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Jean Shafiroff Host’s Thanksgiving Party Dedicated to Mission Society of NYC

Adora Henson
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Jean Shafiroff Host’s Thanksgiving Party Dedicated to Mission Society of NYC

On Monday, November 21st  Philanthropist, author, advocate, TV host, and fashion influencer, Jean Shafiroff hosted a holiday celebration with all her closest friends and family to help raise money for Mission Society of NYC. Jean has sat on the board of the Mission Society since 2014.

Throughout the party guests including Martin Shafiroff, Rita Cosby, John Catsimatidis, Aleks Mehrle, Aline Mehrle, Dr. Lee Philips, Martha Stine, Guy Stanley, Jonathan De Winter, Victor De Souza, Malan Breton, Janna Bullock, Michael Adams, Bill McCuddy, Jackie Weld Drake, Lee Fryd, Susan L. Taylor, heavy weight gold medal boxing champion Michael Spinks, Liliana Cavendish, Tony Bowles, Gloria Lee, Dee Rivera, Flo Anthony, Terry Corbett, and Randi Schatz enjoyed champagne and passed hors d’oeuvres provided by Cornelia Guest Catering. Midway through the night, Jean took the floor to speak about how thankful she was for her friends, family, and the blessings that life has provided her, before speaking about the importance of donating to the Mission Society that night.

The Mission Society began in 1812 to provide food, clothing, and other materials to the urban poor of the 19th century in New York City. The organization has continued to evolve over the years through what the main concerns were in the city. Currently the organization is focused on ending multigenerational poverty by facilitating academic enrichment, college access, and workforce development in Harlem and at 12 public school programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Since their beginning, Mission Society of NYC has provided life-changing opportunities to over 6.5 million New Yorkers and continues to reach approximately 5,500 children and parents each year. 

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff is a philanthropist, humanitarian, TV host, writer, and the author of the book “Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give”. Jean has often been called the first lady of philanthropy by many publications because of her generosity and hard work as a philanthropic leader. She serves on the boards of many charitable organizations and each year chairs upwards of eight different charity galas. Among the many causes she champions are those involved in women’s rights, rights of underserved populations, health care, and animal welfare.

Jean serves on the boards of the American Humane, The New York Women’s Foundation, Southampton Hospital Association, NYC Mission Society, Couture Council of the Museum at FIT, French Heritage Society, Casita Maria, Global Strays, and Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation Honorary Board. A Catholic, she has served on the board of the Jewish Board for 28 years and now is one of their honorary trustees.

 Jean served as the national spokesperson for the American Humane’s “Feed the Hungry” Covid-19 program, an initiative that raised $1,000,000 to provide food for over 1,000,000 animals living in 109 different shelters across the United States.  She is the Ambassador for the Southampton Animal Shelter. 

For her philanthropy Jean has been honored many times by groups including the American Humane, Stony Brook Southampton Hospital, American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, French Heritage Society. New York City Mission Society, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, Samuel Waxman Cancer Research, Operation Warrior Shield, Al Sharpton’s National Action Network, the Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, Animal Zone International, Health Advocates for Older People, Youth Counselling League, the NYC International Film Festival Foundation, the Jewish Board, and the Hadassah. In December 2020 Dan’s Paper named her Philanthropist of the Year at their Long Island Power Women’s Award Ceremony. On September 22, 2022, Shafiroff received a Proclamation naming her the” First Lady of Philanthropy of New York” from NYS Assemblymember Rebecca Seawright representing the New York State Assembly. On November 17, 2022, Jean received a Congressional Recognition in the Congressional Record of the 117th Congress.  This was presented to her by NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright on behalf of Carolyn Maloney and the 117th Congress. 

Jean is the producer and host of the television show “Successful Philanthropy” which airs six times weekly through LTV studios in East Hampton, NY, and then several times each week on Sun20TV in Southampton, NY. On her TV program Jean interviews politicians, celebrities, business leaders, philanthropic leaders, and has even interviewed a U.S. presidential candidate.

Jean Shafiroff is passionate about style and fashion.   She owns a large collection of both couture and ready-to-wear designer ball gowns that she plans to donate to a museum one day.  The collection includes many gowns by Malan Breton, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Mary McFaddan, Victor dE Souza, Zang Toi, B Michael and a number of other designers.  

Jean Shafiroff earned an MBA in Finance from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in Physical Therapy from the College of Physicians and Surgeons. She worked on Wall Street in public finance and private partnerships.  Before that she worked as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital in NYC.

