New York Social Diary - Party Pictures

NYU Langone Medical Center's 2013 Violet Ball honoring Lori and Larry Fink.

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), the world’s first child protection agency, held its Annual Junior Committee Spring Benefit “Savor The City” on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at Asellina at The Gansevoort Park Hotel on Park Avenue. The evening featured cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvres, along with a silent auction of highly covetable items and experiences. Exhale Mind Body Spa was the corporate sponsor. There were 185 guests in attendance, and the event raised more than $47,000 for The NYSPCC’s Trauma Recovery Program.

Over 250 cases of child abuse are reported every day in New York City – and that is only what is reported. In response to this daunting issue, The NYSPCC’s set of young philanthropists assume social responsibility each year to raise essential funds for the efforts of the agency: helping children heal from abuse and neglect, and helping families grow stronger. The Junior Committee of The NYSPCC has been supporting the efforts of the agency since 2005.

Maureen Nash, Alexandra Papanicolaou, Matt Semino, Chani Churchill, Lauren Matina, and Samantha Strockis

Steering Committee Attendees included: Alexandra Papanicolaou, Christopher Breck, Jeffrey C. Caldwell, Chani Churchill, Darlene Liebman, Lauren Matina, Maureen Nash, Elizabeth Rockman, Matt Semino, Samantha Strockis, and Whitney Topping.

Additional Attendees included: Tatiana Perkin (Board Member), Karl Wellner (Board Member), Steve Forrester, Barbara Regna, and Susanne Schalin.

Joe Romano, Bri-Ann Ladowski, Lauren Matina, and Bruce Eckfeldt

Matt and Linette Semino

John Churchill and Gregory Todd

Regina Noroutite, Sabrina Martin, and Susanne Schalin

Jen Zweibel, Vanessa Martin, Samantha Manheimer, Linda Sondik, and Tanya Boulton

Melissa Epperly and Mauren Nash

Jeffery Caldwell, Alexandra Papanicolaou, Benner Ulrich, and Samantha Whiting

Elizabeth Rockman and Lauren Perry

Karl Wellner, Tatiana and Thorne Perkin

Christian Johnson, Sonia Sparolini, and Page Leidy

Suzie Ganjei and Dov Marmor

Brian Anderson and Gregory Todd

Lydia Tower, Aleksandra Cragg, and Barbara Regna

Emily Keown and Tyler Horvath

David Reed and David Gavazzi

Ward Eagan, Kerry O'Day, and Sarah Leif

Arun Barua and Jen King

Bill Kelly, Kim Grad, Christina Maloney, and Lindsey Kelly

David Gavazzi, Audi Martel, Eric Vukmirovich, Elise James-DeCruise, and David Reed

On Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at the Colony Club, Charles Renfro was the speaker at the AFA’s annual spring luncheon. A driving force behind Diller Scofidio + Renfro’s mission to integrate architecture, the visual arts, and the performing arts, Charles Renfro spoke about the firm's beginnings—designing everything from theater sets to art installations—and how spectatorship and the role of the viewer continues to influence their architectural practice.

The High Line, the redesign and expansion of the Juilliard School and Alice Tully Hall at Lincoln Center, the BAM Cultural District Master Plan, and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston are just a few of the cultural and civic projects with which the firm has established its international reputation.

Charles Renfro and Capera Ryan

Co-chairs of the luncheon included Elizabeth Belfer, Chris Cirgenski, Stephanie Clark, Ashleigh Fernandez, Stephanie La Nasa, Clare McKeon, and Capera Ryan.

Approximately 110 guests were in attendance, including Renée Belfer, Marisa Noel Brown, Olivia Chantecaille, Joshua David, Emily T. Frick, Miller Gaffney, Lee White Galvis, Noah Horowitz, Ann and Gilbert H. Kinney, Ts. Oyungerel, Paola Schulhof, Sheldon Root Severinghaus, Bj Topol, Toby Usnik, Anna-Sophia Van Zweyden, Kristen von Summer Waldorf, and Shirin von Wulffen; and AFA Director Pauline Willis and AFA Board President Jason Herrick, among many others.

Claire McKeon, Capera Ryan, Elizabeth Belfer, Pauline Willis, Stephanie La Nasa, and Stephanie Clark

The AFA is a nonprofit institution noted for its exceptional exhibitions, publications, and educational programs. Established in 1909, it is one of the oldest art organizations in the country. Over the years, millions of visitors in more than 100 museums around the world have experienced more than 3,000 AFA exhibitions. Current and upcoming AFA exhibitions include Rembrandt,Van Dyck, Gainsborough: The Treasures of Kenwood House, London; Gods and Heroes: Masterpieces from the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris; Of Heaven and Earth: 500 Years of Italian Painting from Glasgow Museums; Matisse as Printmaker: Works from the Pierre and Tana Matisse Foundation; Rolling Hills, Satanic Mills: The British Passion for Landscape; Art of the Lega: Meaning and Metaphor in Central Africa; and American Indian Art from the Diker Collection. For more information about the AFA’s exhibitions, publications, public programs, and online resources, visit www.afaweb.org.

Shirin von Wulffen and friend

Christine Harmon, Alexandra Drucker, and Marisa Noel Brown

Ariun Sanjaajamts, Jeffrey Falt, Oyungerel Tsedevdamba, Sheldon Root Severinghaus, and Pauline Willis

Katia Graytok, Jason Herrick, and Kristen von Summer Waldorf

Renee Belfer and Elizabeth Belfer

Neal Friske, Emily Summers, and Capera Ryan

Abigail Baratta and Amanda Waldron

Stephanie Clark, Scott Manning, and Adolfo Zaralegui

BJ Topol, Kay Childs, and Adrienne Conzelman

Claire McKeon and Ruth Appelhof

Chris Cirgenski and Pauline Willis

Peter Daverington and Catherine Corman

Ashleigh Fernandez and Jerry Caldari

Jackie Didier, Amy Connor, Miller Gaffne, and Elizabeth Belfer

Nancy Jane Loewy

Amanda Tapiero

Elisabeth Karpidas and Deborah Scott

Stephanie La Nasa, Elizabeth Belfer, Chris Cirgenski, Capera Ryan, Claire McKeon, and Stephanie Clark

Elisabeth Karpidas, Capera Ryan, Sheryl Mass, Deborah Scott, and Anna-Sophia van Zweden

Elena Caggiano, Sarah Turpin, Toby Usnik, and Alice Hunsberger

Pauline Willis, Capera Ryan, Kianga Ellis, and Jacqueline Didier

Each year, the City of Hope East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League of New York City presents the Spirit of Life® Award to individuals who represent all that embodies hope and whose professional and humanitarian accomplishments are worthy of celebration. This year, fashion designer and colon cancer survivor, Carmen Marc Valvo, and author, television health correspondent and psychiatry professor, Dr. Georgia Witkin, received the 2013 Spirit of Life® Award at City of Hope's luncheon on Tuesday, May 7, at The Plaza Hotel.

Valvo, who has outfitted celebrity royalty including Beyonce, Queen Latifah, and Catherine Zeta-Jones, featured his latest designs in the fashion show presentation at this year's luncheon. Outside of fashion, Valvo has also been active in raising awareness about colon cancer and is additionally donating all proceeds from his book "Dressed to Perfection, The Art of Dressing for Your Red Carpet Moments" to colon cancer research. "City of Hope is leading the way in research, treatment and education in order to save more lives and I am honored to support an organization that improves the quality of life for patients with cancer and their families, and said Valvo.

Toby Dela Rosa, Tempa Berish, Mark Scott, and Eric Robbins

Carol Seligson,Ellie Wohl, Karen Berger, Judy Spiegel, Susan Allen, and Michele Wolkoff

"I am amazed by the dedication and generosity I witnessed at City of Hope, of their physicians, researchers, staff and volunteers – all of whom work tirelessly every day to create a future free from the devastations of cancer. I am honored to be recognized by an organization that I have supported for many years," said Witkin, Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences at Mt. Sinai Medical Center and an accomplished author of 13 books on stress.

Recipients of this prestigious award include a broad range of leaders from the world of business, entertainment, fashion, science, and philanthropy with a shared commitment to elevating the human condition and a profound belief in the power of each individual to effect change. This year includes a special presentation to past honorees, among which have been Robin Roberts, Kelly Ripa, Cindy Crawford, Katie Couric, Brooke Shields and Mary Tyler Moore.

Ramona Singer, Marla Helene, Podi Constantiner, Colleen Rein, Nurit Haase, Pamela Morgan, and Andrea Wernick

Norm Lewis

Nearly 400 of the most philanthropic and influential New Yorkers attended, including Hilaria Baldwin, Lara Spencer of ABC's Good Morning America, Paula Zahn of Discovery's On the Case with Paula Zahn, actor Steve Guttenberg of major films such as Three Men and a Baby and Police Academy, Ramona Singer and Heather Thompson of Bravo's TheReal Housewives of New York City, fashion designer Kay Unger, and skincare entrepreneur Adrien Arpel. To date, the annual luncheon has raised $12 million for City of Hope.

City of Hope is a leading research, treatment and education center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as a comprehensive cancer center, the highest honor bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, City of Hope's research and treatment protocols advance care throughout the nation. City of Hope is located in Duarte, Calif., just northeast of Los Angeles, and is ranked as one of "America's Best Hospitals" in cancer by U.S. News and World Report. Founded in 1913, City of Hope is a pioneer in the fields of bone marrow transplantation and genetics. For more information, visit www.cityofhope.org.

Ann Levine, Honey Cook, and Lisa Fuld

Hilaria Baldwin

Nichole Galicia, Kerri Mandelbaum, Dr. Georgia Hope Witkin, and Karen Mandelbaum

Mike Tadross and Dr. Georgia Hope Witkin

Lara Spencer and Carmen Marc Valvo

Marcy Warren and Amy Zaitz

Steve Guttenberg and Mike Tadross

Denise Wohl and Elenor Wohl

Michele Herbert and Dr. Georgia Hope Witkin

Dr. Georgia Hope Witkin, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Lisa Fuld

Amy Chanos

Andrea Stark and Adrien Arpel

Paula Zahn and guest

Susan Allen, Michele Wolkoff, and Arlene Reed

Kimberly Pauley and Dr. Georgia Hope Witkin

Carmen Marc Valvo fashion

NYU Langone Medical Center raised more than $5.4 million in unrestricted funding at its annual Violet Ball on May 9th, held at Cipriani on 42nd Street in New York City. This year Lori Fink, chair, NYU Cancer Institute Advisory Board, and trustee, NYU Langone, and Laurence D. Fink, chairman and CEO, BlackRock, Inc. and co-chair, Board of Trustees, NYU Langone, were honored for their tireless dedication to the growth of the medical center.

Each year the Violet Ball celebrates NYU Langone's continuing tradition of excellence in education, research and patient care. Funds raised are used to advance the medical center's bold vision and strengthen its role as a rich resource for the diverse communities of New York and beyond.

John Sexton, Larry Fink, Robert I. Grossman, Lori Fink, Martin Lipton, Ken Langone, Larry Silverstein, and Phil Moskowitz

Lori and Laurence D. Fink have been outstanding members of the NYU Langone community for more than 30 years. With their remarkable generosity and guidance, they have helped lead the institution forward to become one of the nation's leading academic medical centers. Larry is co-chair of the medical center's board (since 1995) as well as a trustee and vice chair of New York University. Lori is a trustee of the medical center (since 2003) and chair of our Cancer Institute Advisory Board.

Larry and Lori Fink

Allison and Roberto Mignone

Larry and Lori Fink, Elisabeth Cohen, and Robert I. Grossman

Mary Pat Christie and NJ Governor Chris Christie

Fiona Druckenmiller

Debra LaMorte, Ken Langone, and Helen Kimmel

Daniel Fink, Lori and Larry Fink, Tamara Goldman, and Josh Fink

John Sexton, Billie Tisch, and Ken and Elaine Langone

Connie and Marty Silver

Sandra and Edward Meyer

Allison Mignone, Ken Langone, and Mary Pat Christie

Martin and Susan Lipton, Robert I. Grossman, and Elisabeth Cohen

Gary Cohn and Lisa Pevaroff

Bradley Wechsler and Patty Newburger

Robert I. Grossman, John Sexton, Marica Vilcek, and Jan Vilcek

Linda Gosden Robinson, Catherine Manno, and Mary Pat Christie

Connie Silver and Phyllis Putter Barasch

Trudy Elbaum Gottesman and Robert Gottesman

Ken Langone and NJ Governor Chris Christie

On Tuesday, April 23rd the McCarton Foundation, a nonprofit leading the way in autism education, hosted its annual Celebration of Learning Gala at Capitale. This year’s Gala featured some of New York’s hottest up-and-coming singers performing in an American Idol style competition to help raise money for the foundation.

Ron Grant, host of the world's longest running and most prestigious open mic night at the Village Underground, was the evening’s emcee.

LaShonda Reese with Mike Herman Band

Kelly King with Mike Herman Band

Bay Bryan with Mike Herman Band

Jason Liebman with Mike Herman Band

The annual event is produced each year to raise funds to ensure the McCarton Foundation’s continued success in educating young people on the autistic spectrum. Last year’s Celebration of Learning, hosted by Oscar®-nominated actress Laura Linney– raised over $1 million to help transform the lives of children with autism. The winner of the singing competition was LaShonda Reese, who is currently performing on Broadway.

Ron Grant and Dr. Cece McCarton

Laura Linney and Dr. Cece McCarton

Jordyn Kopin, Dr. Cece McCarton, and Lily Khaykina

Laura Linney and Marc Schauer

Mrs Govindr.ajan, Sujata Yellavlli, Radhika Athreya, and Mr Govindrajan

Robert Mofenson and June Pintchik

LaShonda Reese and Gedeon Luke

Daisy Chaplin, Laura Linney, and David Brymer

Steve Earle and Allison Earle

Allison Walmark, Ethan Walmark, and Michael Walmark

Gwen Salakaia and Gwen Chelidze

Joe Pierce and Sandy Chaplin

Molly Sebastian and Brian Kennedy

Andreas and Katie Hildebrand

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com; Jenny Gorman (NYSPCC); Rob Rich (City of Hope); Annie Watt (McCarton); Jay Brady and David Dupuy / Annie Watt (Violet Ball)

The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza designed by David Monn

Orchestra of St. Luke’s (OSL) held its annual Gift of Music gala on Monday, May 6, 2013, raising more than $600,000 to benefit OSL’s concerts and Community & Education programs, as well as The DiMenna Center for Classical Music.

The event was held in The Plaza’s Grand Ballroom, which was transformed with beautiful, towering cherry blossom trees, elegant floral arrangements, and glowing candlelight. The spectacular décor was designed and provided by OSL board member David Monn. Emmy and Tony Award-winning actor David Hyde Pierce, best known for the role of Niles on Frasier, hosted the Gift of Music gala. Pierce introduced OSL’s performance of music by Mozart, Fauré, and Rameau, led by Principal ConductorPablo Heras-Casado. Soprano Ying Fang and tenor Paul Appleby were stunning in Mozart arias from Cosi fan tutte and Zaide. The evening concluded with OSL playing Strauss waltzes to accompany dancing in the ballroom—a longtime tradition at Gift of Music galas.

Ying Fang and Paul Appleby perform with OSL and Pablo Heras Casado

Orchestra of St. Luke’s honored mezzo-soprano and OSL board member Susan Graham and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation’s President Emeritus Don M. Randel.

Pablo Heras-Casado warmly introduced Susan Graham and presented her award. Graham—dubbed “America’s favorite mezzo” by Gramophone magazine—is known for operatic roles spanning four centuries, and her recital repertoire is equally wide-ranging. As one of today’s foremost interpreters of French vocal music, the Texas native was awarded the French government’s prestigious “Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres.” Beyond her musical contributions, Heras-Casado admired her spirit and larger-than-life personality, and noted that the repertoire on OSL’s Gift of Music gala performance was chosen specifically to honor Graham’s achievements in opera and French music.

Co Chairs David Bury and OSL Co Founder Marianne Lockwood, Co Chair and Board Member Robert Appel, and Carol and Honoree Don Randel

Graham joined OSL’s Board of Directors in June 2011; her collaborations with OSL span many years and include numerous performances at Carnegie Hall and the Caramoor Music Festival. Most recently, she performed with OSL at the opening of The DiMenna Center for Classical Music in March 2011. In her acceptance speech, she noted her deep and ever-growing love for, and commitment to, Orchestra of St. Luke’s.

Don M. Randel’s award was presented by OSL board member and gala chairman Bob Appel, who noted Randel’s accomplishments as president of the Mellon Foundation. In that role, Randel championed the humanities and the performing arts, leading the foundation’s grant making of approximately $250 million each year to colleges and universities, performing arts organizations, museums, and research libraries.

The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has been a strong supporter of the orchestra field for many years. Since 1991, it has contributed close to $5 million to OSL, including a $2 million investment in the start-up and capitalization of The DiMenna Center. As Randel accepted his award, he remarked on the unique ability of music to connect people and provide profound emotional experiences.

The gala’s co-chairs were Robert and Helen Appel, Ronald and Georgia Frasch, Marianne C. Lockwood and David Bury, and Sarah and Howard Solomon. Two of the world’s most beloved vocal stars, soprano Renée Fleming and tenor Plácido Domingo, were honorary chairs.

Notable guests included Robert and Helen Appel, Adrienne Arsht, Mark Badgley, Pamela Baxter, Richard Beckman, Stacy Bendet, Norman Benzaquen, Robert Burke, Jonathan and Emme Deland, Joe and Diana DiMenna, Barbara Feldon, Ronald and Georgia Frasch, Cornelia Guest, Roger and Susan Hertog, James Mischka, David Monn, Josie Natori, Lisa Rinehart, Jonathan and Diana Rose, Susan and Elihu Rose, Sarah Billinghurst and Howard Solomon, Elie Tahari, Alexander and Diana Vreeland, and Judy Zankel.

Co Chair and OSL Board Member Georgia Frasch, Alexander and Diana Vreeland, Jean Philippe Prugnaud, Cornelia Guest, and James Mischka

Tom Curley, Christine Bosco, Jim Attwood, and Nancy and Morris Offit

Gerry and Vicky Cameron, Lloyd Ross, OSL Board Member Janet Seidler, Charles Seidler, and Susan Ross

Master of Ceremonies David Hyde Pierce, Charlie Hamlen, Principal Conductor Pablo Heras Casado, and Jeremy Geffen

Diana DiMenna, Pablo Heras Casado, and Board Member Joe DiMenna

Adrienne Arsht and OSL Principal Conductor Pablo Heras Casado

Judy Zankel and OSL Chairman Norman Benzaquen

Peter Martinez and OSL Board Member Kristin Barbato

Clay Brakeley, Pablo Heras Casado, Katy Clark, and Susan Graham

Richard and Kristen Beckman, and Co Chair Ron Frasch

OSL Board Members Marianne Lockwood, Barbara Feldon, Peter Gottsegen, and Carol Grossman

Katy Clark, Adrienne Arsht, and Georgia Frasch

OSL Board Members David Monn and Josie Natori with Principal Conductor Pablo Heras Casado and Robert DeGaetano

OSL Board Member Josie Natori, Stacey Bendet, Jana Klauer, and Deanna Berkeley

Co Chair Howard Solomon and Honoree Susan Graham

Lisa Rinehart and Joe DiMenna

Honorees Don Randel and Susan Graham, OSL President Katy Clark, and Co Chair Bob Appel

Mindy Prugnaud, Elie Tahari, JoAnne Blessinger, and Co Chair Ron Frasch

Emme Deland, Phyllis Levin, and Jonathan Deland

Board Member Robert Ashton and Jean Ashton

The Boys’ Club of New York, the nation’s oldest boys club, paid tribute to excellence in leadership and generosity of service at its Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 at Cipriani 42nd Street. This year, BCNY honored three very special individuals, individuals whose impact at the Boys’ Club and in the community has touched thousands.

The Boys’ Club was thrilled to honor Elaine Langone with the Harriman Award for her extraordinary leadership towards helping young people succeed. She has served on BCNY’s Board of Trustees since 1998 and is currently a Vice President and member of BCNY’s Executive Committee. In 2003, she and her husband Ken donated the funds to build a new boys’ club in Flushing, Queens. The Marion McMahon Abbe Clubhouse, named for Mrs. Langone’s late mother, is a testament to her commitment and leadership at the Boys’ Club. Mrs. Langone’s impact at BCNY and beyond cannot be overstated, and BCNY was fortunate to have the opportunity to recognize her contributions.

Bill Torrey and Elaine Langone

This year, BCNY honored NHL legend William Torrey with the Northrop Award, which acknowledges extraordinary sports achievement. Mr. Torrey, a General Manager and executive in the National Hockey League, was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1995. His contributions to the sport include six trips to the NHL finals and four Stanley Cup wins. Mr. Torrey has demonstrated his support of BCNY for years, and is a worthy recipient of this award.

Receiving the BCNY/Don Mattingly Spirit Award was BCNY alumnus Charles Sikoryak. In 1957, Mr. Sikoryak began the Independent School Placement program at BCNY, a vanguard program that has set the standard for other organizations. During his nearly 40-year tenure working in BCNY’s Education Program, he mentored thousands of boys and was dedicated to making sure boys challenged themselves to reach their full potential academically, and grow into young men of character.

Venket Varadarajan, Shaquille Riley, and Raniel Perez

BCNY Musicians

BCNY Musicians performing

Curt Curtis

Serving as Awards Dinner co-chairs were Douglas J. Band, Allie Hanley, Dean J. Poll, Edward J. Rappa, and Jacqueline R. Williams. James F. Curtis III acted as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. Guests included Tina and Terry Lundgren, New Jersey First Lady Mary Pat Christie, Suzy and Jack Welch, Kenneth Langone, Lori and Richard Grasso, Amy and John Griffin, Ambassador Beatrice and Anthony Welters, Gabrielle and Louis Bacon, Zack Bacon, Lisa and Christopher Errico, Ann and Christopher Quick, Stuart Katzoff, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Calvert and George Moore, Leslie and Andrew Heaney, Ann and Silas Anthony, Kitty and Ebby Gerry, Patricia and William Northrop, Robert “Stretch” Gardiner, Robert Ireland, Armene Milliken, Kitty and William McKnight, Nancy and Joseph Missett, Marlene Hess and James Zirin, Merrill and Ashton Curtis, Friederike Biggs, Alice and James Ross, Maria and David Rappa, Allison and David Lorber, Damien Dwin, Linda and Jeffrey Moslow, Valentino Carlotti, Daniel Garcia, Scott Wilson and Andrea de Cholnoky, Dennis Powers, Cynthia and Jan van Eck, Shabnam Henry, Ritchey Howe, Marina and Thomas Purcell, Kathryn Miller, Diane van Amerongen, Linda Hickox, Tiffany Moller, Maarten van Hengel, Jessica and James McGibbon, Estela and Michael Zampardi, Raelin and Jeffrey Kantor, Allison and Roberto Mignone, Mary Beth and Joseph Donohue, Michele and Antonio Sacconaghi, Antoinette Guerrini-Maraldi and Hans Kertess, Maureen and Steven Klinsky, Sara Ayres, Anjali Melwani, Diane and Winston Hutchins, Tina and Conor O’Callaghan, Jennifer Worthington, Elaine Crocker, Ilse and Murray Stark, Penny and Thomas Teague, Anne and Arthur Benvenuto, Lisa and Carlos Evans, and Kathleen and Joseph Grano.

The event raised almost $2.5 million dollars, which is a true testament both to the distinction of the honorees and the legacy of the Boys’ Club.

Allie Hanley, Ed Rappa, Jackie Williams, Dean Poll, Elaine Langone, and Doug Band

Elaine Langone and Ken Langone

Jackie Williams and Gene Williams

Curt Curtis and Courtney Booth

Bill Torrey and Elaine Langone

Terry Lundgren and Tina Lundgren

Elaine Langone, Jackie Williams, Jeanne Jones, Friederike Biggs, and Nancy Phelan

Jamee and Peter Gregory

Marylouise Sacconaghi and Gabrielle Bacon

Maureen Klinsky, Gabrielle Bacon, and Sara Ayres

The Animal Medical Center’s 2013 (AMC) hosted its Fifth Annual Living Legends Luncheon at The Harmonie Club on Tuesday, May 7, to honor three remarkable companion animals – Isabella, the 15-year-old Daschund, Magik the 15-year-old Rescue Cat and Pauli the 12-year-old Labrador “Working” Guide Dog – all of whom received extraordinary treatment from The AMC’s Oncology and Dermatology Services. Barbara Hoffman, Kane Nussbaum, Marilyn Sorensen, Helene Stein, Eva Usdan and Janet York are Co-Chairs of the event.

Two hundred guests were on hand to celebrate The AMC Livings Legends, including such notables as: Nancy Kissinger, Elaine Langone, Robert Liberman, Emilia Krimendahl, Katharine and William Rayner, Donna Acquavella, and Cass Adelman. “The Living Legends Luncheon allows us to put a spotlight on some of the extraordinary work being done at The AMC and to commemorate the profound connection between people and their pets – the human-animal bond,” said Kathryn Coyne, CEO of The Animal Medical Center.

Funds raised from the Living Legends Luncheon will continue to support The AMC, a non-profit teaching institution, which is universally recognized as one of the world’s most comprehensive hospitals for companion animals. With a distinguished 103-year legacy, The AMC sets the standard for quality medical care, research breakthroughs and education.

Tom Raibaldi with Living Legends' Honoree Pauli, working Guide Dog and Dr. Nicole Leibman, Head of Oncology

CEO Kate Coyne, and AMC Trustee Donna Acquavella

Dr. Mark Macina, Dermatologist, Dr. Nicole Leibman, Head of Oncology, Matt and Michel with Magik the Cat - Living Legends' Honoree, Kate Coyne, CEO, Dr. Wiles, Oncology Resident

AMC Trustee, Mal Schwartz and Laura Tryon

Sharon Koplin, AMC Trustee and Dr. Susan Zucotti

Kate Coyne, CEO, Dr. Mark Macina, Dermatologist, Isabella the Dachushund - Living Legends' Honoree, and Pattie Berman

Nancy Kissinger and guest

Dr. Maria Camps, and Libby Monaco McCarthy

Luncheon Co-Chairs, Barbara Hoffman, Helene Stein, Kane Nussbaum, Eva Usdan, Marilyn Sorenson, Janet York

Professor Iris Love, AMC Trustee and Dr. Ann Hohenhaus

AMC Trustee Ed Hershey and Sean McCarthy, President-Westminster Kennel Club

AMC Trustee Cass Adelman and guest

AMC Trustee Kathy Rayner and William Rayner and Kate Coyne, CEO

The New York Women’s Foundation® (NYWF) held its 26th annual Celebrating Women® Breakfast, honoring RachelLloyd, Founder and CEO of GEMS (Girls Educational & Mentoring Services), TinaBrown, Founder and Editor in Chief of The Newsweek Daily Beast Company, and Nobel Peace Laureate and Liberian peace activist LeymahGbowee, on Thursday, May 9, 2013 at 7:30 AM at the New York Marriott Marquis.

NYWF honored Rachel Lloyd with the Celebrating Women® Award, which was given in recognition of her significant achievements that have made her a role model for women and girls. Tina Brown was presented with the Vision Award in recognition of her significant philanthropic contributions to women and children, and Leymah Gbowee was honored with the Century Award for her social activism which has had an extraordinary and lasting impact on the lives of many. The event’s co-chairs and Board Members were Anita Channapati, Kwanza R. Butler, and Jennifer Giacobbe.

Diana Taylor, Tina Brown, Leymah Gbowee, Rachel Lloyd, and Ana Oliveira

The breakfast kicked off with a performance from Mariachi Flor de Toloache—New York City’s “only all-female mariachi band”—who roused the crowd before DianaTaylor, Chair of the NYWF Board of Directors, addressed the sold-out audience of some 2,200 attendees. Ms. Taylor was quick to thank the 90 partner organizations seated behind her onstage, before noting that the New York Women’s Foundation has grown to become one of the top three women’s funds in the world.

JenniferBuffett, a past honoree and President of the NoVo Foundation, whose activism works to end the abuse and exploitation of women and girls, was next on stage to introduce Rachel Lloyd, the recipient of the Celebrating Women Award. Ms. Lloyd, who was instrumental in the passage of New York’s Safe Harbor Act—a law prohibiting the criminal persecution of minors who are victims of commercial sex trafficking. A former victim herself, Lloyd established GEMS, now the nation’s largest organization offering direct services to domestic victims of commercial sex trafficking.

Following Ms. Lloyd was Tina Brown, the Founder & Editor In Chief of the Newsweek Daily Beast and Founder of the Women in the World Foundation, who received the Vision Award for her significant philanthropic contributions to women and children around the world.

Mariachi Flor de Toloache—New York City’s “only all-female mariachi band”

Ana Oliveira

Ginny Day and Yvonne Moore

Betty Terrell-Cruz, a NYWF Founder and Board Alumna, then introduced grantee YennyQuispe, a young Peruvian-American with a truly inspiring backstory who at an early age became an activist for immigrants’ rights. The second grantee honored, Ruth Moore, a victim of military sexual assault, has fought to help other survivors of military sexual assault secure their veterans benefits from the Department of Veterans Affairs. President Barack Obama recently signed the Ruth Moore Act of 2013, pledging to continue improving health care for veterans and expanding opportunities for women in combat roles.

Ginny Day, a NYWF Founder and Board Alumna, and Yvonne Moore, NYWF Board of Directors Secretary, then took the stage to solicit donations from the audience. Ms. Moore announced that a group of current and past members of NYWF had pledged to match all donations up to $500,000.

Leymah Gbowee addresses the crowd

The final honoree of the day was Nobel Peace Prize winner LeymahGbowee. Ms. Gbowee was introduced by AbigailDisney, Honorary Chair of the NYWF Board of Directors. Ms. Disneyrecalled the history of their relationship and the close bond between the two. Leymah Gbowee began by thanking Ms. Disney, who helped produce the award winning documentary Pray the Devil Back to Hell, saying “this probably never would have happened without you bringing my story to the world.” Ms. Gbowee was funny and engaging while recalling her past and what inspired her to become a peace activist, whose efforts helped end the Second Liberian Civil War. She ended the morning on a high note, dancing with Ana Oliveira to John Legend’s rendition of “Wake Up Everybody” and getting the audience to their feet dancing along.

The New York Women’s Foundation® is a cross-cultural alliance of women, serving as a voice for women and a force for change. The Foundation identifies innovative organizations that are effecting change for women in the communities they serve. NYWF strategically funds organizations and programs that move women, girls and families toward long-term economic security through individual transformation and systemic change, mobilizing leaders and community partners as philanthropists and change agents. NYWF funds programs that promote economic security and justice, anti-violence and safety, health, and sexual rights and reproductive justice for women and girls in New York City.

Susan R. Cullman

Taina Bien-Aime

Jennifer Buffett

Ruth Moore, Samantha Moore, and Butch Moore

Leymah Gbowee and Abigail Disney

Jennifer Buffett and Rachel Lloyd

Michele Penzer

Taina Bien-Aimé, Rachel Lloyd, Susan Fulwiler, Anita Channapati, Jean Shafiroff, Kwanza Butler, and Jennifer Giacobbe

Jennifer Giacobbe

Karen Reynolds Sharkey, Taina Bien-Aime, and Abigail Disney

Ana Oliveira, Diana Taylor, and Sid Bass

Betty Terrell-Cruz and Ginny Day

On May 2, over 500 Project Sunshine friends and supporters gathered at Cipriani 42nd St. for the Tenth Annual Project Sunshine Benefit, “Ten Years of Evenings Filled with Sunshine.” The event, which raised $700,000 for the nonprofit, honored Music Legend and Humanitarian Dionne Warwick with an award presented by Clive Davis. Project Sunshine, a New York City based charity, celebrated its annual week of service, Project Sunshine Week, from April 25th – May 2nd. Starting with proclamations from Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Michael Bloomberg, the week focused on raising funds and awareness for the organization, culminating with the Annual Project Sunshine Benefit. The Empire State Building was lit yellow in honor of Project Sunshine Week.

Khaliah Ali, Cheyenne Elliot, and Abby Z

“Ten Years of Evenings Filled with Sunshine” kicked off as a galaxy of stars walked Project Sunshine’s “Yellow Carpet”, including Project Sunshine Founder Joseph Weilgus; Chinese financier and awardee Fang Zheng; supermodels Damaris Lewis, Constance Jablonski, Jacquelyn Jablonski, Mirte Maas and Sarah Ann Macklin; Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, Miss USA Nana Meriwether, Miss Teen USA Logan West; and NY Giant David Diehl. Philanthropists Justin and Indre Rockefeller, artist Taryn Simon and producer Jake Paltrow, Khaliah Ali and Nikki Haskell also joined the celebration. Maurice DuBois of WCBS and Cat Greenleaf of WNBC were the Masters of Ceremonies for the evening. Guests enjoyed entertainment from Ace Greenberg and his Merry Magicians and Cheyenne Elliot, who performed a duet with grandmother Dionne Warwick.

Fang Zheng, Joseph Weilgus, and Justin Rockefeller

Project Sunshine is a nonprofit organization that empowers a dynamic and dedicated corps of over 15,000 volunteers to bring programming – recreational (arts), educational (tutoring and mentoring) and social service (HIV and nutritional counseling) – to over 100,000 children facing medical challenges and their families in 175 major cities across the United States, and in international satellite sites: Canada, China, Israel, and Kenya. Project Sunshine is dedicated to bringing a ray of hope to these hospitalized children. Project Sunshine Week is a week dedicated to raising awareness and support for the organization through a series of events and programs. For more information and ways to get involved, visit www.projectsunshine.org.

