These are serious risks that must be managed and because they will affect family members across generations, they are risks that also must be communicated. With his wife, Mindy, Gray established the Basser Research Center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, which focuses on the prevention and treatment of certain genetically caused breast and ovarian cancers. Both the Chair and the Center are named in honor of Mindy sister, Faith Basser, who died of BRCA-related ovarian cancer at age 44, leaving behind her four-year-old son. [29], In October 2022, the Grays announced a gift of $55 million[36] to establish the Basser Cancer Interception Institute as part of the Basser Center for BRCA. October 24, 2019 Committed to Inclusion Some of the world's best and brightest students aim their sights at an undergraduate education at Penn, but many lack the resources to embark on this journey. No one was better at scooping up a bargain, sniffing out a sale, or stocking up on seriously reduced products than she. I felt the more I was involved, the more I could help this mission. The publicly traded company manages $915 billion in assets as of March 31, 2022. All rights reserved. September 15, 2022 $55 million gift to Penn is aimed at stopping breast cancer before it starts Mindy Gray and her husband, Blackstone president Jon Gray, gave the money in honor of Mindy's sister Faith Basser. Mindy Basser, a daughter of Pearl and Philip B. Basser of Philadelphia, is to be married this evening to Jonathan David Gray, a son of Susan Florsheim of Highland Park, Ill., and Allen. My sister Faith was like a mother and best friend rolled into one, remembers Mindy. She and her husband Jon reside in NYC where they are raising their four daughters. The psychological weight of this is very significant to families, says Jon Gray, who sees more symposiums and research funding in his foundations future. Amazon Pauses Construction on Second Headquarters in Virginia as It Cuts Jobs, iPhone Maker Plans $700 Million India Plant in Shift From China, Amazon Is Closing Its Cashierless Stores in NYC, San Francisco and Seattle, S&P 500 Notches Best Week Since Late January: Markets Wrap, Stock Traders Are Ignoring Blaring Bond Alarms. Jonathan D. Gray is married to Mindy Basser Gray. [6][16], Gray was scheduled to speak at the November 2022 Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, with the Hong Kong Democracy Council claiming that his presence, along with other financial executives, legitimizes the Hong Kong government's whitewashing of the erosion of freedoms in the city. OCRF: Tell us about your sister, Faith, your relationship, and her lasting impact on your life that sparked you to create such a tremendous legacy in her name. They have four daughters. There are so many ways to lend a hand, to improve the lives of thousands of patients and their families, and get us one step closer to a cure. At the very least, we want to develop a tool that can discover disease well before it presents itself. Mindy Gray: The ultimate goal of the The Basser Center is eradicating risks from BRCA-related cancers once and for all. After organizing the meeting last September, the foundation sought grant proposals from researchers around the world. people. The Center is focused on funding scientific research and giving brilliant research scientists the state-of-the-art facilities and the freedom to discover innovative paths to treatment, prevention and cure. [44], Last edited on 15 February 2023, at 14:27, Global Financial Leaders' Investment Summit, "Jon Gray Skips Party, Afraid Record Buyout Will Fail", "Blackstone Reports Record Year: Jonathan Gray's Real Estate Group Chips In 60% Of The Profits Jewish Business News", "Jonathan Gray, Blackstone's Real Estate Wizard Behind the Curtain" By Matt Chaban, "Jon Gray is the future of Blackstone. In May 2012, Gray and his wife, Mindy Gray, founded the Basser Research Center, named in honor of Mindy's sister, Faith Basser, who died of ovarian cancer at age 44. Rabbi Ira F. Stone is to perform the ceremony at Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel in Philadelphia. On Tuesday, private equity tycoon Jonathan Gray and his wife Mindy announced $25 million in funding for research on pernicious genetic mutations that can lead to breast and ovarian cancer. Mindy Gray: I have always been impressed with the professionalism and passion that drives both the board and the staff at OCRF. . In 1992, Gray joined Blackstone's mergers and acquisitions and private equity group,[5] and joined its newly formed real estate private equity group the following year. I'm a deputy wealth editor covering billionaires and their businesses. She also previously directed the NYC Department of Educations Office of Strategic Partnerships, ran after-school and summer programs in the Bronx and Washington Heights, and taught English at Riverdale Country School. He has led the privatization of public real estate companies valued at more than $100 billion, including Extended Stay America, Carr America, Equity Office Properties and Hilton Hotels. He is also the President and Chief Operating Officer of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms. Mindy Gray: We are ALL IN