FACE Africa 10th WASH Gala
Do you hate it when you burn your mouth while eating delicious hot food? Or when your phone charger won't reach your bed? While you are here complaining about your #firstworldproblems, there are millions of people elsewhere facing daily concerns of survival. It may seem ridiculous, but there are millions of people in the world today, who still do not have basic access to clean water and food.
This lack of access to water can be fatal, particularly for children. The absence of clean water and basic sanitation is among the leading causes of mortality among those younger than five all across Africa. Every year, FACE Africa hosts one of the largest gatherings of Africans and Friends of Africa in the movement to make a difference in their respective industries and communities, while raising money and awareness for Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) programs and facilities around the continent.
On March 24, 2019, to commemorate World Water Day, FACE Africa hosted its 10th Annual WASH Gala on Saturday March 23, at Guastavino’s New York. This landmark 10th anniversary event drew attention to the clean water epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa and raised funds for clean water initiatives.To date, FACE Africa has impacted over 150,000 people in Liberia and Nigeria, with plans to expand to Ghana, Kenya and Mozambique.
Nearly 500 guests packed the iconic venue to honor soccer legend Didier Drogba, Actress Nomzamo Mbatha, and Bozoma Saint John, CMO at Endeavor. Delivering the 2019 keynote address was Target Corp’s Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer and Vice President of Human Resources, Ms. Caroline Wanga. Honorees were presented with New York State Proclamations and VIP guests included President of the Toronto Raptors Masai Ujiri, CEO of Red Media Group Adebola Williams and Nelson Muffuh from the Executive Office of the UN Secretary-General. The event concluded with an afterparty, hosted by Tanzanian Pop Star Vanessa Mdee and performances by South African artist Moonchild Sennelly.
FACE Africa promotes the key role of the diaspora in contributing back to the continent’s development. As Gala Co-Chair Adebola Williams stated, “my mission here is to remind us all that Africa depends on [the diaspora] more than ever.” The 2019 Gala grossed $230,000 from sponsorships, gala ticket sales, donations and pledges and funds will go towards FACE Africa’s clean water advocacy and infrastructure initiatives. “As always, we were so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our sponsors, donors and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our work and mission,” said Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and CEO of FACE Africa. “It was truly a magical evening of celebration and inspiration and we’re so grateful to every single person who joined us on Saturday night.”
During the Gala, an announcement was made by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Ondo State, Nigeria on Innovation and Partnerships. The Government of Ondo State recently launched a Water and Sanitation Campaign program in which they will invest
$5.2 Million to build WASH projects across 500 communities in Ondo State in the next year. The Governor has pledged to partner with FACE Africa and double every dollar invested in the WASH sector of Ondo State to the tune of $1.4million over the next year. So next time when you’re thinking about buying that expensive bag or that fancy meal. Think about how much your contributions would help others obtain things we take for granted.
Photos by InvitedNYC
Lincoln Center Young Patrons Gala
Imagine this scene. Its night time, and the bright lights of a century old church shines bright down upon you as you are making your way up the ancient steps. Near the entrance you hear a faint choir sound which is amplified to full volume as you step foot into the Lord’s house. Welcoming you, in their full glory, is the prominent Harlem Gospel Choir projecting their beautiful sounds which echoed off the mighty high ceilings. Once inside, you're surrounded by so many different visuals. Beautiful architecture and art: statues, icons, stained glass windows. The night light going through the stained-glass windows created a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors on the walls and pillars. The place is filled with beautiful people and everyone is dressed to the nines. This scene was a reality for the hundreds of guests who attended the Lincoln Center Young Patrons Gala this past Saturday.
On March 22, the Lincoln Center Young Patrons (LCYP) hosted their annual gala at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Billed as the largest cathedral in the world, this colossal of a structure swallows its visitors and the real world suddenly feels a thousand miles away.
The gala brought together 600+ New Yorkers – a mix of current Young Patrons, prospective philanthropists, and young arts enthusiasts seeking to deepen their engagement with Lincoln Center. The evening commenced with a festive cocktail reception, in which people mingled and admired the many artworks that was put on display just for the gala. The evening was lively with beats from DJ Jenny Albright and featured powerful performances by the Harlem Gospel Choir and SugarTone Brass Band.
The night also saw a silent auction featuring generous donations from Max Mara, HeyDay, Blushington, Rent the Runway, among others. Over $280,000 was raised to support Lincoln Center’s arts education and audience development initiatives.
No better way to spend a Saturday night than connecting with culturally minded New Yorkers who celebrate, support, and promote the world’s leading performing arts center: Lincoln Center.
Photos by LCYP
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
A Feast to Remember at D'Artagnan's Fifth Annual Cassoulet War
At 7 p.m. on February 18th, lovers of French cuisine packed into the Kimpton Hotel Eventi for D’Artagnan’s Fifth Annual Cassoulet War. People circulated around the upscale hotel space to taste thirty competing chefs’ takes on the classic dish cassoulet.
A cassoulet is a French casserole dish whose main components are creamy white beans, various flavorful meats and tasty pork skin. The savory flavor and milky texture of the beans mixed with the sweet, hearty meats make the dish extremely tasty. During the Cassoulet War, each chef’s cassoulet is judged by French chefs who were experts on the dish -- although the job couldn’t have been an easy one -- all of the cassoulets were so delicious, people were often holding two or three cups of cassoulet in their hands while they made their way around to as many chefs as possible.
As attendees mingled through mouthfuls of cassoulet and sips of red wine from the open bar, everyone was jovial throughout the night. D’Artagnan’s Fifth Annual Cassoulet War was a night to remember.
