VOICE Dinner Raises $125,000

The Varadi Ovarian Initiative for Cancer Education (VOICE) held its Second Annual Achievement Dinner Dance, Ribbons of Hope, on Wednesday, September 19.
The mission of the organization is “to promote the early detection of ovarian cancer through education, research and advocacy.” It was started by Charles “Chick” Rudy in honor of his significant other, North Shore Towers resident Dr. Marilyn Varadi. He explained that when she fell ill about three and a half years ago, she was initially diagnosed incorrectly with having reflux. Sensing that was not correct, she asked to be test for ovarian cancer, eventually going to see Dr. John Curtin at the New York University School of Medicine.
“The keys to early detection and awareness are action,” Rudy said.
During this year’s gala, which was held at North Hills Country Club, more than 250 attended and more than $125,000 was raised. The honorees were Matthew Classi, a managing member of GCP Capital Group, LLC, who received the Achievement in Business Award; author Susan Isaacs, the recipient of the Achievement in Arts Award; and CNN news anchor Paula Zahn, who was recognized with the Achievement in Media Award.
“This is a disease to be conquered. Knowledge is the key word and we must continue to search for it,” Zahn said in a video acceptance speech that was shown. “Keep raising your voices, keep getting that life-saving information out there. I applaud your dedication and fierce determination.”
An award of appreciation was also presented to Dr. David A. Fishman, an honorary chairperson for VOICE and the Director of Gynecology and Oncology at the NYU School of Medicine and Director of the Cancer Detection and Screening Program at the NYU Clinical Cancer Institute. VOICE also gave Fishman a $100,000 check to establish the Marilyn Varadi Research Fellowship for Ovarian Cancer Research.
“We can make a difference if we work together as a community,” Fishman said.
Jay Grossman was vice chair and Tom Donovan was the dinner chair. Music was provide by Harmony Entertainment. There was also a silent auction and raffle prizes.
For more information on VOICE, contact Chick Rudy at 516-353-4689.