on this mission and wont stop until progress is made! Mindy and John Gray have now committed more than $125 million to the University of Pennsylvania over the last decade, including a $25 million gift that created the Basser Center in 2012 in. Most of Margarets career has been in an administrative capacity related to recruitment. [33] Town & Country (magazine) noted this work in its "Top Philanthropists of 2016" feature, in which the Grays were included. I am also a Philadelphia native and my parents still live there. Bloomberg reporting. Meet the Basser Advisory Board Members Our cross-institutional collaboration is transforming treatment and prevention methods for individuals and families affected by BRCA mutations. [6] Gray withdrew his name from consideration[21] and Steven Mnuchin was eventually nominated and confirmed. At the very least, we want to develop a tool that can discover disease well before it presents itself. This is more proactive investing than reactive, says Mindy Gray. The Gray Foundation On Tuesday, private equity tycoon Jonathan Gray and his wife Mindy announced $25 million in funding for. In 2012, Mindy and her husband, Jon Gray, established the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine's Abramson Cancer Center in honor of Faith. In 2016, he ranked #1 on Commercial Observer's "Power 100" ranking of the most powerful people in New York City real estate. My sister Faith was a serious discount shopper. Gray and Mindy Basser have two children. OCRF: As a longtime OCRF Board member, what are your feelings about the organization? To broaden and organize their philanthropic efforts, the Grays brought in Chi Van Dang, the former director of the University of Pennsylvanias Abramson Cancer Center, to be the chief science advisor for their Gray Foundation in 2018. With the Basser Research Center, we want to ensure that families affected by BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations can get the support and genetic counseling that they need and understand their lifetime risk of developing cancer. He joined Blackstone in 1992. The grants will be split among seven research teams across the globe and brings the couples lifetime philanthropic giving to over $175 millionincluding over $100 million in BRCA research. He also serves as Scientific Director of the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and professor at The Wistar Institute. In February 2018, he was promoted to president and COO of Blackstone after 13 years as head of the firm's real estate business. Dana serves on the Board of Peer Health Exchange and on the Presidents Leadership Council and Womens Leadership Council at Brown University. The Big Take is the very best of Bloomberg's in-depth, original reporting from around the globe every day. Chan School of Public Health in Health Policy and Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Education from Colorado College. Shari and her husband, Len Potter, created the Basser Global Prize initiative at the Center to fund BRCA research. From our very first visit to the Abramson Cancer Center within which The Basser Research Center is housed, we were impressed with its beaker to bedside capabilities. The Grays donated $25 million to create the Basser Research Center, which focuses on cancer prevention, treatment, and research of BRCA-related, genetically-inherited cancers. The billionaire has collected more than $1 billion in dividends and compensation since 2011, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Mindy Gray and her husband, Jon, president of the Blackstone investment firm, announced the gift Thursday. Jon received a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in English from the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Mindy Gray: The ultimate goal of the The Basser Center is eradicating risks from BRCA-related cancers once and for all. He previously served as Director of the Abramson Cancer Center at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. From campus recruiting to executive search, Margarets previous experience includes working at Credit Suisse, Goldman Sachs and Heidrick & Struggles, among others. Margaret is the Executive Assistant at the Gray Foundation. The Big Take is the very best of Bloomberg's in-depth, original reporting from around the globe every day. [43] He lives in Manhattan with his wife and their four daughters. Learn more about our policy positions and discover how you can take action. Some women with faulty BRCA genes have taken a very proactive approach. from the Wharton School. Graduates magna cum laude from University of Pennsylvania. Mindy and Jon Gray graduated from Penn in 1992. 2023 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Inc. A Personal Connection Becomes a Professional Mission. Under the same roof that scientific research is furthered, patients are diagnosed, treated and, we hope someday, CURED. Dangs laboratoryhelped define the complex functions of the MYC oncogene and connected MYC to regulation of cancermetabolism. 