Samples of cassoulet made by Gramercy Tavern’s Kyle Goldstein.
NYC's Night to Dream - Sueños 2019
In 1995, a group of students from Dartmouth went abroad to Carbarete, in the Dominican Republic. Initially, they were planning to volunteer in the local public schools for just a semester; but after experiencing one of the poorest educational systems in Latin America, the volunteers decided to establish the Dream Project, which is committed to bringing positive changes for Dominican children.
Today, this non-profit organization has developed into 27 Dream communities, and it has achieved great success by helping more than 9,000 youth across the country. A large part of this success is attributed to the contributors who make generous donations during events such as the annual Sueños benefit, where 100% of the funds go directly towards the Dream Project to help disadvantaged students in the Dominican Republic.
Sueños, a beautiful Spanish word for dreams, is Dream Project’s most important annual benefit. This year, Sueños 2019 was held at The Mezzanine in Manhattan, where philanthropists, volunteers and celebrities in the US are brought together to support and turn the dreams into reality.
Actor Taye Digg (left) and Chef Kelvin Tasting the Roasted Beef
The event was kicked off with an open bar and the network carpet full of celebrities such as Lenny Santos, Taye Diggs, Dascha Polanco, Brandon Neiderauer, Doug Wimbish, Adriano Espaillat, Albania Rosario, and Chef Kelvin. Some of the guests published their own books for children, and the others are making significant contributions in their own ways.
The venue was warmed up by the Beat Bobby Flay winner Chef Kelvin. He performed a culinary demonstration of Dominican food while telling the story of his first time trying beef tartare. He made everyone laugh, and he enabled the guests to live a moment in the Dominican Republic by bringing its exquisite culinary flavors to New York.
Among all the activities, my favorite was the music performance by the Dream Machata Academy Band formed by students travelling all the way from the Dominican Republic. Although they were not born in a community with the best education system and resources, their passion for learning and advancing was expressed through the beautiful sounds of the instruments, and it was for sure a legendary show not to be missed.
It had been an unparalleled evening for me. Seeing people across the country gather together to discuss and bring positive changes for Dominican children allowed me to see the hope underneath the dilemma. Yes we saw poverty, but this night full of food, music, and culture that made us realize that it was possible and meaningful to help close the cycle of poverty in the Dominican Republic. Personally, I learned that there are many ways to involve ourselves to charity. In addition to donation, there are million other ways to make contributions. We can listen, propose valuable advice, help raise social awareness, or simply dance and laugh with the children.
A Bite of New York - 2019 C-CAP Annual Benefit
Living in New York for 6 years, it’s no surprise that I’ve morphed into one of those jaded, judgy foodies. My daily screen time on Yelp is almost an hour, but I am still having a hard time finding the cuisines that can “wow” me. Isn’t that scary? Well, fortunately and unfortunately, I am definitely not the only New Yorker with the problem of choice paralysis. The good news is, I’ve overcome it, and the magic was done by the C-CAP 2019 Benefit Chefs.
C-CAP (Careers through Culinary Arts Program) is an incubator for future leaders of the culinary and hospitality industry. In short, it brings the best chefs to the world. As a national non-profit organization, C-CAP is committed to educating and guiding underserved high school students to a bright future by awarding $65-million in scholarship money. Honoring Chef Eric Ripert, the co-owner of the Michelin 3-Star Restaurant Le Bernardin, C-CAP held its 2019 Benefit Event at Pier Sixty .
When I opened the door to the event, I was immediately seduced by the unique and powerful aromas of food pervading the air. My first stop was the table prepared by Almond, which served incredibly delicious “Smoked Duck Tacos.” Displayed on a table adorned by sea salt, sage, star anise, and Lonicera maackii that reminded me of the summers in Mexico’s Gulf Coast, the tacos appeared to be exceptionally tempting. After my first bite, I had this strong feeling that my passion for cuisines was coming back.
Don’t think of me as an over-reactor because I was not the only one who exclaimed during the tasting. After I finished my first round, my friend arrived and asked me for recommendations. “Try the squash soup”, I said. He was skeptical, but, I dragged him to the table of Batard, where he ended up satiating himself with the creamy and delicate squash soup mixed with brown butter sabayon and brioche croutons. After one bite, he was on my side.
While sipping the superb Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, We finished the grand tour of cuisines served by 30 of New York’s top chefs including Eric Ripert, Daniel Boulud from Restaurant Daniel, and Marcus Samuelsson from Red Rooster Harlem. During a brief conversation with Chef Samuelsson while having his salmon roll in my mouth, I was impressed by his culinary talent, the local spirit of Harlem, the authenticity and diversity of Red Rooster’s creations, as well as his hospital personality.
Jason (left), Me (middle), and Chef Marcus Samuelsson (right)
After three hours of decadence, my stomach was stuffed with the best comfort food you can find in the city: The Modern’s “White Asparagus with Black Truffles over Creamy Polenta”, Estiatorio Milo’s signature “Lavraki Baked in Sea Salt”, and the “Beef Tenderloin Salad” from Porter House were just some of the dishes I went back for again and again — but no guilt here, because it was all for charity!
Chef Eric Ripert Giving a Speech
The evening featured a live and silent auction, which successfully raised a tremendous amount of funds to support students with educational and career opportunities through the culinary arts. During an interview with current students at C-CAP, they told me that this benefit event was the one of the most important moments in their lives. It not only provided them opportunities to cooperate with and learn from the top chefs in the world, but it also provided them with the financial support that is instrumental to their development.
