BCRF’s Boston Hot Pink Party Raises More Than $2 Million For Research

Annual gala honored BCRF Scientific Director Dr. Judy E. Garber in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the breast cancer field

BOSTON, MA., May 2, 2025 – The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) hosted its 19th annual Boston Hot Pink Party on Friday, May 2 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston. The evening raised $2 million and counting to support BCRF’s global legion of more than 260 scientists pursuing high-impact, lifesaving breast cancer research.

BCRF Board Co-chair Karen Hale presented BCRF Scientific Director Judy E. Garber, MD, MPH (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School) with the Carolyn Lynch Humanitarian Award for her deep commitment to advancing breast cancer research. The evening also honored Debbie Moody with the Roslyn and Leslie Goldstein Unsung Hero Award, presented to her by Jean Teague. Guests were treated to a special performance by yacht rock tribute band, Three Sheets to the Wind. 

Notable guests included  Paula and Bill Ebben; Kelley Tuthill and Brendan Ward, Lauren and Charlie Baker, Patti and Jonathan Kraft, Linda and Jay Hooley; Laura and Nate Michud; Kerry and Jeremy Sclar; Linda and Dan Waintrup; Trisha Pérez Kennealy and Mike Keannealy, Emily Rooney; Barbara and Jorge Quiroga, Jonathan Soroff and Samuel Mazzarelli; and others. 

This year, BCRF is awarding over $9.3 million in grants to 41 scientists from New England and has invested over $135 million cumulatively in lifesaving research in the region.

“Each of you are here tonight because you believe in the power of research,” said Karen Hale in her presentation of the Carolyn Lynch Humanitarian Award. “A leading light in research – someone who lives and leads with acumen and compassion – is none other than Dr. Judy Garber. Judy has been a tireless advocate in the fight against breast cancer, ensuring that cutting edge science translates into compassionate, effective care.”

Dr. Garber, the Susan F. Smith Chair and Chief of Cancer Genetics and Prevention at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, has garnered international acclaim for her groundbreaking work in breast cancer genetics, risk assessment and BRCA-related therapeutic approaches. A professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and attending physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she has held distinguished leadership roles, including president of the American Association for Cancer Research. Her exceptional contributions earned her election to the National Academy of Medicine and numerous other prestigious appointments and awards.

“I am tremendously honored to receive this year’s BCRF Carolyn Lynch Humanitarian Award,” said Dr. Judy Garber. “It has been my honor to work with the exceptionally creative, productive and collaborative group of physicians and scientists who comprise the BCRF grantee community, and they are a group unstintingly willing to do whatever they can to advance the cause of making a difference in breast cancer.”

Since BCRF’s founding three decades ago, breast cancer mortality rates have plummeted by a staggering 44 percent. In a remarkable recent development, a  new study, released at the American Association for Cancer Research meeting last week, reported an 80 percent reduction in breast cancer deaths among women aged 20-49 over a 10-year period. Research is the reason. BCRF-funded investigators have been part of every major breakthrough in the field, translating cutting-edge science into lives saved.

The event’s leadership includes honorary chairs Charlie and Lauren Baker (former Governor and First Lady, Commonwealth of MA), Karen and Rob Hale, Nancy and Rick Kelleher, Patti and Jonathan Kraft, Kinga and Edward Lampert, Judy and Leonard Lauder, and William P. Lauder; co-chairs Sinesia and Bill Karol, Kelley Tuthill and Brendan Ward, and Simone Winston; Boston Ambassador Elisha Daniels; and Founders Judith P. Schlager and Sandra G. Krakoff, in memoriam.

The event decor was designed by Rafanelli Events. The evening’s success was made possible by the generous support of sponsors including: Karen and Rob Hale; Traders4ACause; Kinga and Edward Lampert; Judy and Leonard Lauder; William P. Lauder; The Kraft Group; The Lynch Foundation; Peter S. Lynch and The Lynch Family; Sinesia and Bill Karol; Kitty and Tim Pinch; The Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation; and TJX.

About the Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in the best minds in science—and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration—to examine every aspect of the disease from prevention to metastasis. Our approach accelerates the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need. We can’t stop now. Join us in fueling the world’s most promising research. With you, we will bring the end of breast cancer into focus. Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org.