2023 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Inc. A Personal Connection Becomes a Professional Mission. In 2018, he gave $23 million, ranking #49 on Forbes' America's Top 50 Givers. [17] On 22 October 2022, The Wall Street Journal released an article by its editorial board in its printed edition, titled "Wall Street and Hong Kong's Strongman," mentioning Gray's name, and saying that "These executives may feel they have assets to protect in the city, but by kowtowing to Mr. Lee they are doing their reputations, and that of their companies, no good. Gray and Mindy Basser were married in 1995 at Temple Beth Zion Israel in Philadelphia, where Rabbi Ira F. Stone performed the service. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. He also serves on the board of Harlem Village Academies. [37] This donation brings their total giving to the University of Pennsylvania to over $125 million. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. OCRF: Tell us about your sister, Faith, your relationship, and her lasting impact on your life that sparked you to create such a tremendous legacy in her name. OCRF: What is your hope for the future in terms of research, and the hope it can bring to those affected by ovarian cancer? Pat holds Bachelors and Masters degrees in biophysics from the University of Quebec, Canada and obtained his Ph.D. in molecular biology from Boston University. [28], The Grays have donated over $150 million to BRCA cancer research. [31], In 2016, Gray was named to Vanity Fair's "New Establishment" list. Posted on December 14, 2012 in Community, Prev: A Personal Connection Becomes a Professional Mission, Next: Partner Member Profile: Bright Pink. We are singularly focused on putting ourselves out of businessin funding the research that ultimately develops a tool for early detection and in an ideal world, develops a vaccine and/or cure that will prevent anyone from suffering at the hands of this insidious disease ever again. Mr. 2023 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Inc. The new institute will look for innovative ways to detect and treat BRCA-related cancers before surgery, radiation or chemotherapy become the necessary treatment. [5] In 1992, Gray graduated from the University of Pennsylvania magna cum laude with a B.A. Mindy Gray: I was immediately impressed with the leadership of OCRF and deeply committed to their mission of funding scientific research to help find a cure. Thanks to Faith, I was certainly among the only seven-year-olds seeing the movie Annie Hall the day it was released. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. He graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania in 1992, receiving a degree in economics from the Wharton School as well as an English degree at Penn. Jon currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Hilton Worldwide and is a board member of Invitation Homes. The Gray Foundation is also focused on funding initiatives to advance the care of individuals living with BRCA mutations. Read On, OCRA is the voice for the ovarian cancer community, engaging with policymakers to keep this fight a priority. Women with BRCA 2 mutations have a 50-70% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 10-20% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. You may opt-out by. Mindy Gray: My dear friend Jill Seigerman worked for Liz Tilberis, late Editor-in-Chief of Harpers Bazaar and President of OCRF, so I had known about OCRF for years. . With the Basser Research Center, we want to ensure that families affected by BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 gene mutations can get the support and genetic counseling that they need and understand their lifetime risk of developing cancer. Were going out and asking them to think outside the box. The granteessome of whom are analyzing precancerous tissue while others are working on early detection methodswill meet again this winter to discuss and collaborate on their findings. Gray was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. Family members died young and medical records never made it over, so there was simply no history of disease that could be tracked. . Unfortunately, we did not know this before she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The Basser Center was established in 2012 with support from Penn alumni Mindy and Jon Gray in honor of Mindy's sister Faith Basser, who died of BRCA-related ovarian cancer at age 44. [35] In July 2019, it was announced that the Grays would donate a further $25million for research on pernicious genetic mutations that can lead to breast and ovarian cancer. She died from the illness two years later at age 44. Mindy Basser, a daughter of Pearl and Philip B. Basser of Philadelphia, is to be married this evening to Jonathan David Gray, a son of Susan Florsheim of Highland Park, Ill., and Allen Gray of Barrington, Ill. Mindy Gray: Right now there is no viable tool for early detection of ovarian cancer. Actress Angelina Jolie, who inherited these genetic mutations, made waves in 2013 for announcing that shed undergone a preventive double mastectomy to reduce the risk of getting breast cancer; she removed her ovaries two years later. No one was better at scooping up a bargain, sniffing out a sale, or stocking up on seriously reduced products than she. Her father owns an advertising agency in Philadelphia that bears his name. The couple has supported the