Joining Forces

The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT hosted a conversation and lunch for 75 Couture Council members and Board members with Zac Posen at Doubles.

On Monday, June 2, Members of New York City’s philanthropic, business, health care and Alzheimer’s communities joined forces tonight at the annual “Forget-Me-Not” Gala, An Evening to End Alzheimer’s hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter. The Chapter raised $1.2 million at this year’s event, which took place at The Pierre and was emceed by David Hyde Pierce, Tony Award winning actorand tireless advocate in the Alzheimer’s community. The gala was chaired by Jeff Gitlin, Principal, Leader of PwC Health.

Honoree Dominic Chianese, actors Victor Garber, Jason Danieley, Marin Mazzie, Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, and actor David Hyde Pierce, who emceed the event

Actor Dominic Chianese was honored with the Chapter’s Creative Leadership Award for his work as thefounder of the “Joy Through Art” foundation, a nonprofit organization that brings professional artists trained in music and theater into nursing homes across the City. Chianese was previously honored by the Chapter for his riveting and realistic portrayal of dementia sufferer Uncle Junior on the hit HBO series The Sopranos.

EmblemHealth, a New York City-based health insurer and wellness company, was presented with the Chapter’s Community Leadership Award for its innovation to bring a new model of care – EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care – to New York’s diverse communities. Located in Harlem, Cambria Heights, Queens, and Chinatown, EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is an inviting place where the community is welcomed to meet face-to-face with EmblemHealth professionals to ask questions, get reliable information and have a problem solved. Accepting on behalf of EmblemHealth was Charlene Maher, Chief Marketing Officer, EmblemHealth.

Honoree Dominic Chianese and Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter

Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter Board Member David Geithner and Jeffrey N. Jones, Co-Chair of Board of Directors, Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter

Also on hand to support the Chapter were actor Victor Garber, who lost both parents to complications from Alzheimer's disease, and Marin Mazzie and Jason Danieley,who appeared together on Broadway in Next To Normal. Dr. Max Gomez, CBS 2 Medical Reporter, recipient of the Chapter’s Public Awareness Award at the Gala in 2011, was also in attendance. In addition, Prince Amukamara, starting cornerback for the New York Giants, attended the gala with his wife, Pilar, whose father has early onset Alzheimer’s.

Distinguished members of the research and medical community including Dr. Peter Davies, Dr. Mony de Leon, Dr. Steven Ferris, Dr. James Galvin, Dr. Jose Luchsinger, Dr. James Noble, Dr. Mary Sano,and Dr. Thomas Wisniewski were also on hand. The Chapter also recognized Tina Calabro and Christopher Mitsis, the children of Chapter friend, Dr. Effie Mitsis, who passed away after a distinguished career as an Alzheimer's disease clinician and research scientist.

Greg Johnson of EmblemHealth and Charlene Maher, Chief Marketing Officer, EmblemHealth (accepting on behalf of honoree EmblemHealth)

Greg Johnson of EmblemHealth, Charlene Maher, Chief Marketing Officer, EmblemHealth (accepting on behalf of honoree EmblemHealth), and Gala Chair Jeff Gitlin, Principal, Leader of PwC Health

Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter, said, “If you look around the room tonight, you’ll see doctors and scientists, actors and actresses, a football player, a news reporter, leaders in the business industry, and caregivers. This tells you that no one is immune to the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This disease affects all of us in some way and we each have a role to play in making this a world without Alzheimer’s. So, I thank all of you for stepping up and lending your voice and support to our cause. Together, we are making a difference.”

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer, Governor Andrew Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio all wrote letters in support of tonight’s “Forget-Me-Not” Gala.

The evening offered a cocktail reception, spectacular silent and live auctions, and dinner and dancing to Hank Lane Music and Productions with Harris Lane, band leader. The live auction was led by Jamie Niven, Chairman, the Americas, Sotheby’s.

