On Nov. 18 the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) will stage its 12th annual Collaborating for a Cure benefit dinner and auction at the Park Avenue Armory in New York. Building on the success of last year's event (above), which featured a concert by Steely Dan, this year's festivities include a Steve Winwood performance and a charity auction led by Sotheby's' C. Hugh Hildesley. Sure to attract high bids will be 5 pairs of tickets to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show on Nov. 19, an eye-popping display of supermodels in lingerie. The SWCRF, founded by Dr. Samuel Waxman in 1975, is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that focuses on the most promising strategies for developing cures and treatments for many types of cancers, as well as preventative measures. SWCRF is at the cutting edge of research into alternatives to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation.

Jon & Kate Plus 8 star Jon Gosselin (above left) made the scene at the 6th Annual Hamptons Happening to benefit the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) on July 25th with Lindsay Lohan's father Michael Lohan and his hot young fiancée Erin Muller (above right and center). The threesome attended to show their support for a cause which both Gosselin and Lohan regard as personally important to them. Honorary Chair Costas Kondylis, with Event Co-Chairs Laurie L. Schaffran and Marion Waxman led the evening, helping to raise $265,000 to benefit the SWCRF. Hosted by Susan and Louis Meisel, the festivities were held at The Sagaponack Sculpture Field with Dr. Samuel Waxman as the keynote speaker.

The SWCRF is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization that focuses on the most promising strategies for developing cures and treatments for many types of cancers, as well as preventative measures. SWCRF is at the cutting edge of research into alternatives to the traditional treatments of chemotherapy and radiation. Foundation-supported research includes reprogramming chaotically growing cancer cells to behave normally, understanding cancer stem cells, and mobilizing the immune system. These will hopefully lead to precisely targeted treatments or preventatives which will have minimal side effects on the recipients.

Participating restaurants showing their support at the benefit included Annie's Organic Café, Bobby Van's, Brandt Beef, Cavaniola's Gourmet Cheese Shop, Chef Pierrot Signature Catering, DuFour Pastry Kitchens, The Fudge Shoppe, Ichiban Sushi, il laboratoria de gelato, Kneaded Bread, La Masseria, Leo's Latticini, Magnolia Bakery, Manhattan Chili, Nichol's, Pure Dark, The Seafood Shop, Shun Lee, Susan Meisel, Town Line BBQ and Tutto Il Giorno. Beverages were sponsored by Palm Bay Imports, Imperia Vodka, Fire Island Beer Company, Hampton Coffee Company and Pellegrino/Acqua Panna.

The James Beard Foundation is hosting a benefit, Spain's 10 Cocina de Vanguardia, on October 12th in New York that will give guests a chance to experience the cooking of the chefs at the forefront of Spanish cuisine. The evening will include tapas, wine and sherry tastings and a live and silent auction. Some of the auction packages will include a private tapas party for 24 prepared by chef José Andrés, a gourmet tour of Spain for two, a month-long opportunity to learn Spanish and work in the kitchens of three of Spain's top chefs (Adrià, Arzak, and Berasategui) and an all-expenses paid luxury trip for two to Valencia for the America's Cup. Seats are $1000 per person or a group of eight can be seated at a table with Ferran Adrià, Juan Mari Arzak, or Martín Berasategui for $35,000-$50,000.

We've seen plenty of pink items for breast cancer but sales of this more subdued Lambertson Truex jewelry roll benefits the Entertainment Industry Foundation's National Colorectal Cancer Research Alliance (EIF's NCCRA) - a leading charity dedicated to colorectal cancer research and awareness. The roll comes in three colors, chocolate, black and cognac and is made of leather and suede. It sells for $35, a value of $150.

Would you like this lovely lady, the reigning Miss Texas, Morgan Matlock, to serve you dinner? It's possible at the black-tie Celebrity Waiter Gala in Dallas on March 25. It's an annual event where local celebs wait on tables in a benefit for the Child Abuse Prevention Center. The event also includes a live auction of lots that include being a guest of former Dallas Cowboy great Roger Staubach in his suite at a 2006 Cowboys game; a SeaDream Caribbean seven-day yacht holiday for two and a one-hour flight in a MiG jet trainer. Tickets are $250 each.