Press release
On Monday, October 24, Lincoln Center presented an unprecedented, one night only evening with Ralph Lauren hosted by Oprah Winfrey, who led a personal and intimate on-stage conversation with Ralph offering a rare look into his public and personal life. The evening included notable guests such as Anderson Cooper, Brian Williams, Jessica Alba, Michael J. Fox, Naomi Watts, Camilla Belle, Barbara Walters, Matt Lauer, and Uma Thurman.
The special multi-media on stage conversation was preceded by a reception and followed by a gala dinner in David H. Koch Theater. This landmark event is the most successful fundraising event in the history of Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, raising over $7 million. This event recognized that the art of design is an integral part of American culture and strengthened and augmented fashion related events at Lincoln Center, not only during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week but throughout the year.
Long recognized for his early leadership in the fight against breast cancer, Ralph Lauren, more than 20 years ago, made a personal and corporate commitment to finding a cure for this disease. Mr. Lauren helped established the Nina Hyde Center for Breast Cancer Research at Georgetown University Medical Center and went on to design the first “target” logo for the Council of Fashion Designers of Americas successful “Fashion Targets Breast Cancer” international awareness campaign. Continuing his efforts, in 2000, he designated his classic icon in pink to the Pink Pony Campaign, a worldwide initiative in the fight against cancer. Pink Pony supports programs for early diagnosis, education, treatment and research and is dedicated to bringing quality cancer care to medically underserved communities. In 2003, Polo Ralph Lauren, partnering with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, established The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention, a hospital-based cancer treatment facility in Harlem that provides comprehensive education, screening and diagnostic services for breast and other cancers tailored to meet the specific needs of the Harlem community.
This evening was made possible by the generous support of American Express, Condé Nast and Hearst Corporation.
About The Ralph Lauren Cancer for Care Center and Prevention
The Ralph Lauren Center for Cancer Care and Prevention is a community based Center for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer through new models of patient care, research, education and outreach designed to address the unique needs of the community. The Center, made possible by a generous gift from the Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation, is a partnership with Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Located in Harlem, New York, just one block from historic 125thnStreet, the Center features a warm, friendly environment where guests can count on personalized attention. Assisted by Polo Ralph Lauren designers, the space was created to inspire serenity and comfort. The Center features art representative of the African American and Latino experience.
About Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Lincoln Center, the world's largest performing arts center, is home to the finest in performing arts, celebrating artistic achievement of the highest order. Nearing completion of an unprecedented physical transformation to make its campus more open and accessible for the 5 million people who visit each year, Lincoln Center also is utilizing innovative digital technology and social media channels to share its superb performances and events with the largest possible audience. As part of this outreach, the Fashion Lincoln Center initiative supports New York City's design community through partnerships and a commitment to the evolving artistry of fashion.
