Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink Raises $1.2 million for Breast Cancer Research!
Laird Hamilton, Gabrielle Reece, Matt Lauer, Martha Stewart, Edie Falco and many more turn out for The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s two-part benefit! Pictured here are photos from the big paddle race during the day, and see our separate feature on the glam party that the Perrys hosted at their spectacular North Haven estate in Beach Buzz now…

On Saturday, Aug. 17, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) hosted its second annual “Hamptons Paddle & Party for Pink,” raising $1.2 million for research aimed at prevention and a cure for breast cancer. The two-part fundraiser began with an official World Paddle Association stand-up paddle board race in Sag Harbor, followed by a Sunset Party at the waterfront estate of prominent New Yorkers Lisa and Richard Perry.

For the second consecutive year, the Perrys joined Hamptons residents, Maria and Larry Baum, as event co-chairs, with special guests, legendary surfer Laird Hamilton and his wife, Gabrielle Reece, former professional volleyball player, fashion model and author. Roughly 150 paddle boarders, including award-winning actress Edie Falco, Maria Baum and Richard Perry, raced alongside Hamilton at Sag Harbor’s Havens Beach. Baum, co-owner of Hamptons restaurant Tutto Il Giorno and founder of the event, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. She credits paddle boarding with enabling her to cope through her diagnosis, treatment and subsequent recovery.

Onlookers included family and friends of the paddlers, as well as BCRF supporters Carolyn Murphy, CNN anchor Zoraida Sambolin, and Hamilton’s wife, Reece. “Taking part in today’s race means a lot to so many people,” said Hamilton, the founder of stand-up paddle boarding. “I think everyone indirectly or directly is affected by breast cancer, or other forms of cancer, and I’m here to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. This was an incredible event. Everyone had a great time.” The Sunset Party, drew more than 500 BCRF supporters, including host committee members Aerin Lauder, William Lauder, Donna Karan, Benjamin Bram, Amy Butte and David Liebowitz, Gary Cohn and Lisa Pevaroff-Cohn, Thom Filicia, Lisa and David Klein, Kinga Lampert, Josh and Jennifer Neren, and Bippy and Jackie Siegal.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF)

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®, founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, is an independent not-for-profit organization committed to funding scientific research to achieve prevention and a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime. In 2013, BCRF has committed $45 million to support the work of more than 200 researchers at major medical institutions across 12 countries, including the US. Currently, 91 cents of every dollar spent by BCRF is directed towards breast cancer research and awareness programs. BCRF remains one of the most fiscally responsible charities in the country. For the eleventh time since 2002, it has earned 4 stars from Charity Navigator. Additionally, BCRF is the only breast cancer organization rated an “A+” by CharityWatch. For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org

One of the highlights of the evening was the auction of one-of-a-kind Laird Stand Up paddle boards designed by: Aerin Lauder, Cynthia Rowley, Tory Burch, Martha Stewart, Nicole Miller, J.Crew, Ross Bleckner, Leviev, Lisa Perry, Thom Filicia and Lisa Pevaroff-Cohn. The paddle boards, along with other auction items, which will help fund BCRF research projects, are open for bidding on CharityBuzz.com until 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 20. “The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is a very important organization,” said Martha Stewart. “Many of my friends have suffered from breast cancer, and the research BCRF does is very important.”

Other notable guests include: Matt Lauer, Edie Falco, Aida Turturro, Simon Doonan, Jonathan Adler, Hilary Rhoda, Mark Teixeira, and Jon and Mindy Gray. Chairman of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Clifford Hudis of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center spoke on BCRF’s significant impact over its 20-year history on understanding, diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Sponsors included Goldman Sachs Gives, Leviev, Lisa Perry, American Eurocopter, Bay Street Advisors, Dom Pérignon, Edmiston, Knoll and Gotham Jets.