Jean Shafiroff has over 1.000,000 instagram followers where she promotes positivity, philanthropy, and her love of fashion. 

Follow Jean Shafiroff on social media:

 I: @JeanShafiroff 

F: @JeanShafiroff

T: @JeanShafiroff

Website: www.jeanshafiroff.com

About The Mission Society of NYC:

The Mission Society began in 1812 to provide food, clothing, and other forms of material assistance to the urban poor of 19th century New York City. Over time, our outreach adapted to the evolving needs of our neighbors – from offering aid to a growing and diverse immigrant population to serving the city’s Black and Latinx communities. Two centuries later, we remain active in the lives of many New Yorkers by providing transformative educational programming for K-12 students from low-income households.

A foundational charity in New York City history, the Mission Society has been a trailblazer, engaging with the diverse population of a growing metropolis through innovative service programs. In 1965, the Minisink Townhouse opened at 646 Malcolm X Boulevard on the original site of the Cotton Club, bringing most of our educational programs under one roof and creating a vibrant community center in the heart of the neighborhood.

Today, the Mission Society is committed to ending multigenerational poverty by unlocking the potential of the city’s most underserved families. We facilitate academic enrichment, college access, and workforce development programs in Harlem and at 12 public school programs in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Since our founding, we have provided life-changing opportunities to over 6.5 million New Yorkers and continue to reach approximately 5,500 children and parents each year.

For more information, please visit https://www.missionsociety.org/

Visual Artist Vincent Peters Presents Art is Dead

Adora Henson
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Visual Artist Vincent Peters Presents Art is Dead

(New York, NY – November 16, 2022) – Visual artist Vincent Peters known as ÆTHELSTAN has partnered with Decree349R, a non-profit organization created to counter Decree 349 in Cuba, which forbids artists from creating any type of music or art without the government’s permission, to present the Art is Dead collection.

The Art is Dead exhibition is free to the public and will be on view for Miami Art Week at Art Hood 56 in Miami from December 1st through December 5th. On December 1st only, Peters will also showcase his one-of-a-kind AI Marilyn piece, a recreation of Marilyn Monroe’s only high quality audio interview.  

Peters, who is a former Elon Musk SpaceX and Starlink alum, connected with Decree349R’s board members Elis Pacheco, Amaury Pacheco and Luis Eligio Perez, who reached out about creating this collection to help the families of the artists in prison, including Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, one of Time Magazine’s Top 100 Most influential people in 2021 and Cuban performance artist, and Maykel Castillo, a Latin Grammy winning rapper. Both are members of the San Isidro Movement, where artists have banned together to protest against the government’s increased censorship of artistic expression in Cuba. 

The collection was inspired by the conversations that Peters had with these two imprisoned artists to showcase the breadth of the damage and impact Decree 349 had on the Cuban artist community. Art is Dead features 18 acrylic and oil pastel paintings with works including Free Art and Estatua de  la  libertad  Threats. The first work entitled Flames was sold to actor and rapper Ice-T, who was embroiled in a freedom of speech saga in 1992 and is now the spokesperson for the movement.

The artist will also feature select works from his other collections at his studio within the Art Hood 56 complex. Highlighted works will include The Crying, Not Okay, We are Insignificant and Anti Imperialism.

100% of the profits from Art is Dead will go to support artists through Decree349R and Art Hood 56 is located at 5600 NW 7th Avenue in Miami, Florida.

Events:

VIP Art Basel Event (Free)

Thursday, December 1st from 7pm – 11pm

Panel Discussion and Immersive Art Lunch

Saturday, December 3rd from 1pm – 4pm

General Admission (Free)

December 1st – December 5th

11am – 4pm

For PR inquiries, contact R. Couri Hay or Sarah Gartner at R. Couri Hay Creative PR T: (212) 580-0835 E: Couri@rcourihaycpr.com | Sarah@rcourihaycpr.com

ABOUT Vincent Peters

Vincent Peters is a former alum of Elon Musk’s SpaceX and Starlink companies.  He studied engineering, Ai and Blockchain at West Point, Oxford and MIT.  The success that he found with the blockchain and the NFT spaces afforded him the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to the arts.His media is paintings with acrylic paint and oil stick He has two main styles of artistic expression: one being neo expression paintings made for current and in the now events and hyper realistic paintings/portraits of customers and well-known individuals.

Vincent is also the CEO and Founder of Inheritance Art, an artificial intelligence and animation laboratory focused on creating hyper realistic and volumetric intelligent content. Over the next three years, inheritance Art aims to become a top leader in the NFT/ intelligent NFT space supported by our studio for mixed reality and hyper realistic productions.