University throughout their 25 years since graduation. Jon and Mindy Gray founded the Gray Foundation in 2014, with two distinct missions: BRCA-Related Cancers, accelerating research, improving treatment and raising awareness for individuals who have inherited BRCA mutations. Chi Van Dang is the Chief Science Advisor for the Gray Foundation. The index is a dynamic measure of personal wealth based on changes in markets, the economy and https://www.nytimes.com/1995/07/02/style/weddings-mindy-basser-jonathan-d-gray.html. our complete methodology , Design & development: Gray has been a major Democratic donor, backing Hillary Clinton in 2016[21] and several Democratic presidential candidates in the 2020 election[22][23][24][25], The Gray Foundation was launched in 2014, focusing on inherited BRCA mutations and increasing access to education and healthcare for low-income youth in New York City. Assumes role of president and chief operating officer of Blackstone. I felt the more I was involved, the more I could help this mission. Penn graduates Jon Gray, C'92, W'92, and Mindy Basser Gray, C'92, are stepping in to help. [1] He is also chairman of Hilton Worldwide. Despite our twelve-year age gap, she always treated me like an equal. Thinking bigger, we want to develop a preventive vaccine for those not yet affected and a cure for women who are! In 2012, Mindy and Jon Gray made a transformative gift to establish the Basser Center for BRCA at Penn Medicine's Abramson ancer Center and to date have given over $55 million towards its mission. In 2016, it was reported that Gray was under consideration as Treasury Secretary for the incoming presidential administration of Donald Trump. Community, Prev: Though breast cancer can be screened through mammograms and MRIs, tests and prevention for ovarian cancer remain elusive, and the disease often flies under the radar until its later stages. Mindy Gray: My dear friend Jill Seigerman worked for Liz Tilberis, late Editor-in-Chief of Harpers Bazaar and President of OCRF, so I had known about OCRF for years. At the time of its founding, it was thefirst and only center in the world dedicated tofunding research across the globe, educating providers and patients, and advancing care for individuals and their families living withBRCA1/2mutations. . [42], In 1995, Gray married Mindy Basser at Temple Beth Zion Israel in Philadelphia; the ceremony was officiated by Rabbi Ira F. 284 subscribers The biennial Basser Jean Bash fundraiser in Manhattan on November 18, 2019, raised $9 million to support BRCA-related cancer research. Most are units that are convertible into common stock on a one-for-one basis, according to the document. [31] This donation also established the Basser Global Prize,[32] honoring cutting-edge cancer research. Because of this, the only way to truly reduce risk is removing a womans ovaries (and fallopian tubes). She taught me to talk to animals, especially our crazy cats, she taught me to enjoy Kraft macaroni and cheese at midnight (even when I wasnt the slightest bit hungry), and she taught me that no walks too long if you have a friend by your side. The donation was made to establish and fund the Cancer . Formerly, Jon served as Blackstone's Global Head of Real Estate. View Mindy Basser Gray's record in Willows, CA including current phone number, address, relatives, background check report, and property record with Whitepages. He is a member of the National Academy of Medicine, fellow of the American Academy of Arts & Sciences, fellow of the American Association for Cancer Research Academy, and was a member of the Cancer Moonshot Blue Ribbon Panel. Jon Gray is the Co-Founder of the Gray Foundation. This was when I knew that my relationship with OCRF was meant to be. At the time of its . Thanks to Faith, I was certainly among the only seven-year-olds seeing the movie Annie Hall the day it was released. Joins Blackstone, starts building real estate investments. Mindy Gray: Faith was my mentor, my guide, my role model. 12/14/2012 | Mindy Gray was devastated by the passing of her beloved older sister, Faith Basser. To preserve these articles as they originally appeared, The Times does not alter, edit or update them. Try telling this to a woman in her 20s who is BRCA-positive and not yet married. We are here to support you and your family, offering layers of support and many ways to connect. The Basser Center was named in honor of Faith Basser, Mindys sister who died ofBRCA-relatedovarian cancer at the age of 44. They have since dedicated their lives to the research and awareness of BRCA- related . Mindy and Jon Gray at UPenn, where they met as undergrads. [2] Early life [ edit] Gray was born in Highland Park, Illinois to a Jewish family. December 14, 2012 Formerly, Jon served as Blackstone's Global Head of Real Estate. Mindy Gray: We are ALL IN on this mission and wont stop until progress is made! She served as the Executive Director of Teach For America - New York, and the Chief Operating Officer of ExpandED Schools. OCRF: If you could send one message to ovarian cancer survivors, their caregivers and loved ones, what would it be? We wanted to create a center that would be focused on this mutation, which would provide research, and