Aloxxi Founder Raises $5 Million for Diabetes Research

City of Hope’s National Professional Salon Industry honored George W. Schaeffer, President & CEO of OPI Products Inc. and newly formed hair color company, Aloxxi International, at the 2012 Spirit of Life Dinner, July 21, 2012.


The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s most prestigious philanthropic honor, presented annually to a salon industry leader who has demonstrated outstanding business and altruistic leadership. Breaking all records, over 1700 people showed up to celebrate Schaeffer and help raise over five million dollars for City of Hope, a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Schaeffer formed the George W. Schaeffer Endowment for Innovation in Diabetes Research to help find new treatments and, possibly one day, a cure for diabetes.


Schaeffer exceeded his personal goal to raise and donate over five million dollars to help City of Hope continue to advance their mission with attendees raising over 2.7 million dollars and Schaeffer personally matching up to 2.5 million. In addition, Schaeffer covered the cost of the dinner, enabling 100% of every dollar donated to go directly to City of Hope.


The evening featured the culinary expertise of world renowned Chef Hubert Keller, entertainment by music icons Aretha Franklin and Al Green and a surprise appearance by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting. Surprising all attendees, the evening was topped off with a wedding ceremony for Schaeffer and wife Irina.


As the 2012 recipient of City of Hope’s highest honor, Schaeffer embodies the vision and commitment that defines the Spirit of Life. Schaeffer has
always lived by the belief that giving back is beautiful. “I have been blessed with success in my life and there is nothing I would rather do than share it with those in need. I am so grateful to all those who joined me in contributing their time, money, effort and love to this very important cause,” says Schaeffer. “And while I am extremely honored to receive this award, I am even more excited about the money that we were able to raise for City of Hope.”


Schaeffer received the award at the annual Spirit of Life Award dinner which was held in conjunction with the Professional Beauty Association’s Beauty Week and the 2012 Cosmoprof North America show activities at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas.


For nearly a century, City of Hope has been a model for scientific discovery and compassionate care for those facing cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, an a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope’s lifesaving research and treatment advance medicine throughout the nation. Among many breakthroughs, City of Hope’s research has led to some of the most widely used cancer drugs and synthetic insulin used by millions with diabetes. City of Hope’s commitment to compassionate patient care and approach to treatment is considered a model for supportive care in the United States.


For more information about City of Hope and George W. Schaeffer Endowment for Innovation in Diabetes Research, visit www.cityofhope.org/npsi