Dionne Warwick Honoree

Nana Meriwether, Olivia Culpo, and Logan West

Clive Davis

Tamsen Fadal and Mr G

Constance Jablonski

Damaris Lewis and David Diehl

Cat Greenleaf

Mirte Maas

Miss New York USA Joanne Nosuchinsky

Sarah Ann Macklin

Dionne Warwick and Cheyenne Elliot

Jacquelyn Jablonski

Photographs by Joe-Schildhorn/BFA (Project Sunshine)

Lynn Tilton, Lauren Bush Lauren, Maysoon Zayid, Robin Roberts, Susan Lucci, Paula Zahn, Loreen Arbus, Ali Stroker, Robin Givens, Donna Hanover, and Sharon Greenberger at the 12th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon benefitting United Cerebral Palsy of New York City.

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) held its annual Opening Night Spring Gala Monday night at The Metropolitan Opera House, hosting more than a thousand patrons, sponsors, supporters, friends, alumni and members of the Board of Trustees.

The gala, which serves as the opening of ABT’s spring season at the Met, raised $1.75 million dollars. A portion of the proceeds will support ABT’s education and community outreach programs.

Lucy Liu

Sigourney Weaver

Ashlee Simpson

Robert Ryan and Rachel Moore

Sponsored by DIOR, the evening featured ABT’s renowned principal dancers Roberto Bolle, Herman Cornejo, Marcelo Gomes, David Hallberg, Paloma Herrera, Julie Kent, Gillian Murphy, Veronika Part, Xiomara Reyes, Polina Semionova, Hee Seo, Daniil Simkin, Cory Stearns, Ivan Vasiliev and Diana Vishneva, as well as soloists and members of the corps de ballet, in preview performances from the eight-week season, which included Symphony in C, Onegin, Le Corsaire, The Sleeping Beauty, and Sylvia.

The evening also features exciting performances including Symphony #9, the first ballet of Alexei Ratmansky's World Premiere trilogy set to Dmitri Shostakovich's orchestral works, George Balanchine's dazzling Symphony in C, and a Pièce d'Occasion choreographed by Marcelo Gomes and performed by Julie Kent and Roberto Bolle.

Julie Macklowe and Zang Toi

Uma Thurman

Bebe Neuwirth and Chris Calkins

Victoria Phillips

The star-studded black-and-white tie themed affair had in attendance actresses Lucy Liu, Sigourney Weaver, and Bebe Neuwirth, as well as actor Stephen Lang; Roc Nation’s Bridget Kelly, and Constantine Mouralis of American Idol and Broadway’s Jekyll & Hyde; supermodels Chanel Iman,Jessica Stam, Anne V., Robyn Lawley and Irina Shayk; TV personalities Nigel and Cristen Barker; Olympic medalist Sasha Cohen; NFL stars NaVorro Bowman and Prince Amukamara; and fashion designers Rachel Roy and Zang Toi. Supermodels Coco Rocha and Alek Wek, actresses Uma Thurman and Stephanie Szostak, and singer Ashlee Simpson were also in attendance and served on the opening night gala’s Honorary Committee.

Nina Rennert Davidson

Misty Copeland

Audrey Carlin

Stewart Lane and Bonnie Conley

Also on hand were Honorary Chair Blaine Trump, along with Co-Chairs Sloan Lindemann Barnett, Nina Rennert Davidson, Julia Koch, Karin Luter, Christine Schwarzman, Kalliope Karella Rena, Tracy Snyder, and Monica G-S Wambold; and Vice Chair Sutton Stracke. Mrs. Michelle Obama and Caroline Kennedy, who are also Honorary Chairs, were not in attendance.

Daniel Cappello and Amanda Beck

Nancy McCormick

Steve Simon and Blaine Trump

Adrienne Arsht

Michaela DePrince

Sarah Arison

Stephanie Szostak

Tina Lang and Stephen Lang

Charl Brown and Star Jones

Amy Astley

Joy Marks

Lauren Post

Jean Shafiroff

Nigel Barker and Cristen Barker

Margo Langenberg

Coco Rocha

Christine Schwarzman

Fe Fendi

Rachel Roy and Tallulah

Muffie Potter Aston and Dr. Sherill Aston

Courtney B. Vance

Bridget Kelly

Sasha Cohen

Di Mondo

Ashley McDermott

Robyn Lawley

Caren Brooks

Lauren Rae Levy and Constantine Maroulis

Gillian Miniter and Sylvester Miniter

Prince Amukamara

Jamee Gregory

Jessica Stam

Alek Wek

Lisa Maria Falcone

The 12th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon benefitting United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP of NYC) was held Monday, May 6th at Cipriani 42nd Street. The sold-out event celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of women as professionals, caregivers and philanthropists and raised nearly $650,000 to fund programs and services offered by UCP of NYC to over 14,000 children and adults with disabilities throughout New York City.

The 2013 Women Who Care leadership included Loreen Arbus - Disability Rights Activist/Philanthropist/Producer and Founder & Chair of Women Who Care; Susan Lucci - Host of Women Who Care – Emmy® Award-winning star of the new series Devious Maids and All My Children, New York Times best-selling author, and former Women Who Care Honoree; Ellen Levine, Editorial Director of Hearst Magazines and Honorary Chair of Women Who Care; Donna Hanover, Former First Lady of New York City, actress, best-selling author, and Honorary Co-Chair of Women Who Care; Robin Givens - Star of 90210 and the new ABC television series Twisted, and Co-Chair of Women Who Care; Ali Stroker - Glee and Glee Project, Co-Chair of Women Who Care; and Paula Zahn - Emmy® Award-winning Host of On The Case With Paula Zahn and Co-Chair of Women Who Care.

Robin Roberts and Cyndi Lauper

Winsome and Schevon Williams

Highlights of this year's Women Who Care event included honoree award presentations by nearly a dozen celebrities and VIPS including Honoree Cyndi Lauper, who was presented the Luella Bennack Philanthropy Award by Robin Roberts; Honoree Sharon Greenberger, who was presented the Women in Business Award by Alan Alda; Honoree Lynn Tilton, who was presented the Women Who Care Award by Deborah Norville; and Honoree Maysoon Zayid, who was presented the Karen Hansen Caregiver Award by Lauren Bush Lauren.

Frank A. Bennack Jr.

In addition to Alan Alda, Robin Roberts, Lauren Bush Lauren, and Deborah Norville, celebrity presenters included: Mike Woods and Ines Rosales.

The event Host, Susan Lucci gave opening remarks, followed by Ed Matthews, CEO of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and Women Who Care Founder/Chair Loreen Arbus. Frank Bennack Jr., CEO of Hearst Corporation, introduced Women Who Care Honorary Chair and Editorial Director of Hearst Magazines, Ellen Levine, who led the audience with a call to action in support of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, raising over $40,000 in under an hour.

Maysoon Zayid

Sharon Greenberger and Alan Alda

Maysoon Zayid and Lauren Bush Lauren

Women Who Care honors the accomplishments of extraordinary women as caregivers, volunteers, and professionals. It is a celebration of women who have deep concern for others and are passionately committed to giving back. Women Who Care honorees are role models for women around the world to achieve their fullest potential. The Women Who Care Luncheon is a New York tradition and has generated global media attention for over a decade. Hearst Corporation is Presenting Sponsor of Women Who Care for the third year in a row.

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the fifth largest U.S. health organization. In New York City, it is a leading provider of programs, services, information, and care to over 14,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families. The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is to create opportunities for people with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

Tamsen Fadal, Loreen Arbus, Big Daddy, and Wendy Diamond

Dr. Vincent Siasoco, Susan Lucci, and Kathy Kelly

Deborah Norville and Lynn Tilton

Aaron Lown, Robin Givens, and John Roscoe Swartz

Ali Stroker

Terri Conn

Cyndi Lauper, Robin Roberts, and Ellen Levine

Donna Hanover and Nicole Miller

Ines Rosales, Loreen Arbus, and Mike Woods

Noella Coursaris Musunka, Loreen Arbus, James Masters, and Christine Ponz

Susan Lucci, Robin Givens, Robin Roberts, and Paula Zahn

Camilla Barungi, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., and Margot Bingham

Angélica Fuentes Téllez, Loreen Arbus, Kathy Calvin, and Maria Leticia Ossa Daza

Liza Huber and Barbara Lazaroff

Gabriel Mora

Gail Shields Miller, Michele Rella, Brenda von Schweickhardt, and Bonnie Pfeifer Evens

Lynn Tilton, Wendy Diamond, Caroline Lieberman, and Randy Jones

Dr. Laura Tagliareni, Marilyn Ostrow, Lisa Bergofin, and Andrea Rachman

Allen Kolkowitz, Amy Beckman, Eli Hoisington, Carl Galioto, Ken Drucker, Anthony Spagnolo, and Christopher R. Laul

UJA-Federation of New York’s Real Estate & Allied Trades Division honored Burton P. Resnick, chairman and chief executive officer of Jack Resnick & Sons, Inc., with the Jack D. Weiler Award at its annual Real Estate Luncheon on Monday, May 13, 2013, at Cipriani 42nd Street, in New York City.

UJA-Federation created the Jack D. Weiler Award in homage to a beloved founder and much-revered leader. Presented annually, the award recognizes those members of the real estate community who demonstrate outstanding professional achievement and an intense commitment to Jewish philanthropy.

Lloyd Goldman, Joel Picket, Leonard Wilf, Burton Resnick, Jonathan Mechanic,
Jeffrey Feil, and Leonard Boxer

Burton P. Resnick is chairman and chief executive officer of Jack Resnick & Sons, Inc., a company his late father Jack founded in 1928. Mr. Resnick and his company focus on real estate development, construction, ownership, and management in New York. A widely regarded leader in New York’s real estate and construction industry, he is chairman emeritus of the Real Estate Board of New York, and is active within many philanthropic organizations. Mr. Resnick has been involved with UJA-Federation for more than four decades. He is currently a member of its Real Estate Executive Committee and is a former campaign chairman. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Chicago.

Senator Charles Schumer

Governor Andrew Cuomo speaking

The event, featuring guest speakers Governor Andrew Cuomo and Senator Charles Schumer, attracted more than 600 real estate professionals. Among those honoring Burton P. Resnick were UJA-Federation’s Real Estate Division chair Lloyd Goldman andvice chairs Richard S. Lane and Andrew J. Singer, Real Estate Luncheon event chairs Jonathan L. Mechanic and Rob Speyer, and industry leaders such as Larry A. Silverstein, William Rudin, William L. Mack, and Leonard A. Wilf.

This year, the Real Estate & Allied Trades Division raisednearly $15 million for UJA-Federation’s annual campaign to sustain a network of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies that touch the lives of more than 4 million people annually.

Jonathan Resnick, Scott Resnick, Peter Resnick, Burton Resnick, and Lloyd Goldman

David Brause, David Picket, Earle Kazis, Louis Brause, and Richard Mazella

Andrew Singer, Burton Resnick, and Richard Lane

Jon Smith and Jonathan Estreich

Adam Arnow, Samuel Rosenblatt, and Steven Marvin

Charles Bendit, Jay Anderson, and Lloyd Goldman

Jonathan Mechanic, Rob Speyer, and William Rudin

William Mack and Richard Mack

Larry Silverstein and Marty Burger

Lee Deutsch, William Friedland, and Alfonso Kimche

Mitchell Moinian, Joseph Moinian, and Matthew Moinian

Madison Square Boys & Girls Club hosted its first annual Youth of the Year Gala on May 14th at 6pm at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. All proceeds from the event benefited programming for the Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.

Cory Booker, Mayor of Newark, was highlighted as the keynote speaker. "It is an honor to be able to support the Youth of the Year Gala and help the children in our communities who benefit as a result," said Mayor Booker. "By offering our youth a structure and support system outside of school, we are able to go beyond academics and change the whole of children's' lives."

Keynote Speaker Mayor Booker meets Madison's four Youth of the Year

Byron Pitts, Anchor and Chief National Correspondent at ABC News, served as the Master of Ceremonies. Howard Muser, CEO of Signmasters, was honored at the event. Special guests included the four youth of the year: Luc-Stephon Dorsinville, Adah Hill, D'Onte Reid and Aieyla Santaella. More than 400 guests attended the event, including President of Boys & Girls Club of America Jim Clark, New York City Councilman Matthew Eugene and Councilman Robert Jackson.

Boys & Girls Club of America President Jim Clark, Luc-Stephon Dorsinville, Aieyla Santaella, Adah Hill, D'onte Reid, and Executive Director Joseph Patuleia

Luc-Stephon Dorsinville, Aieyla Santaella, Byron Pitts, Cory Booker, Adah Hill, and D'onte Reid

Youth of the Year is the national premier recognition program for Boys & Girls Club members. The program celebrates youth who have overcome enormous odds and demonstrate exceptional character and leadership skills. The program promotes service to the Club, community and family, academic success, strong moral character and life goals.

"I want to reach out to kids like me and show them how much the club can change lives because it has changed mine," said Aieyla Santaella, the Columbus Clubhouse and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year. "I am a girl who experienced domestic violence and in the end, I beat the odds. The Boys & Girls Club was always there for me. I learned how to do well in school, how to stay safe and most importantly, how to believe in myself. The Club saves lives -- I know because it saved me."

Keynote Speaker, Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker

Columbus Clubhouse and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Aieyla Santaella

Columbus Clubhouse and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year Adah Hill

The Youth of the Year event sponsors include Charles Schwab, Cassidy Turley, Oppenheimer Funds, Signmasters, Blackrock, Clayton, Dubilier& Rice, Phillips Van Heusen, George J. Gillespie, III, Esq., Bloomberg, Babson Capital, Credit Suisse, Colgate-Palmolive Company, DST Systems, Fried Frank, Fifth Avenue Financial, Great Circle Associates, Jefferies, LPL Financial, Marlin & Associates, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, Mass Mutual, M&T Bank and PWP.

Champion of Youth Howard Muser, Aieyla Santaella, Adah Hill, D'onte Reid, Luc-Stephon Dorsinville, and Steve Guttenberg.

The Children’s Storefront held the 7th Annual Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament at SlateNY in Chelsea on Thursday, May 9th, 2013. The benefit was co-chaired by Jeff Muti, Steve Logan, Bob Rylee, Brad Anzman, David Carpentier, Michael Streicker, Teresa Principe, Andrew Weiner and Amy Wu. The evening began with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction, and moved on to the poker tournament.

Notables in attendance were former NY Giant and Super Bowl XXV MVP Ottis “O. J.” Anderson, and world renowned sex expert and author, Dr. Ruth Westheimer.

The Children's Storefront is an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem committed to providing a comprehensive education to children with varied academic strengths from preschool through eighth grade. Its work is grounded on the conviction that every child deserves the opportunity for an excellent education.

Co-Chair Jeff Muti, Dr. Ruth, Head of School Wendy Reynoso, and Board Chair Ray Cameron

Dean of Students Mel Chan with Storefront Faculty Candace Cardwell, James Armodeo, and Wendy Reynoso

Trustees Steve Logan, John Forbes, and Ray Cameron

O.J. Anderson and friends

Wendy Reynoso and Co-chair Bob Rylee

Charlie Short, Royal Bank of Canada and co-workers

The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services (JBFCS) celebrated its 2013 Spring Benefit honoring Seymour R. Askin, JBFCS Honorary Chair of the Board, Jerold D. Jacobson, Proskauer, Partner, Jean Shafiroff, JBFCS Board Member and Paul Levine, JBFCS Executive VP & CEO on April 24, 2013 at 6:30 p.m. at New York City’s Plaza Hotel. Melissa Russo, WNBC news anchor, served as master of ceremonies.

The evening began with a flourish, as Mayor Michael Bloomberg attended the cocktail hour to address the crowd and thank JBFCS, noting that “you can’t do it alone” and that the work of JBFCS is a necessity for the city to help its residents in need. At the conclusion of the cocktail hour, the attendees moved upstairs where master of ceremonies MelissaRusso introduced TonyMann, the President of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Mann announced the news to the 375 attendees that some $1.3 million dollars had been raised for the organization.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Seymour Askin and Jean Troubh

After Fred Yerman blessed the bread, Paul Levine, Executive Vice President of JBFCS, was introduced by John Herrmann, the former President of the Board of JBFCS. Outgoing VP and CEO Levine reflected upon his time with JBFCS and concluded by thanking everyone involved with the organization and the leadership under which he served.

Chair of the Board JeanTroubh then introduced honoree SeymourR. Askin, Jr. who outlined his detailed past with Big Brothers, the Jewish Board of Guardians, and JBFCS, working with those in need. He said his mother taught him that “people who are able to live well have an obligation to pay it back in some way.” Jerald D. Jacobson, the next to be honored, spoke about his four decades spent as counsel for JBFCS and the experience of working with four generations of leadership in the organization.

Ray Troubh, Tony Mann, Jerold D Jacobson, Jean Shafiroff, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Paul Levine, David Rivel, and Melissa Russo

JeanShafiroff, the final honoree of the evening, was then introduced by JoyceCowin. Jean, in attendance with her husband Martin and daughter Elizabeth, kept her address brief, noting with genuine modesty that the actual heroes are the staff, the volunteers, and the thousands of individuals that JBFCS helps and houses.

The $1.3 million raised will benefit JBFCS’ 175 community-based programs, residential facilities, and day-treatment centers that annually serve more than 55,000 New Yorkers-in-need of all faiths, races, and cultures.

JBFCS has been a trailblazer in treating social problems for more than a century. Today, the organization is one of the nation’s largest and most respected nonprofit mental health and social service agencies—every night, more than 1,000 individuals call a JBFCS residence home. The work of JBFCS is built upon a network of more than 2,200 professionals, including social workers, licensed psychologists, and psychiatrists, as well as a cadre of clinical support personnel in continuing day treatment and residential treatment centers, and a corps of more than 800 dedicated volunteers.

JBFCS provides a comprehensive network of mental health and social services to promote well-being, resilience, and self-sufficiency for individuals and families in need in the New York metropolitan area. As leaders in the field of human services, JBFCS’ mission is clear— 175 social service programs. 1 mission. To get help to those who need it.

Linda Jacobs and Stacey Lane

Ann Rapp and Roy Kean

Sharon Bush and Christine Biddle

Jules Kroll, Lynn Kroll, David Edelson, and Ira Schuman

Melissa Russo

John Herrmann, Tony Mann, and Fred Yerman

Mario Buatta and Dr. Penny Grant

Joyce Cowin

Tony Mann and Paul Levine

Alice and Thomas Tisch

Shannon Hales, Joy Marks, Kathleen Giordano, Dr Penny Grant, and Dawne Marie Grannum

Katlean De Monchy

Lisa and Lenny Rodriguez

Michael Album and Jerold Jacobson

Photographs by Rob Rich (UCP); Patrick McMullan (ABT); Michael Priest (UJA); Patrick McMullan& Annie Watt (JBFCS)

The scene at Doubles at its 37th anniversary celebration.

Oyster Bay, NY — The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center hosted the 2013 Legacy of Conservation Gala on Saturday, May 4th at Piping Rock Club in Locust Valley where guests donned their feather headbands and pearls. Guests were brought back in time to the year 1923, when the Sanctuary first opened, to celebrate its 90th Anniversary. Silent and live auctions, with live auctioneer Bernadette Castro, and music by 1920's band, the Dixie Rascals, added to the evening.

In honor of this year's 90th Anniversary event, the following individuals lent their name to this year's Honorary Legacy Council, made up of families and leaders that have done so much to protect Long Islands environment: Louis Moore Bacon, Frederic Delano Grant, Jr., Karen Hicks Courts, Marilyn Hicks, Stephen Hicks, John and Paula Hornbostel, Anne Manice, Andrew and Jill Roosevelt, Elizabeth Roosevelt, Simon Roosevelt, Theodore Roosevelt, IV, Dr. James Watson, among others. Ed Mohlenhoff, Simon Roosevelt and Ted von Briesen served as Gala Co-Chairs.

The evening recognized the conservation work of many organizations that have made up the conservation history over the past century including North Shore Land Alliance, Friends of the Bay, Theodore Roosevelt Association, Long Island Audubon Chapters, Oyster Bay Historical Society and Sagamore Hill Historic Site, among others.

Ted Scherff, honorees Willis De La Cour and John Venditto (Supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay), and Edward von Briesen (President of TR Sanctuary and Legacy Gala Co-Chair)

Willis S. DeLaCour, Jr., Congressman Steve Israel and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto were each honored with the 2013 Legacy of Conservation Award, Audubon's highest award for Long Island focused environmental leadership.

"For 90 years, the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and Audubon Center has been a cornerstone of the environmental movement on Long Island, influencing the thinking of thousands of people about the Importance of protecting birds, other wildlife, and their habitats," said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York.

Robert L. Kilroy, CFP® and Maureen A. O'Donnell, CLU, CLTC, Wealth Management Advisors of Northwestern Mutual were the core sponsors for this year's event.

Ted Scherff (Director of Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary), Mona Scherff, Susan Peterson, Edward Mohlenhoff, and Lillian Soricillo

Located in Oyster Bay, Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary & Audubon Center (TRSAC) was established in 1923 as the first Audubon Songbird Sanctuary in the nation. Today, it is a vibrant resource acting as a home to injured and non-releasable birds of prey and reptiles, a center for environmental education programming, and a resource for the community on a variety of environmental and conservation issues. A part of Audubon New York, the state office of the National Audubon Society, TRSAC's mission is to connect people with nature while promoting a sense of environmental stewardship through environmental education.

Phillip and Jacqueline Blocklyn (Oyster Bay Historical Society)

Elizabeth Roosevelt

Ashia Sheikh (Audubon NY Director of Development) and Erin Crotty (Master of Ceremonies and Executive Director of Audubon NY)

Jennifer Zaso

Denyse Duval Pugsley (Board Member)

Susan Peterson and Nicole Menchise

Edward Mohlenhoff (Legacy Gala Co-Chair and Board Member), Margaret and Tom Stacey, and James Tiberg

Peter Casparian (Reverend of Christ Church, Oyster Bay)

Dr. James Watson (Chancellor Emeritus of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory) and Liz Watson

Joseph Barry, Ingrid Chung, and Michael Obuchowski

Martin and Peri Wenz

Linda and Jesse Silver (Board Member)

Denyse Duval Pugsley, Marianne Nash, Suzanne Dillenbeck, James Tiberg, and Margaret Stacey

Lucy Cutting and June Fisher

Thomas and Patricia Werblin

Maud Robertson, Joseph Barry, Richard Weir III, and Sybil Carton

Ted Scherff, Lisa Ott (President of North Shore Land Alliance), and Gill Ott

Virginia Stowe and Margot Ernst

Maya Browne, Laurence Pels (Executive Director Theodore Roosevelt Association), and Georgia Bush

Louis Norris (aka "Diamond Jim Brady")

Tom Ross (Superintendent of Sagamore Hill National Historic Site)

Linda and David Carey (Board Members), Constance Cincotta (patron), and Zach Nudo

Angelo Garcia III (Board Member) and family

Bernadette Castro, Bernard Austin (Board Member), and Alexandria Austin

Simon Roosevelt (Legacy Gala Co-Chair)

Theresa Skvarla and Marian Minkin

Balloons and Bubbles ... Doubles, the chic private club in the Sherry-Netherland,
recently celebrated its 37th Anniversary with a spectacular black-tie gala. Balloons with silver mylar streamers filled every room, a slew of champagne corks were popped, toasts were made and Peter Duchin and his orchestra kept the dance floor filled until midnight.

Those enjoying a delicious lobster salad, organic filet, and chocolate truffle dessert included: the Club's guiding light Wendy Carduner, Ambassador Brenda Johnson, J. Howard Johnson, Susan and Jim Blair, John Royall, Eleanora and Michael Kennedy, Mary and Michael Darling, Cathy and Bill Ingram, Cynthia and Dan Lufkin, Kamie Lightburn, Doug Steinbrech, Polly Onet, Mark Gilbertson, Amy Hoadly, Melanie and David Holland, Bryan Colwell, Mary and Guy Van Pelt, Lois and Andre Nasser, Barbara and Ted Terry, Larry Kaiser, Anka Palitz, Craig Dix, Ann Miller, Rosie and Jack Heffernen, Rene and Richard Steinberg, Jerry and Loni Casey, Wendy and Richard Cooke, Meriel and Alex Lari and the list goes on.

Descending the stairs to Doubles

Wendy and Richard Cooke

Philip Schlussel and Barbara Spector, Carol and Philip Mehler

Bill and Jane Told

Jerry and Loni Casey

Ann Miller, Jack and Rosie Heffernan, and Michael Menillo

Wendy Carduner, Cynthia and Dan Lufkin, Eleanora and Michael Kennedy

Alex and Meriel Lari

Stanley and Roberta Bogen with Rene and Richard Steinberg

Mary Van Pelt and Guy Van Pelt

Chip and Sarah Page

Maureen Bannon, Kevin Costa, Jerry Anne Costa, and Victor Costa

Susan and Jon Nagel

Guy Van Pelt, Polly Onet, Mary Darling, and Doug Steinbrech

Keiko Aoki, Horst Schneider, and Susan Schneider

Michael Darling and Cathy Ingram

John Royall and Bill Ingram

Andrew and Danielle Earls with Kristen and David La Valle

Amy Hoadley and Polly Onet

Jim and Susan Blair with Michael Kennedy

Peter Duchin

Eleanora Kennedy and Kamie Lightburn

Doug Steinbrech, Mary Darling, and Mark Gilbertson

Zita Davisson

Andre and Lois Nasser, Ted and Barbara Terry

Ambassador Brenda Johnson and Jim Blair

Larry Kaiser and Lisa Woodward

Elizabeth and William Morris

Lisa Woodward, Anka Palitz, Craig Dix, Larry Kaiser, and guests

On April 24, 2013, North Star Fund held its annual Community Gala at New York City’s Chelsea Piers. The event raised $662,710 to support grassroots activism in New York City. Five hundred and forty people joined North Star Fund to honor the following individuals for their leadership in activism and social justice: philanthropist Lorna Brett Howard; Rafael Cestero, President and CEO of the Community Preservation Corporation; and Mallika Dutt, CEO of Breakthrough, a global human rights organization.

Damayan Migrant Workers Association was honored for educating and organizing low income Filipino workers to address labor exploitation, health problems and gender-based violence. El Centro del Inmigrante was honored for its training and advocacy on behalf of day laborers in Staten Island.

Members of Damayan Migrant Workers Association

Jodi Johnson and Asa Johnson

Lorna Brett Howard and John Howard

Zakiya Johnson-Lord and Kenneth B. Morris, Jr.

North Star Fund was excited to also launch its $7 million Activism’s Future campaign at the gala. “Equality and peace are at the heart of North Star Fund’s vision. People have given extraordinary gifts to this campaign, and it has shown me beyond a doubt that New Yorkers want a city that is fair for all of us,” said North Star Fund executive director Hugh Hogan.

Four North Star Fund donors, led by honoree Lorna Brett Howard, issued a $100,000 challenge from the stage that will match dollar-for-dollar the next $100,000 in campaign pledges made before June 30, 2013.

Mallika Dutt

Michael J. Hirschhorn

Notable guests included Katrina Vanden Heuvel, president of The Nation Institute; Abigail Disney and Pierre Hauser, filmmakers and philanthropists; fashion designer Kate Spade, actor David Straithorn, mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio, John Howard, CEO of Irving Street Capital and Lorna Brett Howard; philanthropist Anne Hess, Arva Rice, president and CEO of the New York Urban League; Ruth Messinger, president of American Jewish World Service; Kenneth Morris, great, great, great grandson of abolitionist Frederick Douglass, and Marjorie Hill, CEO, Gay Men’s Health Crisis. They dined, danced and enjoyed the sunset over the Hudson as they celebrated with North Star Fund.

Abigail Disney, Sarah Kovner, Rachel Fine, and Martin Dunn

Arva Rice, Lynda Rodolitz, Martha Baker, and Jessica Mates

Bill de Blasio, Lorna Brett Howard, and Hugh Hogan

Bonnie Potter, Ariel Mortiz, Ruth Messinger, and Martha Baker

Byron Silva and Gonzalo Mercado

Chris McInerney, Jason Franklin, and Wayne Franklin

Donald Capaccio, Rafael Cestero, and Tommy Pegues

Hugh Hogan and Anne Hess

Kate Spade, John Howard, Lorna Brett Howard, Stuart Mogul, and Hugh Hogan

Linda Vilaikeo, Laura Weil, Christine Munnelly, David Witkewicz, Greg Scott, Brenda Posey Simon, Jody Gietl, and John Howard

Logan Goodman, Barbara Winslow, and David Strathairn

Trez Thoma, Elyce Arons, and Meredith Homet

Katrina Schaffer

Silver Hill Hospital (SHH), a not-for-profit psychiatric hospital located in New Canaan, held its first annual Young Professionals Fundraising Benefit last Tuesday at LAVO, 39 East 58th Street. The event featured DJ Cassidy as the special entertainment, passed hors d'oeuvres and drinks, and an auction of items and experiences.

Dr. Sigurd Ackerman, President and Medical Director, of Silver Hill Hospital welcomed the guests. Steering committee member, Jaime Gleicher, delivered remarks about her personal experience at SHH which has led her to help raise awareness for the hospital, and bring together young professionals to be involved in the cause. The evening raised $21,000 for the SHH Scholarship Fund, and 130 guests attended.

Rachel Heller, Jacquie Sherry Coomb, and Samantha Zimmerman

Jaime Gleicher and Janet Fitzgerald

Silver Hill Hospital, founded in 1931, has long been world-renowned for the treatment of mental illness and addiction. This event provides young philanthropists with the opportunity to support Silver Hill Hospital for a very special purpose – providing resources for scholarship assistance for treatment in one of the hospital's residential treatment programs. The Silver Hill Hospital Scholarship Fund is an essential resource to be able to draw upon when motivated patients in need ask and qualify for financial assistance. The ongoing demand for scholarship support makes fundraising for this purpose a top philanthropic priority, in order to help as many deserving patients as possible access treatment.

Ben Stapleton, Hugh Carey, Kate Gibson, Maureen Stapleton, and Rolly Morris

Cary Neer and Amanda Fialk

DJ Cassidy, Dennis Basso, and Michael Cominotto

Linette and Matt Semino

Annunziata Francesca Sahid and Francesca Campbell

Michael Gleicher, Penelope Lawson, Denise Rollandi, and Jake Indyk

DJ Cassidy, Jaime Gleicher, and Johnny Podell

Jacquelyn Sherry Coombe and Stella Keitel

Sammy Pederson, Craig Gibson Jr, and Paige Pederson

Matt Semino, Katie McNamara, and Russell Grant

Kerwelyn Craig, Caroline Kelso, and Paige Pedersen

Julie Dermer, Penelope Lawson, and Denise Rollandi

Cassandra Seidenfeld

Sarah Buchanan, Jocelyn Levy, Gregg Bard, and Nicole Pinto

Brendan Regan, Susie Griffin, and Roland Morris

Students from academies around the country were honored at Cipriani's Wall Street in New York on May 6th at the National Academy Foundation's (NAF) annual Benefit. The students, members of NAF's elite list of Distinguished Academies, showed an audience of business executives why they were picked as role models for education reform. Present at the event was the NAF Founder and Chairman, Sanford I. Weill, Chairman Emeritus of Citigroup Inc.

The designation "Distinguished Academy" is based on NAF's annual assessment. This designation is given to those that have exhibited exceptional fidelity to an educational model that prepares students for success in college and careers.

Mark and Kim Standish (pictured here with JD Hoye, President of the National Academy Foundation), honored along with RBC Capital Markets

"We are committed to supporting every academy in the NAF network in their drive to achieve the best outcomes possible for students. NAF's model has been continuously refined over our thirty year history, and academy leaders have been steadfast in their goals to meet the growing and changing needs of their communities," said JD Hoye, President of the National Academy Foundation.

"These academies are models for our network of over 500 academies nationwide. They provide students with a high quality education using NAF's proven model, and exhibit exemplary practices that they share with other academies," said Katherine Blasik, Assistant Vice President of Research and Evaluation for NAF.

New York City Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott chats with students

The National Academy Foundation (NAF) is an acclaimed network of career-themed academies that open doors for underserved high school students to viable careers. For more than 30 years, NAF has refined a proven model that provides young people access to industry-specific curricula, work-based learning experiences, and relationships with business professionals. NAF academies focus on one of five career themes: finance, hospitality & tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. More than 4,600 business professionals volunteer in classrooms, act as mentors, engage NAF students in paid internships, and serve on local advisory boards. During the 2012-13 school year 62,000 students attended 546 NAF academies across 39 states, D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2012, NAF academies reported 97% of seniors graduated.

Ursula Burns, Chairman and CEO of Xerox Corporation with Kim Standish at the NAF Benefit. Kim and her husband Mark Standish were honored at the event.

Sandy Weill with student speaker Josuel Placencia

Joseph Plumeri, CEO and Chairman of Willis Group Holdings chats with NAF Board Member, Bob Dughi, Executive Chairman, U.S. Retirement Partners

NAF board members Jim Robinson, General Partner and Co-Founder, RRE Ventures and Ken Chenault, CEO of American Express, with students

JD Hoye, President of the National Academy Foundation, with Lowell McAdam, Chairman and CEO of Verizon Communications

Mark Standish and Ursula Burns

Bernie Milano, President of the KPMG Foundation chats with students

Barbara Benioff Friedman, Trustee Emerita, Cornell University and Vice-Chair of Overseers of Weill-Cornell Medical College, chats with a student

Sanjiv Yajnik, President of Financial Services for Capital One, chats with a student from the A.J. Moore High School's Academy of Finance

Photographs by Patrick McMullan (Silver Hill); Annie Watt (Doubles); Jill Johnson (Oyster Bay)

The dance floor at El Museo del Barrio's annual Gala.

