Celebrating 80 Years of The Society of MSK

Established in 1946, The Society of MSK has been making an impact on patient lives and advancing critical cancer research for 80 years.

By MSK Giving | Wednesday, May 27, 2026

Eight decades of legacy and leadership

The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) was founded in 1946 by a group of forward-thinking women dedicated to enhancing the hospital environment and strengthening patient support — hallmarks of care at MSK.

Four Society members standing in front of a sign that reads “Salute to Summer.” — Society members attend the 1949 Salute to Summer event.

The founders of The Society of MSK understood that effective cancer care must address the whole person, both physically and emotionally. With this in mind, members began enhancing the patient experience through recreational therapy, art, fresh flowers, and other meaningful gestures.

As their impact spread across the hospital, it soon became clear that these women had an extraordinary ability to raise funds for vital scientific research. Support from The Society has helped MSK accelerate innovative research and maintain our position as a world leader in cancer care.

Over the past 80 years, The Society of MSK has raised more than $300 million — enhancing the patient experience through its Patient Care Committees , fueling lifesaving research, and creating opportunities for the next generation of cancer leaders.

Please join us in recognizing and congratulating The Society on 80 years of exceptional dedication and generous philanthropy. Together, we will continue advancing MSK’s mission of ending cancer for life.

Memorable milestones throughout the years

1946:

The Society of Memorial Center for Cancer and Allied Diseases is founded, and its Constitution adopted. Dues are set at $5, and an office opens on the 7th floor of Memorial Hospital.

The Society establishes the following objectives:

To serve all departments in Memorial Hospital Center by creative and promotional work.
To disseminate such information as may be provided by Memorial Hospital Center on cancer and development in the cancer fields.
To stimulate support of the four-front program of: cancer prevention, care and treatment of cancer, cancer research, and education of cancer specialists at Memorial Hospital Center.

1947:

The Society's first Annual Meeting takes place.

The first lecture series, “Know Memorial,” begins.

The first Holiday Celebration for adult patients takes place.

1948:

The first Society Annual Appeal, called Direct Appeals, launches and raises $45,225. This appeal is now known as The Society Campaign.

Mrs. Edward C. Delafield is unanimously elected Honorary Founding Chairman in recognition of her inspiring leadership.

The Society’s first event, the Salute to Summer party, raises $39,776.

1949:

The Children’s Division, now known as the Children’s Committee, becomes a Standing Committee.

1950:

The Society decorates Memorial Hospital for the holidays and distributes gift bags for all adult patients.

1951:

The Trifles and Treasures Thrift Shop opens, with funds provided through a hospital loan (repaid by 1955). All profits support patient needs.

1952:

The Social Services Committee becomes a Standing Committee of The Society.

The Society amends its Constitution to include all volunteer groups of the hospital.

A patient art show opens to the public.

1954:

The Society’s Gift Shop opens in the hospital featuring a showcase and sales counter.

The Society hosts the Annual Patient Art Exhibition for current and former adult patients.

1958:

The Pediatrics Treasure Chest launches, providing toys, activities, and pajamas to pediatric patients throughout the year.

The Children’s Committee hosts the first pediatric Halloween Party and Holiday Celebration.

The Children’s Committee provides holiday gift bags for every pediatric patient.

1962:

The Annual Appeal raises $1 million.

Mrs. Jacqueline Kennedy becomes the first First Lady to join The Society while serving in the White House.

1963:

The Art Cart Service launches, offering patients a selection of prints to display in their rooms.

1965:

The Past Presidents Advisory Council forms.

1966:

The Society hires its first Executive Director.

The first Society Dinner Dance takes place.

1967:

Wallis Warfield, Duchess of Windsor, serves as Honorary Chairman of the International Haute Couture Fashion Show.

1968:

The Society of MSK’s Special Projects Committee is founded under the name Juniors Committee, with the goal of supporting early-stage research at the Sloan Kettering Institute.

1971:

Total contributions from the Thrift Shop to Memorial Hospital reach $1 million.

1972:

Mrs. Barbara Bush becomes a member of The Society and an active volunteer in the Recreation department.

1974:

The Flower Program launches to provide fresh flowers in patient areas throughout the hospital.

1976:

The Benefit Advisory Committee forms to help select benefits and chairs.

1978:

The Volunteer Liaison Committee forms.

1980:

The first Sinatra Benefit takes place, becoming the first benefit in America to raise $1 million.

The Society begins providing housing, transportation, and emergency financial assistance to patients and their families.

1982:

The Society creates the Strawbridge Award for Annual Appeal members who raise more than $75,000.

1984:

The Society of MSK Associates Committee is founded to support research initiatives focused on improving the understanding and treatment of pediatric cancers.

1988:

Pamela Murdock forms the Dream Team to coordinate adult patients’ wishes anonymously with MSK’s Department of Social Work.

1989:

The first International Antiques Show event takes place.

The Patient Environment Program Committee forms.

1990:

The Clown Care Program launches, bringing performances to pediatric patients and their families.

1993:

The Society reorganizes, with three Vice Presidents each overseeing a different area.

The first Bunny Hop takes place.

1995:

The Society publishes A Legacy of Caring in honor of its 50th anniversary.

1996:

The Kids Express Program launches to support children when a parent is diagnosed with cancer.

1997:

The Society awards its first research grants.

1998:

The first Society Awards for Excellence take place.

1999:

The Society hosts a benefit premiere of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in New York to support pediatric cancer research.

2005:

The Children’s Committee holds the first Pediatric Prom, providing dresses, suits, entertainment, and more for pediatric patients and families.

The Cookbook Committee forms and publishes a Society cookbook in celebration of The Society’s 60th anniversary.

2007:

The first Spring Ball takes place.

Recipes from Society members are published in Park Avenue Potluck, edited by Florence Fabricant and published by Rizzoli in 2007 and 2009.

2008:

The Society underwrites the post-performance reception of Visible Ink, a staged reading in which actors perform pieces written by MSK patients.

2011:

The Society becomes the benefactor of Miracle on Madison Avenue for the first time.

2016:

MSK awards its first Society Prize at its annual Academic Convocation to recognize a researcher, physician, or team leader making an impact in pediatric cancer.

The Society partners with The European Fine Art Foundation (TEFAF) for the first time, launching the event now known as the TEFAF Collectors Preview.

The Society Thrift Shop closes on December 16.

2017:

The Society awards its first Scholars Prizes to honor MSK postdoctoral researchers performing at the highest level while managing family responsibilities and adjusting to new parenthood.