Approximately 250 people supported the Varadi Ovarian Initiative for Cancer Education (VOICE) as it held its First Annual Achievement Dinner Dance on Wednesday, September 13.
The organization was founded by Charles “Chick” Rudy as a way to pay tribute to his long-time significant other, North Shore Towers resident Marilyn Varadi.
“It was two-and-a-half years ago that the seed was planted for VOICE,” Rudy said. “I wanted to find some way to honor Marilyn, my wonderful significant other of 15 years, who was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in February of 2004.”
VOICE helps to educate people about ovarian cancer, which has been described as the “silent killer,” while also supporting research that is being done in the field.
The dinner dance took place at the North Hills Country Club, located in Manhasset. The evening included entertainment by Harmony Music, a silent auction, raffles and a live auction.
VOICE also honored Donald Rubin of the Shelley and Donald Rubin Foundation and Rubin Museum with the VOICE Achievement in the Arts and Culture Award. Thomas Donovan, a partner with Massey Knakal and executive director of its Queens office who is a former marine and police officer, was given the VOICE Achievement Award for Business.
Donovan and Rubin were also presented with city proclamations by Councilmember David Weprin.
“It's a great honor for me to honor these two very distinguished guests with a proclamation from the City Council of the City of New York,” Weprin said.
Dr. James L. Speyer, the Medical Director of the New York University Clinical Cancer Center, was the guest speaker at the event. He spoke about the many changes going on in the field of ovarian cancer and the constant work that is being done in the field.
Voice holds first achievement dinner dance
By Jessica Lyons
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