Last Thursday, May 16th, El Museo del Barrio held its annual Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street and raised more than $1 million for the museum. The evening honored actor Raúl Esparza with the Excellence in the Arts Award,Ramiro Ortiz Mayorga with the Trustee Leadership Award, and Ricardo Villela Marino, CEO, Latin America Banco Itaú Unibanco with the Corporate Excellence in the Arts Award. The Gala Chairs were Valentino D. Carlotti, Fe Fendi, Valentin Hernández, and Marie Unanue.

Valentin Hernández, Yaz Hernandez, Raúl Esparza, and Michele Esparza

More than 600 guests were greeted with a specialty cocktail created by MundoFox in honor of El Museo’s Gala, replacing the Cipriani signature Bellini for the evening. MundoFox was the sponsor of the 2013 Gala. Jerónimo Gaxiola Balsa designed the event’s décor; the Gala featured music by The Bob Hardwick Sound, led by Bob Hardwick, and music by DJ Honey Redmond who was able to keep guests dancing till midnight.

Artist Firelei Báez (Dominican Republic, 1980) painted the table clothes that were showcased on many of the dinner tables. El Museo’s Chief Curator Chus Martínez chose her for the gala's "art intervention" saying “Firelei Báez is an artist based in El Barrio. She produced a series of painted mantelpieces and ornamental elements. Intense, colorful, and extravagant at moments, they convey the force of old myths from the Caribbean region. The artwork (tablecloths) were auctioned off at the end of the evening and raised $20,000 with proceeds benefiting El Museo.

Tony Bechara, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Chus Martinez, and Ricardo Villela Marino

Guest included: Maria and Alejandro Aguirre, Mariana and José Auriemo,Coromoto Atencio, Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Lynda and Richard, Baquero, Dr. Joyce Brown, Tony Bechara (Chair of El Museo’s Board),Cathy Boyanovich,Estellita and Daniel Brodsky, Valentino D. Carlotti, Patricia and Patrick Callahan,Barbara Cirkva, Maria Cornejo, Jacqueline Weld Drake and Rodman Drake, Michelle and Raul Esparza, Fe and Alessandro Fendi, Paola Fendi, Lucia HwongGordon, Yaz (President of El Museo’s Board)and Valentin Hernández, Paloma Herrera, Dr. William A. Haseltine and Maria Eugenia Maury, Michael Kaiser, Eleanora and Michael Kennedy, Alexandra Lebenthal, Kamie Lightburn, Laura and William Lie Zeckendorf, Patricia and Ricardo Villela Marino, Chus Martínez (El Museo’s Chief Curator), Jaime Mayol (host of MundoFox’s Atrevete a Cantar), Marlon Moreno (actor, MundoFox’s series El Capo), Gillian and Sylvester Minter,Enique Norten, Patricia Guardian de Ortiz de Ortiz and Ramiro Ortiz Mayorga,Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Angel Otero, Geraldine Paz,Enoc Perez, Carmen Ana and Joseph Unanue, Marie and Andy Unanue, Darcy and John Rigas, Marco Antonio Regil(TV host of MundoFox’s Minuto Para Ganar),Agatha Ruiz De La Prada, Narciso Rodriguez, Lady Cristiana Falcone Sorrell, Emiliano Saccone (President, MundoFox), Yolanda Santos,John Schumacher, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Patricia and Tom Shiah, José Solis Betancourt, and Carlo Tunioli (President at Benetton USA).

Marie Unanue and Fe Fendi

Camilla Rachmanis, Carolina Alvarez Mathies, and Rebecca Fuente

This year’s Honorary Committee included: Pedro Almodovar, Glenda Baily and Stephen Sumner, Hamish Bowles, Tania Bruguera, Edmundo Castillo, Maria Cornejo, Francisco Costa, Cameron Diaz, Pamela Herrera, David Maupin, Vik Muniz, Angel Otero, Enoc Perez, Liliana Porter, Narciso Rodriguez, Angel Sanchez, Hunt Slonem, Joses Solis Betancourt, Raul Suaraz, Mario Testino, Isabel and Ruben Toledo, and Stefano Tonchi.

Carolina Alvarez Mathies and Renato Delleside

Agatha Ruiz de la Prada and Tony Bechara

Marco Antonio Regil, Jaime Mayol, and Marlon Moreno

Alexandra Lebenthal

Margo Langenberg

Valentin Hernández, Yaz Hernandez, Patricia Ortiz, and Ramiro Ortíz Mayorga

Chus Martinez

Yaz Hernandez and Estrellita Brodsky

Carlos Rohm and Claudia Laviada

Ramiro Ortíz Mayorga, Yaz Hernandez, Ricardo Villela Marino, Valentin Hernández, and Raúl Esparza

Daisy Olarte de Kanavos and Daniel Olarte

Carolina Alvarez Mathies and Gabriel Rivera Barraza

Emmeli Kuhn, Paige Gambel, Christopher de Haydu, and Sabrina Wirth

Narciso Rodriguez and Yaz Hernandez

Alexandra Lebenthal and Gillian Miniter

Chris Worth, Paola Fendi, and Kate and Evan List

Joyce Brown and Alexandra Lebenthal

Evan and Kate List

Lucia Hwong Gordon, Jean Shafiroff, and Fe Fendi

Last Friday at the Marriott Marquis Hotel, The 79th Annual Drama League Awards were held at a luncheon honoring the best of Broadway and off-Broadway season and hosted by David Hyde Pierce and Debra Messing. Over 750 guests attended.

The Drama League Awards honor distinguished productions, performances, and exemplary career achievements in musical theatre and directing. First awarded in 1922 and formalized in 1935, The Drama League Awards are the oldest theatrical honors in America. They are the only major theatergoer awards chosen by audience members — specifically, by the thousands of Drama League members nationwide who attend Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. 2013 Nominees were selected from over 170 productions.

Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley

Tom Hanks

Donna Murphy

Jerry Mitchell

The 2013 Honorees were Bernadette Peters, Madison Square Garden Entertainment and the Rockettes, Jerry Mitchell. Presenters included Cyndi Lauper, Joel Grey, Tommy Tune, Rachel Chavkin, Pam MacKinnon, Diane Paulus, Alex Timbers.

Among those attending: President and Event Co-Chair Jano Harbosch, Event Co-Chair Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Executive Director Gabriel Shanks, Artistic Director Roger T. Danforth. 79th Annual Drama League Award Honorary Nominees on the dais were: Bobby Cannavale, Alan Cumming, Edie Falco, Judith Ivey, Nathan Lane, Judith Light, Patina Miller, Donna Murphy, Holland Taylor, Cicely Tyson, Michael Urie; Danny Burstein, Bertie Carvel, Tracee Chimo, Brandon J. Dirden, Brandon Victor, Dixon, Tom Hanks, Jessica Hecht, Bill Irwin, Brian D’Arcy James, Judy Kuhn, Valisia LeKae, Tracy Letts, Constantine Maroulis, Andrea Martin, Rob McClure, Lindsay Mendez, Amy Morton, Bebe Neuwrith, Kristine Nielsen, Laura Osnes, Tina Packer, Billy Porter, Vanessa Redgrave, Paul Rudd, Roslyn Ruff, Stark Stands, Ryan Silverman, Phillipa Soo, Tom Sturridge, Courtney B. Vance, Anthony Warlow, Stephen Tyron Williams, Vanessa Williams.

2013 Drama League Directing Fellows

Berry Gordy with the cast of Motown

Roger T. Danforth, Jano Herbosch, and Gabriel Shanks

Bernadette Peters

Rob McClure

Laura Osnes

Constantine Maroulis

Paul Rudd

Patina Miller, Diane Paulus, and Andrea Martin

Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley

Judith Light

Lilla Crawford

Bebe Neuwirth

Nathan Lane

Berry Gordy

Bertie Carvel

Anthony Warlow

Rockettes Beth Nicely and Cynthia Link

Harvey Fierstein and Cyndi Lauper

Cicely Tyson

Annaleigh Ashford

Debra Messing

Courtney B.Vance

Tommy Tune

Bobby Cannavale

Judith Ivey

Phillipa Soo

Michael Urie

Brandon Victor Dixon

David Hyde Pierce and Sigourney Weaver

Valisia LeKae

Billy Porter

Vanessa Williams

Joe and Lauren Pizza

Alan Cumming

This past Friday night at the National Academy's historic Fifth AvenueHuntington Mansion, the academy raised over $500,000 during its 2013 Spring Gala including nearly $120,000 during its silent auction, which included over 50 works by some of today's most celebrated artists and architects. Proceeds from the event support the National Academy's exhibitions, programs, and artistic instruction.


	Christo, Maria Bechily, and Scott Hodes

	Kammy Moalemzadeh and Blair Costello

Internationally acclaimed artist Christo was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Deputy Mayor Patricia Harris and Alanna Heiss, Founder and former Director of P.S.1 Contemporary Art Center and current Director of AIR, Art International Radio.

Special guests included Amy Fine Collins; Barbara Tober; Keeley Smith Cabot; Andrew Martin-Weber; Daniel Cappello; Michelle Hobart; and Kammy Moalemzadeh. Artists in attendance included Joel Shapiro; Pat Steir; Dana Schutz; David Diao; Emily Mason and Wolf Kahn; Elena Barnet (wife of Will Barnet); Carolee Schneemann; and Dorothea Rockburne.

Gala Co-Chairs were Helene D. Jaffe, Betsy and Hunt Lawrence, and Monika and Deven Parekh, and Vice Chairs were Stephanie Terelak Benenson, Clement C. Benenson, and Gayle and Paul L. Gross.

The art auction featured works by artists Christo, Red Grooms, Michael Graves, Alex Katz, Robert Kushner, Stephen Antonakos, Will Barnet, Carolee Schneemann, Dana Schutz, Stephen Westfall, Wolf Kahn, Thomas Phifer, Betty Woodman, Julie Heffernan, and Don Voisine, among others.

The Artist Committee included notable National Academicians who have demonstrated their admiration for Christo and his work: Thomas Phifer, Dorothea Rockburne, Carolee Schneemann, Dana Schutz, Joel Shapiro, and Pat Steir.

The National Academy is one of the country's oldest arts organizations, founded in 1825 by artists Samuel F. B. Morse, Thomas Cole, and Asher B. Durand as a place to exhibit and teach art. Each year, artists and architects are named by their peers as National Academicians. The 2012 class includes Siah Armajani, Wendy Evans Joseph, Jeanne Gang, Robert Gober, Michael Graves, Bruce Nauman, Joel Shapiro, Cindy Sherman, Richard Tuttle, and Bill Viola.

Clelia Peters and Hugh Molane

Daniel Cappello and Amanda Beck

Joel Shapiro and Amy Fine Collins

Alanna Heiss, Christo, and Patricia Harris

Helene Jaffe, Marshall Price, and Deven Parekh

Daniel Cappello and Amanda Beck

Izabelle and Vladimir Yavachev

Carmine Branagan, Patricia Harris, Christo, and Alanna Heiss

David Diao and Pat Steir

Monika Parekh and Blair Costello

Andrew Martin Weber and Keeley Smith Cabot

Barbara Tober

Cristiana Andrade

Amy Fine Collins

Dana Schutz

Wendy Joseph and Joseph Ravetch

On Wednesday May 15th, the American Friends of the Louvre's Young Patrons Circle hosted their sixth annual spring gala on the spectacular rooftop of The NoMad Hotel in New York City. This year's theme, Paris Meets New York, celebrated the mission of American Friends of the Louvre, highlighting the Louvre as Paris' most iconic cultural institution and its strong bonds with its American public. The proceeds of the evening will support American Friends of the Louvre and its efforts to make the Louvre's collections and exhibitions more widely accessible to art lovers in the U.S. and around the world.

The event, co-chaired by David Chines and Alixe Laughlin, featured cocktails courtesy of Grey Goose Vodka, hors d'oeuvres from The NoMad's acclaimed restaurant, music by DJ Natalie Dodge of SBND.

Guests indulged in bidding wars during the silent auction which featured luxury items and original works by acclaimed American artists James Siena, Valerie Hegarty, Laura Krifka and Tom Sanford. Approximately 150 francophiles and young philanthropists attended. Notable guests included: H.I.H. Prince Napoléon, Margherita and Olympia Arco, Christina Livanos, Arielle Elwes, Colby Jordan, Emilie Ghilaga, Susi Kenna, Samantha Lynch and Jennifer Collins.

Alixe Laughlin, Zachary Zimmerman, Sarah Coleman, and Emilie Ghilaga

Guests also enjoyed a preview slide show of the Louvre's decorative arts galleries in the rooftop's cupola room which was turned into a "Louvre room" decorated with books on the museum's latest exhibitions and projects. The Louvre's decorative arts galleries, which have been under construction since 2011, re-open in January 2014 and are being re-designed by Jacques Garcia, who created The NoMad Hotel's interiors.

"We were pleased to share a preview of the new galleries with our Young Patrons Circle. Thanks to the generosity of our members and donors, American Friends of the Louvre has been able to provide a grant of $4,000,000 toward the new display of the Louvre's exceptional collection of furniture and decorative arts", said Sue Devine, Executive Director of American Friends of the Louvre.

Arielle Elwes and Harriet Guadagnuolo

Jean Christophe Napoleon and Brad Corbin

American Friends of the Louvre acknowledges the Young Patrons Circle Advisory Council, whose dedication made this event possible. Council members are David Chines, Daniel Colón, Jr., Jennifer Cuminale, Anne de la Guéronnière, Alixe Laughlin and Meghan Thrash. AFL also salutes the support of this year's Host Committee whose members included Noreen K. and Ahmar Ahmad, Christina Eberli, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Harrison T. LeFrak, Bennett Leifer, Meredith Rosen, Cori Lee Seaberg, Andrea Serbonich and Curtis D. Young.

Colby Jordan, Amanda Gamg, Cori Duff, and Meredith Baughman

Lauren McKee, Noelle Pierre, and Jamila Justine Willis

Bennett Leifer, Cori Lee Seaberg, and Jeffrey Berman

Alixe Laughlin

Pauline Eveillard, Phyllis Lally, Samantha Lynch, and Leonard Seevers

Sarah Coleman and Olivia Zimmerman

Down in West Palm Beach at the Kravis Center, they were honoring four outstanding volunteers for their hard work at its Emerald Isles-themed annual salute. Underwritten by Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, the evening offered a chance for Kravis staff and board members to applaud the nearly 600 guests in attendance – all wearing their best shades of green -- for their support throughout the past season. The 21st annual event was held at the Cohen Pavilion and included dinner, Irish entertainment and dancing.

Seen applauding the time and talents of all the honorees and sporting their own wee versions of dapper green were Kravis Center Board Chairman William A. Meyer and CEO Judy Mitchell. Other board members in attendance included Stephen Brown, Alex Dreyfoos, John Jenkins, Sidney Kohl and Jane Mitchell.

Drake Irish Dancers

Dancing along with the Drake Irish Dancers

As CEO, Judy Mitchell presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to West Palm Beach resident Barbara Gehrkin, she noted that the award is given to a volunteer who has demonstrated outstanding dedication to the Kravis Center.

Education Associate Ali Rehm presented the Outstanding Student Award to Tabitha Bartley, a West Palm Beach resident, and noted that student volunteers at the Kravis not only assist in the education department, but they also serve as Youth Mentors to young people in the Kravis Center afterschool and summer programs.

Front of House Event Manager Paul Kaufman recounted the daunting task of learning the ropes at the Kravis and successfully dedicating invaluable time and talents to the organization as he called Lake Worth resident Sharon Leibovitz to the stage to receive her award.

Drake Irish Dancers, Sidney and Dorothy Kohl, and Caitlin Kelly

As Event Manager and Usher Coordinator Dejeanne Jules took the stage, she noted that the Usher Award was going to two individuals who have been best friends for 40 years. Ruth Sanders resides in Lake Worth and Ed Cabott lives in Boynton Beach.

Following the award presentations, guests were entertained with a performance reflecting the Kravis' mission of arts education as well as the theme for the night. Students from the Kelly Academy of Irish Dance set the tone for guests to kick up their own heels to wrap up the evening.

Ali Rehm, Tabitha Bartley, Judy Mitchell, Barbara Gehrkin, Sharon Leibovitz, Paul Kaufman, Ruth Sanders ,Dejeanne Jules, and Bill Meyer

Back row: Erwin Newell, Ken Marx, Brenda Newell, Mila Kammett, Front row: Enid Silver, Mame Burkett, Gladys Condron, and Helene Zebrowski

Dianne Krause, Susan and Bill Maynard, and Beth Estes

Alex Dreyfoos, Judy Mitchell, Diane Bergner, and Jim Mitchell

Bill and Denise Meyer

Sunny and Bernie Levinson

Dorothy and Sidney Kohl

Dotty Wilson and Audrey Rauterkus

Judy Mitchell and Barbara Gehrkin

Tabitha Bartley and Ali Rehm

Dejeanne Jules and Ruth Sanders

Sharon Leibovitz and Paul Kaufman

Photographs by Patrick McMullan & Billy Farrell Agency (El Museo); Rob Rich (Drama League); Billy Farrell Agency (NAF); Corby Kaye's Studio (Kravis Center).

Hospital for Special Surgery, the number one hospital for orthopedics in the nation, celebrated its 150-year legacy of excellence on Thursday, May 2, with a landmark anniversary event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This social event was one of a series of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Hospital

Hospital for Special Surgery, the number one hospital for orthopedics in the nation, celebrated its 150-year legacy of excellence on Thursday, May 2, with a landmark anniversary event at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. This social event was one of a series of activities marking the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Hospital.

Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery addresses guests

Cynthia and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery; with Joseph and Ellen Wright; Kristen Steele; and Dr. Stephen Fealy

Dr. Philip Wilson Jr., surgeon-in-chief emeritus, Hospital for Special Surgery; with Ellen and Joseph Wright

Sam Delgado; Seymour Flug; Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery; Kendrick Wilson, III, co-chair Board of Trustees Hospital for Special Surgery and Vice Chairman BlackRock; Diane Delgado and Renee Flug

Dr. John and Carol Lyden

Vinay Bansal with Dr. Manjula Bansal

Dr. Harlan Amstutz with Paula Root and Dr. Leon Root, pediatric orthopedics chief emeritus, Hospital for Special Surgery

Dr. Philip Wilson Jr., surgeon-in-chief emeritus, Hospital for Special Surgery; with Kim Callaghan (left) and Dr. John Callaghan (right)

Dr. John and Kim Callaghan; with Antonella and Dr. Eduardo Salvati

Cynthia Sculco and Renee Flug

Hospital for Special Surgery Trustee Susan Rose; with Elihu Rose; and Connie Anne Phillips

Dr. David Altchek, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service co-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery; with Christina and Alan MacDonald

Louis A. Shapiro, President and CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery; Timothy Wright, Ph.D, Kirby Chair of Orthopedic Biomechanics at Hospital for Special Surgery; Dr. Claudio Mella, Santiago, Chile; Marcia Mella; Dr. Patrick Sussmann, Zurich, Switzerland; Dr. Fabio Catani, Modena Italy; and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery

Dr. Peter Sculco and his fiancé Dr. Elizabeth Morris, with Cynthia and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery; and Sarah Jane Sculco and her husband Trevor Gibbons

On May 7th, Fashion industry and Hollywood heavyweights joined Solving Kids’ Cancer co-founders Scott Kennedy and John and Catherine London at 583 Park to raise over $440,000 that will fund a clinical research trial to identify new treatment options for the deadliest of childhood cancers.

Longtime supporter Nigel Barker served as this year’s emcee, while actor Josh Lucas opened up about his wife’s experience with cancer before reading an emotional journal entry from a parent whose child had undergone treatment.

Gabby Karan De Felice and Bonnie Young were honored with the “Wings of Hope” award for their continued support over the years, and Rachel McPherson of the Good Dog Foundation received the “Unsung Hero” award. The Good Dog Foundation enlists our four-legged friends as therapeutic partners to help soothe cancer patients.

Bonnie Young and Gabby Karan De Felice

Dr. Kenneth Cohen

Rachel McPherson

Nigel Barker and Josh Lucas

Dr. Kenneth Cohen set up the live auction perfectly by speaking to the uniqueness of Solving Kids’ Cancer as the only pediatric cancer organization that directs 100% of its proceeds to find and fund clinical research trials.

This year, Solving Kids’ Cancer enlisted a true pro in Lydia Fenet, an auctioneer at Christie’s, to lead the live auction. To kick off the bidding, 12-year-old Celia Babini joined her onstage to rally the crowd with news that she had raised $25,000 over her four-year support of the organization.

Other child allies included nine-year- old DJ Fulano, who provided tunes for the cocktail and dinner hours, and14-year-old Shayla Thomas performed a lyrical ballet routine in memory of her sister, Christi.

Gabby Karan De Felice, Donna Karan, and Bonnie Young

DJ Fulano

Additional attendees included Cristen Barker, Liliana Cavendish, Helena Christensen, Jennifer Creel, Gianpaolo De Felice, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Daniella Federici, Seth Herzog, Sheila Johnson, Kelly Klein, Mark Mallon, Marc Mezvinsky, Morris Moinian, Jan Planit, Cassidy Reiff, David Simon, Jill Stuart, Rory Tahari, Frederique van der Wal, Yvonne Force Villareal, Miss Teen USA Logan West, Anatol Yusef.

Created by two fathers who lost children to pediatric cancers, Solving Kids’ Cancer is committed to significantly improving survivorship of the deadliest childhood cancers. One hundred percent of all donations are used to find, fund, and manage clinical trials and scientific programs to rapidly develop the most effective treatments and cures. Solving Kids Cancer is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charity. To learn more about our work please visit www.solvingkidscancer.org.

Sheila Johnson

Scott Kennedy, Liliana Cavendish, and Josh Lucas

Cristen and Nigel Barker

Nick Manifold and Kelly Klein

Donna Karan and Nigel Barker

Angie Carrasco and David Simon

Scott Kennedy, Nigel Barker and John London

Sheila Johnson and Donna Karan

Lydie Fenet and Celia Babini

Nigel and Cristen Barker

Donna Karan and Rory Tahari

The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding honored New York Times bestselling author Reza Aslan and FJC, A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds, at the 2013 Tanenbaum Awards, Tuesday, May 21 at The Plaza.

The Tanenbaum Awards, had entertainment featuring NCIS: Los Angeles series regular Barrett Foa and Broadway’s Ivan Rutherford.

“All of Reza’s work, from his books, to his media efforts, to his activism, shares a theme,” said Joyce S. Dubensky, CEO of Tanenbaum. “All inform, build bridges of respect and enable greater understanding of Islam and religious extremism. Similarly, FJC is an innovator that creates opportunities in philanthropy and for charities that are building a better world for all of us.”

Barrett, Justin, Tiffany, Linda, and Conrad Foa

Tanenbaum presented Aslan with the Media Bridge-Builder Award and FJC with the inaugural Philanthropic Bridge-Builder Award.

The Media Bridge-Builder Award is presented to journalists and media personalities whose work focuses public attention on issues of human rights and intergroup relations.

Tanenbaum presented the Philanthropic Bridge-Builder Award for the first time.

Tanenbaum also presented a special award to Dr. Leonard Polonsky.

Ivan Rutherford, Jackie Burns, Kevin Kern, Deb Lew, and Barrett Foa

The evening’s entertainment featured Broadway personalities Ivan Rutherford (Les Miserables, Titanic), Jackie Burns (Wicked, Hair, Rock of Ages), Kevin Kern (Wicked, The Wedding Singer, Les Miserables) and Deb Lew (The Threepenny Opera, Beauty and the Beast, South Pacific). NCIS: Los Angeles series regular Barrett Foa, who has appeared on Broadway in Avenue Q, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee and Mamma Mia!, also performed.

FJC, a Foundation of Philanthropic Funds, is a public charity that provides total management of charitable giving. To date, individuals, corporations and young philanthropists have established more than 1,000 FJC Donor Advised Funds. FJC manages over $230 million in assets and has distributed over $270 million in grants to charities around the world in more than 25 countries.

Tanenbaum Peacemaker in Action Hind Kabawat

Resa Aslan and Joyce S. Dubensky, Tanenbaum CEO

Mark Fowler, Tanenbaum’s managing director of programs, and Leonard Glickman, accepting the Philanthropic Bridge-Builder Award on behalf of FJC

The Tanenbaum Awards supporters include Howard P. Milstein, President & CEO New York Private Bank & Trust; FJC, A Foundation of Philanthropic Funds; Dr. Georgette F. Bennett & Dr. Leonard S. Polonsky; Barclays; and Maz Zouhairi, President & CEO, LALIQUE North America.

The Tanenbaum Center for Interreligious Understanding is a secular, non-sectarian organization that promotes mutual respect with practical programs that bridge religious difference and combat prejudice. The center reaches teachers and students, employers and employees, doctors and patients, and peacemakers combating armed conflict.

Ivan Rutherford, Jackie Burns, Joyce S. Dubensky, Kevin Kern, Deb Lew, and Barrett Foa

Faisal Hassan and Bana Hassan, and Ronya and Sami Idliby

Patrick Grace and Tanenbaum Peacemaker in Action Dr. Ephraim Isaac

Leonard Polonsky, recipient of a special Tanenbaum award, and Maz Zouhairi

Fatima Shama and Ziad Mansouri

Los Angeles series regular Barrett Foa and Chad Hodge

Tanenbaum Peacemaker in Action Yehezkel Landau and Joyce Schriebman

Kathryn and John Hart

Howard Milstein, Karen Barkey, Abby Milstein and Tanenbaum Founder and President Georgette Bennett

Jonathan Bing, Meredith Ballew, Dolly Bross, and Jack Geary

Pepi Kochhar, and Sally and John Bassler

Keith Bloomfield and Mark Mullett

The Adam Solomon Award for Excellence recipient Yvonne Brathwaite

Gala attendees bidding during Tanenbaum’s Balloon Drive

Front: Maz Zouhairi, Joyce S. Dubensky, Reza Aslan
Back: Georgette Bennett and Leonard Polonsky

Phil Segal

Mary Jane Brock and guests

On May 16, more than 300 supporters gathered in support of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) as it held its Bal du Printemps Gala at The Plaza Hotel in New York City. Willie Geist, co-anchor of NBC News’ “Today” and co-host of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe”, was the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. The evening raised $675,000 to benefit PDF’s research programs.

Arlene and Jerome Levine received the Page and William Black Humanitarian Award for their ongoing support and commitment to Parkinson’s research. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation 2013 Commendation of Excellence Award was presented to LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton for their commitment to protecting the environment, nurturing culture and heritage and supporting humanitarian action and education. Elisabeth Desvignes, SVP of Finance at LVMH, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Page Morton Black and Cynthia Zirinsky were the Honorary Chairmen. Margo Catsimatidis, Jill Taub Drury, Stephanie Goldman-Pittel, Karen Burke Goulandris, M.D., Ph.D., and Stevi Gurkoff were the Gala Co-Chairs.

Back: David Farber, Kate Drury, Chris Drury, Jack Drury, and Willie Geist
Front: Gene Gurkoff, Genna Farber, Stevi Gurkoff, Jill Drury, Carol Taub, and Jon Gurkoff

Every year, philanthropic leaders join together at Bal du Printemps to help raise funds to support PDF’s research programs as well as to honor outstanding members of the community for their work against Parkinson’s. This event has been cultivated over the years by Page Morton Black, Chairman Emeritus of the PDF Board and wife of the late William Black, founder of Chock full o’Nuts, a successful New York coffee and restaurant business, and creator of PDF.

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation supports research and ideas that will improve the lives and futures of people touched by Parkinson’s. PDF was the first national not-for-profit organization to focus on Parkinson’s disease. Since its founding in 1957, PDF has invested $96 million in the research of leading scientists around the world and has committed an additional $40 million to support education and advocacy programs.

Stacey Weiss, Deborah Kerner, Stephanie Goldman-Pittel, Wendy Hammer, and Judy Gold

Elisabeth Desvignes and Robin Elliott

Christina and Willie Geist

Joe Levine, Jenny Levine, Jerome Levine, Arlene Levine, Dr. Emily Slate, and Ben Slate

Dr. Richard Mayeux, Dr. Nancy Green, Dr. Harvey Kerrich, and Dr. Laura Lennihan

Dr. Stanley Fahn and Charlotte Fahn

Greg and Barbara Romero

Jim Markowski, Dale Dreps, Thora Eidsdottir, and Dr. John Connolly

Dr. Craig Foster and Isobel Konecky

Karen Burke

Carole and Al Goldberg

Greg Todora, Chasen Mintz, Penn Egbert, and Virginia Powell

Peter Dorn and Nancy Ozelli

Margo Catsimatidis and Tania Marnier

Robin Elliott, Dr. Sheila Gordon, and Jon Gurkoff

Komen Greater NYC introduced and honored its 2013-2014 grantees at Keeping the Promise: The Grantees’ Luncheon at noon on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton New York. The Luncheon saluted individuals and organizations committed to raising awareness, saving lives and eradicating breast cancer: 1010 WINS (Corporate Award) — accepted by Ben Mevorach, Director of News & Programming; Patrick I. Borgen, MD, Chair, Department of Surgery, Maimonides Medical Center, and head of the Maimonides Breast Cancer Center (Compassionate Care Award); Betsey Johnson (Survivor Award) — Fashion designer, breast cancer survivor, and breast health advocate; YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester/Encore Plus Program (Grantee of the Year Award).

Komen Greater NYC's 2013-14 grantees

“We are extremely pleased to recognize these organizations and individuals who are making a huge difference every day in the fight against breast cancer,” said Linda McNeil Tantawi, Komen Greater NYC CEO. “Our honorees are all doing their part in the fight, whether it’s reminding women of the importance of early detection through the clothing and accessories they buy and wear; working as a breast surgeon and running a large medical center devoted to breast cancer; or being the voice of New York and spreading the word about good breast health and the latest breast cancer news over the radio waves,” stated Tantawi.

Komen Greater NYC’s grantees are 32 community-based organizations that provide breast health education and outreach, screening coordination, treatment and support services to uninsured, underinsured, ethnic minority, immigrant, LGBT and disabled residents of New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties.

Betsey Johnson landed in a split after her signature cartwheel while accepting her award

Suffering from laryngitis, Betsey Johnson thanks Komen Greater NYC for her Survivor Award with the help of a handmade sign

Komen Greater NYC's Grants, Policy & Education Chair Ivy Gamble Cobb presents the Grantee of the Year Award to Marissa Mais, Program Director of the YWCA White Plains & Central Westchester's Encore Plus

The event was hosted by CBS2 News at 5 and 11’s anchor Kristine Johnson. Special guest was former Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon.

"Breast cancer awareness is the most important thing for me. It's my passion," said Survivor Award winner, Betsey Johnson. "I am in amazing company. Everyone out there surviving should get an award, everyone out there helping should get an award."

The Grantees Luncheon is Komen Greater NYC’s second largest fundraiser of the year. Sponsors included Duane Reade, IAC, JP Morgan, Sandra L. Kozlowski, Maimonides Medical Center, Blythe Masters & Gareth Evans, 1010 WINS, Accenture, ANN INC., Cancer Treatment Centers of America®, Sparkling ICE®, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, and Vinson & Elkins, LLP.

Komen Greater NYC Board Chair Laila Worrell, Compassionate Care honoree Dr. Patrick I. Borgen, Survivor honoree Betsey Johnson, and Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi

Former Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon presented the Survivor Award to longtime business partner Betsey Johnson

Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi, Susan G. Komen founder Amb. Nancy G. Brinker, and Komen Greater NYC Board member Sandra L. Kozlowski

Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi, Komen founder Amb. Nancy G. Brinker, presenter and breast cancer survivor Theresa Lana, Compassionate Care honoree Patrick I. Borgen, MD, and guest Bo Dietl

Former Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon, Survivor Award honoree fashion designer Betsey Johnson, Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi

Luncheon co-chairs Nikki Tippins, Ayala Deutsch, Cheryl Horowitz-Levy and Cindy Pinter

Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi, former Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon, Survivor Award honoree fashion designer Betsey Johnson, Susan G. Komen founder Amb. Nancy G. Brinker

Award presenters Theresa Lana and Eric Brinker flank Compassionate Care Award honoree Patrick I. Borgen, MD

Former Betsey Johnson CEO Chantal Bacon, Survivor Award honoree fashion designer Betsey Johnson, Susan G. Komen founder Amb. Nancy G. Brinker

Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda Tantawi and her daughter Alessandra wearing Betsey Johnson with Survivor Award honoree fashion designer Betsey Johnson

Komen Greater NYC Board member Amy Tsui Luke and Board Chair Laila Worrell surround Survivor Award honoree fashion designer Betsey Johnson

Photographs by Brad Hess Photography (HSS); Patrick McMullan (PDF) Billy Farrell Agency (Solving Kids' cancer); Bob Johnson, Jack Miller, & Joshua Plant (Tanenbaum); Sean Friedman Photography (Komen)

Jill Ross, Yesim Philip, Brooke Shields, Adelina Wong Ettelson, Sarah Kurita, and Nyssa Kourakos at Playground Partners Annual Family Party.

Last Wednesday, The Central Park Conservancy hosted its Playground Partners Annual Family Party in Central Park's Heckscher Playground at 62nd Street. This is the only event of the year held inside a Central Park playground, offering a special opportunity for New York City families. The party raised $420,000.

