SAMFund Soirée Boston 2025

Together, We Raised $30,000 for Survivors!

Expect Miracles Foundation [EMF] proudly hosted the inaugural SAMFund Soirée Boston on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at the stunning UMass Club. Against the breathtaking backdrop of Boston’s skyline, 183 guests came together to support young adult cancer survivors, creating an evening to remember.

From inspiring survivor stories to the presentation of the Mary Keenan Award, the Soirée was filled with connection, generosity, and a powerful reminder of the impact EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program has on the lives of survivors across the country. Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our community during the live donation appeal, we raised an incredible $30,000 to directly support survivors.

An Inaugural Event to Remember

Co-chaired by Bobbie Jo Pippin-Arndt (EMF Board Member) and Kaitlyn Vartanova (Boston YPEM Leadership Member, Fidelity), the Soirée brought together a dynamic mix of SAMFund grant recipients, young professionals, and philanthropic leaders. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversations, unmatched views, and a shared commitment to making a difference, all while raising vital funds to directly support survivors.

Spotlighting Survivorship and Resilience

Guests were deeply moved by the story shared by Laura T., a recent SAMFund grant recipient. She highlighted how financial assistance from a SAMFund grant brought hope and positivity during her cancer recovery journey. Laura’s story brought our mission to life and underscored the critical role of EMF’s SAMFund.

Honoring Mary Keenan’s Legacy

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Mary Keenan Award, given this year to Mary’s family in her memory. Mary, a beloved and former EMF team member, was a tireless advocate for young adult cancer survivors, and her compassion, courage, and dedication continue to guide our work today. Having the Keenan Family in attendance to accept the award made the moment especially meaningful, ensuring that her legacy of hope and advocacy lives on through every survivor EMF’s SAMFund supports.

Inspiration to Impact: Thanks to You

To every attendee, sponsor, volunteer, and supporter: thank you. Your generosity ensures that 100% of net proceeds from the SAMFund Soirée will provide direct financial assistance grants to young adult cancer survivors. Because of you, more survivors will have the resources they need to reclaim their futures, pursue their dreams, and live beyond cancer.

Together, we proved that when a community comes together with purpose, the impact is life-changing. Together, we’re building brighter futures – one grant at a time. Thank you!

If you missed this Soirée, don’t worry! Join Expect Miracles Foundation on Thursday, October 23, 2025, for the SAMFund Soirée Manhattan at GH on the Park, an elegant and historic venue overlooking the beautiful Bryant Park.

​Due to the high costs associated with treatment and survivorship, young adults experience financial toxicity at a greater level than any other age group.  SAMFund grants help to alleviate the financial burden resulting from cancer treatment. Thank you to donors for supporting EMF’s SAMFund Grant Program. Because of your generosity, we are helping young adult cancer survivors build bridges to help them get where they were intended to go before cancer disrupted their lives.

About YPEM

Young Professional Expect Miracles [YPEM] is a group of the next generation of financial executives (ages 21-39) who are dedicated to advancing the fight against cancer. Members include rising leaders and professionals in the industry who are committed to rallying the financial community and beyond to support the mission of EMF. With cohorts in Boston and New York City, YPEM provides volunteer opportunities and hosts fundraisers and networking events (both virtual and in person) to bring the young financial community together to make a positive impact in the cancer community.

Jaime Sponsorship Coordinator

Please contact EMF’s Events and Marketing Coordinator Lauren Beimler to learn more about Young Professionals Expect Miracles [YPEM] at lbeimler@expectmiraclesfoundation.org.

Make Miracles

Join us in the fight against cancer and be part of the community that is making miracles happen today. Your donation is an investment in our Innovation and Discovery Funds, which invests in life-saving cancer research, and EMF’s SAMFund, which provides financial assistance for young adult cancer survivors.

Invest in Hope

Corporate sponsors lead our life-saving mission and gain access to influential business networking opportunities at EMF events, which range from galas to golf tournaments and more. As a sponsor you can cultivate relationships in the financial services industry while having a life-changing impact on the cancer community.