Near the end of the event, I got myself a glass of Chardonnay and took a seat by the French windows. Sitting in one of the best venues in New York City, smelling the aromatic cuisines, enjoying Hudson River’s picturesque water views and the city lights of New York, I finally got lost in the air of romance.
Grand Gourmet - The Flavor of Midtown
On Tuesday, February 5th, Cipriani 42nd Street hosted the 2019 Grand Gourmet – The Flavor of Midtown. After a three-year hiatus, this upscale benefit event finally came back to celebrate the Grand Central Partnership's 30th Anniversary, as well as a beautiful and warm evening in NYC's February.
Located in the heart of Manhattan, Cipriani 42nd Street is a tribute to the architecture of masterpiece inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and the perfect venue for sophisticated celebrations. With towering marble columns, soaring ceilings, magnificent inlaid floor, and glorious chandeliers, it is a visual spectacle that never fails in impressing its guests with its pure beauty inherited from the old world.
This year's Grand Gourmet featured 43 upscale restaurants that represented the distinguished flavor of Midtown. Ambling among tables, I got to taste a great variety of cuisines such as the ‘BluePoint Oysters' served by Grand Central Oyster Bar, Pera's signature ‘Fresh Lamb Adana Cut Roll', ‘Black Sesame Waffle Tarts with Tuna Tartare & Spicy Mavo' from The Sea Fire Grill, and ‘Crispy Duck' by Café Centro. The delighting samples were all prepared with fresh ingredients, high quality, aromatic flowers, and creative table settings. After three hours of binge eating, my stomach was contentedly stuffed with the flavor of not only Midtown but also around the globe.
If I am asked to choose one of the highlights of Grand Gourmet, it would be the instant photo booth. The photo booth offered a unique experience where guests could dress up in chef caps and hold the giant forks. Give the camera a big smile, and let's call it a night with happiness.
I walked out of Cipriani with the best cuisine tasting experience I've ever had. Some guests were chatting with their friends and enjoying the breeze outside, having an intermission before going back for the second round. The flavor of Midtown lingered in my mind for the entire week, and I will definitely come back to it very soon, especially when Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.
5th Anniversary Call to Arms Gala
On Friday, November 30th, guests gathered in the ballroom of the Altman Building to commemorate the organization Operation: Heal our Heroes (HOH). The organization, founded back in 2014, was created by two friends, Everett Weston and Patrick Bolchoz, after tragically losing their beloved friend, former Army Captain Francis ‘Franky’ Kim to suicide. Today, HOH, works within the American Veteran population to end the epidemic of veteran suicide and has, created ing a resilient community of individuals dedicated to activism and change.
Hosted annually, the Call to Arms Gala is a fundamental opportunity in communicating the message of Heal our Heroes to the public and opening the door toward discussion. The event serves not only as a social benefit, but as a fundraiser, as 100% of proceeds from ticket sales and a silent auction are donated directly toward resource funding.
At this year’s event, mental health was an important topic of discussion. Former Marine and a current Barstool Sports spokesperson, Kate (insert last name) shared a piece of her own personal strife with mental health- and ultimately her healing. Her tone was lighthearted and comedic as she gave her speech, but her story nonetheless powerful. We were grateful to speak with Kate afterward to ask about her hope for the sole takeaway of the evening. Kate expressed her main message to be, “No shame in the mental health game... I want it to become to the point where it’s like if you’re going to bed with a sore throat you take melatonin, if you’re sick, you go to the doctor.” Kate’s hope is to normalize the idea of taking care of mental health and believes we should treat our mind the same way we would our body.
In the past, the mental health of our veterans has not been the forefront of discussion leaving our heroes without the true care they deserve. However, with the work of HOH, awareness for their silent battle has spread. Heal our Heroes has been able to provide readily available resources to those who seek them. The organization offers funding for medical care and professional guidance at the need of each veteran.
The 5th Anniversary of the Call to Arms Gala was an amazing and empowering evening -- one not to be forgotten. Tickets are available for purchase to the public, so make sure to join us next year to honor this tremendous cause and hardworking organization.
2018 Dance Magazine Awards
On Monday, December 4th, Dance Magazine celebrated their annual anticipated awards show. The 61st Awards celebration took place at The Ailey Citigroup Theater, and honored Ronald K. Brown (his award presented by Arcell Cabuag), Lourdes Lopez (presented by the Ford Foundation’s Darren Walker), Crystal Pite (presented by Sean Curran), and Michael Trusnovec (presented by Patrick Corbin). A special Leadership Award was presented to Nigel Redden by Dance Media CEO Frederic Seegal.
An emotional Misty Copeland opened the program, "I’ve just come from Arthur Mitchell’s memorial service. Celebrating a life of such incredible impact, puts so much into perspective...and a stronger understanding of my responsibility as a human, as an American, as a black woman, and as a black ballerina! We all in this room and in the dance world hold a responsibility to use what we love for good. To move the art form forward, to move and motivate one another, to transcend race, religion, and politics! Dance unifies us."
The evening included performances by Evidence, Miami City Ballet, Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, Paul Taylor Dance Company, and Gallim Dance.
Proceeds from last year's ceremony created a new grant, The Harkness Promise Award, for emerging young artists and the promise of their artistic work. The Harkness Foundation For Dance's vice president, Joan Finkelstein, announced the inaugural awardees; Raja Feather Kelly and Ephrat Asherie. The pair accepted the award together saying in unison, “we promise... not to let you down!". Proceeds from this year's Dance Magazine Awards will be applied to next year's Harkness Promise Awards.
