Jean Shafiroff, Elsie McCabe Thompson, Don Peebles, and Katrina Peebles
Jean and Martin Shafiroff hosted an intimate party to kickoff the New York City Mission Society's Champions for Children Gala at the Mandarin Oriental on Wednesday, April 5th 2017. The elegant benefit will support the Mission Society’s programs and services that help youth and families in our city’s most underserved communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success.
Victoria Nicholson, Alex Donner and Amanda Bowman
Jean and Martin greeted guests at the couple’s Park Avenue home on the evening of February 28th for wine, champagne and hors d’oeurves. Philanthropist and three time Gala chairwoman Jean Shafiroff was joined by Co-Chairwoman Katrina Peebles to announce the upcoming society gala program to an attentive audience of the nonprofit organization supporters.
Craig Dix, Angela Chen, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Larry Kaiser
The ladies were joined at the reception by New York Mission City Society’s president Elsie McCabe Thompson and SVP of Development Kenita Lloyd , Gala board member Flo Anthony and Victor de Souza. This year’s Gala Committee boasts Tommie Pegues (Gala Vice Chair); Peggy and John Bader; and Leah and Stanley Rumbough. Benefit Committee Members are: Alston & Bird, LLP; American Securities Foundation; Elaine Bernake Appelle; Kim Bingham; Sophia Bishop; Jerry Bonura; Geoffrey Bradfield; Henry Buhl; Lee Fryd; Penny Grant; Jo’Vion (J.D.) Greer; Shannon Hales; Michelle Herbert; Missy Kilroy & Jay Moorhead; Barbara and Francis Kairson, Jr.; Margo Langenberg; Brian Monroe; Riki Kane Larimer; Dustin Lujan; Lauren & James Peterson; Kim Renk & Greg Dyer; Natalie S. Ross; Helen Shelton; and, Brooke and Derek Steinhiser.
Suzanne Drews and Joseph Fichera
The annual gala will honor legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll, entrepreneur Don Peebles, and three lifetime members of the Mission Society’s Board of Directors: actress and philanthropist Dina Merrill Hartley, whose family has supported the Mission Society for four generations; Lloyd W. Brown, II; and, LTC Francis W. Kairson, Jr. (Ret). WABC News Anchor Bill Ritter, a longtime supporter of the Mission Society, will emcee the event. The evening’s entertainment will feature Kathy Sledge, the legendary voice of Sister Sledge, acclaimed singer Alex Donner and his Orchestra, and students enrolled in the Mission Society’s free afterschool music education program, GRIOT.
Erik Bottcher, Jean Shafiroff, and JD Thompson
Glamorous New Yorkers who enjoyed the private launch party included Jay Morehead, Peggy and John Bader, Stan and Leah Rumbough, Geoffrey Bradfield, Edward Cox, Michael and Barbara Gross, Randi Schatz, Larry Milstein, B. Michael and Mark Anthony, Alex Donner, Helen Shelton , Craig Dix, Larry Kaiser, Angela Chen, Suzette Charles, Maggie Norris, Frederick Anderson, Joyce Brooks, Amanda Bowman , Natalie Ross, William Allen, Maggie Norris, and Matt Rich.
Henry De La Paz and Maggie Norris
The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than 200 years. The nonprofit organization’s progressive portfolio of educational, workforce development, cultural enrichment, and community-building programs make a positive, long-term impact on the City’s most underserved communities by promoting academic achievement, and providing career opportunities. Each year, more than 13,000 children and families are served by the programs, supportive services, and community events. The New York City Mission Society's Champions for Children Gala will be held at the Mandarin Oriental at 80 Columbus Circle in Manhattan, a black tie evening starting with cocktails at 6:30 PM followed by a 7:30 PM dinner and program, music and dancing.