Gala For New Morton's Benefits Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a Charity With Local Roots

by Debbie Manetta & Judy Silberstein

(July 7, 2004) Morton’s, The Steakhouse in White Plains rolled out the red carpet Tuesday evening, July 6, for its grand opening gala: A Stake in the Future, to benefit Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a three-decades old organization with deep and growing roots in Larchmont and Mamaroneck. All of the dollars raised will go to the Foundation, a nonprofit organization that funds treatment, research and equipment for pediatric cancer, with the mission of curing childhood cancer.

Mamaroneck resident Nancy Joselson, executive director of Pediatric Cancer Foundation, was instrumental in organizing the event, which featured a cocktail reception and strolling dinner party for nearly 400 invited guests, including foundation supporters, community business leaders, local politicians, opinion leaders and members of the media.

Ms. Joselson applauded Morton's for their civic involvement and delicious cuisine. “Most importantly, we thank them for helping us with our mission to hold the hand of a child,” she said.

Foundation supporter Mark Hirschhorn led the evening’s live auction as the official auctioneer. “Mark has a gift for auctioneering,” said Nancy Joselson, who recruited the Larchmont resident for this and previous events. Among the items Mr. Hirshhorn auctioned off, for around $4000, was an evening of pampering at Neiman Marcus “for you and 25 of your closest friends” who will be picked up by limo-bus and transported to the store for canapés, champagne, and personal lessons in “beauty 1010.” In the end, over $60,000 was raised for the benefit of the foundation.

Among the guests were Westchester County District Attorney Jeanine Pirro, White Plains Mayor Delfino, and Donald Trump’s right hand woman from The Apprentice, Carolyn Kepcher. John Bettin, president of Morton’s The Steakhouse said, “The benefit party with Pediatric Cancer Foundation is our first step in becoming an involved community member. Pediatric Cancer Foundation is an exceptionally dedicated, worthwhile organization. We’re excited to be able to contribute to their cause.”

In addition to involving Westchester and national businesses in support of the foundation, Ms. Joselson has been reaching out closer to home. Mr. Hirschhorn is only one of the many local residents who have become involved with the charity.

“This is something that is quite wonderful. The Mamaroneck schools have started to participate," Ms. Joselson added. "Last year, all the first grades at Mamaroneck Avenue School created valentines for all the children who have cancer at the five hospitals that we support. This year, the fifth graders participated in a carwash to raise funds for the foundation.“ (See MAS Fifth Graders Wash Cars for Cancer Group.)

The Westchester Jewish Center, where the family is affiliated, recently sent a busload of children and parents to the 10th annual bikeathon for the foundation.

Serving as executive director is Ms. Joselson’s job, but “It’s what I love to do,” she said. “’It’s absolutely true that I am proud to be a Mamaroneck resident and parent,” she said as she described how her community has gotten behind the foundation.

For more information on how you can get involved with Pediatric Cancer Foundation, log on to www.pcfweb.org .

Debbie Manetta lives in Larchmont, volunteers with Pediatric Cancer Foundation and works in marketing for Morton's, the Steakhouse.