Beauty industry professionals know that CEW’s Beauty of Giving luncheon is the event of the year, and this year’s gathering was no exception. Through its Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation, the event, held on December 14, at New York’s Hilton, supports its commitment to provide tools, services, and resources for cancer patients, allowing them to stay on the job as they face the challenges of treatment and recovery.

“The Beauty of Giving Luncheon,” said Heidi Manheimer, Chairwoman, Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation, “is held each year to support Cancer and Careers (CAC), CEW Foundation’s sole initiative launched in 2001.” As the opening speaker at the event, Manheimer emphasized the importance of investing in Cancer and Careers, noting the work the Foundation does to empower and educate people with cancer to thrive in their work environment.

Susan D. Plagemann, Chief Business Officer, Style Division, Condé Nast, encouraged attendees to contribute to Cancer and Careers, noting that the Foundation’s work benefits 525,000 individuals every year, and helps 1,400 people every day. “The contributions, no matter the size, are important as avenues to community and pathways to hope,” she said.

Rebecca Nellis, Cancer and Careers Executive Director, said, “We launched the initiative because there was a black hole in the need we had to fulfill; and the ripple effect it sets in motion touches everyone. Before 2001 no one talked about how cancer affects your job, and one of Cancer and Careers greatest accomplishments was in moving the conversation forward.”

She thanked the Beauty of Giving event sponsors, which included Condé Nast, Pfizer Oncology, Robertet, BeautyKind, Marina Maher Communications, Orlandi, QVC, Tweezerman, Beauty Inc, Consultancy Media, Kaplow Communications, and WWD; and Founding sponsors, Avon Breast Cancer Crusade, Genentech, QVC, and Tweezerman; Platinum sponsors were, Pfizer Oncology, P&G Beauty; Gold sponsors were Chanel Inc., The Estée Lauder Companies Inc., Firmenich, L’Oreal USA, Shiseido Americas, and Ma Cher; and Silver sponsors, Allure, Cos Bar, Laura Geller, Luminess Air, Nordstrom, Seattle Genetics, Sephora USA, Inc. and Target.

Fund Raising Auction

One of the highlights of the luncheon is a live auction of trips and experiences, which are sold to raise funds for a range of Cancer and Careers programs. This year, Erin Ward, Founder of Star Benefit Auctions, conducted the auction, which included a Luxury Tahitian Cruise, donated by MaCher and Paul Gauguin Cruises; a Private Villa Escape in Belize; a Truffle Hunt Getaway in Umbria, donated by Skin&Co Roma; Four Seasons Palm Beach Escape, donated by Conde Nast and Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach; Discovering the Next Big Thing in LA, donated by Sonia Kashuk, New Beauty, Oribe, and Robert Graham;  and The Ultimate Coachella Experience, donated by Pantene and P&G Beauty. The total dollar amount raised for Cancer and Careers at the event was $570,000.

CEW Honors P&G Beauty

Carlotta Jacobson, President, CEW explained the vision and importance of Cancer and Careers in personal terms. “This year, a staff member of CEW was diagnosed with cancer. Being faced with it for the first time was very difficult. I saw up close the fear and frustration and I truly became aware of the importance of Cancer and Careers,” she said.

“P&G’s support is making it possible to realize our vision. Seventeen years ago, P&G helped us get started and their support has contributed to help us grow. They enable us to empower our survivors and improve our lives. It is my honor to present the 2018 Beauty of Giving Award to Alex Keith, President, P&G Beauty, The Procter & Gamble Company,” said Jacobson.

As a founding sponsor, P&G Beauty continues to support ongoing Cancer and Careers programs, including career coaching, job search expertise, and trainings for healthcare professionals. In accepting the award, Keith said, “It is deeply meaningful to me for P&G to be recognized with this award. Being able to support our employees where they live and work is a source of pride for P&G. Balancing health and work demands during treatment is so important. We are here to have a meaningful impact and make a difference in people’s lives. I view this as an opportunity to continue to find ways to improve people’s lives.”

She then announced that P&G was doubling its sponsorship of Cancer and Careers this year. In closing, she said, “We at P&G know that our support provides an outstanding return on our investment.”

Cancer and Careers provides free education, services, and information to survivors, healthcare providers, and employers nationwide.