He is a technologist at heart and most of my creations are in the not-so-distant future.  The reason he makes art is to more clearly share my vision of the future and to commentate with as little words possible on things that are going on in the world.

AMEŌN & Founder Alina Mehrle Hosts Private Event to Benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Adora Henson
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AMEŌN & Founder Alina Mehrle Hosts Private Event to Benefit Breast Cancer Research Foundation

(November 1, 2022– New York, NY) – On October 26th, Alina Mehrle, breast cancer survivor and the founder of thae innovative new skincare brand AMEŌN hosted a private event at Café Kitsune for a night of music, drinks, and wellness to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF).

Over 75 guests including Aleks Mehrle, Sharon Huang, Xander Sim, David Sansone, Gabriel Barse, Obi Anyanwu, Olana OConnor, Kim Bhasin, Devin Wheeler, Devin McKenzie, Rafayel Moshin, Pia Lindsay, Yana Bononi, Pulkit Jaiswal, Camille Meon, Diana Mishka, Marcelo Zimmler, attended the intimate gathering, where music was presented by DJ Gale Scott. Guests were able to meet with AMEŌN’s esthetician and try out and purchase products from the company’s trailblazing skincare line. AMEŌN, which Mehrle developed after chemotherapy left her skin fragile and dehydrated, has pioneered a cutting- edge 3-step cryoritual with five core products activated by Frozen Essence to awaken and unveil youthful, glowing and clear skin.

The night also featured photos from AMEŌN’s collaboration with Paris-based photographer Vlad Zorin entitled “Live, United by Ice.” Vlad was recently named by the Royal Photographic Society as one of 6 young photographers to watch.  The collaboration makes a powerful statement about the freedom of love and features a Ukrainian and Russian man living in Paris.

100% of all proceeds from the event went to BCRF to raise critical funds for breast cancer research.

Carlton Fine Arts Presents Mr. Brainwash

Adora Henson
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Carlton Fine Arts Presents Mr. Brainwash

Carlton Fine Arts is pleased to announce an exhibition featuring new artworks by Mr. Brainwash. On view from November 17th through December 16th at Carlton Fine Arts Ltd. located at 543 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10022.

A colorful collection of original paintings, mixed media on paper, found objects and sculptures by MBW, the famous contemporary artist that for more than a decade has brought art to the masses through street art, television appearances, music albums artwork, and art and design collaborations with pop culture titans such as Marvel Comics creator Stan Lee, among many other legends.

Our gallery director Charles Saffati and his associate Claude Pardo will host an artist reception on November 16th to celebrate the new exhibition.

Ever since his very early street art days, Mr. Brainwash has been pushing the boundaries of contemporary art by stating that there are “no rules in life”. His rise to fame was detonated when Exit Through the Gift Shop, an Academy-nominated documentary, was released. A film produced by Banksy where Mr. Brainwash’s transition from film maker to street artist is documented, a visual artist emerged. 

Mr. Brainwash is recognized as one of the most prominent pop artists in the contemporary art scene, and his work can be found on the album covers of Madonna, Rick Ross, and KYGO, as well as in popular TV shows such as Shameless and Keeping Up with The Kardashians. He has exhibited his art in solo and collective exhibitions across the globe and has remained a permanent resident of Miami Art Basel.

A committed activist, Mr. Brainwash uses his passion to give back to the community. He has donated artwork in support of the Los Angeles LGBT Center, partnered with RED to raise AIDS awareness, and honored 9/11 victims through a commemorative mural. He even teamed up with Michelle Obama to support her organization “Let Girls Learn,” whose goal is to help girls ascend and complete school.

The Mr. Brainwash Exhibition will be on display with all works available for purchase at Carlton Fine Arts Ltd. 543 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10022 location.

Exhibition hours are Mondays – Thursdays: 10 AM – 6 PM; Fridays: 10 AM – 4 PM; Saturdays: Closed; Sundays: 11 AM – 6 PM and by appointment.

For those interested in checking out the exhibition outside of open hours, appointments can be scheduled by calling 212-593-2800 or email: info@carltonfa.com. Visit hcp://carltonfa.com/ , for more information.

ABOUT CARLTON FINE ARTS

Carlton Fine Arts locations are nestled on Madison Avenue and 5th Avenue in the Upper East Side of New York City showcasing the highest quality Pop Art and Modern Masters from across the world in their five-level flagship gallery. Gaining their start in 1969, Carlton Fine Arts is a family owned and operated business.