support, and care, and thats why we founded the Basser Center.. . She taught me how to blow bubbles, how to disco dance, how to properly tickle feet, and how to knot my hair in a bun. Blackstone Inc.s Jon Gray and his wife,Mindy, are funding an institute at their alma mater focused on early detection and prevention of breast, ovarian, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Jon currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Hilton Worldwide. and each individual billionaire profile contains a detailed analysis of how that person's fortune is tallied. Charissa has served on the boards of Trust for Public Lands - New York, DREAM, and Bronx Childrens Museum. The veteran oncology researcher quickly came up with an idea: To host a symposium where leading BRCA experts could gather and discuss issues in the field. The very first event where I volunteered was OCRFs high-end garage sale Super Saturday. Were all in on this We plan on doing more, until we find a way where people can say, I can live with a BRCA mutation., This is a BETA experience. He serves as a board member of the Pension Real Estate Association and Trinity School and is chairman of the board of Harlem Village Academies. Charissa has dedicated the last 25 years to expanding educational opportunity for NYC youth. Amazon Pauses Construction on Second Headquarters in Virginia as It Cuts Jobs, iPhone Maker Plans $700 Million India Plant in Shift From China, Amazon Is Closing Its Cashierless Stores in NYC, San Francisco and Seattle, S&P 500 Notches Best Week Since Late January: Markets Wrap, Stock Traders Are Ignoring Blaring Bond Alarms. Both Mindy C'92 and Jon Gray C'92 . Blackstone has $915 billion in assets under management as of March 31, 2022, according to the company's website. Marries Mindy Basser, a fellow University of Pennsylvania student. [41] In 2021 the Gray Foundation contributed $15 million to a program that opens a college savings account with $100 for every child enrolled in New York City public kindergartens. Jonathan D. Gray is born to Chicago entrepreneurs. We know a lot when patients present cancer, we know what they have, what are the genetic changes that lead to the cancer. We endure this loss each and every day. The Basser Center is the global leader in funding research, education and care for individuals and their families living withBRCA1/2 mutations. [8] Gray continues to act as Chairman of the Board of Hilton Worldwide, which went public in December 2013. Read On, The ovarian cancer community needs you your support, your voice, your passion and commitment. Jonathan D. Gray (born February 4, 1970) is an American billionaire businessman and the president and chief operating officer of Blackstone Group, a New York-based asset management firm. Among the unthinkable tragedies of losing her was that she left behind her four-year-old son, Logan, who would no longer have his mom. My father is 94 and a first-generation American and my mother is first generation as well. The money will support research on cancer "interception" detecting abnormal, cancerous cells at the earliest stages and disrupting their progress before the disease gets underway. Jon Gray is the Co-Founder of the Gray Foundation. The couple both graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. Women with a BRCA 1 mutation have a 60-80% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and a 20-45% lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer. There are so many ways to lend a hand, to improve the lives of thousands of patients and their families, and get us one step closer to a cure. At Jills suggestion, I reached out to OCRF to ask how I could get involved. 2023 Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance, Inc. All rights reserved. Meet Mindy Gray: Wife, Mother, Sister, Philanthropist, and OCRF Board Member. In his senior year at University of Pennsylvania, not long before accepting an offer to work at Blackstone Group Inc., Jon Gray put down a book at the library to ask out Mindy Basser. Meet Rajiv Jain, The Asset Management Billionaire Backing The Embattled Adani Group, Inside Mediobanca, The Investment Bank Making Record Profits Taking Italys Biggest Brands Public, Checks & Imbalances: Trump Collaborates On Song With Jan. 6 Prisoners, Ethics Panel Publishes Inquiry Into AOC, Trump And Jan. 6 Prisoners Collaborate On New Song Called Justice For All, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Likely Violated Ethics Laws With Met Gala Appearance, Says House Ethics Office, Exclusive: Mark Zuckerberg And Priscilla Chan On Their New Biohub In Chicago And How They Plan To Spend Billions To Help Others Cure Or Manage Disease, Exclusive: New Investigation Reveals Gautam Adanis Older Brother As Key Player In Adani Groups Biggest Deals, Checks & Imbalances: Trumps Tower Of Lies, Pompeos Book Sales. We are singularly focused on putting ourselves out of businessin funding the research that ultimately develops a tool for early detection and in an ideal world, develops a vaccine and/or cure that will prevent anyone from suffering at the hands of this insidious disease ever again. The Gray Foundation is also focused on This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996.