To donate to next year's Harkness Promise Award, visit https://www.fracturedatlas.org/site/FiscalSponsorship/profile?id=17922#giving_levels
Since 1954 the Dance Magazine Awards have recognized outstanding men and women whose contributions have left a lasting impact on dance.
10th Annual Latke Festival
On Monday, December 4th, the highly anticipated 10th Annual Latke Festival returned to NYC. Having consumed lotsa latkes during the festival at the Brooklyn Musuem last night, a panel of 13 judges and 500-plus latke-loving attendees determined the winners of the culinary competition and fundraiser for The Sylvia Center. The judges declared the Hoppin' John Latke, black-eyed peas, rice and potato latke, BBQ brisket, braise collards, crispy onions from Brooklyn’s Benchmark Restaurant their favorite, naming it Best Latke – this is Benchmark’s second consecutive year for that honor, having snagged the Best Latke award at last’s year’s event.
For the two new awards at the 2018 edition of the festival, the judges cited the Falafel Latke from Kulushkat, the Brooklyn-based Middle Eastern eatery as Best Creative Latke and Dima’s Sweet & Savory Short Rib Latke, slow braised short ribs, prune reduction and micro greens from Manhattan’s venerable Veselka got the nod for Best Traditional Latke, its foundation being the 64- year-old Ukrainian restaurant’s traditional homemade latke. In a festival first, Veselka’s entry was a double winner, also named the People’s Choice Best Latke!
One of most deliciously fun and eagerly anticipated events on New York City’s Holiday Season calendar, the Latke Festival – celebrating the scrumptious versatility of the potato pancake – was presented by Great Performances, the highly-acclaimed New York-based catering and events company, as a benefit for The Sylvia Center, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching nutrition and cooking in underserved communities through hands-on experiences on the farm and in the kitchen. The evening showcased 24 latke creations, from the classic to the decadently imaginative, by chefs from such establishments as: Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola; FONDA; FryGuys; Korso; Mama O’s; The Norm; Riss’s Knishes; and White Tiger. See complete list of participants here.
The judging panel of influencers and food experts included: actress Debi Mazar and her celebrity chef husband Gabriele Corcos, hosts of Cooking Channel’s Extra Virgin; Dana Cowin, host of Heritage Radio’s Speaking Broadly (formerly long-time editor of Food & Wine); Alex Mayyasi, editor-in-chief of Gastro Obscura; David Berliner, president and COO of the Brooklyn Musuem; Tine Redwine, host of News12 CT’s “Chef’s Quick Tips;” Lee Schrager, director of the South Beach and New York City Wine & Food Festivals, and Howard Axel, CEO of Four Freedoms Park. The full list of all 13 judges can be seen here.
“We’re so grateful to the participants who brought their culinary creativity to our event. It’s very gratifying all the winners have been long time supporters of the festival and The Sylvia Center. In fact Veselka has been part of the Latke Festival all ten years of its existence,” notes Liz Neumark, the founder and CEO of Great Performances, which produces the event annually, and who also established The Sylvia Center. “It’s so intriguing how different the winning latkes were, demonstrating, once again, the myriad ways chefs can work with potato pancakes.”
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ABOUT THE SYLVIA CENTER
A nutrition education and youth development organization that works in high-need, high-potential communities to show young people and their families how to establish healthy habits that lead to happier and more productive lives. The nonprofit works with more than 2,500 young people annually across New York City’s five boroughs and in Columbia County, N.Y. Through hands-on experiences in the kitchen and at on a farm in upstate New York, students learn to prepare and enjoy healthy food made fresh, whole ingredients.
Ten students from The Sylvia Center’s “Cooks for Health” program at the Williamsburg Community Center in Brooklyn are competing in the Latke Festival this year. For more information about The Sylvia Center, please visit www.sylviacenter.org.
ABOUT GREAT PERFORMANCES:
Established in 1980 as a waitress service that provided flexible part-time employment to women pursuing careers in the arts, Great Performances (GP) has grown to become New York City’s largest privately-held full-service catering, events production and retail hospitality company. GP is particularly distinguished by a propensity for innovation, a commitment to sustainability—GP was the first and remains the only catering concern in the U.S. to own and operate an organic farm*-- and a dedication to building communities around food. GP’s roots in the arts are reflected by its exclusive partnerships with such prestigious cultural institutions as the Brooklyn Museum, BAM, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Apollo Theater and Asia Society. For more information about GP, please visit greatperformances.com.
Photo Credit: Eric Vitale Photography
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala honored Liu Dan, John S. Long, Howard P. Milstein, and Dame Jillian Sackler for their contributions to US-China relations. Co-chaired by Yue-Sai Kan and Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, the evening included performances by the U.S. China Music Institute at Bard College Conservatory and ballroom champion dancers Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva. More than 300 guests crowded the Pierre Hotel Grand Ballroom and raised nearly one million dollars.
Howard P. Milstein was honored for his generous philanthropy and for founding the Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation. Receiving the award, he said, “It’s a privilege to be able to help support the good work of the China Institute, and it is particularly meaningful because I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from many of their scholarly programs.” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney sent him a special congratulatory video.
John S. Long, founder of the Long Family Foundation, was honored for establishing the University of California Irvine Long Institute, which works to bridge a common understanding between the US and China. “I’m just delighted to be part of this,” said Long. “We do a lot of work with the second generation of Chinese here and that’s something that we and China Institute have been collaborating on.”
