Free Arts NYC: Summer Social Edition

Lights. Camera. Auction. On July 17th at 7 p.m., Free Arts New York, a heart-warming charity which provides mentors to underprivileged kids, held their 7th annual fundraiser that was hosted by their Junior Board. It took place at a restaurant space, Freehold, in Brooklyn.

When entering the event, I was immediately engulfed by a sense of community. From the floral photo booth wall to screens which flickered with pictures and the organizations message, the attendees’ support was palpable. The event had both outdoor and indoor locations. Inside, there were cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and most importantly, the items involved in the silent auction. Located outside was a craft table in which you were able to decorate a paper bag for elementary-aged children to bring their projects home after a “Free Arts Day.” All who saw the opportunity to be involved in such a meaningful creation leapt at the chance to participate with jubilance.

As the night came to a close, the winners of the silent auction were announced. It was notable that every bid placed was done so for the kids.

The fundraiser was of ample success and emphasized just how focused Free Arts NYC really is on providing less fortunate children with opportunities to explore creative outlets and cultivate other skills.

Photos from Free Arts NYC

The Knights Gala

The Knights, the young chamber orchestra, held their annual benefit, a concert and dinner, on May 13th  in Tribeca. Mela Hacklish, their board chair, extolled, "To everyone here we offer sincere thanks for your extraordinary partnership and support that empowers our musical innovation. We've many surprises for you tonight!"  and thus the orchestra launching onto a stunning concert that included Mozart, Mendelssohn, Shostakovich as well as contemporary music.

Pianist Inon Barnantan joined the orchestra on stage with Knights co-founder and conductor Eric Jacobsen welcoming him,  "Inon’s invested in the future of The Knights and what we’re doing". Recognized as “one of the most admired pianists of his generation” (New York Times), Inon Barnantan has received multiple awards, including the prestigious 2009 Avery Fisher Career Grant, and performs regularly with the world’s foremost orchestras. Virtuoso clarinetist Kinan Azmeh performed an original composition, "Wedding" and offered, “Falling in love is one of the true human rights that no one can take away from us. This music I hope is a little like that."  Closing with gospel, Christina Courtin lead the audience to sing the refrain of "I'll Fly Away". Ending with a performance of  "The Big Noise from Winnetka", The Knights received a standing ovation.

Guests included board members Guillame Cuvelier, Audrey Francis, Carmela Hacklisch, Graham Parker, Paul Sekhri, Kambiz Shekdar, Miranda Sielaff, and Gary Wasserman as well as guests Véronique Bich, Judith-Ann Corrente, Joanna Fisher, Thea Musgrave, Peter Mark, Susan Rose, Reni Rothschild, Julie Salomon, Connie Steensma, and Ann Ziff.

Photos provided by Gsmltd