Michael Feinstein Fundraiser A Hit!

Singer Michael Feinstein made the first GCF-sponsored New York fundraiser a big success on September 6. The event netted $70,000 for the organization—a huge boost for our efforts to maintain the Gastric Cancer Registry and to award grants to scientists searching for cures for this horrible disease.

The evening began with a welcoming address from board member Wayne Feinstein (Michael’s cousin). Then co-founder J.P. Gallagher told the audience the story of his diagnosis and treatment, and how his experience with gastric cancer inspired him to start the foundation and create a patient registry to help scientists working on the disease.

Michael Feinstein, known as the ambassador of the Great American Songbook, treated the crowd to a concert of many of his favorites. The show also featured Marilyn Maye, the renowned cabaret singer and Broadway star, who sang several duets with Feinstein. Although there were some tears in the crowd during Feinstein’s beautiful rendition of the classic tune “Memories,” the audience enjoyed the performance, as well as the delicious dinner served by the folks at the Loews Regency hotel.

GCF is grateful to Sam and Stephani Feinstein for their tremendous efforts as chairs of the event. The evening would not have happened without them! GCF also thanks Feinstein’s at Loews Regency for hosting the evening, as well as our sponsors: Kirkland and Ellis LLP, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Credit Suisse, and the Andrew and Ann Tisch Foundation. And of course, we are profoundly grateful to Michael Feinstein for donating his time and talents to our organization.