The event, sponsored by Goldman Sachs Gives and Brooks Brothers, had over 1,000 parents and children attend. Families enjoyed music by Kidville's Rockin' Railroad, a performance by the stars of the Broadway musical Rodgers + Hammerstein's CINDERELLA, rock climbing walls, cupcake decorating by Sprinkles Cupcakes, a soccer game by Super Soccer Stars and Kick & Play, a fast pitch game by Bulldog Ball Club, a storytelling adventure by Story Pirates, an obstacle course by The Little Gym, bean bag toss by Organic Avenue, New Orleans-style shaved ice by Imperial Woodpecker Sno-Ball, and much more.

This year's Honorary Chairman was Brooke Shields; the Party Chairmen were Adelina Wong Ettelson, Jennifer Evans, Nina Garcia, Sarah Kurita, Jill Ross, and Sharon Teles; Grandparents Committee Chairmen were Nancy and Daniel Paduano. They were joined by Playground Partners Co-Chairmen Nyssa Kourakos and Yesim Philip, Central Park Conservancy President and CEO Douglas Blonsky, and Women's Committee President Anne Harrison.

Proceeds from the Family Party support Playground Partners and its mission to keep Central Park's 21 playgrounds safe, clean and well-maintained.

The Benefit Committee and guests included: Kristy and Jonathan Korngold, Michelle Smith, Lisa and Jeff Blau, Gillian Miniter, Nanar and Tony Yoseloff, Jenny Price, Mary Kathryn Navab, Virginia and David Apple, Kamie Lightburn, Amy Tarr, Jacqueline and Mortimer Sackler, Aryn Grossman, Rebekah Mercer and Sylvain Mirochnikoff, Nancy Missett, Amanda Waldron, Sheri Babbio, Vicki Foley, Jenna and Paul Segal, Judith-Ann Corrente, and Wim Kooyker.

Adelina Wong Ettelson

Gillian Miniter and Selena Miniter

Brooke Shields and Anne Harrison

Karen LeFrak

Brooke Shields and Arthur Wayne

Linda Mugleston and Alessa Neeck

Nancy Paduano, Sharon Teles, Sarah Kurita, Nyssa Kourakos, Anne Harrison, Adelina Wong Ettelson, and Jill Ross

Kamie Lightburn and Yesim Philip

Nyssa Kourakos

Ranika Cohen, Begum Taft, Paige Boller Malik, and Kate Krieger

Adelina Wong Ettelson

Aileen Bruner

Jake, Nancy Paduano, Oscar, and Daniel Paduano

Four hundred and thirty architects, designers, patrons, and friends from across the country and abroad gathered in May to celebrate the Arthur Ross Awards for Excellence in the Classical Tradition, sponsored by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. The ceremony and dinner sold out as a measure of both the honorees and a growing constituency bound by a shared commitment to building on the past. This year, the Arthur Ross Jury selected the following five recipients:

Patronage: Jonathan Nelson
Artisanship/Craftsmanship: Timothy Richards and Miriam Ellner
Interior Design: Thomas Jayne
Architecture: Fairfax & Sammons

Timothy Richards

Thomas Jayne, Barbara Eberlein and Barbara Sallick

Jaquelin Robertson

Richard Sammons

Established in 1982 by Classical America chairman of the board, Arthur Ross, and its president, Henry Hope Reed, the Arthur Ross Awards were created to recognize and celebrate excellence in the classical tradition. From the beginning, the awards have recognized the achievements and contributions of architects, painters, sculptors, artisans, landscape designers, educators, publishers, patrons, and others dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition.

Natalie, Debra, and Larry Boerder

Emily Bedard and Adrian Taylor

Christine and Alex Evans

Karen Bechtel, Egan Seward, and Gil Schafer

Will Strasser and Lucinda Ballard

Tim Deal and Ed Siegel

Grant Marani and Nick Stern

Sandra Nunnerly and Angela Thompson

Leslie-Jon Vickory and Khalil Hamady

Kelly Price and Tim O'Brien

Gary Brewer, Buff Chase, Liz Plater-Zyberk and Rick Lapham

John and Elizabeth LaBombard; Suzanne and Fred Rheinstein

Nancy and Edward Madden, Will and Carol Browne

Peter Dixon and Maureen Footer

Michael Mesko and Katie Casanta

Alexa Aron, John Cameron, Frances Cameron and Richard Cameron

Jane Lear and Katie Pennoyer

Ray Gindroz and Francoise Skurman

Lt Col Timothy Adams and Gerry Dolezar

Anne Kriken Mann and Andy Taylor

Marie-Rose Andriadi and Bill Brockschmidt

Eleanor Alger and Bagley Reid

Suzanne Santry

Lizz Plater-Zyberk and Buff Chase

Paul Gunther and Miriam Ellner

Peter Pennoyer

Janet Ross and Reva Wurtzberger

Marina Killery

Bob Stern

Gail Lloyd and Paul Gunther

Briana Miller

Jonathan and Judy Nelson

Jonathan Nelson and Peter Pennoyer

Anne Fairfax

Courtney Coleman

Pavlos Papageorgiou and Sarah Newbery

Clare McKeon

Mary Wallach

Ryan McCarthy, Richard Dragisic, and Carol Browne

Suzanne Santry and Rick Lapham

Kathy Rayner and George Gillespie

On Wednesday, May 22nd at the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria, 475 distinguished guests representing 34 countries gathered to celebrate the Fulbright vision of international understanding, and to salute outstanding honorees who have furthered global cooperation through their lives and work at The One To World 2013 Fulbright Awards Dinner.

The evening raised $605,000 for programs connecting Americans with young leaders from around the world in the year ahead. Current Fulbright grantees presented awards to Susan Carmel Lehrman, Founder and Chair of American University’s Initiative for Russian Culture, and a major supporter of international cultural events; Gianluigi Esposito,a founding partner of Altieri Esposito & Minoli and a Fulbright Scholar from Italy; Isaac Shapiro, Of Counsel to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher and Flom and a Fulbright Scholar to Paris. Receiving a special award was Dr. David Steinberg, President of Long Island University and a Fulbright Scholar to the Philippines. Co-Chairs Wenke Thoman Sterns, J. Frank Brown, Marc Ganz, Neil Masterson and Dr. David Steinberg provided event leadership.

Susan Carmel Lehrman and Alfdaniels Mabingo

One To World brings together Americans with Fulbright Scholars and outstanding international student leaders from over 100 countries to experience each other’s lives in profound ways. One To World is designated by the U.S. Department of State as the official Coordinator of Enrichment Programs for Fulbright grantees in the New York area.

In the words of Elmir Gurbanov, a Fulbright grantee from Azerbaijan and one of this year’s presenters, “One To World gets us out of our books and classrooms, to be engaged in the community and aware of other cultures, so that we can begin to understand each other. One To World is empowering the Fulbright effect.”

Harriet Mayor Fulbright and Elmir Gurbanov

Among those in attendance were Harriet Mayor Fulbright, who was married to the late Senator J. William Fulbright and works to carry on his legacy; Gerry and Marguerite Lenfest; Count Vladimir and Countess Suzanne Tolstoy; The Hon. John O’Keefe, former U.S. Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan; The Hon. John Beyrle former U.S. Ambassador to the Russian Federation and Bulgaria; Judi Flom; Hope Rockefeller Aldrich; Wendy O’Neill; Susie Gharib, Co-Anchor, PBS Nightly Business Report; Sherry Mueller, former President of the National Council for International Visitors; Pavel Spitsyn, the Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of the Russian Federation to the U.S.; Roland Celette, former Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of France to the U.S.; and Kimberley Heatherington, Director of Operations at the French-American Cultural Foundation/Embassy of France.

Florence Sicard, Gianluigi Esposito, Elizabeth McColm, and Heike Vogel

Richard Fuchs, Noelle Silberbauer, and Joseph Rizzo

Zac Russell, Peter Wolf, Claudette Mayer, and Kevin Carpenter

Dr. David Steinberg and Deborah Clifford

Ambassador John O'Keefe and Marguerite and Gerry Lenfest

Kimberley Heatherington, Daniel Zavala, and Marie Helene Zavala

Ray and Barbara Simon

Barbara Roggemann, Joan Steinberg, Dr. Peter Roggemann, and Wenke Thoman Sterns

Peter Starr, Monique and Robert Schweich, Dr. Sherry Mueller, and Jeff Lee

Isaac Shapiro and Cristina Gonta

Jodi and Marc Ganz

Dr. Dario Cortes and Dr. Sue Henderson

Natalie and Alexander Potemkin

Jean Karoubi and Jessica Pliska

Christiane Fischer and Jenny Dixon

Ca Mie De Souza and Rupal Sankalia

NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center hosted a spring luncheon to benefit its Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology on Tuesday, May 21, at Cipriani 42nd Street. Sponsored by CHANEL, the event featured a discussion titled Mirror, Mirror on the Wall: A Conversation about Beauty and Self-Image, with Dr. Gail Saltz and Dr. Amy Wechsler. The conversation was moderated by Emmy-Award-Winning television journalist Juju Chang.

Dr. Laura Forese

Over 250 guests, including Veronica Beard; Serena Boardman; Stephanie Coleman; Cristina Cuomo; Lauren Santo Domingo, Danielle Ganek; Shoshanna Gross; Nathalie Kaplan; Julia Koch; Lizzie Tisch; Barbara Walters and Dr. Ruth Westheimer, listened as Dr. Saltz, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, bestselling author, and television commentator; and Dr. Wechsler, adjunct clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, dermatologist, and author; discussed tips on beauty and a healthy self-image.

The luncheon, hosted by Dr. Laura Forese, Chief Operating Officer of NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, raised over $400,000. Founded in 1799, the Lying-In hospital (now NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell's Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology) was New York's first medical center devoted solely to the care of women in childbirth. Under the leadership of Dr. Frank Chervenak, the department continues to set the standards in patient care, research, training and community outreach.

Kate Babb Shone, Dr. Laura Forese, Dr. Frank Chervenak, Dr. Amy Wechsler, and Dr. Gail Saltz

Lauren Santo Domingo, Bettina Prentice, and Ingrid Rockefeller

Dr. Amy Wechsler, Juju Chang, Dr. Gail Saltz, and Dr. Laura Forese

Barbara Walters

Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Dr. Frank Chervenak

Pamela Gross, Julie Taubman, Dr. Serena Boardman, and Dubin Tiffany

Carole Mack and Barbara Walters

Chloe Malle

Vanessa Traina and Julia Von Boehm

Jemilah Afshar and Jennifer Harris

Sofia Sanchez

Anya Ziourova

Ashley McDermott

Shoshanna Gruss

Hartley House held its annual 2013 Spring Benefit at the Museum of the City of New York on May 20th. The Hartley House Award for Philanthropic excellence was presented to The Honorable David N. Dinkins, 106th Mayor, City of New York in recognition of his lifelong commitment to strengthening the New York City community through dedicated public service and faithful advocacy for the underserved.

Hon. David N. Dinkins and Alice Truax

Hartley House also honored the Home Outreach Program for Elders (HOPE), a comprehensive case management program serving the Westside of Manhattan. This program not only helps to prevent eviction and early institutionalization but also recognizes that our elderly neighbors are vital members of the community and works to improve the quality of their lives.

Hartley House has served those who live and work in New York City's Hell's Kitchen since 1897 and this evening raised the vital funds necessary to help families in the Hell's Kitchen community. Lonnie Quinn, Weathercaster CBS 2 was the Master of Ceremonies and auctioneer.

Judith Baldwin and Lonnie Quinn

Honorary Corporate Chair Harold McGraw III along with Chairs Judith Baldwin, Diane Downs, H. Hartley du Pont, Jennifer Kelly, Alexis Robinson Waller and Benefit Vice Chairs Olga D'Alto, Leigh Kirby, Nicole Rhodes and the Young Associate Chairs, Calli Snook, encouraged everyone to bid on the live auction items.

Guests included Alice Truax, President of the Board of Hartley House, Lauren Remington Platt, Ashley Wilcox Platt, Soheir Khashoggi, Leslie Crocker Snyder, Susan Henshaw Jones, JoAnne Olian, Lauren Lawrence, Laura Clare, Terri Cook, Nesli Danisman, Kim Davis, Margaret Doyle, August du Pont, Laura Guerre, Susan Ferriere, Anne Flannery, Roy W. Kean, Susan Lovell, Eleanor Earle Mascheroni, Alexandra H. Platt, Deirdre Riou, Alma Schneider, Christine Schott, George Leeds, Joycelyn Engle, Ryan Messing and Denise DeLuca.

Paul and Olga D'Alto

Kaylan Tildsley, Nora Nagle, and Nicole Rhodes

Alexis Waller, Hartley du Pont, Diane Downs, Judith Baldwin, and Jen Kelly

Laurie Diamond, Christine Barkus, Natalie Barkus, and Dodie Gumaer

Emilia Petrucci and Jeanne Petrucci

Judge Leslie Crocker Snyder and Dr. Fred Synder

Terry and Sue McGraw

Carol Bellidora Westfall and Christine Biddle

George Leeds and Christine Schott

Diane Downs, Susan Lovell, and Gregory Downs

Dave Sheehan and Nicole Cicogna

Kyle Parks and Hon. David N. Dinkins

Terri Cook

Susan Ferriere, Beatrice Leon, and Deirdre Riou

Deborah McManus, Jason McManus, and Susan Ferriere

Jacob Dunn and Jessica Brody

Louise Raymond and Terri Austin

Roy Kean, Ryan Nessing, Kathy Clingan, and Tom Clingan

Lonnie Quinn

Laura Guerra

Nicole Cicogna and Chris Kenny

Jason McManus, Tom Kurland, Josh Goldberg, and Glenn Goldberg

Hon. David N. Dinkins and Susan Henshaw Jones

Hartley duPont, Hon. David N. Dinkins, and August and Paul duPont

Soheir Khashoggi and Lauren Lawrence

August duPont, Ashley Platt, and Lauren Remington Platt

Sue McGraw, Terry McGraw, Yesenia Zuniga, Hon. David N. Dinkins, and Nicole Cicogna

Bill Cunnigham and Hon. David N. Dinkins

Photographs by Mia McDonald (Arthur Ross); Patrick McMullan & Billy Farrell Agency (Playground Partners); Billy Farrell Agency (NewYork-Presbyterian); Annie Watt (Hartley House).

Hugh Hildesley and Jamie Niven at The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Special Projects Committee's Annual Dinner.

On Thursday, May 23, 2013, The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Special Projects Committee celebrated its Annual Dinner at Le Cirque honoring long-standing Special Projects Committee Member Jamie Niven, also the Chairman of the Americas for Sotheby’s. The remarkable evening recognized Jamie’s more than 40 years of service to The Special Projects Committee and his membership to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s Board of Overseers and Managers since 1978.

Following dinner, his Sotheby’s colleague Hugh Hildesley spoke kind words about Jamie preceding the presentation of the Tiffany & Co. plaque by his daughters, Eugenie Niven Goodman and Fernanda Niven. During his tenure, Jamie has dedicated his time and talent to countless fundraising events and programs in support of groundbreaking research at MSKCC. The Special Projects Committee’s mission is to launch the investigations of brilliant young scientists at The Sloan-Kettering Institute. Since its’ establishment in 1969, Special Projects has raised over $13 million to support over 150 innovative research projects at the Center. All together, this evening helped raise an additional $370,000 for the Special Projects Committee.

Allison Aston, Eugenie Niven Goodman, Deborah DeCotis, and Kirk Henckels

Fernanda Niven, Eugenie Niven Goodman, and Jamie Niven

The event was co-chaired by Allison Aston and Eugenie Niven Goodman. Guests Included: Eugenie Niven Goodman and Nick Goodman, Allison Aston, Fernanda Niven, Kate and Chris Allen, Charles and Sara Ayres, Debbie DeCotis, Vaughn and Michael Dorrian, Tom and Ingrid Edelman, Dr. Annette Rickel, Lisa and Chris Errico, Shoshanna and Josh Gruss, Kirk Henckels & Fernanda Kellogg, Harry and Jill Kargman, Natalie Leeds Leventhal, Kamie Lightburn, Marcie and Jordan Pantzer, Bill and Betsey Ruprecht, Jackie and Gene Williams, Jon and Eleanor Ylvisaker, and many more!

Jill Kargman, Kate Allen, Chris Allen, and Harry Kargman

Ashley Phipps, Ogden Phipps, Carter Simonds, and Eleanor DeJoux

Hugh Hildesley and Jamie Niven

Nathalie Leeds Leventhal

Deborah DeCotis, Jamie Niven, Eugenie Niven Goodman, Allison Aston, and Kurt Henckels

Shannon Froehlich and Kristin Mirsepahi

Laura Harris and Jaclene Ginnel

John Loeffler, Jackie Williams, and Charles and Sara Ayres

Deborah DeCotis, Kurt Henckels, and Dr. Annette Rickel

Kristen Allen, Elizabeth Bonner, and Amanda Waldren

Vaughn Dorrian, Catherine Shepard, Lisa Errico, and Celeste Boele

Fernanda Niven and Eugenie Niven Goodman

Marcie Pantzer and Shoshanna Gruss

Lucy Lanphere, Jackie Williams, and Betsey Ruprecht

Kurt Henckels and Fernanda Kellog

Dr. Annette Rickel, Amanda Taylor, and Kamie Lightburn

Uniting Against Lung Cancer (UALC) hosted its 7th annual “Kites for a Cure,” on Saturday, May 25, at Coopers Beach in Southampton raising more than $50,000 for lung cancer research. From 4:00-6:00 PM, participants braved the wind and rain to gather at the beach and kick-start the summer season in the Hamptons.

Mark Epley, Mayor of the Village of Southampton, served as the Honorary Commodore, memorializing his father, who lost his own battle with lung cancer nine years ago. New York State Senator Lee Zeldin and his family also joined the Mayor at Coopers Beach for a fun afternoon of kite-flying.

Leslie Harwood, SH Mayor Mark Epley, and Roxanne Donovan

In addition to the kites flying at the event, “Kites for a Cure” also brings kites to fly in the windows of most merchants in the Village of Southampton. Thanks to support from the Southampton Chamber of Commerce and local schools, most stores feature beautifully painted kites in their windows to show their care for the cause and the community.

At the event itself, with sponsorship from Rechler Equity Partners and The Hampton Business District at Gabreski, funds raised at the 7th annual “Kites for a Cure” will go directly to UALC’s national lung cancer research grant program. Refreshments by Tate’s Bake Shop and Hint water, and music provided by WEHM radio station kept the crowd at high-energy.

Lilly D’Italia

Madeline Reynolds

Sean Rowland flies a kite with his Dad

If you could not attend the 7th annual “Kites for a Cure” and would like to donate to UALC’s national research program, please visit www.unitingagainstlungcancer.org/donate.

Uniting Against Lung Cancer was founded in 2001 in memory of Joan Scarangello, a Southampton resident and non-smoker who lost her battle with lung cancer. The Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in research grants to find a cure for the disease that will claim an estimated 160,000 lives in the U.S. this year.

Lung cancer will kill more Americans this year than colon, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancers combined, yet it receives less federal research funding per death than any of the other major cancers.

Sean and Patrick Rowland decorate their kites

Lindsay Church, Alycia Randise, Ann Mary Rajanayagam, and Brian Uyeda

Anthony Hohmann, Robert Hohmann, and Kim Benanti

Volunteers from Grace Presbyterian Church

Marc Hiatrides, Krista Hiatrides, Tonia Gotsis, Gina Hiatrides, and James Hiatrides

Aaron Tighe, William Tighe, and Dr. David Hidalgo

Michael McTwigan and Linda Wenger

Lee Zeldin, Gregg Rechler, and Mary Ann Tighe

UALC Volunteers Mary, Gabe, and Kat

The Olana Partnership 2013 Frederic E. Church Award Gala was held on Thursday, May 23 at the New York Public Library. This year's Gala celebrated the Extraordinary American Landscape honoring two outstanding individuals who each are transforming the perception of American art. Olana honored Elizabeth Broun, The Margaret and Terry Stent Director of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and Stephen Hannock, acclaimed contemporary landscape painter.

A landscape by Stephen Hannock

The Frederic E. Church Award (FEC Award) is a celebration of art, landscape and culture. Musical artist and art collector, Sting, delivered remarks about his longtime friend, Mr. Hannock, and presented his award. Acclaimed artist, Christo, spoke of the contribution Ms. Broun has made to American art, also presenting her with the award.

The Stephen Hannock painting "Niagara Falls", a work of polished acrylic on sealed paper, was offered at the Benefit Auction led by Sotheby's Vice Chairman, David Redden. The piece is framed in a handcrafted replica of a 20th century period frame by Eli Wilner and Company. Danny Meyer and Union Square Events catered the event. The evening raised nearly $800,000 for The Olana Partnership.

There were 262 guests in attendance

Elizabeth Broun and Stephen Hannock were the evening's honorees. Gabrielle and Louis Bacon, James F. Dicke II, William Lauder, and Caroline and Tiger Williams served as the event's co-chairs. Anna May Feige and Belinda Kaye were Steering Committee co-chairs. Notable attendees included Sting and Trudie Styler, Christo, Sara Griffen (President, The Olana Partnership), Richard T. Sharp (Chairman, Board of Trustees), Suzanne Vega and Paul Mills, Craig Hatkoff, Jeff Bewkes, Walton Ford, Tony and Susan Gilroy, Frank Kelly, Thomas Woltz, Danny and Audrey Meyer, Liv Rockefeller and Ken Shure, Theresa Lowry, Kathy Schenker, Maurice Berger, Marvin Heiferman, Stephen Petronio, Jason Rosenfeld, Duncan Christy, Mark Innerst, Wolfram Hissen, Lucy Waletzky, Tantivy Gubelmann, Richard Frankel, Dara Mitchell, Eli Wilner.

Richard Sharp, Sara Griffen, Elizabeth Broun, and Stephen Hannock

Thomas Woltz and Tantivy Gubelmann

Liv Rockefeller and Ken Shure

Sting, Georgia Hannock, Trudie Styler, and Stephen Hannock

Lori Tritsch and William Lauder

Christo

Stephen Petronio and Suzanne Vega

Trudie Styler and Sting

Jeff Bewkes, Stephen Hannock and William Lauder

Christo and Elizabeth Broun

Ann Colley and Gabrielle Bacon

Eaddo Kiernan, Peter Kiernan, Mark Gilbertson, and Debbie Bancroft

Danny and Audrey Meyer

Lucy Waletzky and Richard McCarthy

David Redden

James Dicke II and Richard Brodie

Simon Lewis, Christian Charapata, Paul Dominguez, and Brian Nessing

A gala reception was held on May 21st at the extraordinary Carlton Hobbs Gallery on East 93rd Street to honor the National Committee of The Mount, the historic home of Edith Wharton. The festive evening was launched and co-hosted by architectural historian and longtime trustee Pauline Metcalf and fellow trustee Gigi Wilmers, an art historian and author. Susan Wissler, the Executive Director of The Mount, spoke about the remarkable year-long celebration of Edith Wharton's 150th Birthday. Throughout the evening, the guests were also greeted by Carlton Hobbs, who co-owns the gallery with Stefanie Rinza.

Pauline Metcalf and Gigi Wilmers

The guests included: Pulitzer Prize winner Jennifer Egan; Mario Buatta, one of America's foremost decorators; Edward Lee Cave, real estate maven and art expert; Morrison Heckscher, the Chairman of the American Wing of the Metropolitan Museum of Art; Thomas Jayne, designer and scholar; Sam White, architect and descendant of Stanford White, and editor Elizabeth White; Anthony Wood, New York preservation activist; Michael Simon, interior designer and Mount trustee; Rohit Desai, financier; Theresa Behrendt, senior international strategist and advisor; Georgia Shreve, composer and writer; and Stephanie Stokes, interior designer and author.

Francis de Marneffe, Barbara de Marneffe, Carlton Hobbs, Kate Wharton, and Alfred Kohnle

Susan Wissler

Douglas Semmes and Vanya Desai

Gigi Wilmers, Morrison Heckscher, and Pauline Metcalf

Pauline Metcalf, Mario Buatta, and Margaret Kennedy

Josefina Massot, Sara Hunter Hudson, and Carlton Hobbs

Sara Hunter Hudson and Jay Sherwood

Rohit Desai and Sara Hunter Hudson

Delight Dodyk, Maya Nussbaum, Susan Wissler, and Jennifer Egan

Carlton Hobbs, Georgia Shreve, and Peter Lang

Margaret Kennedy, Thomas Jayne, and William Cullum

Alfred Kohnle and Kate Wharton

Katherine Hull, Elizabeth White, and Kate Wharton

Linda O'Connell, Sunny Hayward, and Deborah Donovan

Richard Neel and Sunny Hayward

Jay Sherwood, Judith Villard, and Robert Chen

Mary Ellen McCabe and Debralee Nelson

Sam White

John Clark, David Edwards, and Christine Edwards

Viggo Rambusch and James Nicoll Cooper

Edward Lee Cave

Theresa Behrendt

Linda O'Connell, Michael Simon, and Deborah Donovan

Gladys Thomas and Elena Patterson

The THANC (Thyroid, Head & Neck Cancer) Foundation held its 10th annual Anniversary Gala at 583 Park Avenue on May 8, 2013. The theme of the Gala was Faces of Courage honoring 24 patients for the courage and grace they displayed throughout their cancer journey and celebrating the groundbreaking work of THANC in its ongoing efforts to improve the quality of life of patients affected by thyroid, head and neck cancer.

With Harry Smith as emcee and Mandy Patinkin as a special guest, the evening was as dynamic and compelling as its cause. A poignant portrait gallery with oversized black-and-white images of the 24 patients were mounted for all guests to see with quotes from each patient creating a connection to their personal journey. A three-course dinner and the launch of several new and innovative projects was enjoyed by over 400 supporters and their guests. The evening was orchestrated by noted event planner Elissa Held Events.

THANC is the largest private funder of research in head, neck and thyroid cancer in the U.S. The foundation sponsors continuing professional medical education, community awareness and outreach , as well as patient support programs. Under the medical direction of Dr. Mark L. Urken, President and Medical Director, and Donald Levy, Chairman of the Board, THANC is now housed within the Institute for Head & Neck and Thyroid Cancer at the Phillips Ambulatory Center at Beth Israel Medical Center.

Mandy Patinkin, Dr. Mark Urken, and Harry Smith

Jason and Bonnie Spodek, Executive Director Erika Markowitz, and Joshua P. Katz

Fabi Khanlari, Elliott Bernerd, Susan Bernerd, and Richard LeFrak

Karen Sobel, Laura Urken

Steven R. Black, Dr. Mark Urken, and Jack Ophir

Gail Donovan, COO Continuum Health Partners, with Donald Levy, President of The Levy Group and Chairman of the THANC Foundation

David Z. Hirsch

Donald and Dawn Levy

Marcia and Jack Levy

Jean Shafiroff, Chair of Southampton Hospital’s 55th Annual Summer Party, hosted a kick off luncheon for the annual fundraiser at Le Cirque on May 9th. Honorary Chair Audrey Gruss, Southampton Hospital President & CEO Robert S. Chaloner, Southampton Hospital Foundation President Steven M. Bernstein, joined Ms. Shafiroff in welcoming nearly 100 supporters of the Hospital to the famed restaurant. This year’s Summer Party will benefit The Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department & The Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center.

Master of Ceremonies Chuck Scarborough spoke of the importance of Southampton Hospital’s presence in the communities of Long Island’s East End that it serves. Audrey Gruss introduced the futuristic theme of the August 3rd Summer Party with news that the Hospital’s partnership with ArtSouthampton will enable this year’s event to take place in an air-conditioned tent, with décor designed by Antony Todd. A number of ArtSouthampton dealers, who will be exhibiting work prior to the Summer Party, have planned to donate a portion of the proceeds from sold work to aid the Hospital in a variety of healthcare initiatives.

Guests included Laura Lofaro Freeman, Amelia Ogunlesi, Avis Richards, Lise Evans, Carola Jain, Nick Korniloff, Janna Bullock, NancyJane Loewy, Andrea Greeven Douzet, and Rolf Heitmeyer.

Patricia Shiah and Audrey Gruss

Regina Greeven and Anne Sitrick

Jean Shafiroff, Chuck Scarborough, and Audrey Gruss

Ann Jurdem and Christine Smith Gray

Janna Bullock and Liliana Cavendish

Andrea Greeven Douzet, Victoria Wyman, Rolf Heitmeyer, and Katlean de Monchy

Melanie Wambold and Sandra McConnell

Michele Gerber Klein and Christine Schott

Robert S. Chaloner, Sharon DiSunno, Dr. Darin Wiggins, and Helga Loring

Kathy Riley

Ann Rapp

Sharon Kerr, Marjorie Harris, and Kim Dryer

Cassandra Seidenfeld and Debra Halpert

Lucia Hwong Gordon and R. Couri Hay

Photographs by Patrick McMullan; Annie Watt (The Mount).

The debutantes at the 72nd Annual Bal des Berceaux (Back row, l. to r.): Alexandra Giessen, Sarah Rodeo, Stefania Menella, Gabrielle Cohen, Francesca Quintero, and Louise Bonnel. Front row: Emeline de Narp, Zoe Oz, and Marie Creteur.

Saturday May 25th, the ARF Thrift Shop Designer Showhouse kicked off the Memorial Day weekend with the 3rd Annual Designer Showhouse at the ARF Thrift Shop in Sagaponack.

The shop was transformed into six rooms styled by some of New York’s most illustrious interior decorators. Each room incorporated ARF Thrift Shop items as well as pieces donated from the designers own collections.

Rooms ranged from a whimsical bedroom inspired by “Little” Edie Beale to a textile rich living room inspired by the best-selling novel “50 Shades of Grey.” Guests enjoyed cocktails including wine donated by Channing Daughters Winery and hors d’oeuvres donated by the Dancing Gourmet as they mingled and shopped among the themed rooms. By the end of the night 1 dog and 2 kittens had been adopted into loving homes.

Barbara Ostrom with "Webster" and Barbara Washkowitz with "Boschie"

Lora Nelson and Pamela Eldridge

Samantha Kleinfield and Susan Saiter Sullivan

Designer Barbara Ostrom in her room themed "Dan Rattiner's Reading Room"

Ann Madonia, Diane Burm, Sandra McConnell, and Susan Madonia

Jessica Boo, Craig Fredericks, and Beth Parks

Designer Preston T. Phillips

Jean Shafiroff

Jacqueline von Rohr-Scheidt, Barbara Ostrom, and Noelle Marcantonio

Polly Brockman, Pat Kyle, and Lisa McCarthy

Kendell Cronstrom, James Huniford, and Barbara Ostrom

Robert Rufino, Gordon Hoppe, and Gerard Manfredonia

Mercedes Platz, Maggie Copeland, and Challen Hodson

Susan and Ann Madonia

Kathy Wilk (ARF Director of Special Events) and Gigi Mahon (Event Co-Chair)

Barbara Ostrom with Elizabeth Dow

Sara Davison and Sandra McConnell

Bradley Geist with "Gigot"

Annie M. Napoliello

Gordon Hoppe and Gerard Manfredonia

Sara Davison and Jamie Berger

Penelope Moore and Frances DeLabarre

Melissa Tiska, Michele Forrester, and Jamie Forrester

On April 26, 2013, at the 72nd Annual Bal des Berceaux, French American Aid for Children honored The Bic Group in appreciation of over thirty years of faithful support for its beneficiaries, children experiencing challenges in growth and development. FAAFC President Imssy Klebe presented the Children Come FirstAward to Baron Bruno Bich, Chairman of the Board of the BIC Group.

A special donation was presented to The Fund for Public Schools and the NYC DOE, to help support tutoring and mentoring programs between two high schools and two elementary schools for students affected by Hurricane Sandy.

Escorts

Bal des Berceaux 2013 was held in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel, under the patronage of H.E. François Delattre, Ambassador of France to the United States, H.E. Gérard Araud, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of France to the United Nations, and the Hon. Bertrand Lortholary, Consul General of France in New York.

Ball Co-Chairs were: Elisabeth Cros, Marguerite Mangin, Jeri Sape, and Odile de Schietere-Longchampt. Débutante Committee Co-Chairs were: Francine Bonnifay, Celine Wislin, and Katrin Medrano Turk.

The Débutantes were:
Miss Louise Bonnel, daughter ofMrs. Astrid Bonnel
Miss Gabrielle Cohen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Cohen
Miss Alexandra Frances Emma Giessen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Richard Giessen
Miss Stefania Mennella, daughter of Ms. Inez Reksten and Mr. Federico Mennella
Miss Emeline de Narp, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederic de Narp
Miss Zoe Yasemin Oz, daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Mehmet Oz
Miss Francesca Quintero, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Quintero
Miss Sarah Rodeo, daughter of Dr. Scott Rodeo and Dr. Christine Frissora
Miss Marie Creteur, daughter of Alexandra and Philippe Creteur

Jim Rosenfield, broadcast journalist and former CBS anchor, was The Master of Ceremonies for the presentation choreographed by David Armstrong.

Nicholas Lowry, President of Swann Galleries conducted a Live Auction of valuable contributions from corporate and private donors. Lots include a performance sailing dinghy, extraordinary wines, works of art, jewelry, a studio session with Roger Moenks, and trips to Taormina, Marrakech, St.Lucia, Mumbai, Jaipur and southern India. Winners were Danielle Bellanger, Alejandro Vollbrechthausen, Richard Ortoli, and Patrice de Talhouet.

