The ICA-USA Gala was held on Wednesday, February 22nd at The Breakers in Palm Beach. The evening began with a welcoming cocktail reception featuring compelling photographic vistas of Israel by Ari Rifkin and Ferenc Illenyi, and panoramic African landscape and candid wildlife images by Ari Rifkin and Eric Zvenieks. The evening also included dinner and dancing to the popular Soul Survivors dance band followed by a musical interlude by Violinist Ferenc Illenyi.
Proceeds from the evening were dedicated to Israel Cancer Association USA (ICA USA), established in Palm Beach in 1994 to fund cancer research fellowships for distinguished Israeli scientists.
Ari Rifkin and Gail Worth have brought their immeasurable experience of hosting charity events to their roles as Co-Chairmen of Israel Cancer Association USA's 2012 Gala, "Israel - A Place in Our Hearts". Assisting them with the annual event were: Herme de Wyman Miro, International Chairman; Rhoda and David Chase, Grand Honorary Chairmen; Lois Pope, Honorary Chairman; and Lexye Aversa, Chairman Emeritus.
Mrs. Rifkin was born and raised in Israel. In addition to serving as Co-Chairman of the Israel Cancer Association USA 2012 Gala, Mrs. Rifkin has served in leadership fundraising roles with the American Lung Association, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, LIFE, Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, The Center for Family Services, Palm Beach Pops, and the Palm Beach Opera.
Gail Worth is also extremely philanthropic and has raised funds for several charities in Palm Beach County. For six years Ms. Worth was an owner of a highly-respected art gallery in New York City, Biderman and Worth Gallery. As a resident of Palm Beach, she was pleased to be Co-Chairman of the ICA USA Gala to raise funds for cancer research, having lost her mother to lung cancer at age 52.