Inaugural Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma Event in London Raises £1.4 Million for Research Alliance

Community Unites for a Cause: Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma in London

On January 29, 2025, the leveraged finance and private equity sectors gathered at the National Gallery in London to hold the inaugural Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma (LFFM) benefit. This high-profile event marked a significant expansion of the initiative that has already witnessed considerable success in New York City. Attracting over 600 attendees, the benefit successfully raised an impressive £1.4 million, all directed towards supporting the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) and its investment in crucial melanoma research led by UK scientists.

The LFFM series has become a substantial platform for increasing awareness and funding for melanoma research, emphasized by co-founder and MRA Board member Jeff Rowbottom. He stated, "This expansion reflects the global commitment of the leveraged finance and private equity communities in driving innovation in cancer research." The event was more than just a gathering; it acted as a beacon of hope for cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones, demonstrating that thoughtful investments in research can yield positive outcomes in the fight against melamona.

Recognizing the transformative potential of the funds raised, MRA president Stephanie Kauffman remarked, "The £1.4M raised by LFFM London will have a transformative impact on our mission." These funds allow MRA to continue supporting brilliant researchers within the UK, giving them access to the resources necessary to conduct groundbreaking melanoma research that can ultimately lead to new treatment innovations and enhanced patient outcomes.

Since its inception in 2011 by melanoma survivors Brendan Dillon and Jeff Rowbottom, the LFFM initiative has been passionately committed to raising funds for melanoma research, which immensely impacts the lives of those affected by this aggressive skin cancer. Over the years, the initiative has successfully accumulated more than £22 million towards advancing MRA's ambitious research agenda.

The cocktail party featured well-known figures from the finance community, including event co-chairs Roxana Mirica, Valeria Mollova, Leo Wouters, Sean Costello, and Tara Moore, who all contributed immense time and effort in making the event a success. The host committee was no less impressive, comprising senior professionals from numerous prominent firms such as HPS, Kirkland & Ellis, Blackstone, and others, who worked tirelessly to ensure a successful and impactful evening.

Corporate sponsorship played a significant role in the overall fundraising success of the event, with industry giants lining up as Global LFFM Partners including Veritas Capital, Apollo, and Latham & Watkins. Collectively, they showcased a robust commitment to funding cancer research and advancing the necessary resources that researchers need to fight melanoma.

The Melanoma Research Alliance continues to be a vital force in the realm of melanoma research, recognized as the most prominent non-profit organization focusing on this area. With its establishment in 2007 by Debra and Leon Black, the MRA stands out for its stringent financial efficiency—100% of administrative costs are covered, allowing every penny donated to go directly toward scientific and research programs.

Over the years, MRA has backed all major breakthroughs in melanoma research, which has led to 17 new therapeutic approaches gaining FDA approval since its founding. The alliance exemplifies the important role that dedicated funding and awareness initiatives, such as the LFFM event in London, can play in advancing the mission to combat melanoma effectively.

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the Leveraged Finance Fights Melanoma initiative serves not only as a fundraising platform but also as a powerful networking opportunity for developing solutions that could reshape melanoma treatment for the future. For more information on how to support this vital cause, visit www.CureMelanoma.org.