The Creteur and de Narp families

Notable guests included: Mr. Jacques Leviant, Baron and Baroness Bruno Bich, Gonzalve and Rebecca Bich, Charles Bich, Guillaume Bich, Mario and Gaby Guevara, Gaby Martinez, Edward and Anne Dougherty, Christopher and Cathy Mills, Antoine Treuille, Cecile David Weil, David Sadroff, Werner and Tatiana Ahlers, Dominique Boirone, Dr. Hiroshi Kimura and Mme. Keiko Aoki, Roszell Mack III, Homaira Akbari, David Townes, Frances Lagatta-Shelton and William Bruder, Michael and Joan Kahn, Rita and Joseph Cohen, Anne-Sophie and Frédéric de Narp, Thierry and Isabelle Delaporte, Damien and Anne-Laure de Chillaz, Bruno and Raphaelle d'Illiers, Patrice and Violette de Talhouet, Dr. and Mrs. Mehmet Oz and Oliver Oz, Jerold and Emily-Jane Lemole Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Quintero, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ostrom, Mr. and Mrs. Scott Gress, Mr. and Mrs. James C. Marlas, Mr. and Mrs. Rafael Mirabal, Countess Dagmar de Brantes and Edward J. Westlow, Esq., Mrs. Stanley Weisman, Sana Sabbagh, Susanna Koning, Bruno Cohen, Dimitre Genov, Mr. Jacques Bouhet.

The Somnolet and Volbrechthausen families

Leading supporters for this year’s ball include Cartier, Montblanc, Roger Moenks, Air France, Altour, Breitling, Delta, Exclusive and Private, Harry Winston, Orient Express, Societe Générale, Hermès, De Beers, Tiffany & Co, Bacardi, The Bic Group, Chanel, Dassault Falcon, Dior, Fendi, Epstein Becker and Green, LVMH, Marlborough Gallery, Stribling & Associates, Van Cleef & Arpels, and Steinitz.

All proceeds of the event will be distributed to the following beneficiary organizations based in the United States and France, that extend professional care to needy children: The Children’s Village, Le Centre Augustin Grosselin, France Parrainages, The Children’s Storefront, La Société de Charité Maternelle de Paris, Kips Bay Boys and Girls Club and Surgeons of Hope.

Marguerite Mangin Antoine Treuille, and Countess Caroline de Ravel d'Esclapon

Le Bal des Berceaux has been held every spring since 1942 and is one of New York’s leading débutante balls, attended by dignitaries and celebrities from around the world. A guest list will be provided in the next press release after the ball.

French-American Aid for Children, Inc. is a New York based non-profit organization staffed and run by volunteers. Initially devoted to war relief efforts 69 years ago, the organization now provides financial assistance to developmentally challenged and needy children through programs administered by vetted beneficiary organizations in the United States and in France. Its long-term corporate supporters include Société Générale, Air France, Cartier, Chanel, and Harry Winston.

Dr. Scott Rodeo and Dr. Christine Frissora

Dr. and Mrs. Mehmet Oz

Baron Bruno Bich and guest

Shaune Arp, Adrien Deseglise, and Carlos Lambarri

Julia Turner and Federico Mennella

Mariam Azarm

Anne de Louvigny Stone and René-Pierre Azria

Marie‐Claude and Robert Myers, Joan Rosasco, and friend

Rita and Joseph Cohen

Lucila and Alejandro Volbrechthausen

The Chater family

Céline Wislin and Rodney Lester

Liane McAllister and Sigourney B. Romaine

Wendy Reynoso, Nicholas Lowry and friend, and Ray Cameron

Alexis Azria and Michael Kaye

Jim and Dana Rosenfield

Hon. Bertrand Lortholary (Consul General of France in New York), Michel Berty, and Imssy Klebe

Odile de Schiétère Longchampt and Elizabeth Stribling

Elisabeth Cros and Richard Ortoli

On Tuesday, May 28th, hundreds of attendees gathered at the Center for Jewish History as the American Jewish Historical Society honored Avital Sharansky with the 2013 Emma Lazarus Statue of Liberty Award for her efforts in the fight to liberate Soviet Jewry.

The award is presented every year by the American Jewish Historical Society to an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment to strengthening the American Jewish community. Avital Sharansky undertook a heroic struggle to free her husband, Anatoly (Natan) Sharansky, and other Prisoners of Zion from a Soviet Russian prison where he languished for nine years until his release in 1986.

Jerome Stern, Mort Zuckerman, Gordon Zacks, Malcolm Hoenlein, Connie Smukler, Richard Perle, Rabbi Avi Weiss, and Rabbi Haskel Lookstein

In addition to Avital and Natan Sharansky, guests included a mix of philanthropists, Soviet Jewry activists and community icons, such as real estate magnate Mort Zuckerman, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and author Elie Wiesel and his wife Marion, singer/songwriter Regina Spektor and her husband Jack Dishel, attorney and activist Alan Dershowitz, Israeli Ambassador Consul General Ido Aharoni, James Tisch, Lord and Lady Weidenfeld, Rabbi Avi Weiss, Jerome L. Stern, and AJHS Chairman Emeritus Kenneth J. Bialkin. The night also included a video message from Former Secretary of State George P. Shultz and a written message from Treasury Secretary Jack Lew, read to the audience by Ken Bialkin.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the American Jewish Historical Society’s Archive of the American Soviet Jewry Movement, the largest repository of documents and materials in the world reflecting the history and success of the Soviet Jewry Movement. This will include the development of teaching and study materials, including films and books, to preserve the record of the many examples of heroism and sacrifice of the Jews in the former Soviet Union.

The post-ceremony reception

Founded in 1892, The American Jewish Historical Society (AJHS) is the world’s oldest Jewish historical society and the oldest ethnic history organization in the Western Hemisphere. It provides access to more than 25 million documents and 50,000 books, photographs, art and artifacts that reflect the history of the Jewish presence in the United States from 1654 to the present. Among the treasures of this heritage are the handwritten original of Emma Lazarus’ The New Colossus, which graces the Statue of Liberty; records of the nation’s leading Jewish communal organizations and important collections in the fields of education, philanthropy, science, sports, business and the arts. AJHS is one of five partner organizations at The Center for Jewish History in Manhattan and has a branch in Boston.

Elie Wiesel, honoree Avital Sharansky, AJHS President Paul Warhit, and Sid Lapidus

Avital and Natan Sharansky

Mort Zuckerman

Jim Tisch

AJHS Chairman Emeritus Kenneth J. Bialkin

Singer/songwriter Regina Spektor, Avital and Natan Sharansky, and Jack Dishel

Lady and Lord Weidenfeld, Elie and Marion Wiesel, and Mort Zuckerman

Gordon Zacks, Rabbi Avi Weiss, and Seymour Lachman

John Ruskay and AJHS Executive Director Jonathan Karp

Ellen Stern, Avital Sharansky, Jerome Stern, and Natan Sharansky

Two weeks ago on May 15, the New York Yacht Club in all its architectural glory and yachting splendor was the site of the Preservation League of New York State’s Excellence in Historic Preservation Awards. These annual awards celebrate the rich and diverse architectural heritage of New York State and those individuals who support and encourage historic preservation in our cities, towns and villages all across the state.

League President Jay DiLorenzo and Board Chair, Anne H. Van Ingen welcomed the crowd of nearly 200. Trustee Arete Swartz Warren presented the eight awards honoring projects, publications and organizations that exemplify statewide excellence in historic preservation.

Award winners

Those attending the ceremony and reception which followed included League Trustees and council members Gregory Long, Paul Provost, Kent Barwick, Chiu Yin Hempel, Scott Duenow, Jan Anderson, Anne Older, George Howell, Gerry and Laura Holbrook, Janet Ross, Jean McCarroll, Matthew Bender IV, Karen Arison Georbge Beane, Duncan Barrett, Roberta Breandes Gratz, John Sare, Caroline and Michel Zaleski, Steven Weiss, Stephen Facey, Richard Maitino, Norman Mintz and Robert Kafin. They were joined by Winthrop Aldrich, Suzanne and Richard Clary, Frank Vitale, honoree Rocco Termini and his wife Bridget Termini; Ruth Pierpont, Deputy Commissioner of NYS Department of Parks and Recreation; RoAnn Destito Commissioner of the NYS Office of General Services, and James Jamieson, NYS Captol architect – who were honored for their contributions to the interior restoration work recently completed on the New York State Capitol.

The Preservation League which was founded in 1974, is celebrating 40 years of protecting the historic buildings and scenic landscapes of New York State, and a united voice for historic preservation.

Gregory Long and Robert Kafin

Chiu Yin Hempel and Anne Older

Rickie James, Scott Duenow, and Edward Davis

Gerry Holbrook, Jay DiLorenzo, and Scott Duenow

Patricia Sands, Matthew Bender IV, Elisabeth Bakker-Johnson, and Richard Johnson

Jan C.K. Anderson and Karen Arrison

John Sare, Anne Van Ingen, Gregory Long, and Jay DiLorenzo

Tom Blanchard, Roberta Gratz, and Kent Bartwick

Wes Haynes and Ruth Pierpont

George Howell and Norman Mintz

Francette Armenteros, Ernesto Armenteros, Caroline Zaleski, and Michael Zaleski

Richard Clary, Arete Warren, and Suzanne Clary

Photographs by Cutty McGill (Preservation League); Richard Lewin (ARF).

The dinner scene at New York Restoration Project's 12th Annual Spring Picnic.

New York Restoration Project (NYRP), founded by award-winning singer, entertainer, actress, and green activist Bette Midler, celebrated 18 years of turning forgotten spaces into growing places at its 12th Annual Spring Picnic this past Thursday, May 30th, at Gracie Mansion, "the People's House." Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg; First Deputy Mayor Patricia E. Harris; Honorary Co-Chairs Tim Gunn and Parker Posey; and the evening's Emcee, Emmy Award-winning comedienne Judy Gold joined Midler. Vince Giordano and the Nighthawks provided the music. The evening raised over $1.2 million for NYRP.

In 2007, Mayor Bloomberg and Midler, together with the City Parks and Recreation Department, began a citywide initiative to plant one million trees in all five boroughs of New York City by 2017. They announced tonight that the MillionTreesNYC initiative would complete its goal two years early – in 2015, which coincides with the 20th Anniversary of NYRP.

MillionTreesNYC Lead Sponsors Meredith Hahn, Chris Giamo, Bette, Mary Desjardin, Juliet Williams, Hilary Ayala, Mayor Bloomberg, Amy Freitag, and Dave Barger

Thanks to lead support from Bloomberg Philanthropies and Toyota Motor Corporation, along with the continuing generosity of major supporters American Express, JetBlue, and ConEdison, MillionTreesNYC is now ready to ramp up its tree planting to get the final 250,000 trees in the ground by 2015.

TD Bank came on board as the lead closing sponsor, making it possible for MillionTreesNYC to help the citizens of the city realize the many benefits of trees two years early.

The table settings

Among the hundreds of green enthusiasts attending were: Executive Director of NYRP Amy Freitag, Martin von Haselberg, Michael Kors and Lance LePere, Rosanne Cash, Amy Goldman Fowler and Cary Fowler, Margo and Jimmy Nederlander, Ann Ziff, Linda Allard, Jamie Tisch, Claude Wasserstein, Tonne Goodman, Clifford Ross, Ann Stevenson Colley, Todd DeGarmo, Mica Ertegun, Alexandra Cohen, Hugh Hildesley, Ed Hollander, Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels, Ellen and Richard Levine, Deborah Krulewitch, Steven Orr, Kathy and Ben Needell, Enid Nemy, Elizabeth Peabody, Richard Perlman and Ellen Hanson, Marjorie Gubelmann, Liz Smith, Darcy Stacom, Pam and Allen Swerdlick, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Kelly and Gerry Pasciucco, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Paul Cavaco, and Karen Klopp among others.

Founded in 1995 by Bette Midler, New York Restoration Project is a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming communities and creating a greener, more sustainable New York City. NYRP helps strengthen communities by working in parks, public housing, vacant lots, schools, on sidewalks, rights-of-way, the waterfront, and in our own community gardens. As the lead partner with NYC Parks on the MillionTreesNYC initiative, they have helped the City plant more than 745,000 trees since 2007. By cleaning, greening, and beautifying high-need communities, NYRP creates a context for community to happen.

Bette Midler and Michael Kors

Ann Ziff and Brian Mullaney

Eric Kornfeld, Rosanne Cash, and Judy Gold

Jamee Gregory and Peter Gregory

Liz Smith and Elizabeth Peabody

Cindy Smith, Suri Kasirer, Amy Freitag, and Adrian Benepe

Peggy O'De and Zeze Calvo

Gillian and Serena Miniter

Amy Goldman Fowler and Jane Goldman

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor

Ellen and Richard Levine

Liz Smith and Bette Midler

Marylyn Malkin, David Malkin, and Margo McNabb Nederlander

Brian Mullaney and Claude Wasserstein

Todd Thomas and Parker Posey

Adrian Benepe and Bernadette Peters

Martin von Haselberg (right)

Katie Couric and Liz Smith

Elizabeth Peabody and Tim Gunn

Liz Smith and Margo MacNabb Nederlander

Mica Ertegun

Valentina Branchini

John Molner, Zeze Calvo, Katie Couric, Peggy O'Dea, and Brian Mullaney

Peter Gregory and Marjorie Gubelmann

Todd Thomas, Parker Posey, and James L. Nedelander

Todd DeGarmo and Patti Harris

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff

Kathy and Ben Needell

Darcy Stacom

John Molner and Katie Couric

Bette Midler and Chris Giamo

Bette Midler and Kendal Ascher

Rosanne Cash and Teal Kraus with friends

Amy Goldman-Fowler, Amy Freitag, and Cary Fowler

Margo MacNabb Nederlander, Jimmy Nederlander, and Bette Midler

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Hugh Hildesley

Paul Cavaco, Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, and Gerry Pasciucco

Rosanne Cash and Eric Kornfeld

Jimmy Nederlander, Richard Levine, and Bernadette Peters

Crowd during sing-along, Ellen Levine and Darcy Stacom at far right

The event space at 583 Park Avenue in Manhattan made a well-suited setting for 2013's Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation Gala on May 14, an evening under a coffered, Pantheonic dome that made the atmosphere warm and Rome-y. How apt, because as a consummate architect Sir John revived and restyled the Eternal City's architecture in many unforgettable works, including his unparalleled 19th-century home in London, which is faithfully preserved at Lincoln's Inn Fields and which was named No. 4 on a list of the 50 Best Museums in the World by The Times of London on May 11.

That achievement owes appreciably to Sir John Soane's Museum Foundation and its ongoing work to enlarge the museum's ever-enlarging audience while magnifying the Soanian tradition of Neo-Classical architecture, thus the basis for the event. Observed Vanity Fair editor and Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic Paul Goldberger in opening remarks, “If Soane’s work proves anything, it is that classicism was and is a living style, that it is not a matter of copying the past but of taking inspiration from it.”

The scene of Soane's Museum Foundation Gala, 583 Park.

Sir John Soane's work of yesteryear informs Norman Foster, Lord Foster of Thames Bank's impressive work of today, including the architect's Hearst Tower in New York. Lord Foster—one of evening's honorees and one of a larger-than-life breed—commenced the day in London, re-toured the Soane Museum for the umteen time that morning, luncheoned midday with the queen (yes, Lilibet) and then piloted his private plane across the pond in time to pick up his bronze Soane Foundation Honors medallion. Making the presentation was Malcolm Rogers, director of Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, whose Art of the Americas Wing was designed by Foster. “Like Sir John Soane–and I am reminded of this every time I visit the Soane Museum—he is a poet of light and shade,” said Rogers.

The evening continued with the bestowal of a pair of medallions to the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation Archives Partnership, a collaboration between Columbia University's Avery Architectural Library and the Museum of Modern Art to oversee Wright's vast trove of architectural models, correspondence, 23,000 drawings and 44,000 photographs, one of the largest and most complete collections ever compiled on an architect.

While dining (roasted halibut and a divine molten chocolate cake), the 260 guests were treated to a pictorial projection on the stage curtain of more than 100 architectural vistas that represented the spectrum of the Soane's lifework.

Wright's great-granddaughter Catherine Ingraham, a professor of architecture and urban design at Pratt (and second cousin of actress Anne Baxter—Eve of All About Eve), handed out the medals, commenting, “The partnership of a world-class museum and library fosters badly needed new scholarship on Wright, whose persona and work have been both overexposed and understudied. It will also open to scrutiny and appreciation an archive that needed some propriety and order, not to mention dusting off and repair, all of which it will now get in spades.”

Catherine Ingraham, Carole Ann Fabian, Barry Bergdoll, and Kate Levin

Among the attendees were Celeste Adams, Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust; Mary Stewart Hammond and Arthur Allen; Barry Bergdoll, MoMA's Philip Johnson Chief Curator, Architecture and Design, who accepted the Soane medallion on behalf of the museum; Joel Barkley; Kathryn Berry; Becky Birdwell; Fred Canova; Dara Caponigro, editor, Southern Accents;Walter Chatham; Vin Cipolla, Municipal Arts Society; Judith Dobrzynski, Real Clear Artsblog / The Leon Levy Foundation; Helen Dorey, acting director of Sir John Soane’sMuseum; David Easton; Guy Elliott, chairman of the trustees, Sir John Soane’s Museum, London; Carole Ann Fabian, director of Avery Architecture and Arts Library at Columbia University, who accepted the Soane medallion on behalf of the library; Mark Ferguson and Natalie Jacobs; John Flower; Elena Foster; Andon George; Wendy Goodman,New York Magazine; Niall Hobhouse; Thomas Jayne; Wendy Evans Joseph; Tom and Kristin Kligerman; Kate D. Levin, commissioner of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; David Levinson, L&L Holdings; Tony Marx, president of the New York Public Library; Brian J. McCarthy; Stacy McLaughlin, 1stdibs; Bill Menking, The Architect’s Newspaper;Charles Miers, publisher, Rizzoli; Amanda Nisbet; Lynn Nisbet, publicist; Christine Pittel, editor, House Beautiful; Judith Prause, Chesney’s; Robert Rufino; Richard Sammons, Fairfax and Sammons; Frank Sanchis, World Monuments Fund; Dana Sandberg; Durston Saylor, photographer; Edward A. Snyder, dean of Yale School of Management; Suzanne Stephens; Nick and Courtney Stern; Robert A. M. Stern; Meg Touborg; Peter Trippi; Newell Turner, editor-in-chief, Hearst Design Group of Magazines; Massimo Vignelli; Alan Wanzenberg; Charles Warner; Angela Westwater and David Meitus; and Roy Zeluck.

Said Soane Foundation President Thomas A. Kligerman: “The 2013 Foundation Gala was celebratory proof that Sir John Soane's Museum continues to inspire all those who know it, as well as those who don’t yet—and I promise you: Everybody should!”

Peter Manning, Clifford Harvard, Ann Lydecker, Roy Zelluck, and Kelly Rourke

Jamie and Lisa Dworkin, Charlie Warner, Julia Bradford, and Durston Saylor

Guys

Carol Sullivan, Steve and Liz Weinstein, and Nick and Courtney Stern

Birch Coffey, Barbara Pine, Celeste Adams, and Mike Nicholson

Edward Snyder and Beth Miller

Faye Cone and SJSMFdn President Tom Kligerman

CO-CHAIR Newell Turner, Carolyn Englefield, and David Murphy

Gals

Mike Nicholson, Catherine Ingraham, and Thomas A Kligerman

Mary Stewart Hammond and Arthur Allen

Suzanne Santry and Sam Roche

Steve Weinstein, Mary Louise Napier Zuzunaga, and Nick and Courtney Stern

Paul Goldberger, Susie Magee, Lady Foster, and Lord Foster

Katy McKegney, Kate Levin, Chas Miller, and Karen Sendler

Thomas Jayne and friends

Judith Selkowitz, Carolyn Brooks, Susie Magee, and Wendy Moonan

Angela Westwater and David Meitus

Robert and Julia Van Nutt

Meg Morton, Malcolm Rogers, and Cyndy Spurdle

Christine Pittel, Alexander Gorlin, and Andrea Monfried

Lord Foster of Thames Bank OM

Celeste Adams, Helen Dorey, and Chippy Irvine

Barry Bergdoll, Carole Ann Fabian, and Milan Hughston

Dana Sandberg and Chip Brian

Wendy Evans Joseph and David Hanks

Guy Elliott, and Lucy and Nat Day

Jeanne Lawrence, and Stanley and Betty Scott

Amanda Nesbet, Robert Rufino, and Becky Birdwell

Chris Pollack, John Flower, and Nick Stern

Anthony W. Marx and Norman Foster

David Levinson and Norman Foster

Lady Foster, David Metius, and Simone Levinson

Photographs by Mia McDonald (NYRP); Cutty McGill and Matt Gillis (Soane).

Tony Marx addresses guests at NYPL's Spring Dinner for Education.

On Monday, June 3, the New York Public Library held its Spring Dinner for Education at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, with cocktails at 6:30 p.m. and dinner and the evening's program at 7:30 p.m. The event honored NYPL trustee Abby Milstein and her husband Howard. The event featured remarks by Brian Williams and a performance by musician Diana Krall.

Co-Chairs were Katerina and Andreas Dracopoulos, Lisa and Richard Plepler, and Merryl and James Tisch.

Vice Chairs were Barbara and Evan Chesler, Elyse and Michael Newhouse, and Loren Eng and Dinakar Singh.

Brian Williams

Diana Krall

In the last year, the NYPL has broken new ground by launching initiatives that respond directly to the diverse educational needs of New Yorkers of all ages. With MyLibraryNYC, an innovative partnership with the Department of Education, public school students are three times more likely to check out library books than their peers at non-participating schools. This establishes a powerful new model for school-library partnerships. By doubling the number of ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes in just six months, NYPL is rising to meet the demand of immigrants who know that English literacy is the key to job advancement and success.

NYPL's computer literacy classes and technology training programs have seen a 267% increase in attendance since 2011, and the Library is investing in expanding these programs to give older New Yorkers the instruction they need to adapt to our 21st century world. By building its capacity to provide these essential services, the Library is strengthening its role as an economic engine and a gateway to personal growth.

Abby and Howard Milstein

Adam and Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, and Andreas and Katerina Dracopoulos

Ward, Cohen, and Tony Marx

Barbara Fleischman, Henry Louis Gates Jr., and Joan Hardy Clark

Richard and Lisa Plepler

Michael and Elyse Newhouse

Bennett and Spanier

More, More, More played in the background at Doubles Associate Party and the Co-Chairs Bryan Colwell, Paige Hardy, Amy Hoadley, Mark Gilbertson filled the Club with 200 friends dining on a delicious dinner of Smoked Salmon, Tuscan Chicken Risotto with Vegetable Prima Vera and Shredded Parmesean and Old Fashioned Strawberry Whipped Cream Shortcake ... Yum!!!

After dinner those dancing into the wee hours included: Mary Van Pelt, Whitney and Henry Topping, Walter Deane, Teresa and Bruce Colley, Randy and Margot Takian, Charlie and Kristen Krusen, Marjorie Gubelmann, Thorne and Tatiana Perkin, Kamie Lightburn, Doug Steinbrech, Martha Glass, Dennis Basso, Chad Conway, Philip Gorrivan, Jamie Creel, Marissa Brown, Stan Ponte, Helene Comfort, Randall Gianopolus, Kristen and Stephen Fealy ... and many, many more.

Chris and Lisa Ruth with Bryan Colwell

Katie and Fred Ryser

Kate Peck, Marissa Brown, Pamela Ludwick, and Helene Comfort

Mark Gilbertson, Whitney Topping, Sarah Briton, and Henry Topping

Amy Hoadley and Walter Deane

Teresa and Bruce Colley

Sheri and Sandy Severino, Stuart and Valerie Mogel

Randy and Margot Takian

Marjorie Grubelmann and Jamie Creel

Stan Ponte, Kami Lightburn, and Randall Gianopulos

Charlie and Kristen Krusen

Wendy Carduner, Doug Steinbercht, Martha Glass, and Jamie Creel

Philip Gorrivan, Chad Conway, Blanca Prouve, Dennis Basso, and Robert Beradchia

Thorne and Tatiana Perkin

Kristen and Stephen Fealy

Douglas and Susan Munin

New York's iconic retailer Gracious Home threw open its upper east side doors for cocktails to welcome another New York icon, the legendary textiles house Scalamandre.

The evening served as a kickoff to the upcoming Southampton Fresh Air Home Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale and Auction Benefit Gala, which was held on June 1st (coverage below). This longstanding early summer event supports the extraordinary work of the Fresh Air Home, a comprehensive and inspiring summer camp for physically challenged children, and for many years a favorite cause of the New York professional interior design community.

Anne and Joel Kier

Bob Dowling and Deborah Gleeson

Steven Stolman, president of Scalamandre, welcomed guests and introduced Louis Renzo, Scalamandre's CEO and owner, Joel Kier, the CEO of Gracious Home and Tom Naro, the executive director of the Southampton Fresh Air Home. Stolman paid a special tribute to the late Nikky Amey, a much-loved fixture on the New York/Southampton scene and an early organizer of the DDD Sale.

Guest included: Designers Committee chairs Gary Crain and James Alan Smith along with Joe and Sheila O'Malley Fuchs, Jim and Laura Lofaro Freeman, Maribeth and Ellen Welsh, Kirk Henckels, Melanie Seymour Holland, Pamela Fiori, Judy Hadlock, Chris Meigher, Neil and Amy Bader and scores more.

Judy Hadlock and Steven Stolman

Louis Renzo and Lauren Grushkin

Janice Langrall, Jason Oliver Nixon, and Louise Traficanti

Bram Majtlis, Nick Gold, and Rich Wilkie

Sheila O’Malley Fuchs and Joe Fuchs

Raya Knight and Tom Naro

Louis Renzo, Chris Meigher, and Joel Kier

Keith Carroll and Pamela Fiori

Steven Stolman and Kirk Henckels

Melanie Seymour Holland and Laura Lofaro Freeman

Gloria and Joseph Stolman

Gary Crain, Janice Langrall, and James Alan Smith

Melanie Seymour Holland, Amy Hoadley, and Roxane West

The 21st Annual Southampton Fresh Air Home’s Decorators-Designers-Dealers (DDD) Sale, Auctions and Cocktail Party Gala took place on Saturday, June 1 under beautiful skies. This highly anticipated event attracting guests from Manhattan, Connecticut, Palm Beach and the Hamptons is the opening fundraising party of the summer season. The lures are the live, silent and wine auctions and an extraordinary home furnishings and antiques sale that includes choice antiques, new and gently used furniture, lamps, paintings, fabrics decorative accessories and much more.

Board Vice President Kirsten Solsvig Galef and Annabelle Galef

Maryann Horwath and Michael Shaheen

So terrific are the deals at the sale which has been dubbed "the greatest tag sale on earth", that guests line up hours in advance to have first choice of these extraordinary treasures, beautifully showcased by a talented design team, and offered at amazing prices. Veteran DDD shoppers Sopranos star Aida Turturro and her shopping partner Carolann Sandoval worked as a team with Aida selecting and Carolann toting their finds to their SUV. Designer Steven Stolman landed an over size picnic basket that was a convenient tote to fill with picture frames and other goodies he snared. Caroline Lieberman just back from her native Australia was seen trying on necklaces to match her gorgeous caftan from an Aussie designer. Ann Liguori, planning an early winter vacation, bid fiercely for the deluxe Art Miami VIP Package that included passes to the international contemporary and modern art fair, a private guided tour of the exhibitions and a stay at the chic JW Marriott Marquis Hotel, while Jean Shafiroff and husband Martin were spotted scoping out the antique chairs and sofas.

Design and Decoraion Co-Chair Christl Meszkat

Lucy Puig and Gary Lawrance

Canard Caterers provided the hardy shoppers with plenty of fuel in the form of filet mignon bits, tuna tartar, spicy shrimp and more.

Kudos to the hardworking committees who year after year assure that hundreds of physically challenged children have a wonderful camping experience in a gorgeous facility run by a staff of compassionate professionals. Congratulations to Tania Higgins, Honorary Chairman, Raya Keis Knight, DDD Chairman; Donna Clower, Susan Nappa Cocke, Auction Co-Chairmen; Charlotte Bonstrom Assaf and Daysi Olarte de Kanavos; Sponsorship and Underwriting Co-Chairmen; Ann R. Grimm, Design & Decoration Chairman; Trish Bliss and Christl Meszkat; Design & Decoration Co-Chairman; Gary F. Crain, Christie Hansen, James Alan Smith, Designers Committee Chairmen and SFAH Board President Michaela Keszler and Executive Director Thomas Naro.

Carolann Sandoval and Aida Turturro

Design and Decoration Chairman Ann R. Grimm

Founded in 1901, The Southampton Fresh Air Home (SFAH) is one of the few residential camp facilities in the eastern United States that accommodates severely as well as mildly and moderately physically challenged children. SFAH provides an environment in which campers play, socialize, mature and develop physically, emotionally and psychologically. With its unique atmosphere and adapted programs, SFAH encourages self-confidence and new skills and attitudes, to enable its campers to live more rewarding lives. During their time at SFAH, they develop a sense of community, a sense of belonging and a sense of equality. For more information visit www.SFAH.org

Chef Eric Ripert and wife Sondra

Edward Callaghan and Carolann Sandoval

Ann Liguori and Scott Vallary

Jeannie Johnston, Alex Volmer, and Lucy Puig

Gary Lawrance and Zita Davisson

Jean and Martin Shafiroff in one of the designer showrooms

Beth Remington, Nancyjane Loewy, and Sharon Kerr

Linda Muse

Donna Montrose and Leslie Feldman

Jack Pearson, C. Scott Brown, and Dr. Matt Kaufman

Joanna Davidson and Caroline Lieberman

Franceca and Chris Beale

Richard and Donna Soloway

Oksana and Zach Crawford

Melanie Wambold, Ann R. Grimm, and Kirsten Solsvig Galef

Dr. John Hubbell and Ali Hubbell

Daniella Nikolova, Dr. Lewis Feder, and Mark Schwartz

On Thursday, May 16, 2013, the New York Police & Fire Widows'& Children's Benefit Fund hosted its Kick Off to Summer Benefit, honoring fallen first responders and raising funds and awareness for the families they left behind. The event, which welcomed over 500 guests and raised over $125,000, was held at the Cabanas at The Maritime Hotel in Manhattan. Honorary Chairs for the event were Mark Sanchez of the New York Jets, Scarlett Johansson, Vincent Piazza and Allison Williams, with leadership by the Benefit Fund's Junior Committee of young professionals.

Special guests in attendance included Mark Sanchez, Vincent Piazza and Fire Commissioner Salvatore Cassano. A special ticket rate was offered to courageous active duty members of the FDNY, NYPD, and PAPD who protect and serve New York City every day.

Mark Sanchez

"Our first Kick Off to Summer Benefit was made possible by all of our wonderful supporters and sponsors who have stepped up to 'Answer the Call'," said Arielle Lenza Di Ciollo, Development Director of the New York Police & Fire Widows'& Children's Benefit Fund. "The funds raised from this event will allow us to continue to make annual distributions to our beneficiary families and provide additional programs to help them cope and connect in the future."

Kevin Calrow, Director of Digital Media at Netezza and a Chair of the May 16th event, became involved with the Benefit Fund after living through the experience of September 11th. Calrow believes deeply in the nonprofit's mission, saying, "If you stop 100 people in the street, you're going to get 99 people who want to get involved, because at the end of the day, all of our lives are in some way impacted by these first responders."

Vincent Piazza with Co-Chairs for Kick Off to Summer Benefit Fund, Courtney Riley, Shannon Riley, and Kerry-Lynn Riley

The Kick Off to Summer Benefit was the inaugural event for the Benefit Fund's newly formed Junior Committee. Alexander F. Gershner, Committee Member and life-long New Yorker, became involved with the Benefit Fund as a way of giving back to the first responders that protect families and communities across the City. "After putting us first for years, they answered their last call and made the ultimate sacrifice, all in the name of our well-being," said Gershner. "Now it's our turn."

The evening featured outdoor cocktails and music under the stars, with hors d'oeuvres, raffles, a silent auction, and gift bags of fabulous items from ZICO Water, Kate Spade, Robert Graham, Stella Artois, Physique 57, and others. The event sponsors were Brigade Capital, Jones New York, Palantir, Double Cross Vodka and Stella Artois. Auction items included a champagne shopping party at Alice & Olivia, a luxury suite experience at Yankee Stadium courtesy of RVM, a golf foursome at the Atlantic Golf Club in Bridgehampton, tickets to a NY Mets game with some Mets gear, and day passes to Governors Ball on Randall's Island. Music was by DJ Raffael De Luca.

FDNY Commissioner Salvatore Cassano and Stephen Dannhauser, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Benefit Fund

The New York Police and Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund provides assistance to the families of New York City Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Port Authority Police and EMS Personnel who have been killed in the line of duty. Since its inception in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub, the charity has distributed over $126 million to hundreds of families. The Benefit Fund provides immediate and ongoing financial assistance in the form of annual distributions to grieving families after they lose their loved one. In addition, the Benefit Fund provides an ongoing network of support and gatherings for these families to cope and connect after such tragedy. The Benefit Fund currently serves over 600 families, and the goal is to raise enough funds to provide meaningful annual distributions to beneficiaries for the remainder of their lives. Please visit www.answerthecall.org.

