STAT+: American Cancer Society cancels alcohol industry fundraiser

The American Cancer Society quietly canceled its upcoming Wine and Spirits Industry’s Gala, a spokesperson confirmed to STAT. The event, which has for decades raised money from members of the alcohol industry at a boozy Manhattan gathering, was set to take place in October at the iconic Rainbow Room. The society “decided to sunset the Wine & Spirits Industry Gala, and the October event will not take place,” spokesperson Michele Money-Carson said in an email. “The decision is part of ACS’s ongoing evaluation of how its events and fundraising activities align with its mission and prevention guidance.” STAT, as part of its “Deadliest Drug” series about the toll of alcohol misuse, reported earlier this summer that ACS had for years raked in at least $22 million dollars from wine and liquor executives, creating an optics issue for a charity focused on fighting cancer. Some, including a former executive at the cancer society, said the gala created an unsettling conflict of interest, and was inappropriate considering alcohol’s known links to cancer. STAT+ Exclusive Story Already have an account? Log in This article is exclusive to STAT+ subscribers Unlock this article — plus in-depth analysis, newsletters, premium events, and news alerts. Already have an account? Log in View All Plans To read the rest of this story subscribe to STAT+. Subscribe