Lustgarten Bash Raises $1.5M - Proceeds Go to Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research

New York—The Cablevision Systems-sponsored 8th Annual Holiday Rock & Roll Bash Thursday night raised an all-time high of more than $1.5 million to benefit The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research, with all proceeds going to the research effort.

The event drew more than 1,000 people to a packed B.B. King Blues Club in Times Square, despite a soaking rain here, and featured such performers as the world-famous Radio City Rockettes (pictured).

Cablevision CEO Jim Dolan’s band, JD & The Straight Shot, rocked the house, and famed blues pedal-steel guitar player Robert Randolph sat in as well. Celebrity guests included former U.S. Senator Bill Bradley and actors Steve Schirripa and Matthew Modine.

Cablevision has committed to underwrite all of the foundation’s administrative costs.

The foundation is named for the company’s long-time vice chairman, Marc Lustgarten, who died of the disease in 1999 at age 52. In 10 years of existence, the foundation has provided more than $20 million for research. The bash alone, in eight years, has raised more than $8 million.