Carlton Fine Arts Ltd. is located at 543 Madison Ave and 689 Fifth Ave in New York, NY.

GLA GLOBAL GALA 2022 in New York City Hosted by Global Lyme Alliance

Adora Henson
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GLA GLOBAL GALA 2022 in New York City Hosted by Global Lyme Alliance

Global Lyme Alliance (GLA), the leading nonprofit dedicated to conquering Lyme and other tick-borne diseases held the GLA GLOBAL GALA 2022 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York City.

The event raises Lyme disease awareness and funds for research to improve diagnostics and treatments and ultimately find a cure for Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. The spectacular and one-of-a-kind gala was a night to remember for invited celebrities, business leaders, and top scientists alike.

The evening’s honored guests included Kim & Atty Cleworth, A mother and daughter who have been impacted by Lyme. They are also Executive Producers of the film, I’m Not Crazy I’m Sick. An exclusive preview was shown to the audience of the documentary about their struggle.

To watch a video preview of I’m Not Crazy I’m Sick please visit: https://bit.ly/3CCTjft

A highlight of New York’s philanthropic calendar, this year’s event raised more than $1.85 million to advance GLA’s mission to conquer Lyme. A live auction led by Jason Lamoreaux auctioned items including a trilogy of sports events, travel experiences and a golf weekend with professional Jimmy Walker for which bidding was keen. The GLA has gained national prominence for funding the most promising research in the field.

The evening program began with cocktails and dinner, a video contribution by Debbie Gibson, and speech by Broadway Star Ashley Loren, on the impact that Lyme disease has had on their lives. The event was hosted by master of ceremonies Rosanna Scotto, Co-Host of FOX 5 “Good Day New York.” The evening also featured an exceptional live performance by Recording Artist Pia Toscano and later in the night, Erich Bergen, Star of Madam Secretary and both the stage and screen versions of Jersey Boys.

Celebrated event planner Larry Scott of Lawrence Scott Events produced the gala experience by donating his designs and décor to the virtuous cause for the fourth year in a row, showcasing his long-standing dedication to the Lyme community.

Notable Attendees included: Kim Cleworth & Atty Cleworth (Honorees), Rosanna Scotto (Master of Ceremonies), Erich Bergen (Entertainment), Pia Toscano (Recording Artist), Larry Scott (Lawrence Scott Events), Ashley Loren (Broadway Star), Chris Meloni (Actor), Kelley Flanagan and Peter Weber (TV’s The Bachelor), Margaret Josephs and Joe Benigno (Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ)), Dolores Catania (Real Housewives of New Jersey (RHONJ)), Jennifer Fessler, Nicole Miller (Fashion Designer), Lindsay Solmer (Influencer), Alexa Laura (Influencer), Gina Valles (Influencer), Mar Jennings (TV Show Host), Jon James Stavola (Artist).

The Co-Chairs for the event include Rose Anastasio, Amy Balducci, Charles Balducci, Diane M. Blanchard, Robert Kobre, Brett Kristoff, Jarrod Nadel, Lorrie Nadel, Paul B. Ross, Larry Scott, Erin Walker and Jimmy Walker.

A thank you to our sponsors: Ackerley Family Foundation, Karen & Bob Kelly, David Nolan Foundation, Robert & Nancy Del Genio, Robert & Cheryl Kobre, Steven & Clarissa Lefkowitz, Malcolm & Dana McAvity, Steph & Tim Busch, Kenzie & Collin Vath, Cahill Gordon & Reindell LLP, CBRE, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP, Credit Suisse, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP, Brett & Mark Kristoff, Latham & Watkins LLP, Lois J. Liberman & Paul B. Ross, Milbank LLP, Brent & Regan Patry, The Peetz Family Fund, Quidel Corporation

About the Global Lyme Alliance

The Global Lyme Alliance (GLA) is the leading 501(c)(3) dedicated to conquering Lyme disease through research, education, awareness and patient services. GLA has gained national prominence for funding some of the most urgent and promising research while expanding education and awareness programs for the general public and physicians. We support patients through our patient services program and those around the globe needing information about tick-borne diseases.

Hope for Depression Research Foundation Celebrates Launch of Junior Committee in New York City

Adora Henson
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Hope for Depression Research Foundation Celebrates Launch of Junior Committee in New York City

(New York, NY –October 26, 2022) – Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), the country’s leading depression research organization, celebrated the official launch of the New York City Junior Committee at Doubles on Wednesday night.

The invitation-only kickoff reception was hosted by HDRF Founder and Chair Audrey Gruss and Elizabeth Meigher, Chair of the newly formed committee, an energetic group of young professionals and parents dedicated to the future of mental health care in their communities.

