A Record-Breaking Night at The Plaza: Honoring Art, Community, and Casita Maria

The Plaza Hotel buzzed with glamour and generosity as guests gathered for one of New York City’s most anticipated events: the annual Fiesta Gala, benefiting the Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education. Celebrating its 92nd anniversary, the sold-out benefit became the highest-grossing Fiesta Gala in the organization’s history.

Chaired by Jackie Weld Drake, Jean Shafiroff, and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, the evening stayed true to its signature style: brief speeches, high-energy dancing to the Bob Hardwick Sound, and a shared passion for empowering local youth through the arts.

92 Years of Nurturing Dreamers in the Bronx and East Harlem

Founded in 1934, Casita Maria is the oldest charitable organization serving New York City’s Latino community. Based in the South Bronx, it offers free arts education, academic support, paid teen apprenticeships, and career-readiness programs to thousands of young people each year.

Executive Director Felix Urrutia noted that for 33,790 days, Casita Maria has been the heartbeat of East Harlem and the South Bronx, giving dreamers, doers, and storytellers a place to thrive. Co-Chair Jackie Weld Drake added that community support directly improves quality of life for underserved youth, opening doors to new opportunities.

A $200,000 High Energy Paddle Raise

A major highlight came from Vice Chair Ben Rodriguez Cubeñas, who received the Jackie Weld Drake Living Legend Award. Taking the stage, he announced a new $100,000 grant from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and challenged attendees to match it on the spot.

The crowd immediately delivered. Led by auctioneer Paul Florez, an enthusiastic paddle raise generated over $200,000 in minutes to fund Casita Maria’s youth programs.

Honoring Champions of Culture and Community

The gala also celebrated two other standout figures:

Hunt Slonem: The world-renowned artist, famous for his vibrant paintings of bunnies and butterflies hanging in The Met and Guggenheim, was recognized for his artistic legacy and 35 years of dedicated support for Casita Maria.

Sonia Gutt de Haime: A revered philanthropist across healthcare, education, and the arts, Gutt de Haime was presented her award by her son, Daniel Haime Gutt, in recognition of her lifelong devotion to community service.

A Living Legacy of Stars and Supporters

Over the decades, Fiesta has honored a lineup of cultural icons including Audrey Hepburn, Oscar de la Renta, Gloria Estefan, and Baz Luhrmann.

This year’s guest list featured Board Members George Corton, Alberto Mariaca, Patrick Moran, Gautam Patel, Darlyn Portes, and Thomas Quick, alongside prominent attendees like Frederick Anderson, Sharon Bush, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Fe and Alessandro Fendi, Juan Montoya, and Gigi and Adrienne Vittadini.

From record-breaking fundraising to a packed dance floor, the night was an unforgettable celebration of community, culture, and the next generation of leaders.

For further information https://www.casitamaria.org/