New York City - The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the leading fundraiser for cancer research and care. Local organizations like Fighting Chance on the East End of the Island help people diagnosed get information and help. But it is the ACS that has turned the tide on longevity for those diagnosed.

Cece Black and Gigi Benson.

The fight to find a cure was made a national priority in 1971. The late Mary (Mrs. Albert D.) Lasker was a prime mover in creating the National Cancer Act, which made cancer research a major goal of the United States. Thanks to the ACS, more people are celebrating birthdays. But, securing funds is a constant challenge.

For the last seven years, the New York division of the ACS has been by honoring people who have made major contributions to our "quality of life." It's one of their fund raising efforts. Last week was no exception. On Tuesday evening, The Society honored Harry and Gigi Benson, John Loring and Barbara and Donald Tober at their annual Celebration of Life Spring Benefit. It was a festive evening, a capacity crowd, at New York's St. Regis Roof.

Diana Feldman, who lost her mother, father and sister to cancer, is Volunteer Chairman for ACS Special Events. She welcomed everyone to the evening and introduced Christie's Stephen Lash who auctioned gold, silver, emerald and sapphire balloon for Hope Lodge, a living facility that is totally free to patients who come to New York for cancer treatment The auction raised some $70,000.

The award presenters were as illustrious as the honorees.

Paige Rense and Harry Benson.

Liz Smith, nationally syndicated columnist and co-founder of the popular wowOwow website presented the crystal odalisque to the Bensons for Lifetime Achievement. Not only has Benson photographed everyone from heads of State to The Beatles, he had recently photographed Liz with a fellow presenter Paige Rense. Liz said, "I thought it would take hours. Harry set up a reflecting screen. What Liz expected to take hours took 15 minutes. "And, he made these two old broads look like young girls." Gigi, the Texan, got the kudos for keeping the Scottish Harry grounded and organized.

Paige Rense celebrated John Loring with the Artistic Achievement Award. Loring, a Yale graduate, is a multi-dimensional talent. Rense described their first meeting. "When we met he was wearing red sneakers. I thought he was... - when we spoke, I realized he was a genius." Among Loring's multi-faceted career, he has spent 30 years as Tiffany & Co.'s design director. He is also a regular contributor to Rense's Architectural Digest. Loring enjoys a bit of notoriety. He was bounced on Al Capone's knee. Loring confessed it was an achievement he didn't pursue. He was a tot and his nurse was visiting Capone.

David Patrick Columbia saluted the dancing Tobers for their humanitarian efforts. Barbara was a major fundraiser for the Museum of Art and Design at Columbus Circle. Donald is a co-founder of City Meals on Wheels and the Culinary Institute of America.

Richard Feldman and Charolotte Ford.

In addition to the lively music of Bob Hardwick's orchestra, Christopher Mason entertained with three songs written to celebrate the achievements of the honorees.

Guests included Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Edwina Sandys and Richard Kaplan, Charlotte Ford, Geoffrey Bradfield, Wendy Carduner, Marty Richards, Arlene Dahl and Marc Rosen, Cricket and Richard Burns, Cece and Lee Black, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Jamie Figg, Margo Langenberg, Elke and Ben Gazzara, Maureen Fitzgerald and Barbara de Portago.

Next up for the ACS is the Sunday, May 9th, "Youth Against Cancer Mother's Day Theatre Benefit," s pre-theatre lunch at Sardi's and tickets to see the hot ticket musical "The Addams Family" starring the irrepressible and Tony Award winning Nathan Lane and the irresistible Tony Award winning Bebe Neuwirth. The Chairmen are Cynthia Lufkin, Maria Cuomo Cole, Margo MacNabb Nederlander, Heather Randall and Rene Syler. The funds raised from the Mother's Day Theatre Benefit will benefit the ACS's lifesaving programs in research, education, advocacy and services for patients and their families. For tickets, call Luis Valero at 800-227-2345 or go to www.cancer.org.