research at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center.
The afternoon was without a doubt, a success for the organization, which has been going strong since 1981. Since launching more than 30 years ago, the Wayne family has been committed to cutting edge cancer research as well as education since the passing of their father, who died of cancer. Thanks to their tireless support, researches at the John Wayne Cancer Institute have not only changed the face of cancer research, but of the way cancer is treated as well. Through this outstanding work, they’re able to bring hope to thousands of individuals with cancer as well as their families.
For information on how you can become involved, contact the John Wayne Cancer Institute.
