The Cosmetic Executive Women Foundation honored Laura Geller, founder of Laura Geller New York, at its annual Beauty of Giving Luncheon on December 9th, 2016. The event, held at the Waldorf Astoria, raised an estimated grand total of $732k to benefit CEW’s signature charity, Cancer and Careers — beating last year’s total of $650k.

See the slideshow above for photos from the event, featuring Laura Geller with her award, and posing with Carlotta Jacobson, Kate Sweeney, and Elana Drell-Szyfer. All photos by JF Productions.

Kate Sweeney, Executive Director of CEW Foundation, said, “The CEW Foundation is so fortunate to have industry icons like Laura Geller provide support for Cancer and Careers. From her commitment to supporting Laura Geller New York employees who are working through cancer, to her exceptional generosity over the years, Laura is an inspiration to us all.”

Cancer and Careers is a national non-profit that empowers and educates working people with cancer. The money raised will support the organization’s free services for working people with cancer. Sales of tables, tickets and sponsorships raised approximately $546k; $110k was contributed to the organization’s “fund a need” program; and the event’s live auction raised $75,500 from beauty executives bidding on prizes.

The auction’s prizes included a Grammy Awards Hollywood Glam Package; a River Cruise to Burgundy and Provence; and a luxurious private estate holiday for ten at Jumby Bay Island.

The event was sponsored by: Condé Nast, Robertet, Pfizer Oncology, QVC, Gotha Cosmetics, Yonwoo/PKG, Mary Kay, Orlandi Inc, P&G Beauty, Tweezerman, BeautyKind, Beauty Inc., Consultancy Media, Kaplow Communications, Suite K and WWD.

Laura Geller’s Commitment to the Cause

Laura Geller’s personal dedication to Cancer and Careers spans the last decade. She has served as a CEWF Board Member, ambassador, program supporter, event sponsor and cause marketing partner, inspiring a company-wide commitment to the cause at Laura Geller New York. Her company has donated more than $500,000 to date, as well as $600,000 worth of products to the CEW & QVC Present Beauty with Benefits broadcasts.

Laura Geller is preparing to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary next spring. Geller began her career as a makeup artist working on Broadway, before launching her own beauty line on QVC. Laura Geller’s Spackle collection of primers and baked cosmetics have been best-selling favorites for over a dozen years.

See the slideshow above.