We spoke with the honorees of this year’s Hamptons Happening to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, which will be held on July 8 in Bridgehampton at the estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel.
Chef Ralph Scamardella is the executive vice president and chief culinary officer of Tao Group Hospitality. He has been with the company for 17 years.
Lori and Scott Levine are the founders of Scott’s Protein Balls. “Our protein balls were created by my husband, Scott, during my breast cancer treatment in 2017 to show his love for me and to create a healthy snack that would satisfy my sweet tooth,” said Lori. “Our balls are clean, soy-free, and low sugar. I take them with me wherever I go.”
Jeweler Anna Zuckerman will be the fashion honoree for the event. “Growing up, I carefully observed and assisted my father, who had his own gold smithing business, where he created bespoke jewelry out of the finest diamonds and gems for a select clientele. I was infatuated with the craft,” she said. She earned a certification with the Gemological Institute of America and opened a small fine jewelry boutique focusing on diamonds. She now repurposes salvaged lab-grown diamonds and gem materials that would otherwise go to waste, creating the Anna Zuckerman collection.
Denise Albert is a journalist, entrepreneur, producer, and cancer advocate. She spent the past 20 years working at ABC’s “Good Morning America” as deputy editorial producer and she was the co-founder of TheMOMS.com. My Cancer Family is her latest venture with the primary mission to support all cancer patients and their families in every way that’s non-medical. At the core of the platform is a user-friendly app that brings people together for support and information. “I learned firsthand about how important this was during my own cancer journey,” she said. “I love doctors and nurses, but they can’t do everything, especially to address the emotional and support component of the journey.”
Congratulations on being honored. How did you become involved with the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation’s Hamptons Happening Event?
Chef Ralph Scamardella: I have known [Event Chair] Mark Friedmen for a few years now after meeting him at different events. Cancer has affected my family, so I feel a strong bond to the cause and I wanted to help.
Lori Levine: An integral part of our company’s mission is to give back, especially to organizations that support cancer research. [Committee member] Karen Amster-Young has been supporting the organization for years and knows our company well. She recommended us to be the first recipient of the Outstanding Product Award. We are honored and excited.
Denise Albert: I’m so honored to be a part of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation. I was contacted by committee member Karen Amster-Young. Our paths have crossed for years and it’s truly so meaningful that she thought to reach out to me. I’m also looking to learn about more organizations dedicated to cancer.
Anna Zuckerman: I was introduced to the organization by our CEO, Leena Gurevich-Nuńez. I am thrilled to not only sponsor the event, but be bestowed with the honor of receiving the Fashion Cares Award.
Why is cancer research important to you?
LL: Without research and continued advancements, we will never find better treatments or even a cure one day. I was always supportive of the cause but of course after my own breast cancer journey, my commitment became an integral part of the company’s mission.
AZ: I was 33 when my husband passed away from Leukemia, leaving me as a single mother with two toddlers. I know firsthand how impactful the loss is, and I am committed to helping spread awareness and raise money to help find a cure.
DA: Without research and science, I wouldn’t be alive. A few different medicines and treatments saved my life, but most specifically Herceptin, an immunotherapy medicine that was first used in 1992. Just 30 years ago, I might not have survived. My boys may have had to grow up without a mother. Every single day matters with cancer and cancer research.
Even in the few years since my treatment ended, there are advancements in the exact treatment I had, which helps others in their journey and lifestyle during treatment. It’s truly unbelievable to see such growth and better treatments for people behind me.
RS: Cancer research is important to me because it’s a never-ending process. Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people in millions of ways, and we need to constantly help.
What are you most looking forward to at this year’s event?
AZ: I am looking forward to the overall event as this will be my first Hamptons Happening event and certainly won’t be my last.
LL: I can’t wait to sample all the food from top chefs! I am also excited to have an opportunity to introduce more people to our snacks so they know they can fill their sweet cravings with our balls. We are going to be in the sweet section with all of the desserts so that says a lot about our flavors! I hope I get to dance to the great music too!
RS: I look forward to meeting the people who made this event happen and our guests who share the same bond to the cause.
DA: I’m looking forward to meeting the other honorees, all doing so much to help in the fight against cancer. The more we can share our stories, and raise awareness, the more that can and hopefully will be done in the medical space. I’m so inspired by Scott’s Protein Balls, another startup founded by a survivor. It’s so hard to get a company off the ground and the fact that they were able to do it, and in a way that is healthy and helps others is so meaningful. I’m excited to meet Ralph Scarmadella and his TAO team and to learn more about their philanthropy. I know they have done a lot in the breast cancer space and it’s truly amazing when large companies support organizations such as the Waxman Foundation and make a larger difference.
What do you like to enjoy when you’re in the Hamptons?
RS: I enjoy the being on the beach and in a calm relaxing environment.
LL: There are so many things to love about the Hamptons it’s hard to pick a favorite. One of my favorite things to do is visit the WÖlffer Wine Stand on Friday night to watch the sun set over the vines and listen to live music. I love the variety of fitness classes from SoulCycle to Mivana Move to all of the amazing yoga classes. I especially love walking around Sag Harbor. As for restaurants, Tutto il Giorno in Sag Harbor, Elaia Estiatorio in Bridgehampton, and Si Si’s in East Hampton are among my favorites.
DA: Last summer I stayed at Baron’s Cove with my two boys. We loved being able to walk right into town and their rooms were so perfect. I’d love to do that again, and also the Southampton Inn and try some of the new boutique hotels. Anytime I’m out there I try to get to SoulCycle. Spinning helped to get me through my cancer journey and it’s my favorite way to stay active, besides hiking, walking, and Pilates, which I hope to try this summer. I like to walk with Joyce Shulman of 99 Walks and JettiFit. I love to shop with LexOutEast, she has a Sprinter van that comes to you. I love to support and meet all female entrepreneurs like them and some of my long-time favorites are Ramy Brook and Bobbi Brown (Jones Road) and I look forward to checking out their new stores.
AZ: After moving to Boca Raton, Florida, over five years ago, I have not had the opportunity to enjoy the Hamptons as often as I would like, therefore, this year, I will explore local businesses and indulge in some of the many stellar restaurants such as The Palm, Nick & Toni’s, and more.
