On October 28th, 2005, the Octoberwoman Foundation hosted its annual black-tie event, “The Pink Ribbon Ball” at the Westmount Country Club located in West Paterson, NJ with over 700 guests in attendance. The proceeds of the event were presented to Columbia University Medical Center to further breast cancer research at the Laboratory funded by the Octoberwoman Foundation.
James Gandolfini, star of HBO’s “The
Sopranos”, attended for the fourth time as Octoberwoman’s Special Guest of Honor. Other cast members who graciously attended from “The Sopranos” were: Lorraine Bracco, Vince Curatola, Tony Sirico, Aida Turturro, Sharon Angela and Carl Capotorto.
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Honorees for the evening included
Dr. J. Gregory
Mears, Clinical Professor of Medicine at the College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University Medical Center in New York and
Vicki Gaily recipient of the Foundation’s annual “Hope for the Future Award”.
Dr. Gregory Mears was introduced by colleague Dr. Charles Hesdorffer. Both doctors have worked closely with The Octoberwoman Foundation over the last decade. Through their hard work and efforts, the Octoberwoman Foundation’s lab has doubled in size over the last eleven years. Today, there are more scientists working on a cutting edge vaccine that will help in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Dr. Mears has been recognized seven times by New York Magazine as one of New York’s Best Doctors and this year he has received the accolade of one of “America’s Top Cancer Doctors”.
In attendance at the 2005 Pink Ribbon Ball included the following stars of HBO's hit series, The Soprano's: Carl Capotorto, Sharon Angela, Lorraine Bracco, Vince Curatola, James Gandolfini, Aida Turturro and Tony Sirico.
The “Hope for the Future” Award was presented to breast cancer survivor and activist, Vicki Gaily. Vicki has been successful in her struggle against breast cancer and helps the Octoberwoman Foundation by volunteering and sharing her own personal experiences with others in need. When Vicki achieved her 5-year survival in 1992, she marked the milestone by creating Special Properties Division of Brook Hollow Group, Inc., which is now one of the top-producing single office Real Estate companies in the tri-state area. Vicki hopes that she can send a message to all cancer survivors that life can go on productively after a serious and frightening illness.
Honorary Chairwomen for this year’s event were Judy DiBella of Park Ridge and Stephanie Weber of Ramsey. Event Co-Chairwomen included Linda Hanlon of Saddle Brook, Donna Mancinelli of Waldwick, and Tracie Truncellito of Westwood.
Dr. Charles Hesdorffer of Columbia University Medical Center and Judy DiBella, Co-Founder of the
OctoberWoman Foundation pose with the Pink Ribbon Ball's Honoree, Dr. J. Gregory Mears, also of Columbia University Medical Center.
Pictured with Vicki Gaily (center) the 2006 Recipient of the Foundation's Hope for the Future Award is her supporting family: Vicki's daughter Jennifer and Vicki's husband Paul.
Lorraine Bracco of The Soprano's and Michael DiBella of Interstate Waste Services are pictured with Fred Monteleone of N & V International. Mr. Monteleone was the successful bidder of an autographed case of wine from Bracco's winery in Italy.
Always entertaining the crowd.... James Gandolfini from HBO's series,
The Soprano's.
The 2006 "Octoberman Award" was presented by James Gandolfini to not just ONE man, but FIVE men which included Jeff Marangi, Frank E. Celli, Michael DiBella, Vinny Paolino and Brian Marangi, all owners of Interstate Waste Services.
