Jill Martin, NBC Today Show Lifestyle Contributor was honored with the prestigious Spirit of Life Award by The City of Hope East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League during a luncheon held at The Plaza Hotel in New York City this week. Kathie Lee Gifford, TV personality and author presented the award to Jill Martin, in front of an audience of 380 guests. The heartfelt event raised nearly $800,000 in support of City of Hope’s pioneering cancer research and treatment programs, with a particular focus on breast cancer. Jill was honored alongside of Cassie Rosenthal, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Rosenthal & Rosenthal, the largest privately held lending company in the nation.
Jill Martin poses with the “Spirit of Life” award, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)
The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s highest honor, bestowed annually on influential leaders across industries who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through innovation in healthcare, philanthropy, and compassion. Past honorees include luminaries in business, entertainment, science, and philanthropy — all united by their shared belief in the power of individuals to effect meaningful change.
Jill Martin who is still recovering from what she hopes was her final surgery, Martin took to the stage to share her personal health journey, previously documented on The Today Show. In an emotional speech, she thanked her family and friends and urged the audience to prioritize early screenings and regular health checkups.
Jill Martin and Cassie Rosenthal pose with the “Spirit of Life” awards, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)
The afternoon’s energy peaked during the live auction, led by spirited emcee and auctioneer Letitia Frye, who rallied guests to contribute generously. The paddle-raise has become a signature moment of the event, directly funding City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer research initiatives.
POP Style Tv had a pleasure to speak to Lisa Konsker , a supporter for close to three decades and part of the gift committee for the fundraiser
“One of the things that attracted me to the city of hope was that when I originally started, they were one of the only, if not the only, cancer research hospital that shared their research. It was very important at the City of Hope to encompass everything about the person, the emotional part, the physical part, and as Jill said today that you can hold two feelings at the same time, is that you can also want to look beautiful and they were one of the first people to help your family and help you, give hair, give makeup while you were going through things. And even though, thank God I’m not going through anything. I was empathetic as I had friends who were, and it does take a village and City of Hope is the village for people who need it.” – Lisa Konsker
The East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League, founded over four decades ago, includes 500 dedicated women from across New York’s business, philanthropic, and cultural communities. Together, they have raised more than $14 million to support City of Hope’s innovative therapies and compassionate care programs.
About City of Hope
Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a global leader in research for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. With a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope’s contributions include breakthrough cancer medications, synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies. The organization’s growing national network spans locations in Southern California, Orange County, Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix, offering an integrated approach to care that combines research, treatment, and innovation.