Arielle Lenza Di Ciollo, Director of Development at Benefit Fund, and Vincent Piazza

Alexander F. Gershner, Member of Junior Committee of Board of Directors of Benefit Fund, and Lauren Profeta, Vice Chair for Kick Off to Summer Benefit

Vice Chairs for Kick Off to Summer Benefit Michael Lawler, Michael Hurley, and Alexander F. Gershner

A. Andrew Shapiro, Member of Board of Directors of Benefit Fund, and Arielle Lenza Di Ciollo, Director of Development at Benefit Fund

Mark Sanchez and Jamie Cygielman, Senior Vice President Marketing, The Jones Group

NYPD First Deputy Commissioner Rafael Pineiro and Alexander F. Gershner, Member of Junior Committee of Board of Directors of Benefit Fund

Matthew Swift, Member of Junior Committee of Board of Directors of Benefit Fund, and James Devary

William Dawson, Jr., Member of Board of Directors of Benefit Fund, and Mark Basao, Palantir

Mark Sanchez; Larry Ehrlich, Vice President of Special Events for Benefit Fund; Stephen Dannhauser, Chairman of Benefit Fund; Arielle Lenza Di Ciollo, Director of Development of Benefit Fund; John Neary, Treasurer of Benefit Fund

Doug Worman and John Q. Doyle, member of Executive Committee and Board of Directors of Benefit Fund

Photographs by Julie Stapen (NYPL); Cutty McGill (Doubles); Patrick McMullan (Gracious Home).

Under the tent at The Conservatory Ball's "An Evening in the Italian Renaissance Garden of Padua" at the New York Botanical Garden.

Last Thursday night at the New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx they held the annual Conservatory Ball, An Evening in the Italian Renaissance Garden of Padua, a gala benefit for the research and teaching programs of the Botanical Garden. This is one of the great New York parties at the end of the Spring social season in New York.

Sarah and Richard Chilton

Phil Jacob, Sharon Jacob, and Alfred Tobia

Phyllis Toohey, Howard Brenner, Barbara Brenner, and John Blundin

Robert Rufino and Susan Kelly

Michael Beddard and Susan Sterling

Leslie Foley, Ambassador Tom Foley, and Chris Zimmerman

Ken Mifflin and Marsha Mifflin

Diane Jennings and Trisha Solari

Wendy Nolan, William Nolan, and Lee Wareham

Patricia Fernandez and Ricardo Fernandez

Marree Tomlinson and Caroline Williamson

Nicholas Gennis and Ellen Walker

Eaddo Kiernan and Ann Croll

Peter and Elbrun Kimmelmann, Melinda and Tom Hassen

Jay Diamond and Alexandra Lebenthal

Howard Horowitz and Katie Krause

Janet Ross and Lionel Larner

William Uhrig and Annastasia Vournas

Michael and Courtney Szwajkowski

Damiela and Dhanos Kamiliotis

Diane Tierney and Julie Graham

Frederica Biggs and Andrew Senchak

Peter and Eaddo Kiernan

Anne and Bill Harrison

Maureen Chilton, Gillian Miniter, Cosby George, Gregory Long, Ann Johnson, and Patti Fast

Andy and Kristin Kramer

Elyse Newhouse, Gillian Miniter, and Carol Bell

Michelle and Tyler Wolfrem

Paige and Don Knox, and Leslie Stevens

Dr. Susan Krysiewicz

Debbie Bancroft

Tracey Huff and Diane Chachas

Bill Mayer, Rod Drake, and Chris Meigher

Meredith Bourne and Caroline Kelso

Joan Goodwin and Liz Peek

Monica Sifkind and Ronald Riqueros

Gillian Miniter, Patti Fast, Gregory Long, Cosby George, and Ann Johnson

Somers and Jonathan Farkas

Fe Fendi

Sharon Jacobs and Leslie Weiss

Lawrence and Marilyn Trainor

Adrienne and Ghighi Vittadini

Melinda and Tom Hassen

Stuart Clifford, Lee Wareham, Ellen Roman, and Ken Roman

Stanton Green and Dorothy Mitchel

Jerry Ann and Victor Costa

John and Connie Vandenberg, Chris and Sally Sonnie

Jonathan and Candice Wainwright, Michael and Avery Clark

Michael Bebdard and Susan Sterling

Claudia and Nick Moore

Tim and Debbie Connors, and Diane Tierney

Sarah Irby

Eugene and Sue Sekulow

David and Jeanne Daniel

Kathleen and Rainer Kirchgaessner

Hayden Hofford and Dr. Herbert Gould

Joe and Tricia Solari

Robert and Marianne Engle, Andrea Fahnestock, and George Hambrecht

Whitney and Robert Douglas Jr.

Cameron Silver, Carrie Creca, and Radha Mitchell

Landon and Kiwi Hilliard

Mats and Lydia Carlsdon

Alina Sayer

Tom and Page Knox

Henry and Susan Johnson

Robert Garrett and Heather Stein

Jon Salvesen and Marnie Yorke

Peter and Diane Chapman, Melissa Millay, and John Robert Massie

Tom and Karen Glover

Mango Chin and Tara Weezsalz

Guy and Sarah Peyrelongue

Matthew Kowles and Jessica Balboni

Alez Wheaz and Meredith Bourne

Sophie Hood, Jordana Decil, and Carrie Wallack

Chuck and Deborah Royce

Jackie Weld Drake, Adrienne and GhiGhi Vittadini, and Rodman Drake

Adelina Wong Ettelson

Anne and Clay Rohrvach

Jonathan and Marjorie Pastel

Ken and Noreen Buckfire

Jennifer, Bob, and Nell Diamond

Donald and Muffy Miller, Julie Weindling, and Phil Geier

Coco and Ari Kopelman

Memrie Lewis and Tom Savage

Andy Oshrin and Michele Smith

Clare Berner, Libby Berner, and Morgan Davis

Di Mondo

Edward and Patricia Falkenberg

Gene and Gretchen Grisanti

Mai Hallingby Harrison and Donald Smith

Joan Goodwin, Grace Meigher, and Patti Fast

Jean and Martin Shafiroff

Ted Gushue and Lauren Powell

Gillian and Sylvester Miniter

Kim Chanin, Jennifer Diamond, and Rosemarie Serrer

Lindsay and Michael Passaro

Coco and Ari Kopelman

Last Tuesday night at the Plaza Hotel, The Gordon Parks Foundation held is annual benefit and honored Peter Beard, Swiss Beatz, Donna Karan and Carrie Mae Weems.Bryan Stokes Mitchell emceed and performed and Hugh Hildesley from Sotheby's conducted an auction. A good time was had by all.

Donna Karan and Chuck Close

Anson Beard, Veronica Miele Beard, Tiger Williams, and Caroline Williams

Dylan McGee and Ann Fulenwider

Veronica Miele Beard, Marita Stavrou, and Christina Evans

Estelle and Roe Williams

Robert Chen, Fort Parker, Eliza Gleissner, and Andrew Ward

Harold Ford Jr. and Emily Ford

Sam and Gus Dangremond, Kick Kennedy, and Guest

Alex Soros, Dana Taylor, and Evan Speiser

Kyle Groff, Christine Groff, Dylan McGee, and Mark Weigel

Suzanne Donaldson, Alexandra White, and Susan White

Sarah Arison, Kamal Hotchandani, Carmen Trigueros, and Thomas John Lee

Nicholas de Kwiatkowski and Sims Lansing

Breonne Rittinger, Victoria Sasonkina, and Dana Taylor

Gene Young, Peter Kunhardt Jr., and Diana Revson

Randy van Essen, Wayne Peterkin, and Josh Flanklin

Nick Loeb and Sofia Vergara

Mariuca, Cosimo, and Luia Corsini

Hugh Hildesly

Sara Arison and Joey Lico

Patrick Toussaint, Keino Benjamin, and Donald Semerville

Ralph Williams, Ashley Williams, Brennan Nacol, and Katarina Nacol

Virginia Warner, Paul Stephaich, and Livinia Courier

Julie Macklowe

Natasha Das

Carmelo Anthony and Debra Beard

Elliott Skinner and guest

Bernadette Peters and Peter Speliopoulos

James Mellon and Peter Kunhardt Jr.

Gabrielle Corcos and Debi Mazar

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Dyllan McGee

Ruben and Isabel Toledo

Matt Rubinger and Jacqueline Kulp

Eddie, Edwin, and Nick Stern

Theodore Stebbins and Lauren Hutton

Mocisola Zulu and Grady Spivey

Tom Murro and Rachel Heller

Roy and Haley Sebag

Valerie de Boni and Graziano de Boni

Tommy Hilfiger and Bernadette Peters

Carmelo Anthony, Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean, and Peter Beard

Emily Smith and Di Petroff

Brendan and Katarina Nacol

Sheree and Jerry Friedman

Ronni Ginott

Gutavo Corea and Marcela Ganly

Victoria Sasonkina and Alex Julian

Evan Speiser and Tara Dhingra

David Rogath and Joanie Reznik

Liza and John Olympitis

Alexander Galan and Annelise Peterson

Charles and Diana Revson

Olivier Theyskens and Constance Jablonski

Carrie Mae Weems and Hank Willis Thomas

Morgen Schick Demann

Leslie Rogath and Suzy Kunhardt

Karlie Kloss

Tonne and Wendy Goodman

Agnes and Oscar Tang

Roman Shukman, Rita Shukman, Jennifer James, Donae Chramosta, and Robert James

Carlos de la Prado, Zara Beard, Peter Beard, and Nejima Beard

Photographs by Patrick McMullan

Under the tent for the Wildlife Conservation Society's annual gala at the Central Park Zoo.

Last Thursday night, the Wildlife Conservation Society held its annual gala at the Central Park Zoo. They honored Ward W. Woods, Chairman of the Wildlife Conservation Society’s Board of Trustees. Mr. Woods, who has shown his commitment to wildlife and wild places through decades of support for environmental causes, has served on the WCS Board for thirteen years. He was cited for his dedication and support to global conservation spanning several decades.

The theme of this year’s gala was “Wonders of Southeast Asia.” This year’s gala honorary chairs were Amie and Tony James, Lisa and David Schiff, and Mary and Howard Phipps Jr.

This is a wonderful evening which begins with cocktails around the sea lions’ pool at the zoo’s entrance (which is on Fifth Avenue and 64th Street), followed by dinner in the pavilions surrounding the pool. The dinner is followed by dancing and an after party for the Junior members and their friends – a big party in numbers.

Dr. Sherrell Aston, Jim Breheny, and Muffie Potter Aston

Greg Kelly

Zach and Aubrey Crowley

Maytinee Pramawat

Bonady Chhim

Robin Dubin Avram

Ana Guimaraes, Beatrix Carroll, and Laura Salibello

Allison Stern and Rikki Klieman Bratton

Annie Warren and Harriet Manice

Roman Martinez and Helena Martinez

Gordon Pattee and Missy Taylor

Tony James and Jodi Hilty

Katie Couric and John Molner

Kristen Kenny and Kyle Veatch

Brittany Dawson and Maggie Taplett

Kelly van Ingen and Jenni Tseretopoulous

Madeline Haddon, Arielle Patrick, and Chantelle Fernandez

Gilbert Butler, Gordon Pattee, and Roman Martinez

Taryn Talmadge, GFrace Kelly, and Holly Donaldson

Dance-Mosphere

Jean Shafiroff and Gregory D'Elia

Gary Simpson and Sandi Simpson

Kristina Nugent, Heather Sutherland, and Jessica Curley

Daniel Taylor and Paige Rattner

Padget Crossman and Eliza Whetzel

Melissa Berkelhammer and Natasha Das

Mary and Sean Meehan

Deni Tseretotoulos, Peter Holowesko, and Alixe Laughlin

Sasha Cohen, Natasha Das, Lily Hoagland, and Elizabeth Brown

Virginia Schwerin and Paul Schwarzbaum

James Tang, Victoria Harman, Connor O'Brien, Christine O'Brien,and Liz Tang

Kate Erickson, Micaela English, and Aimee Ruby

Linda Fraser and Randall Gianopulos

Aya Devin and James Andrew

Paul Zofnass and Renee Ring

Sarah Pullman and Carter Boardman

Marissa Troiano and Lydia Leinstorf

Sean Bruns and Sharon Kerr

Michael Kowalski, and Ramiro and Patricia Ortiz

William Luers, Steve McPherson, Ward Woods, and Bill Miller

Martha Baker and Arthur Frasier

Maureen Reidy, Muffie Potter Aston, and Caroline Hirsch

Rodney Berens, Liz Berens, Kim Coleman, and Payson Coleman

Jennifer Caldarella, Robert Caldarella, and Hilary North

Jennifer Gould Keil and John Wambold

Gilbert Butler and Dailey Pattee

Fletcher Hall, Caroline Cannon, and Schuyler Friedland

Lisa Schiff and Stan Shuman

Sue Ann Weinberg, Nick Homma, and Allison Morrow

Sandy Bender, Gary Bender, and Linda Hoffman

Joy Ingham and David Schiff

Robert Zimmerman and Andrew Fox

Barbara Zucker and Steven Sanderson

Gordon Pattee and Helena Martinez

Sasha Cohen and Tom Murro

Payson Coleman, Rose Harvey, Tina Sloan McPherson, and friend

Kim Coleman and Muffie Potter Aston

Sydney Shuman, and Scott and Dana Schiff

Tim Rooney and John Hopkins

Trevor Kempner and Meghan Murphy

Leigh McCoy and Taylor Simmons

Martha Hyatt and Cynthia Reich

Hartley and Amy Rogers

Preston Bailey

Chelsea Leyland

Daniel and Robert Taylor

Emily Mendez-Penate, Georgina Schaeffer and friend

Matias Molina, Deline Crosa Di Vergagani, Devon Butler, and Nicolo Foscari

Lynden Volpe and Harrison Waterstreet

Eugenia Zobel and Andrew Duplessie

Scott Buccheit and Amanda Tambling

Barbara Zucker and Daniel Brodsky

Bebe Brook and Paul Zofnass

Amanda Watts, Julie Crandell, Beau Allen, Margaret Hathaway, and Allison Cheek

George Wambold, Melanie Wambold, and John Wambold Jr.

Nina Kempner, Meggie Kempner, and Jackie Rohrbach

Christiana Bromberg and Madeleine Casella

Amelia Hemphill, Chaitanya Mahra, and Beijia Naa

Amy Rogers, Hartley Rogers, Terry Lindsay, and Bob Lindsay

Amy van Lou, Jade Whiteland, Danielle Palmer, Vicki Jessep, and Katrina Wong

Serena and Peter Tufo

Kate Tobuda and Taylo Sinclair

Allison Hodge and Dina Davalle

Alice George and Elena Hawila

The Museum at Eldridge Street, located in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a stunning National Historic Landmark, held its annual Spring Gala & Celebration on Wednesday, May 29th at Manhattan’s Gotham Hall. The event raised nearly $625,000 and honored the contributions of prominent law firm Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Richard Rabinowitz and Steven Walsey, for their roles in the museum’s ongoing success. The evening included a silent and live auction, awards ceremony and entertainment for the more than 300 people in attendance. This year’s gala was chaired by Arlene Goldfarb, and co-chaired by Wendy and Jonathan L. Mechanic; Jeffrey R. Gural; Valerie Ford Jacob; and Michael Weinstein and Millen Magese.

Fried Frank was presented the award by the Honorable Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, and Mr. Rabinowitz and Mr. Walsey, were presented theirs by Roberta Brandes Gratz and Bonnie Dimun, respectively.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Valerie Jacob (Fried Frank), and Jonathan Mechanic (Fried Frank)

The funds raised go to strengthening, supporting and promoting the 1887 landmark Eldridge Street Synagogue as a dynamic cultural and educational center that tells the story of Jewish immigrant life at the turn of the last century.

The Eldridge Street Synagogue is our nation’s first great house of worship built in America by East European Jews. Today it is the only remaining marker of the great wave of Jewish migration to the Lower East Side that is open to a broad public. The Museum received nearly every major preservation honor, including the prestigious National Trust for Historic Preservation 2008 Preservation Award and the Metropolitan Chapter of the Victorian Society in America Restoration Award for its restoration of the Eldridge Street Synagogue – conducted with a “combination of rigor and affection” in the words of New Yorker architectural critic Paul Goldberger.

Richard Rabinowitz (Gala Honoree) and Roberta Brandes Gratz (Eldridge Street Founder)

Leslie Harwood and Richard Ruben

The Museum at Eldridge Street is located in the Eldridge Street Synagogue, a magnificent National Historic Landmark that re-opened in December 2007 after an extensive, $20 million restoration. Since its re-opening more than 100,000 people from around the world have participated in exhibits, tours, cultural events and educational programs that present the history and heritage of this historic house of worship and the Jewish immigrant community of the Lower East Side.

For more information on how to support The Museum at Eldridge Street, please visit www.eldridgestreet.org.

Helene Walsey, Romy Silverstein, Steven Walsey (Gala Honoree), Craig Walsey, Lisa Africk, and David Walsey

Jonathan and Wendy Mechanic with Morris Bailey (JEMB)

Wendy and Jonathan Mechanic, Arlene Goldfarb, Todd Kahn, and Ann Marie Kahn

Craig Reicher (CBRE), Jonathan Mechanic (Fried Frank), and Tim Dempsey (CBRE)

Michael Weinstein, Millen Magese, and Funmi Alaiyemola

Richard and Amy Ruben, Lorinda Ash, William Rubenstein, and Melissa Warshaw

Rick Leland (Fried Frank), Jonathan Mechanic (Fried Frank), and Brian Baker (JP Morgan)

John F. Prato, Consul General of Canada in New York, honored Canadian relationship and parenting expertDr. Karyn Gordon at Canada’s official residence on Tuesday, June 4. The evening was held as part of an ongoing “Women in Leadership” series honoring noteworthy Canadian women. Dr. Karyn, an educator, speaker, and media personality, was acknowledged for her wide-ranging work with families and professionals.

To begin the evening, guests mingled in the lovely Park Avenue residence formerly home to Ken Taylor, who was instrumental in the covert “Canadian Caper” operation depicted in the Oscar winning film Argo.

Dr. Karyn Gordon

Among those in attendance were Hon. Vice Consul Steve Acunto, Honorary Vice Consul of Italy, Michael Gelman, Executive Producer, Live! with Kelly and Michael and wife Laurie Gelman, Television Personality, Melissa de Roquebrune, Director, UNICEF Quebec, Melinda Estabrooks, Producer/Host, CTS Television, Pamela Falk, CBS News TV & Radio, United Nations Resident Correspondent, Michele Wucker, President of World Policy Institute, Anne-Marie Mediwake,CBC News, anchor, and Nicholas Mellamphy, Vice President and Buying Director, The Hudson's Bay Company. In addition, Dr. Karyn’s husband and Vice President of Operations at dk Leadership Brent Penner, father Grant Gordon, and aunt Janis Dixon made the trip to New York from Canada to celebrate the evening.

Jeff Breithaupt and Consul General John F. Prato

Alexandra Guest, Nicholas Mellamphy, and Shelley McPherson

In his introduction, John F. Prato spoke of Dr. Karyn’s work in New York City as being representative of the healthy relationship and strong bond between Canada and the United States, calling her “an incredible part of the Canadian fabric.” Dr.Karyn has taken her deep understanding and used it to build a larger platform to facilitate dialogue regarding parenting and relationships, Consul GeneralPrato noted.

Following John F. Prato’s warm introduction, Dr.Karyn shared a heartfelt story about being told by a school counselor that it was unlikely she would ever graduate high school. It was at that moment when Dr. Karyn recognized that her key to success in overcoming obstacles would lie in hard work. This experience serves as the bedrock of her core belief: with the right help, anyone can use their enormous potential to accomplish their goals.

Jacqueline Scott Douglas and Joy Foo

Anne Marie Mediwake and Melinda Estabrooks

Alexis Benson, Laurie Gelman, Carla Wood, and Michael Gelman

Alessandra Emanuel and Maria Oliveira

Chele Chiavacci

Susannah Masur, Andrea Sioris, Alexis Benson, and Melissa de Roquebrune

Katie Thomson

Dr. Karyn Gordon and Pamela Falk

Janis Dixon, Dr. Karyn Gordon, and Grant Gordon

Annique Leman, Alex McCord, and Sarit Chamamise

Brett Penner and Jason Chapman

Liane Chapman and Shelley Saxton

Photographs by Patrick McMullan (Wildlife Conservation Society).

Emma and Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, Sam Jackson, Arthur Blank, and John Krasinski at The American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) Gala.

An overflow crowd from the business, media and entertainment worlds attended The American Institute for Stuttering (AIS) Gala this past Monday evening to honor renowned business strategist Sander Flaum and acting icon Samuel L. Jackson with their Freeing Voices Saving Lives Award. The entire AIS Board of Directors, chaired by Nolan Russo, was on hand to salute the honorees.

Sir Harold Evans and Tina Brown were first to arrive on the Red Carpet but had to dash off to attend the 90th birthday bash in honor of former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger. The prominent crowd included communications guru Michael Sheehan, comedy writer Barry Blaustein, Fox Channel's John Stossel, comedian JD Lawrence, and Alan Rabinowitz, the "Indiana Jones of Wildlife Protection."

The radiant Emily Blunt, co-star of the upcoming Tom Cruise thriller All You Need Is Kill, was a charming Master of Ceremonies. Emily is on the Board of Directors for the American Institute for Stuttering.

Emily Blunt, Samuel L. Jackson, and Bruce Willis

Action movie star Bruce Willis made a surprise appearance to personally present the award to his good friend Samuel L. Jackson. Willis impressed the audience with his heartfelt and personal introduction of Jackson, highlighting his remarkable achievements. In his acceptance speech, Jackson said that stuttering caused him to be silent in school but after a few years he decided it was more productive to Fight Back which proved to be one of the evening's most memorable highlights.

Global business leader Tony Hooper introduced the award for Sander Flaum. He shared his personal challenges with stuttering and shared that his mother told him at a young age that he would have to work harder than anyone else because of his stutter but that he would be more successful. She was right.

Emily Blunt and AIS Clinical Director Heather Grossman with AIS client speakers

Arthur Blank, who overcame a childhood stutter to go on and co-found The Home Depot and become Owner and Chairman of the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, was this year's Gala Co-Chair.

AIS is a pioneer in the treatment of stuttering and is one of the few non-profit organizations in the U.S. that provides assistance to people of all ages who stutter as well as to their families.

The Freeing Voices Saving Lives Award is presented to individuals who have overcome their stuttering disorders and later established themselves in rewarding and influential careers.

The Russo Family

Bruce Willis, Emily Blunt, and Samuel L. Jackson

Sander Flaum and Tony Hooper

John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Tina Brown, and Sir Harold Evans

AIS Board Chair Nolan Russo Jr. Eve Tannery, Linda Russo, and Nolan Russo, Sr.

Sander and Mechele Flaum

Arthur Blank with Angie Macuga

Susan Jensen, David Rechardt, and friends

AIS Board Members Barry Blaustein and John Stoessel

Joe Moglia and Katrina Becker

Citi Joan Haffenreffer and friend

Michael and Riki Sheehan

Bruce Willis and Chris Madden

Jessica Alba, actress and author of The Honest Life: Living Naturally and True to You received the Champion for Children Award from the Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC)at the Sixth Annual Greening Our Children Benefit Luncheon held late last month at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich. The award was presented by Philip J. Landrigan, MD, Director of the CEHC and Rhonda Sherwood, Founding Vice Chairman of the CEHC’s Executive Board and Founding Chair of the Greening Our Children Luncheon. It recognizes leaders whose vision, expertise, and energy significantly advance the CEHC’s mission and the children’s environmental health movement locally and globally. Ms. Alba recently published her book which reveals tips for making healthy living for her family fun, real and stylish.

Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, Honoree: Jessica Alba, and Rhonda Sherwood

In her acceptance speech, Ms. Alba spoke about her interest in making it easier for parents to buy safe products for their families as a reason for creating The Honest Company. Her dream and that of the company is to redefine the idea of the family brand. She applauded The Mount Sinai Medical Center and its CEHC for its commitment to studying childhood diseases and the impact of the environment on children’s lives. And she thanked Dr. Landrigan for turning his groundbreaking work into new laws to protect our children.

Last year’s award was presented to the late New Jersey Senator Frank Lautenberg.

Greening Our Children Chairs: Wendy Mindel Rubenstein, Rachel Weiss, Amy Moss Clark, Jeanine Behr Getz, David B. Murphy, Anne Ogilvy, Jill Brack, Maura Mandell, Lisa Ryan Boyle, and Annalise Stack

Wendy Mindel Rubinstein, Rachel Weiss, Amy Moss Clark, Jeanine Behr Getz, Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, Dr. Robert Wright, Anne Ogilvy, Jill Brack, Maura Mandell, Lisa Ryan Boyle, and Annalise Stack

The Children’s Environmental Health Center (CEHC) conducts groundbreaking research to identify the environmental causes of childhood disease. It translates these findings into solutions that protect children’s health — using research to educate families and change public policy.

Since its founding in 2007, philanthropic donations have allowed the CEHC to generate close to $9 million in grants, recruit world class scientists, and make important policy changes, including banning the chemical BPA from baby bottles, sippy cups, and cash receipt paper in Connecticut and Suffolk County, New York. www.CEHCenter.org

Honoree Jessica Alba

Susie Schnall, Rachel Weiss, and Judith Martin

Mount Sinai Greening Our Children Benefit Luncheon Men's Committee: Carl Zuckerberg, David Sherwood, Robert H. Getz, Reginald Brack, David F. Ogilvy, and Lloyd Mandell

Susan Saunders, Lisa Ryan Boyle, Rhonda Sherwood, and Kathy Arrix

Vivian Panou, Tony Polyviou, and Christine Kostantakis

Abigail Hendel Levy, Catherine Tompkins, and Meg McAuley Kaicher

Debbie Miron and Carrie Heffernan

Carrie Emery, Crissy Foster, Dana Getz, Lisa Fry, and Lindsay Durfee

Brittany Chamberlin, Jennifer Boyd, and Mizar Turdiu

Victoria Lunt and Anne Ogilvy

Carl and Courtnie Zuckerberg

Lisa Lawrence, Tanya Lapinski Murphy, and Patricia Toogood

Heather T. Jervis, Jennifer Brooks Clark, and Debi Flower

Jill Coyle and Eunice Burnett

Margo Crespin, Nicolas Rubinstein, and Wendy Mindel Rubinstein

Nancy Fazzinga and Ashley Allan

Betsy Evans and Natalie Tallis

Alexandra Bergstein, Jiyuen Lee, and Hyunja Kenner

Rachel Khanna, Kathy Cohen, Amy Kalafa, and Audrey Chan

Kathy Lozier, Jeanine Behr Getz, and Crashy Brown

Debbie Conolly, Jill Brack, and Toby Cone

Susan Khanna, Sharlene Cameron, and Anne Noel Dawson

Ellen Lautenberg

Pamela Frame

Nan Johnson, Allyson Cowan, and Cynthia Chang-Scanlan

Susie Schnall, Nancy Weiser, Jennifer Mann, and Elisabeth Wolfe

Jennifer Boyd, Gil Kernan, and Brittany Chamberlin

Susan Sleeper, Meredith Feurtado, Tia Mahaffy, and Ashley Allan

Jill Coyle, Carol Henderson, and Wendy Henderson

Margot Weinstein, Kim Sands, Debbie Needle, and Francessca Dunn

Bottom Row: Dr. Joel Forman, Robert H. Getz, David F. Ogilvy, Reginald Brack, and David Sherwood. Top Row: George Getz, John Hannon, Carl Zuckerberg, and Lloyd Mandell

The Fresh Air Fund recently held its annual "Salute to American Heroes" benefit at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers. Carla Hall, co-host of The Chew, hosted the evening, and along with actress Christina Ricci and New York Jets linebacker Muhammad Wilkerson, they honored New York Knick center Tyson Chandler and his wife Kimberly. The benefit dinner drew 800 guests from the corporate, fashion entertainment and sports industries, including New York Giants wide receiver and The Fresh Air Fund's 2012 Spring Benefit honoree Victor Cruz and fashion designer Thakoon. The evening raised over $1.1 million.

Fresh Air Fund's annual "Salute to American Heroes" at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877. More than 9,000 New York City children enjoy free Fresh Air Fund vacation programs annually. Each summer, over 4,000 children visit volunteer host families in rural, suburban and small town communities across 13 states from Virginia to Maine and Canada. 3,000 children also attend five Fresh Air camps in the summer on a 2,300-acre site in Fishkill, New York. Close to 2,000 young people participate in year-round educational programs at camp and in New York City.

Join The Fresh Air Fund in its 137th summer of providing free summer experiences to New York City children! For more information on how you can help give a New York City child the gift of fresh air, visit www.freshair.org.

Katherine Ransdell and Misfit Dior

Victor Cruz

Jenny Morgenthau, William Lauder, and Carla Hall

Muhammad Wilkerson

Elaina Watley and Victor Cruz

Thakoon

Tyson and Kimberly Chandler

Linda Johnson, Leonard Lauder, and Dr. A. Joseph Rudick

Christina Ricci

Chris Mack and Sandi Farkas

Caryn Zucker, Steve Wolf, and William Lauder

Tropical storm Andrea didn't keep anyone away from the Black and White Extravaganza, hosted by The Children's Storefront's Parent Gala Committee on Friday, June 7. The event was held at the Riverside Church at 91 Claremont Avenue in Harlem, and featured dinner, dancing and a 50/50 Raffle.

Honorees for the evening were the Storefront's own Kathleen McCarthy-Skyranz and Magnolia Jones for their years of hard work and dedication to the school. Also honored were the Morgan Stanley Black Employee Networking Group, in recognition of their volunteer efforts and their continued commitment to our students.

Black and White Extravaganza at Riverside Church

The evening was more than a fundraiser, it was a chance for trustees, administration, faculty, parents, volunteers, supporters and alumni to celebrate the amazing work that The Children's Storefront does.

The Children's Storefront is an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem, providing a private school experience to students who would not otherwise get the opportunity. Located on East 129th Street, the school is a safe haven for 174 students from pre-K through 8th grade, teaching them core values which take them to some of the most prestigious high schools in the area. The Storefront also teaches the whole child, offering students experiences that encourage them to succeed in their lives away from the school.

Storefront Parent April Bobyn, Cheryl Goodwin-Pittman, Jim Anderson and Assistant Head of School Michael Williams

Ellie Lipschitz, Corporations and Foundations Director Mary Quinlan, Faculty member James Amodeo and Trustee Dorian Brown

Trustee Michael Stubbs with Franz Skryanz, Honoree Kathleen McCarthy-Skryanz, and Storefront Artist in Residence Matthias Leutrum

Storefront parent Al Gumbs, Head of School Wendy Reynoso, and Storefront parent Shareen Gumbs

Storefront Teacher Candace Cardwell, Roberta Cardwell, Storefront Teacher Joanna Horwitz

Trustee Michael Stubbs, Honoree Kathleen McCarthy-Skryanz, Chief Operations Officer Alex Castro, Caroline Castro

Director of H.S. Placement and Alumni Affairs Teneka Hardy and Assistant to the Head of School Leah Lescouflair

Storefront Alumni

Dean of Students Mel Chan with Storefront Faculty Joe Brenner and James Amodeo

Storefront Alum Oneshia Shade-Portlette, Trustee Elsie Aidinoff, Kathleen McKelvy and Trustee Michael Stubbs

Honorees from the Morgan Stanley Black Employees Networking Group Bianca Smith and Dana Hariton

Honoree Magnolia Jones with Trustee Christine LaSala

Storefront Development Associates Charles Sanchez and Paulette Clark

On June 4th Publicolor hosted Top Coat cocktail party at the healthy restaurant 4Food (286 Madison Avenue at 40th Street). A small group of young Publicolor advocates enjoyed cocktails, healthy hor d'oeuvres, music and dancing. The event celebrated the young professionals committee and their support that helps transform one NYC public school from dark and dreary to safe and vibrant.

Co-Chairs included Hannah Bronfman, Lilly Gunn, Emma Hall, Lexi Komisa, Kait Margraf, Brooke Savone, Kevin Walker. Jemme Aldridge and Nancy Twin headed up the Steering Committee.

Ruth Lande Shuman and Michael Shuman

Marc Stein and Lexie Komisar

4Food mission is to De-junk fast food™. They bring fast food that's fresh, delicious, and nutritious to all ages, lifestyles, incomes, and ethnicities. No fads, fillers, or anything artificial. They are revolutionizing counter culture, in real-time. Michael Shuman, who is a board member of Publicolor and the son of Ruth Shuman, is one of the founders of 4Food Restaurant.

David Townsend, Lily Gunn, and Rachel Barnett

Publicolor was founded in 1996 by Ruth Lande Shuman with the mission to counter inner-city public schools' alarming dropout rate by engaging disconnected youth in their education through a continuum of design- based programs and academic support. It directly addresses two of the root causes of poverty in America: the under-education of inner-city public school students and their lack of preparedness for the workforce. Unique to Publicolor—and central to its mission—is the beautification and revitalization of public and civic spaces through the hard work of Publicolor students and the power of paint, color, and design, and collaborations that engage students and the community as a whole. Publicolor students transform schools, playgrounds, and community centers from dreary and hopeless to vibrant and stimulating. Their work is the quickest, most cost-effective way of bringing in a culture of rigor, a new sense of safety, and a new sense of belonging—vital for productive teaching, learning, and personal growth.

Casey Benjamin, Michael Shuman, and George Motz

DJ Keili Hamilton

Mikayla Nissan, Ilan Nissan, and Ruth Lande Shuman

Garrett Brignoli, Megan Przywara, Stephanie Koscielski, and Joy Salazar

Mireya Rios

Vevlyn Wright, Elizabeth Jacoby, and Vicki Winters

Joelle Abi-Habib and Ashley Margraf

Joshwin Hall and Andre Grun

Kayla Jones and Ram Bhavsar

Marie Roy, George Motz, and Keili Hamilton

Megan Przywara, Stephanie Koscielski, and Joy Salazar

Ruth Lande Shuman and Eddie Sacasa

Sydney Siegel and Kevin Walker

Hunter College recently hosted a reception to celebrate the launch of its new art exhibit at the Marianne Boesky Gallery on East 64th Street in Manhattan. The gallery space was donated by Marianne Boesky and the exhibit features the work of the first two recipients of the C12 Emerging Artist Award, Nobutaka Aozaki and Alex Nunez. The artists' fellowships are funded by C12 Capital Management.