Elizabeth Meigher said: “Depression is something that in some form touches everybody and it’s something that’s affected me, so thank you all for being here tonight. Since the pandemic, depression directly affects one out of three Americans and indirectly affects everybody.”

Meigher then introduced a short video, where HDRF’s acclaimed Depression Task Force, an international consortium of top neuroscientists from different universities, who are compiling data and expertise to accelerate research, shared the organization’s vital mission.

Audrey Gruss said: “Our Depression Task Force’s collaborative effort has led to a potential major new category of drug to go to clinical trial, and is being tested at Mount Sinai, Columbia and Stanford University. This new drug can potentially help the 35-50% of people who don’t respond to the conventional medications available today. Preliminary results from the trial are amazing, with over 80% of our trial patients reporting remission from their depression.”

The evening welcomed over 125 guests, as they connected over their commitment to raise mental health awareness, and rallied member support for the upcoming annual HOPE Luncheon seminar to be held November 9th at the Plaza Hotel. This year, the luncheon will focus on Teens and Depression: Addressing the Youth Mental Health Crisis and honor gold medalist Aly Raisman, as well as philanthropists and generous supporters of HDRF, Jamee and Peter Gregory. Proceeds from the HOPE Luncheon will fund groundbreaking research into the root causes of depression in the brain and new and better treatments.

Ramon Walls Grumbel and Clementine Goutal _ Credit Patrick McMullan/PMC

Led by Chair Elizabeth Meigher, the Junior Committee Co-Chairs included Krista & James Corl, Lindsay Creedon, Nicole Hanley Pickett, Gillian Hearst, Meghan & Adam Klopp, Harrison LeFrak, Avery McCann, Stacey Pashcow, Lila Remez, Sofia Remez, Lara & Claude Shaw, Stephanie A. Sirota, Mary Snow and Sarah & Andrew Wetenhall.

Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall _ Credit Patrick McMullan/PMC
Stacey Pashcow and Gayle Perry _ Credit Patrick McMullan/PMC

Committee members included Joanna Baker de Neufville, Callie Baker Holt, Lizzi Bickford Meadow & Todd Meadow, Clementine Goutal, Julia Kingsley, Elizabeth Kurpis, Whitney Lovell Schott, Amanda and Ted Mariner, Isabella Meyer, Brooke Kelly Murray & Patrick Murray and Tatiana G.P. Perkin. 

Additional attendees included Vice President and Executive Director, Louisa Benton, HDRF Advisory Board member Scott Snyder, Mark Gilbertson, Kara Ross and Grace and Chris Meigher.

The event was generously underwritten by Madison Worth Architects and Scott Snyder Interior Design.

About Hope for Depression Research Foundation:

Audrey Gruss founded HDRF in 2006 in memory of her mother Hope, who struggled with clinical depression. Today, HDRF is the leading nonprofit organization focused solely on advanced depression research into new and better treatments for the illness. The World Health Organization has declared depression as the leading cause of disability worldwide, and yet conventional medications today are outdated and do not fully work for 50% of patients. The mission of the HDRF is to spur innovative neuroscience research into the origins, medical diagnosis, new treatments, and prevention of depression and its related mood disorders – bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorder, and suicide. To date, HDRF has provided more than $45 million through over 200 grants for breakthrough depression research that promises to transform the way depression is viewed, diagnosed, treated and prevented.  Currently, HDRF has a potential new class of medication in pilot clinical trials at Mount Sinai Medical Center, Columbia University and Stanford University. 

HOLIDAY HOUSE NYC FALL 2022 DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE EVENT

Adora Henson
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HOLIDAY HOUSE NYC FALL 2022 DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE EVENT

Holiday House NYC is returning to New York City with a Designer Showhouse, which will showcase some of the industry’s top interior designers and their cutting-edge lifestyle concepts to be viewed by design professionals, enthusiasts, and the general public.

Holiday House invites the community to the first Manhattan based Designer Showhouse taking place since before the pandemic for an evening of beautifully designed rooms with hors d’oeuvres by Elegant Affairs.

The event is co-chaired by Queer Eye for the Straight Guy’s Thom Filicia, Amy Lau and Jean Shafiroff.