Dame Jillian Sackler, philanthropist and chair of the Foreign Policy Association, was recognized for her achievements in East-West cultural diplomacy, including founding the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University in Beijing. “I’m very honored to receive the Blue Cloud Award,” said Dame Jillian. “I feel like a pioneer of museums in China because I built the first teaching museum there in 1993. It was the first modern institution in the country to have state-of-the-art curatorial standards. I feel proud to have begun the realization that museums can contribute to the community.” Dame Jillian wore a gown created by Chinese designer, Guo Pei. The dress’ half-black, half-white pattern with embroidery and ink took more than 560 hours to make and was meant to symbolize a “cultural collision”, as well as Dame Jillian’s talent for bringing people together.
Liu Dan, one of China’s most significant living artists, was also honored. His award was accepted by Didi Pei. “The construction process is never truly finished because we are always looking to do more, and this is what tonight is really about,” said Pei. “It is an opportunity to highlight all that we have done and set our collective sights on what we will build moving forward.
The gala also featured a live auction by CK Swett who raised $250,000.
The China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in the US to focus exclusively on China. At the gala, their president, James Heimowitz, announced new initiatives to come, including launching the US-China Next Generation Philanthropy Initiative, providing opportunities for emerging Chinese and American philanthropists. China Institute will also begin working with Bard College
Conservatory to teach traditional Chinese music to New York City communities.
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan
Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum hosted a glamorous pre-party to kick off the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala. Made possible by Dior, the annual event supports the museum’s internationally renowned exhibitions as well as its educational and public programming. This year’s Gala honored the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and philanthropists Dimitris Daskalopoulos and Alice Walton.
In a celebratory precursor to the Gala’s Thursday night benefit dinner, nearly 600 guests filled the emblematic rotunda of the Guggenheim gallery to sip champagne, listen to music, and experience the museum’s featured exhibition: Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future. The collection showcased the Swedish artist’s colorful and abstract imagery which she deemed too radical for the early 20th century artistic sphere, keeping her works private to reserve them for future audiences.
The event in itself was a spectacle of visual culture, from the paintings of the Klint exhibition to the atmospheric purple glow of the Guggenheim spiral which, along with a colorful, interactive photo booth, presented the perfect photo opportunities for stylish celebs, many of whom wore designs by Dior. The evening was lively with beats from DJ AMRIT and featured a powerful performance by R&B singer-songwriter Jorja Smith.
The dinner on November 15 featured a menu by Gunnar Gíslason, Executive Head Chef of Agern, as well as a special performance of the oldest song in the world, the “Hurrian Hymn,” arranged by Nico Muhly and commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
Over $2 million was raised in support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, advancing a range of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and educational programs, while providing stewardship for the Guggenheim’s modern and contemporary art collection and its building.
Other guests included Maria Grazia Chiuri, Olivia Palermo, Winnie Harlow, Sofia Hublitz, Eleanor Lambert, Rebecca Dayan, Sophie Auster, Zosia Mamet, Gideon Adlon, Janet Montgomery, Anna Baryshnikov, Jon Batiste, A$AP Ferg, Sam Beckerman, Cali Beckerman, Hannah Bronfman, Juana Burga, Jessica Clements, Brendan Fallis, Daniella Garcia, Amalie Gassmann, Kat Graham, GoldLink, Gala Gonzalez, Charlotte Groeneveld, Mckenna Hellam, Anne Huntingon, Makenzie Leigh, Danny Mapes, Selah Marley, Chantal Monaghan, Harley Viera Newton, TK Quann, Cipriana Quann, Rachele Regini, Camille Rowe, Charlotte Sarkozy, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Duckie Thot, Geraldine Viswanathan, Brittany Xavier, Gemma Ward, Nicole Warne, and Tiffany Zabludowicz.
Photos by Guggenheim
About the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim constellation of museums that began in the 1970s when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, was joined by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, has since expanded to include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (opened 1997) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (currently in development). The Guggenheim Foundation continues to forge international collaborations that celebrate contemporary art, architecture, and design within and beyond the walls of the museum, including the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative, and The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative. More information about the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.
The Angel Band Project with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends
On Monday, November 12th, The Angel Band Project hosted back-to-back sold-out concerts, dubbed "An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends - A Benefit to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence”, at 54 Below. The benefit concerts began with original songs by two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz and a heartfelt introduction from Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Aaron Tveit, Jessie Mueller, Sherie Renee Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal also performed with musical direction by Michael Moritz, Jr. The night was sponsored by Rebecca, Hannah and Sarah Gang and White Honey. Survivors Hannah Tombley and Jennifer Hopper graced the stage, using their voices to share their survival stories.
All of the proceeds from the night benefitted The Angel Band Project, which provides music therapy to sexual assault survivors in New York, Seattle and St. Louis. The inspiration for the charity came from an unthinkable tragedy in 2009 in Seattle, WA when a man crept through an open window at the home of Teresa Butz and her partner, Jennifer Hopper raping and stabbing the women, Teresa fought back and according to police, her actions saved Jennifer’s life but cost her her own. After an emotional but musically-uplifting funeral service, lifelong best friends Rachel Ebeling and Jean Purcell got together with the idea of recording a CD in Teresa’s memory. Teresa’s brother Norbert Leo Butz and her surviving partner, Jennifer Hopper, joined their efforts. Their aim was simple: to capture the power in the music they heard to help others heal from the effects of sexual violence. “Take You With Me” was released in 2010 and since that time, the vision has expanded to use music therapy to directly impact the lives of survivors.
In 2014, The Angel Band Project created the groundbreaking music therapy program called Songs of Survival in St. Louis, MO. Where board-certified music therapists work with small groups of survivors as part of their healing process. In late 2016, the program expanded to include Seattle, WA, and in 2017, in collaboration with New York University’s Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, The Angel Band Project began serving survivors of sexual violence in the greater New York City area.
