A Benefit for Cancer Genetics Research

Join us for an elegant summer evening in the Hamptons as we gather to celebrate the start of the U.S. Open and the season ahead with a luxury fundraiser benefiting groundbreaking cancer research.

Guests will enjoy a beautiful night of beverages, curated hors d’oeuvres, and live entertainment inspired by the vibrant sounds of the Gipsy Kings, creating the perfect atmosphere for connection, philanthropy, and celebration. The evening will also feature a thoughtfully curated silent auction and special moments throughout the night.

At the heart of the evening is an important conversation:
“The Power of Knowing: How Our Family History Is Shaping the Future of Cancer Care”

In partnership with Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center, Dr. Kara Maxwell, and Living LFS, this gathering will explore how understanding our family’s health history can transform the future of cancer detection, prevention, and treatment.

Together, we will discuss how inherited cancer risk affects families and how advances in genetics are changing the way medicine approaches care. While this event raises funds to support research for families living with Li-Fraumeni syndrome (LFS), the insights gained from this high-risk community are helping shape better screening and treatment for people everywhere.

What we discover here doesn’t stay here - it moves medicine forward for everyone.

Don’t miss this unforgettable evening of music, conversation, and impact as we kick off the U.S. Open week and summer in the Hamptons in support of a cause that touches so many.

Reception

Live music performed by "The sounds of the Gipsy Kings"

Silent auction

Meaningful conversation & community

An elegant night. A powerful cause. A future changed by knowledge.

Mission & Impact:

• What is Li-Fraumeni Syndrome (LFS)?
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome is a rare hereditary cancer predisposition syndrome caused by a germline mutation in the TP53 tumor suppressor gene. It significantly increases the risk of developing several types of cancer over a lifetime.
• How your donations help:
  • Proceeds from this event directly support Living LFS’s mission to provide community support and fund groundbreaking cancer research in partnership with Penn Medicine’s Abramson Cancer Center. This research specifically focuses on advancing screening, early detection, and targeted treatments for high-risk genetic families.
  • Proceeds from this event directly support Living LFS’s mission to provide community support for LFS patients and families. Specifically, every year Living LFS awards tens of thousands of dollars in hardship grants to families struggling with the financial burdens that accompany an LFS diagnosis. Your donations directly help families keep their lights on as they balance the cost of whole-body MRI screenings, time away from work due to cancer, and mounting medical bills.

Venue:
Calissa is known for its curated coastal cuisine and vibrant atmosphere making it the ideal stage for an unforgettable evening of beverages, Gipsy Kings rhythms, and collective impact.

Live Music:
Known as the greatest Gipsy Kings Tribute Band, "The sounds of the Gipsy Kings" play a mix of World, Latin, & Flamenco music.

Dr. Kara Maxwell:
A leader in the field of cancer genetics, Dr. Kara Maxwell is dedicated to decoding the mysteries of our DNA. Her work at the Basser Center for BRCA and Penn Medicine focuses on how inherited risk, like Li-Fraumeni syndrome, can be used as a roadmap for prevention. Dr. Maxwell doesn't just treat cancer; she works to stay one step ahead of it, empowering families with the power of knowledge.


Living LFS:
Living LFS exists to ensure that no one facing Li-Fraumeni syndrome walks the path of hereditary cancer alone. Its mission is to “encourage, empower, and educate those living with Li-Fraumeni Syndrome by connecting them with care, resources, and others who are Living LFS.” Through that mission, Living LFS builds community and provides direct support, including LFS Hardship Grants that help families manage the financial burden of screening, treatment, travel, and other costs of care.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Logistics & Attendance

• What is the dress code?
  • The attire for the evening is Hamptons Chic / Summer Elegant. We recommend breathable, reception-appropriate attire suitable for a sophisticated indoor/outdoor Mediterranean garden setting.
• Is parking available at Calissa?
  • Yes, Calissa offers on-site parking.
• What is included with my ticket?
  • Each ticket includes entry to the event, refreshments including alcoholic beverages, curated Mediterranean hors d'oeuvres, live entertainment by "The Sounds of the Gipsy Kings," and access to our mission-driven program and auctions.

Financials & Support

• Is my ticket purchase tax-deductible?
  • Living LFS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law, minus the "fair market value" (FMV) of the event experience (food, beverage, and entertainment). A formal acknowledgment letter stating the tax-deductible portion will be sent to all ticket holders after the event.
• What if I purchase a ticket but cannot attend?
  • Tickets are non-refundable but your ticket purchase will be converted into a 100% tax-deductible donation to Living LFS. Tickets are also transferable.
• Can I support the cause without attending?
  • Absolutely. You can use the "Donate" button on the main event page to make a direct contribution, or browse our silent auction online (launching closer to the event date).
  • For gifts over $2,000 via Wire Transfer or Donor-Advised Fund, please contact hello@livinglfs.org for instructions.
• Are sponsorship opportunities still available?
  • Yes. We have tiers ranging from Supporting Sponsor ($2,500) to Presenting Sponsor ($30,000). Each level includes ticket allotments and unique marketing visibility. You can view the full deck on the main page or contact our organizers for a customized package.
  • Additionally, in-kind donations for the auctions are welcome. Please contact Cristina for more information.

Additional Information

• Who do I reach out to with questions?
  • The main contact for the event is Cristina Morais who can be reached at cristina@hamptonsfamilymedia.com
  • For specific Living LFS questions please email hello@LivingLFS.org

Special Acknowledgments

• Host Committee:
  • Chair: Cristina C. Morais
  • Peter Anderson
  • Alexandra Cuber
  • Chris Vasoli
  • Lauren Steinberg Bogner
  • Amy Gibbons
  • Meredith Lewis