Harlem Stage Gala
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Throughout the 1920s, Harlem experienced a cultural and intellectual eruption that became known as the Harlem Renaissance. During this period, Harlem was a lightning rod, drawing black writers, artists, musicians, photographers, poets, and scholars. Many had come from the South, escaping its repressive system in order to find a place where they could freely express their talents. This led to an outburst of African-American culture, art, literature and social change.
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Photo credit: Marc Millman
On Monday, May 20th, Harlem Stage, the legendary uptown performing arts venue hosted its annual gala celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. The event was a cool night filled with hot Jazz. The intimate evening was hosted by MSNBC Political Analyst Joy-Ann Reid and raised Over $400,000 to support Arts and Education Programming for Harlem Stage.
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Patrons were dressed in attire inspired by the roaring ‘20s, to mark the era. Guests enjoyed musical performances in the historic and stunning Gatehouse, a New York City landmark built in 1890 which once served as a pivotal facility in the Croton Aqueduct system and was revitalized to serve as a state-of-the-art performance space. The theme of this year’s event was “Disrupters: Then, Now, and in the Future” in honor of those who shake up the status quo in every field by pushing the boundaries of innovation.
The gala is a tribute to artists, activists, and creators, and celebrates Harlem Stage’s more than 35 years as an institution known for commissioning and presenting new, innovative work that reflects and responds to the complex conditions that shape the lives of audiences, artists, and communities of color. Harlem Stage have been an effervescent presence on the New York City arts scene, hailing and supporting artists of color from Harlem and around the world.
Proceeds from the gala will help support Harlem Stage's critical mission to commission and present works by visionary artists of color and supports the thousands of New York City school children Harlem Stage serves each year through the Frances Davis/Harlem Stage Arts Education Program.
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Photo credit: Marc Millman
The 2019 gala honored several individuals and organizations who embody Harlem Stage’s mission. I had the great pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with Noma Dumezweni, a British actress and TONY nominee (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) who was so gracious and chatted with me all night.
Later on in the night,The Philanthropy Award was presented to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), which has helped Harlem Stage fulfill its artistic mission in multiple ways, including exposing thousands of students each year to the arts, support of Harlem Stage’s first-ever international live stream event, and presenting an unprecedented five-week run of Antigone in Ferguson, a critically acclaimed theater work.
The Transformative Artist Award was given to Stew of the acclaimed band Stew and The Negro Problem. Stew is a lauded musician who traversed the musical sphere into theatre to become a TONY Award-winning playwright with his play “Passing Strange” and Notes of A Native Song, commissioned and presented in 2015 as part of Harlem Stage’s WaterWorks program.
Photo credit: Marc Millman
Photo credit: Marc Millman
The Emerging Artist Award was presented to Savannah Harris, a rising star in the jazz world. Known for her unique and technical style of drumming, she has graced the Kennedy Center stage and works with Jazz at Lincoln Center.
Patricia Cruz, Executive Director, Harlem Stage said “Our gala enables Harlem Stage and our artists to join together with our audiences, community and supporters in the contemporary struggle to realize a just, equitable and truly democratic society”
Photos by Marc Millman
For more information or events for Harlem Stage please visit : https://www.harlemstage.org/
NYSPCC’s Spring Luncheon: Making NYC a Better Place for Kids
“Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future. Those who abuse them tear at the fabric of our society and weaken our nation”-Nelson Mendela.
In the last few years, New York’s rate of child abuse and neglect complaints have been increasing. Fortunately, the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC)-one of the most respected child protection agencies in the world-stands by Mendela’s words, and is fighting against that type of domestic violence.
April 11, 2019, marked NYSPCC’s most successful year yet: The agency hosted its 8th annual Spring Luncheon, an elegant affair that aims to help raise money for NYSPCC’s new programs: Trauma Recovery, and Safe Touches. The country’s’s influencers and celebrities gathered on this occasion in the Pierre Hotel.
Welcomed in a stunning, hand-painted dome (a true masterpiece), guests handed their coats and went up the stairs towards a chic, welcome-drink-area. The waiters, presentable and friendly, were walking around with appetizers and drinks, as guests took pictures in front of the wall-of-fame, sipped from their cocktails, and savored bite-sized rolls. Then, invitees were welcomed to a breathtaking dining room: chandeliers were dangling across the venue that was designed with classical ornaments. Tables were decorated with colorful centerpieces of flowers and delicious French pastries. Everything felt like royalty.
As people started eating their Chopped Salad of Kale and Purple Cabbage, Elizabeth Mayhew and Valesca Guerrand-Hermes (NYSPCC’s Co-Chairs and Board Members), welcomed the attendees, and most importantly, their Guests of Honor: Stephanie Ruhle (NBC News Anchor), and Tara Westover (Best-Selling Author of Educated). As the TV Presenter interviewed the writer, silence ruled over the room. Everyone was engaged and touched with Tara’s inspiring life story, and her courage to leave her home where she was abused by her father, to pursue her education: “[Healing victims of child abuse] goes back to a focus on sense of self,” said Westover. “That’s what has been taken away from them. We have to try to do what we can to help them rebuild that sense of their own selves; that right to take up space. Once they have that, they will see themselves." As the best-selling author received her standing ovation, waiters served the main course: an appetizing Roasted Breast of Chicken stuffed with bulgur wheat, fingerling potatoes, and green beans. Celebrity auctioneer, Harry Santa-Olalla, entertained guests as they enjoyed their dish, and successfully raised over $400,000.
The fundraising lunch ended on the sweetest note: with berries and a honey crème fraiche, and the launch of NYSPCC’s most successful Spring Luncheon to date. The agency has been making New York a safer place since 1875, but that day, NYSPCC reached a new milestone in its noble mission.