An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends was the first New York City fundraising effort for The Angel Band Project. All of the artists involved donated their time for this event and proceeds will be used to grow outreach efforts in the New York metro area.
“One in five women will be the victim of a sexual assault in her lifetime,” said Angel Band Project Executive Director and co-founder, Rachel Ebeling. “One of the biggest obstacles that victims of sexual assault encounter in the aftermath of being assaulted is the fear of being judged or not believed. A sense of isolation and blame is very common amongst victims of such violence. The Angel Band Project is here to show support, belief, and community for survivors. Until sexual violence is no longer tolerated, we walk in solidarity with survivors on their journey to healing.”
To learn more about The Angel Band Project visit AngelBandProject.org.
Photo Credit - Heidi Peters
Harboring Hearts Gala
On Thursday, November 7th, Harboring Hearts celebrated their annual highly anticipated gala. Harboring Hearts founder Michelle Javian, co-founder Yuki Kotani and Executive Director Missy Rahman welcomed 200 guests to a sold-out benefit evening to support heart patients and their families during their most critical times of need at The Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. The special night began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, an awards ceremony and live musical performances from Alex Getlin, Demi Grace and Broadway Star Antoine L. Smith.
Honorees included Emile Bacha, M.D., Maryjane Farr, M.D., Jack Copeland, M.D. and heart transplant recipient and official Portraitist of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Amy Sherald. Dr. Jennifer Haythe spoke about her friend and colleague Dr. Farr’s tireless efforts to help heart patients throughout her career and Elizabeth Moran shared a heartfelt story on how Dr. Bacha saved her little girl. Kevin Pemberton spoke about his partner Amy Sherald’s work after Auctioneer Paul Flores encouraged attendees to raise their paddles in support of this worthy cause. Benefit Chairs Linda J. Addonizio, M.D., Ralf J Holzer, M.D., William Cherry, Robin McArthur-Murphy and Dana Jean Constantino along with Board Members Sergio Lagunes, Sheila McCaffrey, Ryan Melkonian, Jessica Melore, Hope Geier Smith and Russell G. Tisman welcomed special guests including Fashion Designer Derek Lam, Elizabeth Rosecrans and Vincent Geiss. Harboring Hearts extended a special thank you to the LiveOnNY Foundation for a game-changing grant they provided this year.
The night raised over $280,000 for Harboring Hearts, a 501 (c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing critical financial and emotional assistance for heart patients and their families. In 2008, Michelle Javian lost her father to heart disease. For two years while she was by her father’s side at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Michelle witnessed firsthand the lack of refuge and community support for heart patients and their families. Around the same time, Yuki Kotani’s father was in the same hospital, under the same surgeon, awaiting a heart transplant after years of battling heart disease. Michelle approached Yuki with the idea to create a charity to help these families and on April 10, 2009, the 1-year anniversary of Michelle’s father’s passing, Harboring Hearts received notice of their official 501c3. For more information, visit www.harboringhearts.org
Photos Credit: Jordan Rathkopf
NYSPCC Food & Wine Gala
On Wednesday, November 7th, The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC) held its sixth annual Food & Wine Gala Tuesday night at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose world-renowned Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Estiatorio Milos was the 2017 winner of The Concierge Choice Awards’ International Cuisine category, designed a one-of-a-kind menu for guests, and also donated all food. The exquisite cuisine was paired with world-class wines provided by George Spiliadis, Founder of Cava Spiliadis.
Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville, who is also a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, served as the evening’s host while Mary Pulido Ph.D, Executive Director of The NYSPCC, gave an inspirational speech about The NYSPCC’s work championing New York’s most vulnerable. Renowned auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla led the gala’s reverse auction, which raises crucial funding for The NYSPCC’s Trauma Recovery Program. The program offers a specialized therapeutic program for children, ages 5-18, who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, neglect, traumatic bereavement, or who have witnessed family violence. The Food & Wine Gala is one of the major fundraising events for The NYSPCC; the other being the annual Spring Luncheon, which in April 2018 featured an emotional guest speech by Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney.
“We are the first line of defense for vulnerable children and their families in New York City,” said Dr. Pulido, who delivered a powerful speech about The NYSPCC’s work. “Our Trauma Recovery Program provides life-saving counseling to children who have suffered unthinkable abuse, and we’re so grateful to everyone who attended this crucial event and contributed to their rescue and recovery.”
Additional VIP attendees included Vicky Cornell, the widow of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, President of The NYSPCC’s Board Karl Wellner, Board Member Dr. Penny Grant, Gilligan’s Island star Tina Louise, Delicatessen’s Executive Chef Michael Ferraro, who provided The NYSPCC’s exclusive Food & Wine Gala menu in 2017, Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services David Hansell, business executive and former Reuters CEO Tom Glocer and his wife, NYSPCC Board Member Maarit Glocer and New York Jets offensive tackle Brent Qvale.
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) is one of the most highly respected child protective agencies in the world. Founded in 1875, the NYSPCC helps the most vulnerable children of our community recover from trauma. And, more importantly, it helps prevent child abuse through its work with parents, teachers, children and foster care agencies. The NYSPCC’s amazing work is used as a model for child abuse prevention centers across the nation. The NYSPCC has investigated more than 650,000 cases on behalf of over two million children and has educated over 47,000 professionals working with children on child abuse and neglect issues. http://www.nyspcc.org.
