Orthopaedic Foundation Gala at the ST. Regis
Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation
On Thursday, November 21, 2019, the Orthopaedic Foundation hosted their 15th Anniversary Gala at the St. Regis Hotel in NYC. Dr. Kevin Plancher, founder of the organization, honored some of the most notable public figures when it comes to athleticism, philanthropy, and leadership such as Bernard Hopkins (Legendary Boxing Champion & Hall of Fame Inductee), Kevin Weekes (Former NHL Goalie, current Broadcaster/Analyst for NHL & ESPN), Celebrity ChefDino Gatto (Executive Chef RAO’S), Celebrity Chef Andrew Whitney (Executive Chef/ Owner of Dell 'anima), Victor Muro (President & CEO of Integrated Financial Strategies) and Richard “Big Daddy” Salgado (President & CEO Coastal Advisors LLC & Master of Ceremonies).
“The 15th Anniversary Gala allowed us to raise significant funds to continue our cutting-edge research for sports injuries and Musculoskeletal diseases such as Arthritis,” said Dr. Plancher. “We thank all the honorees and guests for coming out to celebrate with us and for making our night a huge success.
Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation
“It was such a pleasure and honor to be the Orthopedic Foundation Gala's MC and honoree,” said Richard Big Daddy Salgado. “I look forward to continuing to do great work for the organization and advancing their mission.”
Celebrity guests Dennis Seidenberg (Former NY Islander), Erik Coleman (Former NFL Safety), Zab Judah (Multi-time Former World Champion In Two Weight Classes), Monte Barrett (Former Heavyweight Boxer), Brian Baldinger (Former NFL Offensive Lineman & Sports Analyst) and DeeMo (Actor/Songwriter) walked the red carpet and celebrated the evening with the honorees.
Photos provided by Orthopaedic Foundation
Guests were wined and dined with a 4-course decadent meal prepared by Chef Dino Gatto and Chef Andrew Whitney with exclusive wine pairings from The 1 Wine company. Guests were entertained by the performance of world-famous comedy enterprise Second City Works. Significant funds were raised through a live and silent auction benefiting the foundation.
About The Orthopaedic Foundation
The Orthopaedic Foundation was created as a not-for-profit (501) C(3) organization whose primary function is to effectively promote, support, develop and encourage research and education concerning minimally invasive orthopaedic surgery and advancements in musculoskeletal diseases. The Foundation is additionally committed to initiatives that educate individuals of all ages who are passionate about a healthy and active lifestyle and engage in self-directed practices to maintain that lifestyle. The aim of the Foundation is to discover new modalities for the treatment of orthopaedic injuries and musculoskeletal disease, to promote injury prevention, and to explore minimally invasive treatments that guarantee shorter recovery time and faster return to daily activities. www.ofals.org
About Dr. Plancher, MD, MPH
The Orthopaedic Foundation was founded by Kevin Plancher, MD, MPH – an innovative and world-renowned orthopaedic surgeon and sports medicine expert who lectures globally on issues related to orthopaedic procedures and sports injury management.
STRIVE's 35th Anniversary Gala
On Tuesday, November 5th, workforce developer STRIVE held their 35th Anniversary Gala at the Edison Ballroom in New York. Former New York Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Goldman Sachs Managing Director Dina Powell McCormick were honored. The gala, raised $1M in support of STRIVE’s career readiness programs honors individuals who uphold the success of STRIVE’s students through their commitment as partners and supporters.
“We were proud to honor Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Dina Powell McCormick for their efforts to assist our students in overcoming employment obstacles and barriers,” said STRIVE President & CEO Phil Weinberg. “They have worked to support our mission, advocate for our students, and continue to help us expand our programs. We are grateful to them for their continued generosity in the lives of so many.”
Mayor Landrieu received the STRIVE Leadership Award for his role as a champion of opportunity, and under whose leadership and vision STRIVE launched its workforce development efforts in New Orleans.
“STRIVE was a critical partner in reimagining our economic development and economic opportunity strategy in New Orleans,” said former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu. “STRIVE creates pathways to prosperity for people facing the biggest obstacles, so I am honored to help celebrate their 35th anniversary.”
Goldman Sachs Managing Director Dina Powell McCormick received the STRIVE Champion Award for her long standing support of STRIVE, and as a leader in driving sustainable economic development and revitalizing underserved communities.