Over 15 leading designers will each design their own space in one of two penthouse apartments at The Kent, a 30-story luxury residential tower on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Designers will include Katie Brandt Interiors, Elsa Soyars Interiors, k.a. murphy Interiors, A-List Interiors, Susan Glick Interiors, Badilla Painters & Rio Hamilton, Neil Kerman Gallery & Riki Wagh, Aamir Khandwala, Cynthia Rowley x Parete, Sarah Lederman Interiors, Eneia White Interiors, Jen Talbot Design, Roche Bobois with Alison Rose, CD Interiors, Design By Tula, KRID Studio, Mina Lisanin, Collette Home and Champalimaud Design. 

  • Opening Night Gala: November 9, 2022 from 6 – 9 PM
  • Young Designers Night: November 17, 2022 from 6 – 8 PM
  • Industry Night: December 1, 2022 from 6 – 8 PM

General Admission: November 10, 2022 -December 11, 2022 Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

                       Thursdays from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM

The Holiday House Designer Showhouse happens at The Kent, 200 East 95th Street, New York, NY 10128.

The event is presented by Extell and CL Investment Group.

Sponsors for the event include Nash Stone Group, M. Daddio, Inc. Builders, Exequor Wellness, Fabricut, Phillip Jeffries, New York’s Little Elves, Roche Bobois, Kirsch, Benjamin Moore, Ann Gish, Parete, Top Hat Home Services, Tito’s Vodka, Royal Botania, Modernist Cuisine, FJ Hakimian, Lily Pond Services, Studio Greytak, Neil Kerman Gallery, Frette, Stark Carpet, AJ Madison and John Lyle. 

Media partners include Modern Luxury, Hamptons Real Estate Showcase and Park Magazine.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation® (BCRF). To date, Holiday House has raised almost two million dollars for breast cancer research.

Tickets for the opening night preview are priced at $250 and Young Designers Night, Industry Night and General Admission are priced at $40. Tickets can be purchased here.

Social Media Handles

Facebook: @holidayhousedesignshow

  Instagram: @holidayhousedesigns

      Twitter: @holidayhouseny

For general information, please visit: https://holidayhousenyc.com/      

Former Ballerina Nancy Zeckendorf Launches Memoir ‘small town, Big Dreams’

Adora Henson
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Former Ballerina Nancy Zeckendorf Launches Memoir ‘small town, Big Dreams’

“Dancing is singing with the body” shared Nancy Zeckendorf from the stage at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center. The celebrated philanthropist and former Metropolitan Opera ballerina returned to New York City from Santa Fe for a week filled with events to launch her new memoir, small town, Big Dreams. “I loved dancing to opera music and I love improvising to it. But you know, I wasn’t dancing because I wanted to dance. No, I wanted to be the music. And much later, my teacher Antony Tudor said ‘dancing is singing with the body.’ That’s what I was trying to do.” 

She was joined on stage by American Ballet Theatre’s newly appointed Artistic Director, Susan Jaffe, who shared “When I first got into ABT, with Misha Golubitsky and Gelsey Kirkland there, I’d see them walking down the hallways – I didn’t close my gaping mouth for at least the first year. I could not believe I was there, that I could literally touch them… And when you think about it, Antony Tudor, Margaret Craske, and Martha Graham; these icons were her teachers! These are the stories Nancy shares in her memoir.”

Credit Sean Zanni

Nancy’s audience included step-sons Artie Zeckendorf (with wife Elizabeth Zeckendorf) and William Zeckendorf III (and wife Anna Zeckendorf), ABT’s Sascha Radetsky and Stella Abrera, as well as Diana Byer, Candace and Frederick Beinecke, Penny Colman, Beverly D’Anne, Joan Duncan Oliver, Mercedes Ellington, Betti Franceschi, Magee Hickey, Judith Hoffman, Niel Hoos, Shelby Lamm, Ambassador Earle I. Mack, Ellie Manko Libby, Boulie and James Marlas, NYPL’s Jerome Robbins Dance Division Curator Linda Murray, Joan Duncan Oliver, Richard Osterweil, Liane Pei, Tara and Michael Rockefeller, Rosita Sarnoff, Ellen Rubin, Irene Shen, and many more.

Nancy’s book details a life on stage at The Old Met (formally known as The Metropolitan Opera House) at 1411 Broadway, where Nancy unveiled a commemorative plaque. Former Met Opera House stage manager, Herman Krawitz, joined Nancy. Now 96, Herman vividly recollected the many years he spent watching her dance, as well as Maria Callas, Brigit Nilsson, and Lily Pons. Nancy considered The Old Met “more of a home than my own apartment, spending days rehearsing, taking lessons, and performing most nights of the week for more than 9 years.”   President of The Metropolitan Opera Guild and Advisory Director of the Metropolitan Opera, Richard J. Miller, Jr., opened the ceremony by ringing the traditional three tone xylophone, then saying “It is an honor to be here this morning as we dedicate this plaque and commemorate this important building – that was known as the Metropolitan Opera and stood here from 1883 through the Great Depression, and stewarded an art form for so many decades.” Nancy then pulled back gold curtains to unveil the plaque. The gold curtains and xylophone are traditions that began at The Old Met and continue today at its new home in Lincoln Center. 