YAGP 20th Anniversary Kick Off
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) celebrated their 20th Anniversary Season with a cocktail party at the New York residence of Jean Shafiroff. YAGP alumni dancers attending included Kimin Kim (Mariinsky Ballet), Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet), Sasha De Sola (San Fransisco Ballet), Angelo Greco (San Francisco Ballet), Calvin Royal III (American Ballet Theatre) as well as Mariinsky Ballet's Xander Parish,Viktoria Tereshkina, Anastasia Nuikina, Maria Khoreva, Daria Ionova, Yuri Fateev, and Joffrey Ballet's Artistic Director Ashley Wheater.
The hostess greeted her guests in a hot pink Oscar de la Renta dress. The late-night soiree followed a performance of the Balanchine Festival at City Center and went into the wee hours with dancers and ballet patrons sipping champagne around her dining table.
Guest included YAGP board members Sergey Gordeev, Suzanne Hall, Judith M. Hoffman, Christina Lyon, Linda K. Morse, Richard Osterweil, Howard Paley, Elizabeth Papadapoulos, Susan and Greg Pappajohn, and John Sills as well as Edgar Batista, Delin Bru, Valentino Carlotti, Sue Dorn, Joanna Fisher, Marjorie and Ellery Gordon, Peter Hay Halpert, Cathy Hardwick, Sharon King Hoge, Michèle Gerber Klein, Aimee Maroney, Wendy Moonan, Cole Rumbough, Sana Sabbagh, Andrew Martin Weber, and Hal J. Witt.
Youth America Grand Prix is the largest global network of dance. YAGP fulfills its mission of dance education through scholarship auditions, master classes, alumni services, performances, educational and outreach activities. 2019 is YAGP's 20th Anniversary season! Over the past 20 years the organization has provided opportunities to 80,000 dancers worldwide and have gifted talented young dancers more than $3.5 million in scholarships to leading dance schools and companies around the world.
Today, more than 10,000 young dancers – ages 9 to 19 – audition annually. 450 Youth America Grand Prix alumni are now dancing with 80 professional companies around the world. 100 of these alumni are soloists and principal dancers. The organization was founded by Larissa Saveliev, who trained at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and toured throughout the world, before defecting to the United States in 1995.
Photo Credit: Credit: Mark Sagliocco For PMC
Mercado Global Fashion Forward
On Thursday, November 1st, the 6th annual Fashion Forward Celebration was held on at The Bowery Hotel. The annual benefit raised funds and awareness for the work Mercado Global does to empower women entrepreneurs.
At the ceremony, Yael Aflalo, Founder of Reformation, received the 2018 Global Impact Award, presented by Lyndsey Butler; Karla Martinez de Salas, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico & Latin America, received the 2018 Fashion Forward Visionary Award presented by Alexi Lubomirski; and Alida Boer, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur, received the 2018 Ambassador Award, presented by Aaron Diaz.
“At a time when the challenges facing women and families in Central America has been front and center in the news, it was so inspiring to see so many New Yorkers out in support of our work,” says Mercado Global Founder Ruth DeGolia, of the special evening. “The generosity and support of New York’s fashion, finance and philanthropic communities is unbelievable.”
Guests enjoyed Latin-themed chef's tables and cocktails prepared by Baby Brasa Organic Peruvian Cuisine, Toloache, Llamita, and specialty cocktails by Tabernero Pisco, Santera Tequila, Se Busca Mezcal and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Mercado Global is a Brooklyn-based accessory brand and non-profit that empowers rural Latin American women to become entrepreneurs. Through donor-funded business education and leadership programs, we help women create community businesses to support themselves and their families. By designing collections for the international market while using traditional local weaving techniques, we are changing the status quo for women, communities, and the industry.
DeGolia continues: “It was inspiring to see so many New Yorkers come together in support of our work giving a hand up to women and families in Central America. At a time when these women and families face so many challenges, the support and generosity for our Central American neighbors that the New York Community showed last night filled me with optimism and hope.”
It was a wonderful night full of generosity and fun.
Photos courtesy of Mercado
25th Living Landmarks Gala
On November 1, 2018, The New York Landmarks Conservancy hosted its 25th Living Landmarks celebration at The Plaza Hotel. This year’s honorees were: Christie’s Americas chairman emeritus Stephen S. Lash, garden designer Lynden B. Miller, philanthropists Liz and Jeffrey Peek, actress/dancer/singer Chita Rivera, Dr. Thomas Sculco, Publicolor founder Ruth Lande Shuman, Columbia University president Michael I. Sovern, and former MTA Chair Peter Stangl. The sold-out event raised $1.3 million.
Landmark’s president Peg Breen opened the program and introduced the evening’s master of ceremonies, himself a Living Landmark, David Patrick Columbia. Music was provided by another Living Landmark Peter Duchin and his Orchestra. Living Landmarks Arie L. Kopelman and Leonard Lauder served as Honorary Co-Chairs for the evening.
The recipient’s speeches were witty in their own way. Stephen Lash turned his into a live auction. The much-loved philanthropists Liz and Jeff Peek had the crowd in stitches with a David Letterman-style list: "The great thing about being a Living Landmark…is that it sure beats the alternative.” In a moving tribute to her life’s work, Ruth Lande Shuman accepted her award alongside three Publicolor alumni. These students were the first in their families to graduate from high school and college. Dr. Thomas Sculco received praise for giving fellow indomitable honoree Chita Rivera a hip replacement. Michael Sovern's long list of boards and charities drew applause. Peter Stangl recalled the help of Jaqueline Onassis in the restoration of Grand Central Station.