Samaritans 10-Year Anniversary Soiree
“Everybody needs a helping hand at some point in their life, when they do, Samaritans is there!”---Samaritans
Believe it or not, Samaritans, a Suicide Prevention Center in New York City has been around for 67 years. Beginning in 1952, Samaritans created the first suicide prevention hotline in the world. And today, it has developed into a network of 400 affiliated centers in 42 countries. Over these years, Samaritans has answered over 1.3 million calls and provided 24/7 emotional support to people dealing with loss, trauma, illness, or simply need someone to talk to.
Besides the efforts of 40,000 health providers, Samaritans wouldn’t have saved so much lives from desperation without the community support, which was given a massive thank you during the Spring Soiree Anniversary.
2019 is a special year for Samaritans, with the group celebrating its 10th annual Soiree. On Tuesday, April 9, the party was held at the breathtaking 230 Fifth Empire Penthouse, a ballroom facing the majestic Empire State Building and the city’s beautiful night scene. The Soiree was kicked off with a fabulous silent auction featuring many items like the Miami Getaway journey. Winners will escape the New York cold a spend a carefree weekend at the stunning Mondrian South Beach, enjoying the local food and beverages that took them further to Mexico. I was fascinated by this idea, as it substantiated the concept of how we can relive our stress by calling the Samaritan Hotline, where warmth, love, and understandings resides.
Later in the night, Samaritans’s Board President Wes Puryear and Executive Director Alan Ross took the stage and delivered a Thank You Speech to the crowd. Some of them were attending for the first time, and some have been truth-hearted followers for the past 10 years. Audience with a great variety of identities in terms of age, race, gender, culture, occupation, and more came to celebrate the night together because the prevention of suicide, as a public health issue tied to mental health, proved the universality of people around the world. Everybody, under certain circumstances, can feel distressed and suicidal. Everyone, at certain moments in their life, needs a helping hand.
When you are in the dark, it is better to stand with people and hold their hands than stay alone. As Alan Ross said during his speech, the Soiree was a concept of Samaritan’s core value. Guests were regaled with comfort food and beverages of two open bars. There were live performances by the incredible magician John Born, who could restore the Rubik’s Cube and read your minds in less than one second. Lively music by the genre bending, Darius Christian and DJ David “Prints” Aguilar ran through the night.
The venue was lightened by twilit light bulbs in the room and city lights through the windows. As I was relishing the beef burger and sipping from the champaign, I realized that this is how life is. We can be fragile in the darkness, but we can always talk to people and treat ourselves with drinks, snack, music, and magic. Oh and maybe a getaway to Miami.
34th Annual enCourage Kids Gala
On Thursday, March 21st, 2019, the 34th Annual enCourage Kids Gala at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square was sold out to a standing room only crowd. Ryan Field, ABC 7 Sports Anchor emceed the highly attended gala and Michele Hall Duncan, CEO & President honored top real estate executives Kevin M. Donner, Executive Managing Director – Cushman & Wakefield and Jason D. Hernandez, Managing Director – Head of Originations, Debt, Americas, Nuveen Real Estate. Other notable guests included Super Bowl Champion Howard Cross, NFL Legend Erik Coleman, Singer/Songwriter/Actor DeeMo and American Boxer Monte Barrett.
During the gala, there was a beautiful presentation by a young lady named Ketrina Hazell, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at 9 months old. In a wonderful teary speech, Ketrina said, "I have never stopped dreaming big. Today, I am breaking barriers. I am a high school graduate, and I attended college for two years even though I was told I belonged in a day program." These courageous words echoed the message that no matter what hardships come your way, with persistence and hard work, you can still live your dream.
“I am overwhelmed by the generosity and support of all of the attendees this year. We raised over one million dollars,” stated Michele Hall Duncan. “The funds raised will help serve thousands of sick children across the country.” “Many thanks to all who supported the enCourage Kids 34th Annual Gala. Special thanks to our host, Ryan Field from WABC 7 who did a fantastic job helping us raise over $1 million to support our programs dedicated to helping humanize healthcare for our kids and their families! A truly special and very rewarding evening,” stated Joe Wessely, Chair enCourage Kids.
Guests enjoyed a delicious 3-course dinner, open bar and music by the Live Wire Entertainment and the Community Partner Award went to LOG-ON.
While in the hospital, there are many things that make pediatric patients feel scared and isolated. But, YOU can make a difference. Entertainers may make magic for a living, but YOU create the real magic by helping transform sickness into laughter. YOU can support by donating or attending a future event.
Looking ahead, the enCourage Kids organization will host other fun and exciting fundraising events.
Starry Night – Tuesday, May 7 – 6:30pm-9:30pm – 230 Fifth Rooftop – 230 Fifth Avenue. Hosted by the enCourage Kids Young Professionals Committee, Starry Night raises funds for vital programs that offer relief from the constant burden of treatment, hospital stays and doctor appointments for sick kids.
Serving Up Smiles – Tuesday, October 22 – A night of fine cuisine, wine, and spirits. Throughout the evening, attendees will have the opportunity to taste spectacular cuisine, world-class wines, and specialty cocktails while enjoying live music and an exciting silent auction, all to benefit enCourage Kids.
About enCourage Kids
For 34 years, enCourage Kids Foundation has helped humanize healthcare for children and their families by resourcing impact-driven pediatric programs and supporting the Child Life Community. Serving more than 400,000 children annually, our programs offer relief from the constant burden of treatment, hospital stays, and doctor appointments, while also helping pediatric facilities to meet the unique needs of their patients. enCourage Kids Foundation envisions a world where every child–regardless of the difficulty of his or her medical journey—experiences joy, hope, resilience, and healing.
Photos provided by enCourage Kids