Live auction led by Jamie Niven

This year’s live auction raised a record-breaking $176,000. Highlights included: 10 tickets and a suite at Barclays for a Justin Timberlake concert in December 2014 that sold for $15,000; A meet and greet with New York Yankees manager Joe Girardi, pre-game batting practice, Legends seats and autographed memorabilia from Girardi that sold for $11,000; Four tickets to the “Still Alice” movie premiere, donated by actresses Kristen Stewart and Julianne Moore, and autographed items from both stars that sold for $7,000; A four night stay with Exclusive Resorts at a luxury residence that sold for $10,000; A private dinner with David Hyde Pierce, two Alzheimer’s research scientists and one guest. Two dinners were sold -- each for $22,000; The naming rights to care consultation and other rooms at the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter that sold for a total of $75,000 (three at $25,000 each).

Items from the silent auction

The Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter provides free information, confidential assistance and support for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as well as for their family members, caregivers and professionals. Our core programs include a 24-hour Helpline, Care Consultation, Education and Training, Support Groups, Early Stage Services and MedicAlert® + Alzheimer's Association Safe Return®. The Chapter actively advocates at the city, state and federal level to support related legislation and heighten public awareness. The Chapter’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

Gala Chair Jeff Gitlin, Principal, Leader of PwC Health, Prince Amukamara of the New York Giants and wife Pilar Amukamara, Honoree Dominic Chianese, Actress Marin Mazzie, Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association New York City Chapter, Actor Jason Danieley, Charlene Maher, Chief Marketing Officer, EmblemHealth, Dr. Max Gomez, CBS 2 Medical Reporter, actors Victor Garber and David Hyde Pierce, who emceed the event

Actors Victor Garber, Jason Danieley, and David Hyde Pierce

Prince Amukamara of the New York Giants and wife Pilar Amukamara, honoree Dominic Chianese, and David Hyde Pierce

Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter Board Member Ex-Officio Steven E. Boxer, Michelle Walker, and Dr. Max Gomez, CBS 2 Medical Reporter

Victor Garber, Dr. Max Gomez, and David Hyde Pierce

On Tuesday, June 10, The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT hosted a conversation and lunch for 75 Couture Council members and Board members with Zac Posen at The Doubles Club in New York City. The Couture Council’s very own Dr. Valerie Steele, who is The Museum at FIT’s Director and Chief Curator, moderated the conversation.

The Couture Council Board Chair, Yaz Hernandez welcomed luncheon guests and introduced Zac Posen and Dr. Valerie Steele. One thing that Posen reflected on during the conversation is the fact that Tom Ford supported his vision. Posen said, "I wouldn’t be in business if it wasn’t for Tom Ford. He took a risk, and wrote a check, and paid for my second fashion show without meeting me."

Liz Peek and Zac Posen

Bonnie and Bess Koblenz

Luncheon guests included: Noreen Ahmad, Enrica Arengi Bentivolgio, Olivia Bransbourg, Alyson Cafiero, Bonnie Cantor, Deborah Chatman, Christina Davis, Somers Farkas, Laura Lofaro Freeman, Michele Gerber Klein, Carole Divet Harting, Yaz Hernandez (Board Chair), Christopher Hyland, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Eleanora Kennedy, Lisa Klein, Beth Koblenz, Bonnie Koblenz, Tiffany Koury, Carol Mack, Julie Macklowe, Patricia Mears, Stephanie Newhouse, Liz Peek, Paulette Ramos, Barbara Regna, Anna Safir, Valerie Salembier, Patricia Selden, Jean Shafiroff, Barbara Tober, Vanessa Vasquez and Adrienne Vittadini.

Paulette Ramos, Valerie Steele, and Tiffany Koury-Dichter

Looking ahead, The Couture Council’s Annual Award Luncheon will be held on September 3, 2014 at the David H. Koch Theater and will honor Carolina Herrera with for Artistry of Fashion Award. The Couture Council of The Museum at FIT is a membership group dedicated to supporting The Museum at FIT, a specialized museum of fashion.

For more information on how to become a member, click here.

Barbara Tober and Zac Posen

Eleanora Kennedy and Lisa Klein

Stephanie Newhouse

Eleanora Kennedy, Adrienne Vittadini, Pamela Fiori, and Anna Safir

Carol Mack and Liz Peek

Chiu-Ti Jansen and Michele Gerber Klein

Last Thursday, the Jonas Center for Nursing and Veterans Healthcare hosted its 3rd annual national Golf Classic benefit at the Stanwich Club in Greenwich, CT. They had a great turnout for the tournament, and raised nearly $325,000.

