Jamie Matusow, Editor-in-Chief12.17.15
Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) held its annual Beauty of Giving Luncheon & Live Auction on Friday, December 11, benefiting Cancer and Careers, the philanthropic arm of the organization. Cancer and Careers is the only program of its kind, dedicated to empowering and educating people with cancer to thrive in their workplace by providing expert advice, interactive tools and educational services.
Shown in the photo above, L-R: Heidi Manheimer (chairwoman, CEW Foundation Board), Cindy Crawford, Sonia Kashuk, Carlotta Jacobson, Kate Sweeney. Photo by Patricia Willis Photography
Lifelong friends Cindy Crawford (L) and Sonia Kashuk, the honoree of
this event, support the cause. Photo: Patricia Willia Photography
The event, held at New York City’s famed Waldorf-Astoria, drew more than 600 industry professionals and leaders. Attendance, donations and top bids generated by the occasion’s popular live auction of one-of-a-kind experiences raised more than $665,000. Those present had the opportunity to bid on entries including a nearly impossible to score reservation for six at Rao’s; a luxurious family getaway to Cabo; an unforgettable night at the Grammys; and a once-in-a-lifetime experience to witness the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.
But while the live auction had a light-hearted nature, the gist of the event was sobering in its tribute to the many women who are stricken each year with cancer. As Sonia Kashuk, the honoree of this event—and a cancer survivor, herself—told the crowd: “When a woman hears that terrible word from her doctor, the first question she asks is ‘Will I die?’ and the second is: ‘Will I still be able to work?’ ”
Kashuk is a member of the CEW Foundation Board and also a co-spokeswoman for the annual QVC & CEW Presents Beauty with Benefits program. She works with CEW through QVC to support Cancer and Careers, and credited the organization for giving women in the beauty industry a fighting chance to maintain their jobs and a normal routine in spite of their diagnoses; in other words, to keep their identity.
Carlotta Jacobson, president of CEW, praised Kashuk for her professional achievements, recognizing her “as the first makeup artist to partner with a retailer (Target),” and to bring Prestige beauty to the Mass Market.
Kate Sweeney, executive director of CEW Foundation, introduced Kashuk, saying: “Sonia has lent her voice, passion and resources to help make Cancer and Careers the workplace authority it is today. We are delighted that Sonia’s good friend and fellow Beauty with Benefits spokeswoman Cindy Crawford was able to join us for a special tribute to her. It is always inspiring to see the entire beauty community come together to support one of their own, while raising critical funds to empower cancer survivors to be the boss over cancer.”
Crawford said of her long-time friend: “Sonia—you inspire me in so many ways. You are a true friend and celebrate your friends’ successes as much as your own. You are a creative force who never rests on her laurels but constantly strives for better. But most importantly, you are a tiger mother and wife who gives so much of herself to her family. Your unconditional love enables them to take on the world. I love you, friend!"
It was an afternoon filled with hope and compassion for cancer patients and survivors in the beauty industry—and everywhere. And it served as a special thank you to CEW and all the generous and tireless advocates of Cancer and Careers.
Shown in the photo above, L-R: Heidi Manheimer (chairwoman, CEW Foundation Board), Cindy Crawford, Sonia Kashuk, Carlotta Jacobson, Kate Sweeney. Photo by Patricia Willis Photography
Lifelong friends Cindy Crawford (L) and Sonia Kashuk, the honoree of
this event, support the cause. Photo: Patricia Willia Photography
But while the live auction had a light-hearted nature, the gist of the event was sobering in its tribute to the many women who are stricken each year with cancer. As Sonia Kashuk, the honoree of this event—and a cancer survivor, herself—told the crowd: “When a woman hears that terrible word from her doctor, the first question she asks is ‘Will I die?’ and the second is: ‘Will I still be able to work?’ ”
Kashuk is a member of the CEW Foundation Board and also a co-spokeswoman for the annual QVC & CEW Presents Beauty with Benefits program. She works with CEW through QVC to support Cancer and Careers, and credited the organization for giving women in the beauty industry a fighting chance to maintain their jobs and a normal routine in spite of their diagnoses; in other words, to keep their identity.
Carlotta Jacobson, president of CEW, praised Kashuk for her professional achievements, recognizing her “as the first makeup artist to partner with a retailer (Target),” and to bring Prestige beauty to the Mass Market.
Kate Sweeney, executive director of CEW Foundation, introduced Kashuk, saying: “Sonia has lent her voice, passion and resources to help make Cancer and Careers the workplace authority it is today. We are delighted that Sonia’s good friend and fellow Beauty with Benefits spokeswoman Cindy Crawford was able to join us for a special tribute to her. It is always inspiring to see the entire beauty community come together to support one of their own, while raising critical funds to empower cancer survivors to be the boss over cancer.”
Crawford said of her long-time friend: “Sonia—you inspire me in so many ways. You are a true friend and celebrate your friends’ successes as much as your own. You are a creative force who never rests on her laurels but constantly strives for better. But most importantly, you are a tiger mother and wife who gives so much of herself to her family. Your unconditional love enables them to take on the world. I love you, friend!"
It was an afternoon filled with hope and compassion for cancer patients and survivors in the beauty industry—and everywhere. And it served as a special thank you to CEW and all the generous and tireless advocates of Cancer and Careers.