“I am humbled to accept this award in honor of the students that STRIVE reaches each year. STRIVE sees what people can be and unlocks their potential, and provides the grace, love, and support, that they need to achieve it,” said Ms. McCormick. “Because of STRIVE’s dedication to providing motivated individuals an opportunity to overcome barriers and enter the workplace, you can see the ripple effect they have on the graduates, their families, and their communities.”
“STRIVE clearly understands the determination of those coming through their doors each day, working hard to move beyond the personal and professional obstacles, and ultimately guiding them to a place where their efforts are rewarded with bonafide jobs and a way of providing for their families,” said CBS This Morning co-host and The Oprah Magazine Editor-at-Large Gayle King. “It was an absolute honor to emcee the STRIVE Gala, and I wish them continued success.”
More than 250 people gathered to acknowledge and laud STRIVE’s work as CBS This Morning co-host and The Oprah Magazine Editor-at-Large Gayle King served as Mistress of Ceremonies. Robin Hood CEO Wes Moore, Fox News Co-host of The Five Dana Perino, Morgan Stanley Managing Director Tom Nides, and Jefferies Financial Group President Brian Friedman served as Gala co-chairs.
Guests heard the ‘success-despite-the-odds’ stories of graduate-turned STRIVE Board Member Roy Castro, and graduate-turned-business owner Catana Yehuda. They each spoke about how their early adverse circumstances led them to STRIVE, and how tenacity and determination led each to own their own piece of the American dream: a $10M ice-cream distribution enterprise, and an environmental and construction services company.
STRIVE’s unique workforce development model provides individuals with the job-readiness skills, positive and engaging attitudes, and connections needed to begin life-changing careers that allow them to have productive, successful, and responsible lives. With over a 70 percent graduation and 70 percent job placement rate, STRIVE leverages partnerships with local employers to provide a ready workforce and a steady pipeline of graduates.
About STRIVE
STRIVE is a national leading workforce development solution for people who face the biggest obstacles for employment. Their proven model propels students into careers that lead to upward mobility and define the promise of the American Dream. Headquartered in East Harlem, New York, and since its founding in 1984, STRIVE has helped more than 75,000 graduates prepare for career success through employment programs geared toward those left behind in the economy, including adults, young adults, and those with a history in the justice system.
All photos provided by STRIVE
The Essence of Lightness
On October 24, 2018, Nello Petrucci, an Italian artist from Pompeii, presented another one of his mesmerizing artworks: The Essence of Lightness.
The piece, which was inspired by Petrucci’s life in Pompeii and background in the film industry, took up a full wall on the 45th floor of 3 World Trade Center. Surrounded by the panoramic views of New York City, Petrucci took over six months to complete the piece., even relocating here to dedicate all of his creative focus and direction into manifesting his work.
The artwork, which more closely resembles an installation due to its unusual size and location, remains true to Petrucci’s fashion of creating collages using movie posters, brush strokes and several layering techniques.
Just as with his previous work, The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci used film, concert and ad posters as a base for The Essence of Lightness. He walked around New York City and tore down old and new posters. After completing the collection process, he began the intricate layering process. Two or more additional images or posters were added, followed by strokes of paint. As with The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci included some parts of Pompeii within his work through photos of the Pompeii paintings on the surface, fusing them with the layers of posters.
Yet, what is unique about The Essence of Lightness is the continuous motif of butterflies. If looked at from a distance, an observer might not notice that there are butterflies spread out from the beginning to the end of the painting. However, once an observer gets closer, they will realize that the butterflies are flying through the painting, representing time.
According to Petrucci, the beginning of the artwork represents the past. It represents the history of Pompeii and various thoughts and experiences that we, as human beings, lost sight of. The middle of the painting represents the present. It is everything that we are experiencing at the moment, whether it is delight or worry, we are living in the moment. The butterflies get higher and spread wider as you approach the end of the painting. The end represents our hopes and dreams for the future. If the observer steps back and takes a look at the overall piece, it is reminiscent of the course of life and everything we have experienced, are going through and shall expect.
Overall, The Essence of Lightness was an innovative way to represent such an intense and magical piece. Surrounded by the night skyline of New York City, it becomes almost surreal and yet Petrucci managed to conquer it all and spill it on canvas.
The Essence of Lightness is not available to the public at the moment, but here is a short clip about the making of the fascinating installation.