The Golf Classic brings together passionate guests, scholars, educators and veterans, and benefits the Jonas Veterans Healthcare Program — a premier national initiative that offers critical support to nurses who are dedicated to improving the care of America's wounded heroes.

The Jonas Center founders, Donald and Barbara Jonas, are notable New York philanthropists.

Adam Purcell, Barbara Jonas, and John Jonas

Michael Breed leads a group golf clinic

Cathy Rick, Darlene Curley, and The Honorable Anthony Principi

Dr. Annie Rohan, Dr. Annemarie Dowling-Castronovo, and Dr. Andrea Barnes

George Fox presents Donald Jonas with a commemorative gift

Connecticut National Guard who presented the Colors

U.S. Marine and Purple Heart Recipient Mark Watros, Donald Jonas, and Charlotte Rosenblatt

George Fox, U.S. Marine and Purple Heart Recipient Mark Watros, and Brigadier General (Ret.) William T. Bester

U.S. Marine and Purple Heart Recipient Mark Watros and George Fox

Donald Jonas

Ken Rick, Aaron Matthews, Michael Breed, Cathy Rick, and Paul Sullivan

Hila Richardson, Michael Breed, Tara Cortes, Luis Cortes, and Margaret McClure

The Community Foundation of Oyster Bay held its annual Garden Party on Saturday, May 31st at the Oyster Bay Cove home of founding trustees George and Abby O'Neill.

Board President Joseph Donohue of Oyster Bay thanked the assembled crowd of over 250 party goers for its participation and encouraged them to find ways great and small to continue to be actively engaged in this community. He went on to explain that while the local organizations that the Foundation helps to support have had to contend with severe funding cutbacks, more people than ever before have been turning to them for help. These organizations rely on the Community Foundation to help sustain the great work that they do.

Founded in 1965, the Community Foundation provides financial support for the Youth and Family Counseling Agency, the Parent-Child Home Program, the YFCA Summer Experience, the Bulluck Horizons Program, the Life Enrichment Center, the Hispanic Cultural Center, The Main Street Association and the Waterfront Center.

Assemblyman Michael Montessano with trustees Abby O'Neill and Joe Donohue

Community Foundation of Oyster Bay's President, Joe Donohue

Anita Salembier with her son, Jamie Townsend

Bob Lindsay with trustee Christie McNicol and her husband Paul

Chris Hogg with trustee Liz Feldman and her son, Mack Feldman

Hilary Armstrong, Matt Rovery, and Jim Armstrong

John Schwartzberg and John Postley

Julia Vaughn and Dave Waldo

Meredith Olt and her husband Frank with Elieen and Tom Pulling

Mary Lindsay and trustee Abby O'Neill

Milena Duke, Community Foundation of Oyster Bay past Trustee, Olga Duke, Lisa Schiff, and Rebecca Zoller

Nathaniel Peirce, Robert Lind, Mack Feldman, Chris Hogg, and Michael Brennan

Meredith Olt and Ian McCurdy

Tracy Denney Hritz and Gail Caulkins

Trustees, Sealy Hopkinson and Liz Feldman

Trustee Betsy Cochrane with her husband James

Norwood House provided the perfect setting recently to celebrate the publication of Trustee Deborah Buck’s new book, The Windows of Buck House: Fabulous Fictional Females. Buck signed copies and discussed the inspiration behind the publication, donating all of the night’s proceeds to The Fund for Pratt.

Published by Acanthus Press, the book documents the changing window installations of Buck House, a Madison Avenue art and design gallery run by Buck from 2001–2012.

Thomas F. Schutte, Deborah Buck, and Bruce J. Gitlin

Serena Suckow and Britta Kramer

Buck created bi-monthly immersive environments in the store’s window space, portraying the whimsical lives of invented heroines like London detective Sheelock Holmes, Genevan investment banker Goldy Banks, and German chemist Maddy Tscientist. Captured by photographer Jaka Vinšek, these environments are highlighted in the book.

The event was hosted by Pratt President Thomas F. Schutte and Pratt Trustee Mark Stumer. Other attendees included Pratt Board Chairman Bruce Gitlin, Bronx Museum of the Arts Executive Director Holly Block, Tenement Museum Co-Founder Anita Jacobson, and artists Marylyn Dintenfass and Bradley Theodore.