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Monday, November 15, 2004
BOSTON -- The Brain Tumor Society will celebrate the life of former Filene's Basement CEO Sam Gerson during a benefit titled "Let's Make The Impossible Possible," on Saturday at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel in Boston.
The black-tie event, from 7 to 11:30 p.m., featuring a guest performance by songwriter Marvin Hamlisch and a live auction, will remember Gerson as a respected businessman, admired philanthropist, and loving friend and family member.
Gerson -- Sam to all who knew him -- died on July 12, 2003, from brain cancer.
"Before his passing, Sam came to the Brain Tumor Society (BTS) and asked how he might help; he even offered to stuff envelopes," said Neal Levitan, executive director of the national nonprofit, founded in 1989 to improve the quality of life of brain tumor patients and their families.
"His desires to help others are now being fulfilled by Geri, his family, and friends," Levitan added. "They are helping to improve the quality of life of brain tumor patients and their families with much needed funds for support, education, and research and to ultimately find a cure."
Gerson attended Boston College. After serving in the Navy, he received a master's degree from Boston University and began his career in retailing. In 1984, he was recruited by Federated Department Stores to be CEO of Filene's Basement. He served as a trustee and/or board member at Boston College, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, United Way, and was chairman of the Urban League to mention a few.
In addition to his wife Geri, daughters Michelle Gerson, Dana Gerson Unger, and Jill Gerson Mark, chairmen and chairwomen of the gala include Jacqui and Wayne Budd, Joan and Ted Cutler, Maryann and Steve Connelly, Eileen and Jack Connors, Susan Florence and Alan Smith, Lynne and Joseph Goodman, Nannette and Leslie "Buddy" Lewis, Maureen and Pat Purcell, and Shelley and David Wolfberg.
For more information about the Brain Tumor Society or the "Let's Make The Impossible Possible Gala," log on to www.tbts.org, email info@tbts.org, or call 1-800-770-8287.