Guests at the reception were a who's who in the New York art world, including Carol and Arthur Goldberg, Barbara Tober, Susan Crile, exhibit curator Max Weintraub, Sarah Watson, Michael Cohn, Jane Power, Kathy and Doug Landy, Penny Aaron, Charles and Joan Lazarus, Barbara Schwartz, Laura Steltzner, Barry Schwabsky, Reiner Leist, Lisa Corinne Davis, Andrew Blum, Jenny Jaskey, Tatiana Pages, and Aniko Berman.

The C12 Emerging Artist Award is bestowed each semester on graduating students from Hunter College's highly competitive MFA in Studio Art program. The new exhibit will run until June 15, 2013.

Carol Goldberg and Nobu Aozaki

Tatiana Pages and Alex Nunez

Aniko Berman and Alex Nunez with friends

Carol Goldberg and Michael Cohn

Jane Power, and Kathy and Doug Landy

Reiner Leist and Nobu Aozaki

Kathy Landy, Penny Aaron, and Nobu Aozaki

Max Weintraub and Sarah Watson

Barbara Tober

Susan Crile listens to audio coming out of backpack

Penny Aaron, Jenny Jaskey, and Michael Cohn

Penny Aaron with Carol and Arthur Goldberg

Jane Power and Nobu Aozaki

Carol Goldberg, Barbara Tober, and Barbara Schwartz

Photographs by Patrick McMullan, Kate Hess, Jerry Speier (Fresh Air Fund)

Harry Connick, Jr., Adrienne Arsht, Jessica Molaskey, John Pizzarelli, and Alec Baldwin at the New York Philharmonic's Spring Gala benefit.

On Tuesday, June 4, the New York Philharmonic hosted its Spring Gala benefit, An Enchanted Evening with Paulo Szot. 220 guests attended and over $650,000 was raised for the Philharmonic. The Gala was presented by BNY Mellon.


	Table decor by Van Vliet and Trap.

For this special one-night-only performance, Tony Award–winner and Metropolitan Opera artist Paulo Szot was joined by Broadway and television divas Megan Hilty and Marin Mazzie in a diverse program of Brazilian, Broadway, and concert songs. The evening was led by conductor Ted Sperling and featured music by Lerner & Loewe, Rodgers & Hammerstein, Ibert, and others; Brazilian love ballads; and more.

In attendance for the evening's festivities were Alec Baldwin, Harry Connick, Jr., Karen LeFrak, Adrienne Arsht, John Corigliano, Chairman Gary W. Parr, Executive Director Matthew VanBesien and Rosanne Jowitt, Alina Cho, Ambassador Donald and Vera Blinken, Noah Waxman, John Pizzarelli, William Ivey Long, Daria Foster, Kimberly Strauss, Didi Schafer, Paul and Ursula Striker, Harold Mitchell, Stanford and Sandra Warshawsky, Honey Kurtz, Mary Wallach, Daisy Soros, Kenneth and Noreen Buckfire, Peter and Barbara Georgescu, Sheila Labrecqe, and Gurnee and Marjorie Hart.

Guests of the Spring Gala attended an hour-long cocktail reception on the Grand Promenade, followed by the performance and a post-concert dinner, also held on the Grand Promenade.

Restaurant Associates catered the event and décor to complement the evening's festivities was provided by Van Vliet & Trap, LLC.

Carol Schaefer, Peg Knight, Elaine Petschek, and Anne Niemeth

Alexandra Leighton and Alexander Benet

Ambassador Donald and Vera Blinken

Charles and Anne Niemeth

Executive Director Matthew VanBesien and Harry Connick, Jr.

Didi Schafer and Alec Baldwin

Ellen and Howard Katz

Daria Foster and Paulo Szot

Eric Wallach and Daria Foster

Karen Akers and Marin Mazzie

Gurnee and Marjorie Hart

Executive Director Matthew VanBesien and Rosanne Jowitt

Karen LeFrak and Chairman Gary W. Parr

Harold Mitchell

Kimberly Strauss

Jessica Molaskey and John Pizzarelli

Kenneth and Noreen Buckfire

Samantha Whiting and Benner Ulrich

Susan Rose and John Corigliano

Marin Mazzie and Paulo Szot

Mary Wallach

Stanford and Sandra Warshawsky

Peter and Barbara Georgescu

Renata and Gunther Greiner

Alina Cho, Executive Director Matthew VanBesien, and Alec Baldwin

A. Eugene Kohn and Honey Kurtz

Philharmonic Violinist Hae-Young Ham and Mickey Ateyeh

Roseanne Jowitt, Paulo Szot, and Alina Cho

Ted Sperling and Philharmonic Violinist Na Sun

Ursula Striker, Didi Schafer, Roseanne Jowitt, and Daisy Soros

William Ivey Long, Karen Akers, Elizabeth Scott, Adrienne Arsht, Harry Connick, Jr., and Chairman Gary W. Parr

New York City's most distinguished business leaders and philanthropists joined the American Museum of Natural History at its 21st Annual Corporate Dinner to honor Michael Corbat, Chief Executive Officer, Citi.


	Museum President Ellen V. Futter and Honoree Michael Corbat

Museum President Ellen V. Futter presented Mr. Corbat with the Distinguished Service to Science and Education Award in recognition of Citi's commitment and contributions to science education and cultural programs.

Since 1989, Citi and the Citi Foundation have supported the Museum's educational programming, enriching the lives of New York City students of all ages.

At the event, Mr. Corbat announced a new $250,000 Citi Foundation grant to support New York City school and camp group visits to the Museum for thousands of elementary, middle, and high school students through 2014, continuing Citi's 200 year commitment of supporting institutions and organizations that help strengthen the communities it serves.

Dinner Chairmen were Ajay Banga, President and CEO, MasterCard; Louis L. Goldberg, Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; Brad S. Karp, Chairman, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; Richard D. Parsons, Senior Advisor, Providence Equity LLC; Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group.

Proceeds from the Corporate Dinner support ongoing educational and scientific programs at the Museum.

Cocktails in the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda

Honoree Michael Corbat; Museum President Ellen V. Futter; Citi Chairman Michael O'Neill; Museum Trustee, former Citi Chairman, and current Senior Advisor of Providence Equity LLC Richard Parsons

Museum Trustee Christine Varney, Councilman Domenic Recchia, and Museum President Ellen V. Futter

Andrew and Zibby Right with Elizabeth Right

Alli and Donna Corbat, Wendy David, and Anais Touton

Elizabeth Right, Andrew and Zibby Right, Jessica Cosmus, and Jonathan Right

Alli, Michael, and Donna Corbat

Museum Trustee Roger Altman, Michael and Donna Corbat, Douglas Brinkley

George and Wendy David, Anais Touton, Donna Corbat, and James Perriam

Dinner in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life

The table centerpieces

On Tuesday, June 4, 2013, leaders in culture and business came together for a gorgeous summer evening on the waterfront to support The Battery Conservancy, rebuilding the 25-acre park at the tip of Manhattan. Leading the program for the 18th Annual Battery Gala were Warrie Price, the Battery Conservancy President; Bill Rudin, CEO, Rudin Management Company and Chairman of the Battery Conservancy; and Veronica White, New York City Parks and Recreation Commissioner. 450 guests enjoyed cocktails in the Battery Bosque surrounded by spring blooms. They were then seated for dinner in an elegant custom tent located along the water's edge with perfect views of NY Harbor and the Statue of Liberty.

After a delicious meal, two medals were awarded: Frank J. Bisignano, the Chief Executive Officer of First Data and board member of the Conservancy, was honored with the Battery Medal for Corporate Leadership; and Stephen Doyle, the Creative Director of Doyle Partners, was honored with the Battery Medal for Design Excellence. At the end of the night, all of the guests were treated to a son et lumiere show, a wonderful sneak peek of the Sea Glass carousel, an aquatic-themed ride expected to open this coming fall.

Bill Rudin, Deputy Mayor Bob Steel, Honoree Frank Bisignano, Warrie Price, and emcee Melissa Francis

Liz Atwood and Honoree Stephen Doyle

Douglas Thomas, Suzanne Clary, and Carl Pforzheimer

Alex Reese and Alison Spear

Warrie and Jim Price

Barbara and Donald Tober

Deeda Blair,Deborah Needleman, Bill Rudin, and Sabrina Leichter

Deputy Mayor Bob Steel, Parks Commissioner Veronica White, and The Battery Conservancy Chairman Bill Rudin

Tracy Bisignano, Honoree Frank Bisignano, Morgan Bisignano, and Sam Lituchy

Warrie Price and Reed Rubin

Jane Gregory Rubin

Joan K. Davidson and Tom Phifer

Bill Rudin, Sabrina Leichter, and Michael Rudin

Fernanda Kellogg and Kirk Henckels

Hara Schwartz and Chris Buck

Jay Cantor and Douglas Thomas

Taryn Clary

Deborah Krulewitch, Warrie Price, and Paul Wagner

Rich Clary and Genie Birch

Last week, Einstein Emerging Leaders (EEL) held their second annual Gala at the Dream Downtown Hotel hosted by Man Repeller's Leandra Medine. EEL debuted their new charitable campaign, My Einstein, to New York City's brightest young philanthropists and influencers. Proceeds from the event went towards funding urgent needs of the Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center (CERC) at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Music was spun by DJ Louis XIV, while host Leandra and her husband were cozy all night, whispering into each other's ears and laughing. Actors Chaske Spencer, Robert Gorrie, and comedian Godfrey all came with their girlfriends. Event chair Danielle Segal and husband Jon mingled with co-event chair Joanna Steinberg. Former NY Giant Tiki Barber and his wife Traci Lynn Johnson attended together for the second year in a row.

Event Chair Joanna Steinberg, Host Leandra Medine, and Event Chair Danielle Segal

Also in attendance: Actress Allison Carter Thomas, MTV host Lenay Dunn and TV personality Sharon Carpenter.

The second annual EEL Gala introduced attendees to My Einstein—the debut campaign that allows donors to learn about and support the areas of research they are most passionate about. The campaign also allowed participants to share their personal My Einstein story with the wider community via EEL's social media platforms.

Actor Chaske Spencer

Allison Carter Thomas

Robert Gorrie

Adam Friedman and Sarah Golden

Lenay Dunn

Joanna Steinberg, Matt Makovsky, Leandra Medine, and Danielle Segal

Sharon Carpenter

Tiki Barber and Traci Lynn Johnson

Photographs by Linsley Lindekins (Philharmonic); D. Finnin (AMNH); Cutty McGill (Battery).

Weeksville Heritage Center’s new Certified LEED Gold Sustainable Education and Cultural Arts Building.

On June 4, 2013, 450 guests gathered in support of Calvary Hospital’s 30th Annual Awards Gala which took place at The Pierre in New York City. The evening raised over $1,000,000 to benefit Calvary Hospital.

The Calvary Medal was presented to Frank A. D’Amelio, Executive Vice President, Business Operations & Chief Financial Officer of Pfizer Inc., in recognition of his distinguished corporate and civic leadership and Pfizer’s longstanding philanthropic commitment to the Calvary mission.

Steven Golub, Dr. Thomas Fahey, Jr., Frank D'Amelio, Frank Calamari, and John Gambling

Frank J. Bisignano, Chief Executive Officer, First Data Corporation;Louis J. Cappelli,Chairman, Sterling National Bank; John P. Casaly;Dan DiFilippo, Partner, PwC; Thomas J. Fahey, Jr. M.D., Senior Vice President, Emeritus, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Chairman of the Board, Calvary Hospital; Terence J. Gallagher,Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Governance Associates LLC; Steven J. Golub, Chairman of the Board, Calvary Fund; Charles J. Groppe, Esq.,Putney, Twombly, Hall & Hirson, LLP; Carlos M. Hernandez,Managing Director, Head of Investor Services, JPMorgan Chase & Co.;Henry J. Humphreys; William A. McKenna, Jr., Chairman Emeritus, Ridgewood Savings Bank; JPMorgan Chase & Co., Joseph J. Morrow,Chief Executive Officer, Morrow & Co., LLC; Fares D. Noujaim, Executive Vice Chairman, Bank of America; Eileen T. Nugent, Esq., Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP; Louise M. Parent, Esq., Executive Vice President & General Counsel, America Express Company; Sally Susman, Executive Vice President, Policy, External Affairs & Communications, Pfizer Inc.;Gerald C. Tobin, Esq., Chairman, Calvary Professional Advisors Council and Dennis Wallin, Vice President, Business and Retail Development, Alpha 1Marketing, Past President, Catholic Institute of the Food Industry were the Dinner Co-Chairs.

Mary and William Buckley, Diahn W. and Thomas McGrath, and Kathleen and Stratford Wallace were the Gala Co-Chairs. John A. Decina, AIA, Chairman, Barr & Barr, Inc. and Dennis M. Schneider, President, Transervice Lease Corp. were the Journal Co-Chairs.

The festivities for this black-tie gala began at 6:30 PM. Michael Amante gave an inspiring performance and the Master of Ceremonies was John R. Gambling, Host of WOR’s The John Gambling Show.

Frank Calamari and Manfred Altstadt

Michael Amante

From its inception in 1899, Calvary Hospital has been faithfully devoted to providing palliative care to adult patients in the advanced stages of cancer, addressing the symptoms of the disease, not its cure. Operated in connection with the Archdiocese of New York, Calvary is a voluntary, not-for-profit hospital, embodying a tradition of caring through its many programs and services. The cornerstone of Calvary’s program of service is its philosophy of compassionate care to meet the emerging physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of both patients and families through the provision of acute inpatient, outpatient, home and hospice services (through Calvary@Home), wound care services and satellite services. Through the Palliative Care Institute the Hospital transmits to other health care professionals, through research and education, the knowledge and competence which it has developed in the care of the advanced cancer patient. The National Cancer Institute designated Calvary as the International Standard of Excellence for Palliative Care.

Dr. Michael Brescia and Dr. Robert Brescia

Steven and Roger Golub

Dr. Thomas Fahey, Jr. and Eleanor Fahey

Dennis and Susan Schneider

Carlos and Claire Hernandez

Dr. John Connolly and Ingrid Connolly

Diahn and Tom McGrath

Joseph D'Amelio, Dana D'Amelio, Alexa D'Amelio, Rose D'Amelio, Cam D'Amelio, and Frank D'Amelio

Rosemary DiVito, Matt McKenna, Nancy McKenna, and Larry Bradley

John Decina, Barbara Decina, and Dr. Christopher Comfort

Fares and Mirna Noujaim

Actress and activist Eva Longoria was honored Friday night at the YWCA USA Women of Distinction Awards Gala in Washington, DC, as part of the YWCA USA 2013 What Women Want Annual Conference. Longoria was awarded the Dorothy I. Height Racial Justice Award in front of over 400 Gala attendees at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill for her work as a dedicated philanthropist and advocate for racial justice whose contributions have made a national impact.

Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D., Patty Stonesifer, Zoe Dunning, Eva Longoria, Sharon Love, and Victoria Dinges

Alongside Longoria, the YWCA USA presented the 2013 Women of Distinction Awards to top leaders for contributions in four key areas of public life that assist women and communities in need: on behalf of Allstate Insurance, Victoria Dinges accepted the award for Corporate Social Responsibility and announced that AllState is doubling the number of YWCA's across the country it will partner with in 2014 for its annual Purple Purse™ domestic violence education campaign; Commander Zoe Dunning, S.C. USNR (Ret.) accepted the award for Military/Veterans Affairs; Patty Stonesifer, formerly of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and now President and CEO of Martha's Table accepted the award for Philanthropy; and Sharon Love, Co-Founder of the One Love Foundation accepted the award for Advocacy and Civic Engagement.

Also at the Gala, emceed by Cynné Simpson, ABC7/WJLA-TV Anchor, YWCA USA recognized three local YWCA associations for their outstanding work in the areas of women's empowerment, racial justice, and advocacy. Many of the Gala attendees were from the nearly 230 local YWCA associations around the nation that provide critical services and support in communities large and small, urban and rural.

Eva Longoria

Cynné Hall

Rebecca Hall

Ingrid Saunders-Jones

Ingrid Saunders-Jones and Eva Longoria

Commander Zoe Dunning, S.C. USNR (Ret.)

Loreen Arbus and Eva Longoria

The 2012-2013 YWCA USA Board, with Eva Longoria and Dara Richardson-Heron, M.D.

Patty Stonesifer and Francie Pepper

Elisha Rhodes, Local YWCA Association Leader

Eva Longoria and Dr. Dara Richardson-Heron

Local YWCA Association Leaders

Over 400 people attended "Where There is Help, There is Hope", benefitting the Mental Health Association of New York City (MHA-NYC) at Cipriani 42nd Street on June 6, 2013.

This year's gala focused on the mental wellbeing of our nation's veterans and military personnel whose psychological wounds can be as painful and debilitating as the physical injuries sustained in war. To serve American veterans, MHA-NYC established the Veterans Mental Health Coalition of New York City and partners with government to provide life-saving programs such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Veterans' Crisis Line. These lines respond to hundreds of thousands of calls for help each year.

"MHA-NYC and events like this bring veterans and their mental health needs much more into the mainstream and work to help the millions of people who desperately need the assistance," said Kevin Danehy, Chair of the MHA-NYC Board.

John Draper, Giselle Stolper, Kenneth Fisher, Eric Shinseki, Kevin Danehy, and Howard Cross

The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, acknowledged the importance of the joint commitment between VA and MHA-NYC in working toward preventing veteran suicides. "The Veterans Crisis Line has answered over 800,000 calls and responded to over 100,000 chats and texts," said Secretary Shinseki, "So congratulations to the Mental Health Association of New York City for their many initiatives over many years to care for our veterans of every great generation- especially those who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The emotional heart of the evening came when Chris Trotter, student in MHA-NYC's Bronx Adolescent Skills Center (ASC), described his journey from foster care to a stable home and the organization's youth program. Today, he is a confident young man who will be taking his GED exam in the coming months and credits his new outlook and skills to the Bronx ASC, where he found a safe, supportive space in which to grow, learn and get his life on the right track. "I was once a child who did not belong. With the help of those that truly cared, I was able to overcome. Now I am a success," he said.

Kenneth Fisher and Family

VIPs attending "Where There is Help, There is Hope" included honoree Kenneth Fisher of Fisher Brothers and Fisher Houses, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, the honorable Eric K. Shinseki, New York Giants Super Bowl champion Howard Cross and Mark Bavaro, two-time Super Bowl champion.

Other VIPs attending the event included: Weekend Evening Anchor for NY1 News Television, Cheryl Wills,Rich "Big Daddy" Salgado, President of Coastal Advisors, LLC Insurance Consultants and WPIX Anchor Tamsen Fadal.

Cheryl Wills

Tamsen Fadal and Giselle Stolper

Richard McKeon, Jan Kemp, Eric Shinseki, and John Draper

Lily Tom, Jodi Silver, Giselle Stolper, and Lloyd Sederer

Kenneth Fisher and Eric K. Shinseki

Frank Branchini

Howard Cross, Tamsen Fadal, and Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado

Dwight Hollier, Eric Shinseki, and John Draper

Giselle Stolper

Cynthia Zirinsky and Roz Nester

Scott Cutler

Howard Cross, Joseph Peyronnin III, and Kevin Danehy

Denise Shearer and Colleague

Diana Gaines and Guests

Eric Shinseki and Kenneth Fisher

Phil Binaso, Tuhina De O'Connor, and Robert Chang

Bruce Mosler

Kevin and Sheri Danehy

Kevin Danehy, Lawrence Calcano, and Scott Cutler

More than 200 people attended the Weeksville Heritage Center’s “Save The Memories of Self” Awards Benefit – “One Night Only” to raise funds for its mission to preserve the history of the 19th century African American community of Weeksville, Brooklyn, on June 11th at Weeksville’s new Education and Cultural Arts Building.

Weeksville Heritage Center’s new Certified LEED Gold Sustainable Education and Cultural Arts Building

The gala offered attendees a sneak peek inside Weeksville’s new Certified LEED Gold Sustainable Education and Cultural Arts Building. When it opens to the public later this year, the new building will give visitors and the surrounding community opportunities for expanded research, education and programming.

“There is much to celebrate tonight,” said Pamela Green, Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center. “Since its founding 175 years ago, Weeksville has transformed from a vibrant and independent free African American community to a multidimensional museum which uses a contemporary lens to celebrate its past and envision the future. With the development of the new Education and Cultural Arts Building, Weeksville will continue growing as a unique and important historical center and become one of the leading African American cultural institutions in the country.”

Executive Director Pamela Green addresses guests in Weeksville’s new Education and Cultural Arts Building

The event featured a cocktail reception, cuisine stations, music and fun activities including a photo shoot, games and prizes followed by a brief program. WABC-TV Co-Anchor Lori Stokes served as the Master of Ceremonies.

The night’s honorees included Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, National Grid President for New York Ken Daly, and Vice President, Associate General Counsel for JetBlue Airways Brandon Nelson. Honorary Chair Keija Minor, editor-in-chief of Brides Magazine, was also in attendance.

Guests attend the 12th Annual “Save The Memories of Self” Awards Benefit in Weeksville’s new Education and Cultural Arts Building

The Weeksville Heritage Center (Weeksville) is an historic site of great national significance. The center lives, breathes and preserves the entrepreneurial spirit of the village of Weeksville; an independent African American community that thrived during the 19th century in Brooklyn, New York. Still in its original location, the organization services, directly and indirectly, some 20,000 visitors yearly. Rooted in African-American history, Weeksville honors the past by offering innovative, socially conscious learning experiences through history, art, environment and technology.

Guests attend the 12th Annual “Save The Memories of Self” Awards Benefit

National Grid President for New York Ken Daly receives award from Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center Pamela Green

Honorary Chair Keija Minor, editor-in-chief of Brides Magazine, and Trevor Scotland

WABC-TV Anchor Lori Stokes with daughter Alex who performed at the awards benefit

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (honoree), WABC-TV Anchor Lori Stokes (emcee), National Grid President for New York Ken Daly (honoree), Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center Pamela Green, Vice President, Associate General Counsel for JetBlue Airways Brandon Nelson (honoree)

Guests in front of the three remaining historic Weeksville houses

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz with Executive Director of the Weeksville Heritage Center Pamela Green

More than 400 attendees celebrated the "I Have A Dream" Foundation's annual "Spirit of the Dream" Spring Gala on Tuesday, June 11th at 583 Park Avenue in New York City. This event feted the limitless efforts and progress Dr. John King Jr. has advanced as New York State Education Commissioner. Over $650,000 was raised, enabling "I Have A Dream" to better serve more Dreamers on their paths "to and through" college.

Sue Herera, Co-Anchor of “Power Lunch,” CNBC and Carlos Watson, former CNN and MSNBC anchor served as the event's co-hosts. The Honorable Chris Coons (Delaware's Junior Senator), Arthur Levine, Nick Ehrmann, and Carl Banks (former NFL player and president of Sports Licensing @ G-III Apparel Group) served as Honorary Chairs. Notable attendees included Eugene Lang, Founder of the "I Have a Dream" Foundation and Chancellor Merryl Tisch, Member of the New York State Board of Regents.

The ballroom at 583 Park

"I am very appreciative of being honored by the 'I Have A Dream' Foundation. Sadly, there is a huge achievement gap in our country and 'I Have A Dream' directly responds to that injustice. 'I Have A Dream' seeks to overcome the challenges students face outside of school," said New York State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. "To quote Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: 'Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.' Every child can achieve excellence, every child can achieve greatness, if someone believes in that child. The reason I am here today is because someone made a decision to believe in me."

The Spring Gala is the "I Have A Dream" Foundation's preeminent event of the year and brings together hundreds of national educators, business leaders, champions, and "I Have A Dream" students and alumni from across the country to raise funds for the organization and engage new champions. The "I Have A Dream" Foundation works to close the opportunity gap for children in low-income communities, and empowers them to achieve their full leadership potential by providing them with academic and financial support as well as exposure to a life of possibility.

East Harlem Dreamers with Nancy Restrepo Wilson (East Harlem Program Director) and Thierry Cazeau ("I Have A Dream" New York Executive Director)

East Harlem Dreamers with Thierry Cazeau ("I Have A Dream" New York Executive Director)

Eugene Lang with DeHostos-Wise Dreamers and Original Dreamer, Alma Ceballos

Carlos Watson and DeHostos-Wise Dreamers

Carl Banks, Sue Herera and Carlos Watson

Commissioner John B. King Jr.

Chancellor Merryl Tisch and Samir Talati (Principal of P.S. 7)

East Harlem Dreamers

Photographs by Julie Skarratt (Weeksville); Patrick McMullan& John Vecchiolla (Calvary)

Susan Freedman, Mark Lebow, Patti Harris, David Rockefeller Jr., Susan Rockefeller, and Toby Usnik at The Municipal Art Society's annual benefit gala.

The Municipal Art Society held its annual benefit gala last Thursday night at Grand Central Terminal in the Main Waiting Room (right on 42nd Street). They honored the Rockefeller Foundation on its Centennial Anniversary. Honorees were David Rockefeller Jr., grandson and great-grandson of the founders, John D. Rockefeller Sr. and Jr.; and Judith Rodin, the President of the Foundation today. Mr. Rockefeller is also the current chairman of the Foundation.

David Rockefeller Jr.

Vin Cipolla, President of the Municipal Art Society, remarked in his welcoming address that this year is also the 100th Anniversary of the Grand Central Terminal itself. He didn't say this but I was reminded elsewhere that this is the 100th Anniversary of the Federal Reserve, started by Paul Warburg and associates; and also the year of the death of J. Pierpont Morgan, a one-man Fed himself, not to mention his commitment to art and architecture.

Chris Nenno and Xanthe Ranger

Elysa Goldman, Kristina Belon, and Laura Kirschbaum

Brenda Levin, Louise Kerz Cullman, Lewis Cullman, Hazel Shore, and Elizabeth Strong-Cuevas

Dr. Ottavio Arancio and Cetie Ames

Sutton Stracke and Shawna Hamilton

Norman Foster, Elena Foster, Peter Eisenmann, Cynthia Davidson, Vishaan Chakrabarti, and Maria Alataris

Frank Mahan, Carson Griffith, Colin Koop, and Daniel Cashin

Shari Patrick, Abbe Heller, and Donna Dean

Diana Chasik and Mary Bleiberg

Ben Rodriguez, Greg Morey, Rosalie Lowe, Scott James, and Billy Wright

Lynette Smith, Gordon Davis, Michelle Fizer-Peterson, Julio Peterson, Diane Coffey, John Ray, Ali Lebow, Eric Smith, and Nina Freedman

Bill Schroeder and Lisa Nagle

Tom Baione and EJ Lee

Chris Roth, Keith Douglas, Tom Madden, and JW Victor

John Bricker, Julia Simet, and Tom Vecchione

Ari Goldstein, Katherine Kelman, Elysa Goldman, Laura Kirshcbaum, Kristina Balon, and Joaquin Stearns

Thomas Woltz and Claire Bonham Carter

Jonathan Rose, Nina Friedman, Michael Rosenbaum, and Laurie Beckelman

Sharon Davis, William M King, Barbara Peabody, Mark Rockefeller, and Donna Dean

Elaine Postley, John Postley, and Helen Tucker

Chris Roth and Alexia MacIntosh

Matthew Sturtevant, Tracey Thomas, and Michael Woodside

Joe Versace, Ashton Hawkins, Julie Gilhart, Toby Usnik, and John Moore

Frances Cashin, Dick Cashin, Liza Cashin, David Patrick Columbia, Alexandra Stoddard, and Philip Howard

Alexandra Stoddard and David Patrick Columbia

Hailey Gates

Lisa Evans

Bob Waggoner, Mary Ellen Waggoner, and David Bartsch

Arianna Rockefeller and Charles Rockefeller

Toby Usnik, Lisa Evans, Vin Cipolla, Simone Levinson, and David Levinson

Jennifer Rapp, Julio Peterson, and Simone Levinson

Scott James and Catherine Sabino

Sam Peabody and Lisa Meyer

Michael Samuelian, Susannah Drake, Susan Freedman, Shaun Donovan, Liza Gilbert, and James Capalino

Greg Pasquarelli, Amanda Garrett, Chris Sharples, and Michael Stern

Vin Cipolla

James McGuire and Michelle Coppedge

Judith Rodin

Ashton Hawkins and Moira Moynihan

Jay Kreiger, Louise Kerz Cullman, Hazel Shore, and Lewis Cullman

Zia Khan

Jay Kreiger, Michelle Pfeizer Peterson, Leslie Koch, Julio Peterson, Elizabeth Belfer, and Vin Cipolla

Reagan Gamon, Linda Gelz, Camilla Rockefeller, and Nannie Brown

Peter Kovacs and Zoli Kovacs

Stephen Lash and Celine McDonald

David Patrick Columbia and Arlene Dahl

Marc Rosen and Coco Kopelman

Paul Washington and Dan Sagner

Joel Sanders, William M King, and Paul Gunther

Arie Kopelman

Paul Needham and Eugenie L. Birch

Janet Mavic, David Butters, Kim Bepler, and Charlotte Moss

Janet Ross, Adrian Ross, and Emilie Bombardier

Rick Heinemann and Barbara Peabody

Tina Flaherty, Peter Karadimas, and Madeline Wils

Matt Tyrnauer

On Wednesday, June 12th, the Children's Environmental Literacy Foundation's (CELF) 10th Anniversary Gala was held at the Tribeca Rooftop. The Gala celebrated CELF's decade of successfully delivering educational programs to teachers and students addressing the complex, interconnected social, environmental and economic issues that shape the future. Guests included international financial institutions, real estate development and investment firms, legal community members, venture capital firms, and civic and education leaders. The Gala honored Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO, Vestergaard Frandsen; and Pack H2O.

Peter and Katie Ginsberg, Maya Browne, and Laurence Pels

Ronnie Aroesty, Gary Nusser, Sara Panag, Ailene Mitchell, Sanjay Bhatnagar, and Dennis Merens

Scott Griffin, Samantha Fischer, Tanya Baskin, and Ronnie Aroesty

Angela Hopen and Amy Gallen

Bob Hallman, Patti Bressman, and Katie Ginsberg

Patti Bressman, Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, Katie Ginsberg, and Ernie Anastos

Bunty Armstrong, Ernie Anastos, and Amory Armstrong

CELF Tribeca Rooftop Gala

On Thursday, June 13, 2013, Sub-Zero & Wolf hosted the kickoff party for the 2013Hampton Designer Showhouse at their New York City Showroom located in the Architects and Designers Building at 150 East 58th Street. Traditional Homemagazine is the 2013 Presenting Sponsor and LX.TV Open House is the Television Sponsor. The Showhouse will benefit Southampton Hospital, the only major medical facility on eastern Long Island's South Fork.

Mario Buatta and Jamie Drake

Patricia Fisher and Michael Herold

Mario Buatta is the Honorary Showhouse Chairman. Jamie Drake and Alexa Hampton are the Honorary Design Co-Chairmen. Ballard Designs, Benjamin Moore & Co., Caesarstone, Circa Lighting, Electrolux, Frontgate, Gloster, Henredon Furniture, Hinkley Lighting, Hudson Valley Lighting, Lillian August, Lladró, Maitland-Smith, P.E. Guerin, Pearson, Shaw Floors, Stanton Carpet, Sub-Zero & Wolf, and The Rug Company are Sponsors. Designer sales will take place through LiveAuctioneers.com.

The Hampton Designer Showhouse, now in its thirteenth year, is a showcase for America's premier design talent. 30 top interior designers and decorative artists will turn a lavish shingle style home into a decorating masterpiece. This year's Showhouse located at a traditional shingle style Hampton home in Bridgehampton, NY that has been generously provided by Bodenchak Design and Build.

Mario Buatta and Jim Druckman

Beth McDonough, Irene Diaz-Palomo, and Sara Rossi

The Hampton Designer Showhouse opens with a gala preview cocktail party at the Showhouse on Saturday, July 20 from 6:00-8:30pm and will be open to the public Sunday, July 21 through Labor Day, Monday, September 2, 2013. Showhouse hours will be as follows: Monday through Sunday, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Children under six, infants, strollers and pets are not allowed in the Showhouse. Admission to the Showhouse is $35 and includes the Showhouse Journal. Gala tickets are $225 each.

For more information on the Showhouse and to purchase tickets, visit www.hamptondesignershowhouse.com.

Brad Shar, Lisa Wyer, and Michael Arbini

Brian del Toro, Lynne Scalo, and Michael H. Florio

Tony Manning and Jamie Drake

Keith Baltimore, Kim Hendrickson-Radovich, and Ken Gemes

Barbara Page, Steven Bernstein, and Libby Langdon

Janice Langrall and Bryant Keller

Bradley Stephens and Elizabeth Hagins

Ric Barbatelli, Stephanie Barbatelli, and Barbara Ostrom

Sherrill Canet and Jonathan Kutzin

Annemarie diSalvo and Gregory Giannotti

Richard Mortimer, Dennis McAvena, and Elizabeth Hagins

Photographs byPatrick McMullan (MAS); David Dupuy/www.AnnieWatt.com (CELF)

Sara Gore, Beth Stern, and Jacque Reid with Hailey and Mama, two furry sisters who are in need of a loving home.

Bideawee Ball 2013
by Delia von Neuschatz

Bideawee, one of New York’s leading animal adoption centers, kicked off its 110-year anniversary by hosting the annual Bideawee Ball at Gotham Hall on Monday night. Hosted by Georgina Bloomberg, the event attracted numerous animal lovers including philanthropist and television host, Beth Stern, celebrity reporter Tom Murro, fashion designer, Maggie Norris, celebrity dog groomer, Jorge Bendersky, and Prince Lorenzo Borghese from ABC’s The Bachelor. Guests, many of whom came with their beloved canine companions, enjoyed an evening of live music, dinner and dancing.