Guests who gathered to celebrate the year’s extraordinary honorees included: Renee and Robert Belfer, Stacey Bronfman, Ellie and Edgar Cullman, Jr., Mayor David Dinkins, Fe and Alessandro Fendi, Carole Bailey French and John French, Barbara and Peter Georgescu, Yaz and Valentine Hernandez, Marlene Hess and James Zirin, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Lewis B. Cullman, Harold Koda and Alan Kornberg, Margo Langenberg, Linda Lindenbaum, Gregor Medinger, Sylvester Miniter, Laura and John Pomerantz, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Emilia Saint-Amand, Barbara and John Schumacher, Jeanne and Alexander Sloane, Judy Steinhardt, Elizabeth Stribling and Guy Robinson, Patsy and Jeff Tarr, Elizabeth and James Tozer, Lauren and John Veronis, Sandy and Stan Warshawsky, Sue Ann Weinberg, and Candace King Weir.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy honors distinguished New Yorkers as “Living Landmarks” for their contributions to the City. The Landmarks Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and protecting the iconic buildings and diverse neighborhoods that define this extraordinary City. It is the only private organization providing both financial and technical support in this effort.
Photos by James Salzano
ARDI and U.S. Air Force Academy Cocktails
ARDI COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION 2018 BFA
On Thursday, November 1st, ARDI: The Academic Excellence Foundation hosted their first ever Cocktails & Conversation event in New York City at the iconic Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The ARDI illustrious visiting professors and programs provide the cadets with real-world challenges and insights, exposing them to diverse viewpoints and ideas that enrich their world-class education.
ARDI COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION 2018 BFA
The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of ARDI’s mission to enhance academic excellence at the United States Air Force Academy through the perpetual endowment of distinguished visiting professorships and support of other programs and initiatives that cover academic disciplines ranging from Arabic Studies and Economics to Professional Ethics and Space Systems Engineering. For more than 30 years, ARDI's ultimate goal is to build their endowment to provide an endowed ARDI professor in all 27 academic departments at the Academy.
Guests delighted in cocktails and passed bites as they had the opportunity to network with senior leadership from the United States Air Force Academy, ARDI executives and board members, and fellow supporters.
The evening also featured remarks by ARDI President, Mick Erdle, NYC Commissioner of Veteran Affairs, Brig. Gen. (ret) Loree Sutton, MD, and the honorable guests from the Academy.
Product donors for this event included Salute American Vodka, which supports American heroes through the sale of high-quality, American-made craft spirits, as well as Luminox, the notable Swiss high-performance watch brand.
All photos by BFA
About ARDI: The Academic Excellence Foundation:
Since its inception in 1984, ARDI has had one singular focus and mission. ARDI strives to support and fortify academic excellence at the United States Air Force Academy by providing perpetually endowed academic chairs.
ARDI solicits tax-exempt donations to endow distinguished visiting professorships honoring great military and civilian leaders, past and present, selected by the major donors. ARDI intends to establish an endowed chair in each USAFA academic department. ARDI currently contributes approximately $1,009,000 each year in indirect support to USAFA through the endowed chair program and ancillary academic activities.
ARDI was co-founded by Brig Gen Philip J. Erdle, USAF (Ret) (a former Vice Dean of the Faculty and Permanent Professor Emeritus) and Maj Gen William Lyon, USAF (Ret), in consultation with the Honorable Verne Orr, Secretary of the Air Force. ARDI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Colorado and headquartered in Colorado Springs.
For more information, please visit http://www.ardifoundation.org/.
11th Annual Holiday House NYC
On Tuesday, October 23rd, the highly acclaimed Holiday House NYC kicked off at their luxurious, new 13,000 sq. foot limestone townhouse at 118 East 76th. The Opening Night Gala offered industry insiders and distinguished guests a first glimpse at the magnificently re-imagined townhouse.
Over 20 talented design firms transformed each room of the newly-built 32-foot-wide mansion, creating extravagantly appointed spaces and innovative designs loosely inspired by “holiday” themes, such as a “Getaway in Paris,” the “Crysthanamum Festival” and the “Modern Royal.”
The show house, which opened its doors to the public on October 24 at Upper East Side on one of New York’s most beautiful blocks, was founded by 21-year veteran breast cancer survivor Iris Dankner.
“We are delighted to be honoring our dear friends and colleagues Design Chairs Thom Filicia, Carson Kressley and Vicente Wolf and our inspiring Honorary Chair Tracy Anderson. We are incredibly grateful to Richard Steinberg and Douglas Elliman for providing our gifted designers with such a marvelous canvas on which to work for the 11th edition of Holiday House NYC. Together we are building awareness about and funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation,” says Ms. Dankner.
“We applaud Iris and the design community’s ongoing support of our organization. The extraordinary talent on display in Holiday House and the design community’s commitment give us meaningful capacity to fuel progress,” says Myra Biblowit, President & CEO of BCRF.
Holiday House NYC donates all gala and ticket sales proceeds to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF), and has become one of the City’s leading interior design events.
ABOUT THE BREAST CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION® The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF) is dedicated to being the end of breast cancer by advancing the world's most promising research. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, BCRF-funded investigators have been deeply involved in every major breakthrough in breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and survivorship. This year, BCRF will award $59.5 million to support the work of more than 275 scientists at leading medical and academic institutions across 15 countries, making BCRF the largest private funder of breast cancer research worldwide. BCRF is the highest rated breast cancer organization in the U.S.—the only one with an "A+" from CharityWatch and Charity Navigator’s highest rating of four stars. Visit www.bcrf.org to learn more.
Photo courtesy of HHNYC