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| The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza designed by David Monn |
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| 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. |
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| Ying Fang and Paul Appleby perform with OSL and Pablo Heras Casado |
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| 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. |
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| Co Chairs David Bury and OSL Co Founder Marianne Lockwood, Co Chair and Board Member Robert Appel, and Carol and Honoree Don Randel |
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| 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. |
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| The Grand Ballroom at The Plaza |
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| 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. |
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| Co Chair and OSL Board Member Georgia Frasch, Alexander and Diana Vreeland, Jean Philippe Prugnaud, Cornelia Guest, and James Mischka |
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| Tom Curley, Christine Bosco, Jim Attwood, and Nancy and Morris Offit |
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| Gerry and Vicky Cameron, Lloyd Ross, OSL Board Member Janet Seidler, Charles Seidler, and Susan Ross |
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| Master of Ceremonies David Hyde Pierce, Charlie Hamlen, Principal Conductor Pablo Heras Casado, and Jeremy Geffen |
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| Diana DiMenna, Pablo Heras Casado, and Board Member Joe DiMenna |
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| Clay Brakeley, Pablo Heras Casado, Katy Clark, and Susan Graham |
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| Richard and Kristen Beckman, and Co Chair Ron Frasch |
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| OSL Board Members Marianne Lockwood, Barbara Feldon, Peter Gottsegen, and Carol Grossman |
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| Katy Clark, Adrienne Arsht, and Georgia Frasch |
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| OSL Board Members David Monn and Josie Natori with Principal Conductor Pablo Heras Casado and Robert DeGaetano |
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| Lisa Rinehart and Joe DiMenna |
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| Honorees Don Randel and Susan Graham, OSL President Katy Clark, and Co Chair Bob Appel |
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| Mindy Prugnaud, Elie Tahari, JoAnne Blessinger, and Co Chair Ron Frasch |
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| Emme Deland, Phyllis Levin, and Jonathan Deland |
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| Board Member Robert Ashton and Jean Ashton |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| 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. |
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| Khaliah Ali, Cheyenne Elliot, and Abby Z |
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| “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. |
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| Fang Zheng, Joseph Weilgus, and Justin Rockefeller |
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| 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. |
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Photographs by Joe-Schildhorn/BFA (Project Sunshine) |