Beth Stern, Georgina Bloomberg and Georgina’s faithful companion, Mona.

The evening honored New York Live hosts Sara Gore and Jacque Reid for their continuing commitment to helping homeless animals and Goldman Sachs Community Teamworks for its ongoing volunteer commitment to Bideawee.

Mary Luria, Chairman of Bideawee’s Board of Directors and Nancy Taylor, President and CEO.

The evening’s entertainment also featured a live and silent auction which heated up quickly with the prodding of energetic auctioneer, Damon Casatico, who had donated his services for the evening. A few of the items on the auction block were a weekend of New Orleans jazz and cuisine featuring VIP tickets to a jazz concert and a 6-course meal at the Commander’s table in the Commander’s Palace Restaurant; a round of golf and lunch for three with Club Historian at the Merion Golf Club, site of the 2013 US Open; and four tickets behind home plate to see the Yankees play the Orioles this summer.

Additional offerings included a wide array of desirable goods and services such as an evening sparkle clutch from VBH Luxury, a comprehensive dental package from Dr. Marc Lazare coupled with a gift certificate from dermatologist, Dr. Anita Dormer, to be used towards any service at her Upper East Side medical spa, and a stay at the Setai Fifth Avenue combined with dinner at chic Casa Lever. There was also a beautiful pair of rose gold and cognac diamond earrings from JL Rocks, a custom bespoke shirt by designer Maggie Norris along with numerous pet products and services. The list goes on from there.

Rick Erickson, Diana Langer holding Stanley Sweetheart, Jenny Finn, Dr. Morleen Rouse and behind her Sandrina Parker, John Roberts and Barbara Kraisman with Sadie.

Karen Biehl with Eli and Jorge Bendersky.

Todd Richter with Henry. Henry’s days were numbered in a shelter when Bideawee got hold of him. He now leads an enviably posh life and couldn’t be more loved.

The photographers in action getting their furry subjects’ attention with a squeaky rubber chicken.

Leslie and Stuart Campbell.

Caroline and Catherine Loevner with Beau.

Remmel Dickinson, Pamela Laudenslager, and Lucy.

Andrew Le Pera and Fashion designerMaggie Norris.

Tom Murro, Georgina Bloomberg, and Kaitlin Monte.

Larry Goldfarb with Biggie.

Maura Rose with Alfie.

William Green and Kim Valentini with Charlie, Gabriella Rosetta, and Sofia Pietra.

Dr. Keith Manning, Enid Manning, and Charlie.

Dr. Michael Waltz and Cookie holding on to Wolfie.

Adrian Jones and Kristen Martinez Jones with their lovable pooch.

Stacy McCosky with Sadie.

Leslie Granger and Henry.

Bideawee which means “stay a while” in Scottish was founded in 1903 by the pioneering Ms. Flora Kibbe. In addition to its facilities in New York, the non-profit also has two outposts on Long Island, one in Wantagh and one in Westhampton.

With a selection of services including pet therapy and learning programs, along with two Animal Hospitals providing comprehensive veterinary care, Bideawee is committed to fostering life-long relationships between pets and their owners.

The scene at Gotham Hall.

Georgina Bloomberg at the podium invoking Bideawee’s 110-year history and multiple programs and services.

Indeed, with only a 4% rate of return, the charity boasts return rates for adopted animals that are well below national industry norms which typically hover at 18% to 20%. Moreover, Bideawee’s two Pet Memorial Parks on Long Island and bereavement support groups have helped countless animal lovers cope with the loss of their beloved pets. In addition to adopting a loving animal and/or volunteering, there are many ways to support Bideawee. To find out more, click here.

A good time was had by all dancing to the sounds of the Alex Donner Orchestra.

Cutting loose on the dance floor.

Nonplussed.

Everyone has a place at the table.

Valerie Steele, Nancy Shaw, Yaz Hernandez, Michael Kors, Liz Peek, Carole Divet Harting, Jean Shafiroff, Chiu-ti Jansen, Michele Gerber Klein, Jieun Wax, Kamie Lightburn, Eleanora Kennedy, and Stephanie Loeffler at a private event at Michael Kors Madison Avenue store (790 Madison Avenue) for members of the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT.

Last Tuesday, the Public Theater held its annual gala at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. They honored the late Nora Ephron, a long-time Public Theater board member and consummate lover of The Public's free Shakespeare in the Park. Meryl Streep paid tribute to their friend and colleague.

The benefit evening also included a concert performance of The Pirates of Penzancefeaturing Kevin Kline reprising his Tony Award-winning role of The Pirate King when it was first performed at the Delacorte in 1980. The cast also featured Glenn Close, Martin Short, Eric Idle, Jonathan Groff, Montego Glover, Anika Noni Rose, and Norm Lewis.

Public Theater Artistic Director Oskar Eustis and Meryl Streep

Public Theater Chairman of the Board Warren Spector and friend

Zachary Quinto and Lily Rabe

Lizanne Rosenstein (right) and friend

Ken Auletta and friend

Public Theater Gala Co-Chair Renée Beaumont and husband Michael Corcoran

Mimi Lieber and Daniel Sullivan

Laurie Eustis and David Rockwell

Paul Shaffer, Steve Martin, and Peter Asher

Sting and Oskar Eustis

Oskar Eustis, NYC Commissioner of the Department of Cultural Affairs Kate Levin, and Jacob Bernstein

Kevin Kline, Jonathan Groff, Martin Short, Anika Noni Rose, and Eric Idle during the curtain call of The Pirates of Penzance

Kevin Kline, Jonathan Groff, Martin Short, Anika Noni Rose, Glenn Close, Eric Idle, and the company of The Pirates of Penzance

On June 12, 2013, Michael Kors hosted a private event at his Madison Avenue store (790 Madison Avenue) for members of the Couture Council of The Museum at FIT. Michael Kors is an alumni of the Fashion Institution of Technology and has been very supportive of the school throughout his career.

As the 60 guests spilled into the Kors' Madison Avenue store, the women all seemed to be on a mission to find an outfit from the collection. Before the Pre-Fall 2013 Presentation started Liz Peek(Chairman of FIT's Board) introduced Michael and congratulated him on behalf of the board for upcoming honor. Michael Kors will receive the Artistry of Fashion Award at the annual Couture Council Luncheon on September 4th at the David Koch Theater at Lincoln Center.

Cindy Rinfret, Aundrea Amine, Nancy Shaw, Elizabeth Galt, Nicole Reynolds, Jieun Wax, Emma Pennington, and Shelly Lynch

Many of the guests came to the event wearing the designer's clothes. To name a few: both 2013 Couture Luncheon Co-Chairs Kamie Lightburn& Jieun Wax wore pieces from the Pre-Fall 2013 collection; Yaz Hernandez(Couture Council Chair) wore a two-tone contrast –Panel Ponte dress; Alexandra Lebenthal wore yellow zipper dress; Kay Facatselis wore a black Off-The Shoulder top; Nancy Shaw wore an emerald green featherweight wool shrug with a sleeveless Wool-Crepe dress.

Other guests that attended included Kate Allen, Aundrea Amine, Deborah Chatman, Dina DeLuca Chartouni, Carole Divet Harting, Webb Egerton, Nikki Erlick, Jim Erlick, Landy Erlick, Paige Ethington Hardy, Olivia Flatto, Joele Frank, Michele Gerber Klein, Jamie Gordon, Catherine Gund, Celia Hegyi, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Laurie Kasowitz, Eleanora Kennedy, Lance LePere, Stephanie Loeffler, Julie Macklowe, Christina McInerney, Chesley McLaren, Laura Mitchelson, Roseanne Morrison, Peter Panagiotopoulos, Emma Pennington, Arielle Picheny, Barbara Prawolzik, Barbara Regna, Nicole Reynolds, Cindy Rinfret, Joseph Roloyn, Wilbur Ross, Hilary Ross, Jean Shafiroff, Patricia Shiah, Valerie Steele, Jacqueline Togut, Mary Turano and Debra Wasser.

Michael Kors gave a 30-minute presentation of his Pre-Fall 2013 Collection about what inspired the collection. He also talked about what its means to true sport-wear designer. While explaining the 25 looks he also interjected with how the women could incorporate a piece of the look into their year round wardrobes. After the presentation he spent some time shopping with the ladies and gave some style tips on how to wear his clothing.

Celia Hegyi, Michael Kors, and Alexandra Lebenthal

Deborah Chatman and Valerie Steele

Debra Wasser and Mary Turano

Eleanora Kennedy, Jacqueline Togut, and Nancy Shaw

Emma Pennington, Elizabeth Galt, and Nicole Reynolds

Julie Macklowe, Liz Peek, and Carole Divet Harting

Jieun Wax and Kamie Lightburn

Chiu-ti Jansen

Chris McInerney and Liz Peek

Julie Macklowe, William Macklowe, and Eleanora Kennedy

Landy Erlick, Jim Erlick, and Nikki Erlick

Lexi Novak

Nancy Shaw and Jacqueline Togut

Olivia Flatto and Dina DeLuca Chartouni

Laura Lofaro Freeman, Yaz Hernandez, and Diane Herdling

Liz Peek, Valerie Steele, and Yaz Hernandez

Jean Shafiroff, Cindy Rinfret, Michael Kors, Jieun Wax, Shelly Lynch, and Patricia Shiah

Nicole Mancini and Kay Facatselis

Stephanie Loeffler, Valerie Steele, and Kamie Lightburn

Lance LePere, Catherine Gund, Tanzin, and Michael Kors

Roseanne Morrison, Yaz Hernandez, and Jean Shafiroff

Wilbur Ross and Hilary Ross

On Tuesday, June 11, 2013 City Parks Foundation (CPF) presented the City Parks Foundation Gala presented at SummerStage in Central Park, an annual fundraising event that supports CPF's free year-round arts, sports, education andand community-building programs. The event took place at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, the main stage for CPF's famed free performing artsand festival, SummerStage.and

The gala and concert raised over $1 million dollars and was the largest single fundraising event in the history of CPF. The funds raised will go to support programs that benefit over 600,000 people annually in over 750 parks throughout New York City's five boroughs.

This year, CPF honored Bruce Ratner with the 2013 People and Parks Award.and Bruce Ratner is theandExecutive Chairman of Forest City Ratner Companies, one of CPF's founding trustees and its first BoardandChairman.

Bruce Ratner

Other guests in attendance included: MaryAnne Gilmartin, CEO of Forest City Ratner Companies; Ross Greenburg, Showtime Sports; Jason Kidd, Head Coach of the New York Nets; Charlie Mierswa, Executive VP Business Operations, and Chief Financial Officer of the Brooklyn Nets; G.E. Smith, Former SNL Band Leader; Roger Watersand Laurie Durning Waters; Brett Yormark, CEO Barclays Center / Brooklyn Nets with Elaina Scotto; EricandZohn, William Morris Endeavor.

The concert paid tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, featuring the legendary singer and musician's songs as performed by an eclectic group of well established musical legends and up and coming stars. Featuring an intriguing mix of Standards, Soul, Blues, Jazz, and Folk singers the evening of performances thrilled with exceptional interpretations of numerous classics from Sinatra's famed catalogue of songs. Artists included: John Pizzarelli and The Swing Seven, Andrew Bird, Marc Cohn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Judy Collins, Bettye LaVette, John Legend, Aimee Mann and Ted Leo, Joan Osborne, Allen Toussaint, Suzanne Vega, and Loudon Wainwright III. The performance component of the gala was produced by Michael Dorf, who has successfully produced a series of similar tribute concerts at Carnegie Hall over the past decade.

John Legend

City Parks Foundation (CPF) is the only independent, nonprofit organization to offer park programs throughout the five boroughs of New York City. CPF works in over 750 parks citywide, presenting a broad range of free arts, sports, and education programs, and empowering citizens to support their parks on a local level. Programs and community building initiatives reach more than 600,000 people each year, contributing to the revitalization of neighborhoods throughout New York City.

Anju Gupta, Anita Chester, Tony Roselle, and Deepak Gupta

Susan Werman and Rhonda Ran

Jon Mechanic and Elaina Scotto

David Barse, Michael Dorf, John Pizzarelli, and Joan Osborne

David Moore, Bruce Ratner, Brett Yormark, Alison Tocci, and David Barse

Mike Silverman and Emily Whipple

Claire Cloud and James Burke

Jason Kidd and Porschla Coleman

Lary Wolf, Susan Freedman, Jon Mechanic, and Bruce Ratner

Michael Dorf, Alison Tocci, Lisa Barse, John Pizzarelli, Joan Osborne, and David Barse

Last Saturday afternoon, at the Wethersfield Estate in Millbrook, NY the outdoor set assembled for the runway presentation of the La Chasse collection: A new line of classic, ladies ready-to-wear founded and designed by Marion de Vogel and Rowena Gill. Models were both professional and resident beauties. The occasion was a fund-raising benefit to kick-off a campaign to build a Cross Country Schooling Course at the 1,200-acre estate for area professionals and their students to enjoy.

Guests congregate on the Wethersfield Estate in Millbrook, NY

Rob Murphy and Ling Kwan serenade

John and Patricia Forelle

Deborah Montgomery and Marc McLean

Barbara and Donald Tober

Quinn Babcock, Emily Hottensen, and friend

Kirk Henckels

John Klopp, Colleen Howland, Karen Klopp, and Kevin Smith

Carola Lott and Susie Clarke

Marion de Vogel

Crowd watching the Millbrook Hunt approaching Wethersfield

Members of the Millbrook Hunt

Caroline Geerlings, Lorna Graev, Fernanda Kellogg, and Podie Lynch

Dede Rosenfeld and Gloria Callen

Eugenia Revson, Dotty Smith, and Lionel Goldfrank

Everett Cook, Libby Mavroleon, and Nina Griscom

Deban Flexner and Pam Taylor Yates

Helen Blodgett and her daughter, Natasha

Rowena Gill and Marion de Vogel moments before the show

Kinue Fowler

Francesca Palombo

Colleen Hartling

Clair Glover

Parker Gentry Thorne

Finale with founders and designers, Marion de Vogel and Rowena Gill

Guests got into the spirit of the fabled Jazz Age with flapper dresses, headbands, feathers, and mountains of sparkling jewelry for The Great Gatsby, Nassau County Museum of Art's 2013 Museum Ball. The lavish tented pavilions for the cocktail hour and dinner similarly evoked the extravagant décor of Long Island's Gold Coast history. The Museum Ball is the museum's major annual fundraising affair, raising significant support for exhibitions and educational programming.

The 2013 Ball was chaired by Museum Board Member Angela Susan Anton, the publisher and owner of Anton Community Publications. The Journal Committee was chaired by M. Patricia Janco-Tupper, senior vice president, wealth advisor for Wells Fargo Bank; and Rebecca Creavin, senior vice president, private banker for Wells Fargo Bank.

Members of the Ball Committee: Kimberly Bancroft, Irina Shushko, Connie Carr, Thalia Elie, Angela Susan Anton, Natalia Good, Esther Ambalu, Sara Ambalu, Gayle Finkelman-Cohen, Karen Loeffler, and Eve Califano.

Nassau Community College 'flappers' welcome guests Jed Morey and Eden White

Ball Committee Member Connie Carr, with Board Member Dr. Harvey Manes

Members of the Ball Committee: Judie Chessin, Kandice Seitz, and Linda Ugenti

Rebecca Creavin and M. Patricia Janco-Tupper, co-chairs of the Ball's Journal Committee; Nassau County Comptroller George Maragos; Museum Director Dr. Karl Willers, and Ball Chairman Angela Susan Anton show off a congratulatory proclamation from the county

Ball Committee Member Cora Michalis, Museum Director Dr. Karl Willers, Museum Founding President Hon. Arnold A. Saltzman, Board Member Dr. Todd Cohen, and Joan Saltzman

Museum supporters George Machin and Nancy DeMatteis with Arlene Levine and Board Vice President Arthur Levine

Dr. Stephen and Sharon Cuchel (Board Secretary) with Barbara and Timothy Schmidt

Museum Director Dr. Karl Willers with Susan Isaksen and 2012 Ball Honoree Bob Isaksen

Museum supporters Jacob and Esther Ambalu with Board Member Corky Paston and George Kittredge

Photographs by Simon Luethi (Public Theater); Mary Hilliard (La Chasse); Sylvester Zawadzki & Merissa Blitz (City Parks); Tab Hauser & Scott Levy (Nassau County Museum)

Guests listen to Nelson Peltz, Dean O’Hare, Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei, chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon in chief, Hospital for Special Surgery, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Brian Williams speak throughout the evening at Hospital for Special Surgery's 30th Annual Tribute Dinner.

Hospital for Special Surgery, the number one hospital for orthopedics in the nation, held its 30th Annual Tribute Dinner on Monday, June 17, 2013 at The Waldorf=Astoria.

The event, which raised more than $2.5 million and had more than 1,000 guests, was hosted by Brian Williams, anchor and Managing Editor of NBC Nightly News and Rock Center. The City of New York was honored, with Mayor Michael Bloomberg accepting the award on the City's behalf. Dr. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei, Chief of the Scoliosis Service, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei, chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Brian Williams, NBC Nightly News anchor

Honored guests included the hospital's leadership and world-class physicians and health-care professionals; along with Dinner Chair Nelson Peltz, founding partner, Trian Fund Management LP, and Dinner Co-Chairs Kathryn C. Chenault, HSS trustee; Alan S. MacDonald, vice-chairman, Citigroup, chief client officer; William R. Salomon, honorary chairman, Citigroup; and Patricia G. Warner, HSS trustee. Other special guests include Pia Lindstrom; Cynthia and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon-in-chief, Hospital for Special Surgery; Dean O'Hare, co-chair, HSS Board of Trustees.

Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei addresses guests after receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award

Founded in 1863, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. HSS is nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics, No. 3 in rheumatology, No. 10 in neurology and No. 5 in geriatrics by U.S. News & World Report (2012-13), and is the first hospital in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center three consecutive times. HSS has one of the lowest infection rates in the country. From 2007 to 2011, HSS has been a recipient of the HealthGrades Joint Replacement Excellence Award. HSS is a member of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System and an affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College and as such all Hospital for Special Surgery medical staff are faculty of Weill Cornell. The hospital's research division is internationally recognized as a leader in the investigation of musculoskeletal and autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Philip Wilson Jr., surgeon in chief emeritus, Hospital for Special Surgery, Hilda Boachie Adjei , Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei, chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, HSS Trustee Patsy Warner, Louis Schapiro, CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon in chief, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Cynthia Sculco

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Emme Deland, Veronica St. Pierre, HSS Trustee Herbert Black, and Dr. Jonathan Deland

Michael Reed, Joan and Barrie Damson, HSS trustee, HSS Trustee Craig Ivey, and Chelsea Reed

Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei, chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Hilda Boachie Adjei, Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon in chief, Hospital for Special Surgery, Cynthia Sculco, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Alex Egan, Celene Menschel, Ronay Menschel, and Chairman Emeritus, HSS Board of Trustees, Richard Menschel

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Kathleen O’Hare, Dinner Chair Nelson Peltz, and Co Chair, HSS Board of Trustees, Dean O’Hare

Brian Cleek (PGA), Justin Maher (Giants), Leogh Weiss (Giants), and Dara Cattani

Dr. Douglas E. Padgett, and Debra and Dr. Bernard A. Rawlins

Dr. Oheneba Boachie Adjei, chief of the Scoliosis Service, Hospital for Special Surgery, Dr. Miles Vern, and Barry and Lila Bloom

Ann Jackson and Kendrick Wilson, III, co chair Board of Trustees Hospital for Special Surgery and Vice Chairman BlackRock with Cynthia and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon in chief, Hospital for Special Surgery

Grace and Chris Meigher with Peter and Martha Webster

Jane and Dr. Michael Lockshin

Ona Wang and Dr. Steve K. Lee

Janet and Dr. David Levine with Marina Kellen French

Dr. Edward Craig, HSS Trustee and Dinner Co Chair Patricia Warner, and Brian Williams

Trevor Gibbons, Cynthia Sculco, Sarah Jane Gibbons, and Dr. Thomas Sculco, surgeon in chief, Hospital for Special Surgery

Kendrick Wilson, III, co chair Board of Trustees Hospital for Special Surgery and Vice Chairman BlackRock and HSS Trustee Robert K. Steel

Co Chair, HSS Board of Trustees, Dean O’Hare and Greg Georgieff

Louis Shapiro, CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Ann Jackson, and Kendrick Wilson, III, co chair Board of Trustees Hospital for Special Surgery and Vice Chairman BlackRock

HSS Trustee and Dinner Co Chair Alan MacDonald with Patti Roberts

HSS Trustee Patricia Warner, and Mayor Michael Bloomberg

Dr. Peggy Crow with Steve and Laura Robbins and Craig Ivey

Dr. David Altchek, Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service co chief, Hospital for Special Surgery, with his wife Anne Altchek

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and HSS Trustee William Salomon

HSS Trustee Herbert Black and Louis Shapiro, CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery

Celene Menschel and Alex Egan

HSS Trustee and Dinner Co Chair Kathryn Chenault with Chairman Emeritus, HSS Board of Trustees, Aldo Papone

Last Saturday night's 13th Annual Midsummer Night Drinks nearly 500 friends and supporters gathered at Villa Maria, the stunning Water Mill home of Vince and Louise Camuto, for a wonderful evening of fun, food and cocktails, all benefiting God's Love We Deliver. This signature event supports one of New York City's most beloved charities, the only organization of its kind that cooks and home delivers nutritious meals to clients living with severe illnesses, their children and senior caregivers.

Louise Camuto, Vince Camuto and God's Love We Deliver Board member Margaret Russell

Seen at the event were: Vince and Louise Camuto, Dennis Basso, Jason and Haley Binn, Yildiz Yuksek Blackstone and Richard Blackstone, Geoffrey Bradfield, Mark Brashear, Claudio and Debra del Vecchio, Karen and Jefferson Hughes, Ford Huniford, Christopher Idone, Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper, David Kleinberg, Esther Newberg, Roland Nivelais, Fernanda Niven, Nathan Orsman and Jose Castro, Jeff Pfeifle, Andrew Rosen and Jenny Dyer, Margaret Russell, Chuck and Donna Turlinski, David Wine and Vicente Wolf.

Guests were invited to enjoy a smorgasbord of Swedish specialties by chef Görgen Tidén.

Gods Love Staff

Throughout the evening, in between dining, laughing and talking, guests also enjoyed coffee from RED THREAD GOOD Coffee, a new sponsor of God's Love, and microgreens from Koppert Cress USA.

Delicious butlered hors d'oeuvres such as summer vegetable rolls, croque-monsieurs and steak frites were catered by Canard, Inc. along with a variety of one-bite burgers and sweets such as toffee pecan brownies and mini lemon ice cream cones. Pernod Ricard USA generously donated all beverages at the bar including the event's specialty drinks, Absolut® Madras, Absolut® Red Thread Good Dreamy Chocolate Almond Cocktail and Absolut® Citron Lemonade, all delicious concoctions for the warm summer evening. Guests danced the night away to the music compiled and spun by DJ Karin Ward.

Jeff Pfeifle, Sue Chalom, Dennis Basso, Scott Bruckner, and Geoffrey Bradfield

Julie Lichtstein, Michelle Francis, Lisa Sherman, and Vivian Pollack

Dan Wright, Laura Michalchyshyn, and Chris Poore

Scott Bruckner and T.R. Pescod

Vince Camuto and Louise Camuto

Michael Sennett, Karen Pearl, Scott Bruckner, Laura Michalchyshyn, and Chris Poore

Richard, Jane and Jeffrey Novick

Randy Kempner, Tony Ingrao, Louise Camuto, and Vince Camuto

LaMont Craig, David Ludwigson, Jon Gilman and Barbra Locker

Mark Lanspa, Rebecca Bond and William Wright

Haley Binn and Jason Binn

Ned Allie, Lester Weingarten, Richard Haney Jardine, and Maurice Mann

Alan Rogers, Charlotte Moss and John Yunis

Jerry Madigan and Jamie Zimmerman

Alan Rogers and David Ludwigson

Dan Wright, Laura Michalchyshyn, and Chris Poore

Cory Ingram and Louise Camuto

David Wine, Robby Browne and friends

Karen Pearl, Vicente Wolf, and Margaret Russell

Jon and Rebecca Bond

Matthew Smyth and Christopher Idone

Michael Sennott, Karen Pearl and Terry Meehan

Michael Librett, Shana Librett, Stephen Cavello, Peter Panagiotopoulos, and Nick Kavallieratos

Candy Bonder, Mark Lehrer, Gaby Lehrer and Karen Pearl

David Ludwigson, Doron Sabag, Jim Hoffman Faris and Karen Naber

Penny Zuckerwise and Barbra Locker

Jon Gilman and Brad Learmonth

Sylvia Vogelman, Michael Sennott, Joan Garry, Lisa Sherman, Terrence Meck, Breton Alberti, and Scott Bruckner

Brad Learmonth, Jon Gilman, Haim Hassin and Jean Fleischhacker

Perry Eisman, Karen Pearl, andPeter Lichtenthal

Veronica Henkel and Em Findley

Last Monday, nearly 300 supporters of The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation gathered at Century Country Club in Purchase, New York for the organization's 21st Annual Dystonia and Parkinson's Golf Invitational. The event raised more than $1.3 million to help find better treatments and cures for dystonia and Parkinson's disease. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes uncontrollable, painful muscle contractions and spasms. Closely related to Parkinson's disease, it affects an estimated 500,000 people in North America – more than Huntington's disease, Lou Gehrig's disease and muscular dystrophy combined.

Willie Geist, co-host of NBC's Today and MSNBC's Morning Joe, served as emcee of the event that honored his father Bill Geist, a long-serving CBS news correspondent who announced, last year, that he was living with Parkinson's disease. BlackRock, Inc. was this year's corporate chair.

Jody Geist, Bill Geist, Willie Geist, Bonnie Strauss, and Paula Stein

The Foundation has raised more than $30 million to provide seed money to scientists working on over 200 projects around the world. These investments have been the catalyst for an additional $62 million in research funding from the NIH.

Katie Loeb, a member of the Young Leadership Council, whose grandfather has Parkinson's, was recognized for her extraordinary enthusiasm and dedication in helping raise funds and public awareness about dystonia and Parkinson's disease. She was presented with the Foundation's Scott M. Johnson Memorial Award named in honor of a member of the Young Leadership Council who lost his life on September 11th.

Jeff Feingold, Nancy Rackoff, Paula Stein, Amy Leeds, Nancy Wolk, and Harold Strauss

Strauss concluded the evening by thanking all those who attended the event. She added, "Our work would not be possible without the generous support of our friends, donors, sponsors and incredible staff. Each has been a remarkable pillar of hope, courage, and continuing support who have made our years of achievements in research, treatments, and clinical care possible."

The day-long event included lunch, a Pro-Am golf tournament, cocktails, dinner, and a live auction. In attendance were Mark Standish, president and co-CEO of RBC Capital Markets Corp; Morris Offit, chairman of Offit Capital; and Thomas W. Strauss, chairman of Ramius, a Cowen Group company, who announced the day's top golf winners.

Jamie Niven, chairman of Sotheby's America, once again served as auctioneer for the live auction, which featured A Decadent Dinner for 12 prepared by celebrity chef David Burke; a golf outing hosted by a club member at the esteemed Shinnecock Golf Course; and a week's vacation at the Villa Avalon in St. Barths; among other luxurious items.

Bob Joyce, Seth Goldman, Ron Hersh, Paul Bruce, and Dan London

The Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that was established in 1995 by Louis Bachmann (1916-2000) and Bonnie Strauss in order to find better treatments and cures for the movement disorders dystonia and Parkinson's disease, and to provide medical and patient information. Key among its efforts, the Foundation funds scientific and clinical research and helps raise awareness of Parkinson's disease and dystonia among the general public and the medical community.

Stefanie Offit, Dan Offit, Ned Offit, Nancy Offit, and Morris Offit

Fran Klingenstein, Fran Ehrlich, and Karen Cohen

Allison London and Katie Loeb

Edgar Cullman and Ellie Cullman

Tish Certo, Susan Cullman, and John Kirby

On Wednesday, June 19, 2013, Central Park Conservancy brought together more than 700 guests to the annual Taste of Summer held at Bethesda Terrace. Guests came to marvel at the fusion of Central Park's beauty and New York's exquisite cuisine.

The event featured tastings prepared by New York's top restaurants, a luxury-filled silent auction and music by Alexandra Richards. The event was attended by politicians, business leaders, and New Yorkers in support of the Central Park Conservancy's mission to restore and maintain Central Park raising close to $1 million.

John DeLucie

More than 30 restaurants participated in the annual foodie bonanza serving tastings throughout the night. Guests dined on Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes with Marinated Cucumbers & Remoulade Sauce from The Central Park Boathouse, Matinicus Maine Lobster Rolls from P.J. Clarke's, Ravioli Alla Salvia: Ravioli filled with Baby Organic Spinach in a Butter & Sage Sauce from Serafina, Seared Scallop over Prosecco, Green Onion Foam with Black Norcia Truffle Petal from East 12th Osteria, and Fegatini Crostini: Duck Liver Mousse with Passito Wine from soon-to-open Ristorante Morini. Crown Group Hospitality hosted The Taste Café featuring dishes from John DeLucie including the Nicoise Tuna Tartare from The Lion, Marinated Lamb Coconut Chutney on Papadum from Crown and Bill's Bolognese with Soft Polenta & Pecorino from Bill's Food & Drink.

Boathouse Crabcakes

William Grant & Sons, a family-owned and independent distiller, was the exclusive spirits partner at this year's Taste of Summer. The night highlighted the line of handcrafted and small batch spirits in specialty cocktails using Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, Reyka Vodka, and Hudson Whiskey. Solerno welcomed in the Solerno Caribeño, Reyka refreshed in the Reyka Collins, Icelandic Vesper, and Reyka Sonic, and Hudson Whiskey delighted at the "Make Your Own Manhattan" bar.

Hosts included Central Park Conservancy Trustees and Event Chairmen Jay Mandelbaum, Gillian Miniter, John Paulson, and Norman Selby. Other notable guests included Ann Dexter Jones, Deborah Roberts, Fiona and Eric Rudin, Hunt Slonem, Jeffrey Toobin, Kitty Kempner, Liliana Cavendish, Commissioner Ray Kelly, Sandra Ripert, Suzanne Cochran, and many others.

Commissioner Ray Kelly and Veronica Kelly

Gillian and Sylvester Miniter

Pablo Alfaro, Anne Dexeter Jones, and Mark Amadei

Sandra Ripert and Angela Stulley

Barbara Cirkva and Bob Schumacher

Alexandra Richards

Deborah Roberts and Gillian Miniter

John DeLuci, Stephanie Smith, and Mark Amadei

Jeffrey Toobin and Amy Mcintosh

Gillian and Serena Miniter

Norman Selby and Eran Broshy

Suzanne and Bob Cochran

Hunt Slonem and Liliana Cavendish

Late last month at the Pierre Hotel in NYC, over 330 guests joined WIZO New York for their 16th Annual Children for our Children Fashion Show and Luncheon, Chaired by Fortune Dushey.

WIZO, The Women’s International Zionist Organization, is a worldwide non-profit organization that operates over 800 social welfare projects in Israel. Next to the Israeli government, WIZO is one of the largest providers of social welfare services that improve the lives of women, children and the elderly living in Israel.

The fashion show, which featured looks from Brooks Brothers and was styled by designer Nikki Kule, had more than 60 children parade the runway. Before the Fashion Show the audience was addressed by Counsel General of Israel to New York, Ambassador Ido Aharoni. Fortune Dushey spoke about the critical services which WIZO provides to the neediest sector of Israeli society.

Gail Perl, Co-President of WIZO USA, Mireille Manocherian, Fortune Dushey, Victoria Sakhai, and Evelyn Sommer, Founding President of WIZO USA

Marci Waterman, Chair of WIZO NY, Ronni Chera, Marjorie Harris, Marcy Sakhai, and Betty Sitt chaired the Benefit Committee. Brenda Abuaf, Eleanor Cayre, Nina Davidson, and Marielle Safra served as Journal Chairs. Drazie Ashkenazy, Esther Chetrit, Joy Kleeger, Gloria Nakash, and Tanya Zuckerbrot headed the Silent Auction Committee. Corie Adjmi, Jennifer Dayan, Amy Landy, Marcella Serure, and Jennifer Sitt headed the Raffle Committee. Debra August, Vivian Dayan, Elisabeth Domansky, Rachel Khafif, and Sarah Merians headed the Décor Committee, and Mireille Manocherian and Vicki Sakhai, once again, served as the Fashion Show Coordinators, this year also with the help of Joy Dushey and Nikki Kule, designer for Brooks Brothers. WIZO New York was also represented by a Next Generation committee lead by Celia Cayre, Margarette Dweck, Samantha Podolsky, and Tanya Serure. Rachel Shnay chaired the Teen’s committee.

Amb. Ido Aharoni

In attendance were WIZO USA Vice Presidents Caren Constantiner, Mira Sofer, and Joan Kahn who accepted an award on behalf of her granddaughter, Daisy Kahn, as well as WIZO New York Board Members and U.N. Representatives Lisa Ostad and Jackie Siegal. Daisy Kahn and Chloe Safra were recognized for their involvement in the WIZO’s B’nei Mitzvah Campaign. These young philanthropists chose to donate their gifts to WIZO, and for this were given special awards of honor.