CareOne, a family-owned healthcare company, raised $1.7 million to support the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and its efforts to eliminate breast cancer (BC) — the second deadliest cancer among women in the U.S. — through this year’s Queen of Hearts Ball & Casino Night event in New York City.
Money from the Feb. 9 fundraiser will be used to accelerate discovery into all aspects of breast cancer, from its biology and genetics, to prevention, treatment, and metastasis, according to a press release.
CareOne, specialized in post-hospital, rehabilitation, assisted living, and long-term care, each year selects a charitable organization to support through its fundraising event. Past initiatives raised almost $5 million for charities that include The Valerie Fund Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders, and Boston’s One Fund.
This year, the company chose to celebrate BCRF’s work and its commitment to ending breast cancer by advancing state-of-the-art research. BCRF, founded in 1993, has funded research that lead to major discoveries in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This year, BCRF is investing $54 million in research, supporting the work of 240 scientists in 13 countries.
“The commitment made by CareOne, Daniel E. Straus and his family is incredibly inspiring. They are second to none. We are thrilled to have CareOne and the Straus family join us in our mission to put breast cancer out of business,” said Leonard A. Lauder, BCRF’s honorary chairman.
“For nearly 20 years, we’ve been providing exceptional care for our patients, prioritizing their health and well-being and striving to provide superior clinical outcomes across our continuum of care,” said Mr. Straus, chairman and CEO of CareOne Management. “Philanthropy is something which my parents Joseph and Gwendolyn dedicated their lives to, and something my daughter Elizabeth and I are incredibly passionate about. We are honored to support the great efforts of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and proud to do our part in finding a cure for this devastating disease that claims the lives of so many.”
All proceeds raised at the Queen of Hearts Ball & Casino Night went directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. The event featured a Prohibition Era theme, with 1920s-inspired cocktails and music, and a buffet dinner and casino-inspired games.
“Daniel and his daughter Elizabeth are propelling BCRF’s vision forward, faster. Their very significant investment in breast cancer research will go far in helping to bring about prevention and a cure for this disease, which touches so many lives and families,” said BCRF’s president and CEO, Myra Biblowit. “The Queens of Hearts Ball & Casino Night is one of the most successful fundraising events ever undertaken by an independent group on behalf of BCRF — CareOne’s dedication is clear. BCRF is honored to be the beneficiary of their philanthropy, which is truly changing the future.”
CareOne, based in New Jersey, operates 52 care centers across six states.