The plaque reads:

THE OLD MET

On this site stood the Metropolitan Opera House, opened in 1883, as an alternative to the previously established Academy of Music. 

Originally designed by J. Cleaveland Cady, following a fire in 1902 Carrère and Hastings redesigned the interior adding the first of the Met’s signature gold damask stage curtains. 

Many of the world’s greatest opera talents performed here including Maria Callas, Anna Moffo, Birgit Nilsson, Lily Pons, Rosa Ponselle, Joan Sutherland and many more too numerous to list. 

Under general manager Rudolph Bing, The Met gave starring roles to for the first time to artists of color including Marian Anderson,  Martina Arroyo, Leontyne Price, and Grace Bumbry. 

While the theater was noted for its excellent acoustics and elegant interior, as early as the 1900s the backstage facilities were severely inadequate for a large opera company. With the development of Lincoln Center, The Met finally had an opportunity to build a modern opera house. The Met moved to the Lincoln Center location in 1966 and this opera house was demolished in 1967, to make way for the building that now stands here.

Nancy’s memoir also details life after dancing; her philanthropic work and her marriage to her late husband, William Zeckendorf, Jr.. Nancy and her step-son William Zeckendorf, III, unveiled the second plaque at Zeckendorf Towers by Union Square. Executive Director of the Union Square Partnership, Jennifer Falk, spoke to the importance of community and how Zeckendorf Towers remains one of the most influential draws for the Union Square neighborhood’s continued growth and progressive development. Board President, Melanie Wong, shared that when she first moved to New York, Zeckendorf Towers was a building she passed on her commute daily, and dreamed of one day living in. 

The plaque reads:

Zeckendorf Towers / One Irving Place / 10 Union Square East

Union Square and the streets around it were designed in the 1930’s as a home for the city’s leading families.  After the second World War,  the neighborhood began to decline.  This building, with its mixed use design, for both commercial and residential space, the largest ever on 14th Street, sparked a revitalization that continues to this day.  

It was designed by architectural firm Davis, Brody & Associates. William Zeckendorf  named the building as a tribute to his father. Both his sons, Will and Arthur, worked with him on the project.  Ground was broken in 1984. Upon opening in 1987, neighborhood land values rose 50 percent. 

Zeckendorf Towers, its businesses and residents, remain positive catalysts for further growth, a model of what thoughtful development can do for a neighborhood, and a testament to the enduring strength of this City.


Jennifer Falk, Nancy Zeckendorf, William Zeckendorf and Melanie Wong _ Credit Sean Zanni

Nancy Zeckendorf’s story is one of a young girl from small town Tidioute Pennsylvania with a big dream that took her to Juilliard, Broadway, summer stock, the stage of the Metropolitan Opera and the Santa Fe Opera, as well as memories of her marriage to William Zeckendorf Jr. and extensive philanthropic work with American Ballet Theatre and Lensic Performing Arts Center. small town, Big Dreams is available at Barnes & Noble and Amazon, as well as other major retailers. 

Lang Lang Gala & Concert with Candace Bushnell, Kelly Bensimon, Wyclef Jean, Veronika Vilim

Adora Henson
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Lang Lang Gala & Concert with Candace Bushnell, Kelly Bensimon, Wyclef Jean, Veronika Vilim

Wyclef Jean gave an impromptu birthday performance of Maria Maria for his friend Lang Lang — celebrating a 40th birthday that was three months ago, “I could not be with you then, so let’s do it now”.  It was only one of the high notes of the Lang Lang International Music Foundation “Lang Lang and Friends Gala” last night in New York City, their first since the pandemic.  John Paulson chaired the event, offering “I tried to play many instruments in my life but learned that I’m better as an audience.  But the work of the foundation is important.  Thousands of children will play music and gain confidence because of this foundation and your support.” Lang Lang then joined CEO of his Foundation, Leszek Barwinski Brown, on stage and greeted the audience with, “Thank you for coming tonight to help celebrate the power of music, all I can say to you is Good Job!”  The black-tie evening raised in excess of 1.3 million dollars.

