Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, founded in 1947, has long been at the vanguard of the nation’s cancer centers. Every year, the Dana-Farber Discovery Ball raises funds toward demoting the Big C from mortal menace to minor nuisance. One month prior to the Big B (yes, ball), a kick-off evening was held at Michele and Howard Kessler’s home in Palm Beach.

The event, chaired by Dame Celia Lipton Farris, Elaine Schuster, and Tom Quick, featured a runway presentation of Armani’s Spring and Summer 2008 collection with maestro Giorgio not only in attendance, but also underwriting the function.

Among those kicking off the upcoming event were Bob Meister and Lisa Schad, Jean Pearlstein, Judie and Larry Schlager, and Thomas Mayes. Upon watching a covey of underfed supermodels traipsing around on the catwalk, the merry congregation segued seamlessly into polishing off a lavish buffet.