Elizabeth Hurley speaking at the BCRF Gala on May 13, 2025 Photo Credit: Getty Images

BCRF Hot Pink Party Raises Record $11M: Elizabeth Hurley Stuns in Floral Gown as Jersey Mike's CEO Donates $2M for Breast Cancer Research

Last night, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) transformed The Glasshouse in New York City into a rose-scented wonderland for their annual Hot Pink Party. The venue bloomed with fragrant blossoms at every turn, signature rosy cocktails flowed freely, and one attendee captivated all in a breathtaking Giambattista Valli masterpiece - its train adorned with ethereal silk and tulle rosettes that unquestionably crowned it the evening's most magnificent ensemble. The spectacular gala shattered previous fundraising records, generating an impressive $11 million to fuel the groundbreaking work of BCRF's worldwide network of 260 researchers dedicated to pioneering transformative breast cancer breakthroughs.

Elizabeth Hurley, Global Ambassador of The Estée Lauder Companies' Breast Cancer Campaign, presided over the evening draped in botanical splendor - her exquisite gown entirely embellished with shimmering baby pink floral embroidery. The Austin Powers luminary elevated her ensemble with molten rose-gold stilettos that brilliantly showcased her sculpted legs. Her adornments spoke of refined elegance: a substantial diamond cuff encircled her wrist while cascading silver earrings caught the light with every graceful movement of her head.

Joseph Lauder and Estee Lauder at BCRF gala, Credit: Getty images

True Passion for the Cause, Celebrity Guests came poised to give

The star-studded gala united a constellation of luminaries bound by their unwavering commitment to ending breast cancer. Elizabeth Hurley's son, Damian, stood proudly by his mother's side - their family's dedication spanning generations - while prima ballerina Misty Copeland, acclaimed actress Nia Long, and supermodel Imaan Hammam lent their influential voices to the foundation's mission.

Fashion icon Vera Wang arrived with characteristic elegance, joining "Orange Is the New Black" star Emma Myles, "Bachelor" alum Katie Thurston, and Broadway performer Sarrah Strimel Bentley among the gathering - each guest carrying personal stories connecting them to the cause, whether through loved ones affected by the disease or their own advocacy journeys. The evening pulsed with authentic passion as these celebrities and countless others united beyond the flashbulbs, their collective presence amplifying BCRF's vital mission far beyond a single glittering night.

Tatiana and Peter Cancro, founders of Jersey Mike’s Subs Photo Credit: Getty images

Incredible Generosity shown by Tatiana and Peter Cancro

The gala bestowed the prestigious Evelyn H. Lauder Spirit of Philanthropy Award upon Tatiana and Peter Cancro, the visionary founder and CEO of Jersey Mike's Subs, honoring their extraordinary commitment to breast cancer research. Their nationwide September 2024 campaign had already generated an impressive $4.4 million for BCRF, yet moved by the evening's overwhelming spirit of giving, the Cancros took to the podium and announced a breathtaking additional $2 million pledge. The night's poignant moments continued as breast cancer warrior Kate Williams received The Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award from fellow survivor and tireless advocate Marcella Kelson - a powerful testament to courage that left few dry eyes in the room.

Sting at the BCRF Gala, Photo Credit: Getty Images

Unforgettable Performance by Sting

Carrying the weight of personal loss, his mother Audrey claimed by breast cancer decades ago, 17-time Grammy Award winner STING delivered a performance resonating with profound emotional depth. The legendary artist transformed his classics "Every Breath You Take," "Fields of Gold," and "Englishman in New York" into stirring tributes of resilience and hope, each note underscored by intimate understanding of the foundation's mission.

STING's passionate delivery revealed the intersection of artistic brilliance and personal mission, his mother's memory clearly driving his unwavering support for the life-saving research that might spare others the pain his family endured.



Best Dressed Attendees:

Allyn Rose in Giambattista Valli, Photo Credit: Getty images

Allyn Rose, Miss Maryland USA 2011, Sports Illustrated model and breast cancer advocate

A celestial vision materialized at the gala - Giambattista Valli's triumphant creation in electrifying hot pink. The gown's bustier neckline commanded attention while sculptural rosettes adorned the shoulder and train with artistic splendor, each petal a testament to couture mastery. Diamond earrings and tennis bracelets, like stars plucked from the heavens, provided the perfect minimalist counterpoint, allowing the gown's magnificent femininity to reign supreme as the undisputed sovereign of the evening's fashion firmament.

The Evening’s High Notes

  • Genuine Passion and Support: Each speaker and performer who got on the stage had a personal connection to breast cancer – whether it was a family member or personal friend.

  • Atmosphere of Elegance: From the moment of arrival, where solitary roses hung in ethereal suspension, the venue dazzled with meticulous attention to detail. The stage glowed beneath a choreographed interplay of pristine white and vibrant fuchsia lighting, while luxurious arrangements of roses and peonies adorned cocktail tables throughout.

  • Fundraising Goals Surpassed: The staggering $11 million amassed throughout the evening stood as a breathtaking testament to the boundless generosity flowing from every heart in attendance—a record-shattering sum that transformed compassion into tangible hope for breast cancer patients worldwide.

Guests take home Jersey Mike’s subs after an evening of philanthropy, Credit: Getty images

BCRF is making an impact

In the 30 years since BCRF's founding, breast cancer mortality rates have declined by 44 percent, and a recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research revealed an 80 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths among women 20-49 over a decade. As the world's largest private funder of breast cancer research, BCRF-funded scientists have contributed to every major breakthrough in the field. However, with breast cancer incidence on the rise, BCRF's mission to fund innovative research is more critical than ever.

The event experience was made possible with generous support from Rafanelli Events and Winston Flowers. Guests enjoyed a musical set provided by DJ Tokyo Rose.

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