The Foundation’s Ariela Rossberg announced their first annual Teacher of the Year Award, Davis Cahill of Jefferson Elementary School in Greensboro NC.  Lang Lang commended him personally for his outstanding commitment to music education and presented him with a check for five thousand dollars.

Barbara Tober presented a posthumous Lifetime Philanthropy Award to longtime board member Shirley Young, who befriended Lang Lang when he was just ten.  Shirley’s sons,  David, Doug, and William Hsieh announced a $100,000 challenge grant for new Keys of Inspiration school sponsorship in her memory.  Tober also announced the creation of the Donald Tober Piano Fund for Scholars, helping talented young pianists with tuition fees, travel to competitions, lessons, and piano maintenance.

The evening was filled with musical performances including Lang Lang himself playing several from his new album The Disney Book as well as the Chinese favorite Jasmine Flower. He was joined by Mauro Castillo from the cast of Disney’s Encanto for a version of We Don’t Talk About Bruno. Afterwards, the crowd held glow sticks in the air while Lang Lang and his wife Gina Alice performed a romantic rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star. Castillo took the stage once more to perform a Celia Cruz salsa with Young Scholar alumni Maxim Lando, followed by Wyclef’s surprise concert.

Lang Lang and Mauro Castillo



Among over 300 guests were Lang Lang International Music Foundation Board members Christy Cressy, David Hsieh, David Hryck, Joseph Rallo, Elizabeth Segerstrom, and Kyle Wool. Supporters included Kelly Bensimon, Candace Bushnell, Mauro Castillo, Kelly Cutrone, artist Steven Ladd, as well as Afsaneh Akhtari, Janna Bullock, Amanda and Carter Burch, Angela Chen, Joan Hardy Clark, Judith Anne Corrente and Wym Kooyer, Laurie Cumbo, Nathanael Hausmann, Joanna Fisher, Chloe Flower, Carole Guest, Michele Gerber Klein, Ellie Manko, Sherrie Mu, Liane Pei, Lydia and David Sarfati, Jean Shafiroff, Daisy Soros, Vivienne Tam, Veronika Vilim and Victoria Wyman.

YAGP Celebrates Susan Jaffe, next Artistic Director of ABT

Adora Henson
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YAGP Celebrates Susan Jaffe, next Artistic Director of ABT

“My friend Larissa Saveliev is one of the most important people in ballet today.” said Susan Jaffe, the next Artistic Director of ABT, “What she and her organization, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP), does is vital to the future of Ballet.” The occasion was a YAGP cocktail party honoring Susan, the first celebration for her new position, on Tuesday evening, September 16th, at the magnificent art-filled residence of Caroline and Ed Hyman.

Barbara Brandt, Richard Osterweil and Caroline Hyman _ Credit Patrick McMullan

Larissa returned the compliment, saying, “Susan has been a dear friend of YAGP since 1999 — our beginning. She has inspired countless young dancers as a YAGP guest artist, adjudicator, master teacher, scholarship presenter, choreographer, and founding Trustee. We are thrilled to have Susan return to New York City as Artistic Director of American Ballet Theatre. The dance world is grateful for her and her talent.”

The sentiments were echoed by YAGP Board Chair Richard Osterweil and YAGP founding board member Sergey Gordeev and followed by hoots and applause by guests including  Maria-Cristina Anzola, Afsaneh Akhtari, Peter Bacanovic, Barbara Brandt with daughter Skylar Brandt, Joan Hardy Clark, Irina Dvorovenko and Maxim Beloserkovsky, Linda and Martin Fell, Joanna Fisher, Judith Hoffman, Allen London, Linda and Ed Morse, Irene Shen, Allyson Tang, Barbara Tober, and Ali Wambold as well as the new ceo of City Center, Michael S. Rosenberg.

Linda and Martin Fell _ Credit Patrick McMullan

YAGP is the world’s largest ballet scholarship organization; a non-profit that scouts talented aspiring dancers all over the globe, connects them with the world’s top schools, and facilitates their careers as professional dancers. In the 23 years since inception, over $4.5 million has been awarded in scholarships to the world’s leading dance schools, with up to $500,000 now awarded annually. Over 150,000 young dancers – ages 9 to 19 – of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds have participated in YAGP’s international workshops, auditions, classes, and dance awareness events. Today, more than 12,000 young dancers audition annually worldwide. More than 450 Youth America Grand Prix alumni are now dancing with 80 professional companies around the world.

Barbara Tober, Afsaneh Akhtari, Caroline Hyman and Irina Dvorovenko_Credit Patrick McMullan
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