2014 Gala Dinner Dance: A Smashing Success
By Henry Street Settlement
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The hottest ticket in town last night was a seat at Henry Street’s sold-out 2014 Gala Dinner Dance held at the Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom. The event – attended by 400 of New York’s best, brightest and most influential leaders – honored Amandine and Stephen Freidheim, Fir Tree Partners and Alexis Stoudemire.
Through the generosity of attendees, the gala reaped more than $1 million to benefit the Settlement’s vital programs. Nearly $167,000 was brought in during the live auction conducted by Tash Perrin of Christie’s.
Following the cocktail hour, David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street, delighted the assembled dinner guests by performing one of his signature raps (We’re here tonight to inform and inspire; To put out, prevent or maybe spark a fire; put on our fancy dresses and cocktail attire; and do some good, before we retire…). He congratulated the honorees and thanked the co-chairs of the evening, Enrica Arengi Bentivoglio, Barbara von Bismarck, Giovanna Campagna, Natalia Gottret Echavarria, Kalliope Karella, Anna Pinheiro, Pilar Crespi Robert and Lesley Schulhof, and the event’s corporate sponsor, Mulberry.
In his remarks, Garza especially acknowledged Pilar Crespi Robert’s leadership of the event since its inception, and thanked the entire Board of Directors for their commitment to the organization. Board members who attended included Bob Harrison, Dale Burch, Melissa Roman Burch, Catherine Curley Lee, Fred Papert, Sebastian Echavarria, Angela Mariani, Ed Pallesen, Neil Suslak and current Chairman Pete Ruegger.
Scott Swid, President of Henry Street’s Board of Directors, introduced Amandine and Stephen Freidheim, who were honored for their generous philanthropy to educational, cultural and human service organizations in New York. Stephen Freidheim, Chief Investment Officer, Founder and Managing Partner of Cyrus Capital Partners, told of his special connection to the neighborhood served by Henry Street. “My great-great grandfather was born on the Lower East Side and now five generations later, I’m reunited with this community through this fantastic charity,” he said. “What we’ve come to love about Henry Street is how it’s integrated into the community.” Amandine Freidheim added that the couple shares with Henry Street the commitment to education.
Fir Tree Partners, a New York based private investment firm, received the Corporate Leadership Award. In presenting the award, David Garza said Fir Tree came to Henry Street three years ago as volunteers. “Over time, Fir Tree has evolved from corporate volunteer to dedicated partner, supporter, ally and friend.” Garza also noted that Fir Tree has created the Bernard Tannenbaum Memorial Scholarship Fund. In accepting the award, Fir Tree’s Jeff Tannenbaum, said that when he mentioned Henry Street to his 93-year-old father-in-law, the man’s eyes lit up and he excitedly announced that his mother took classes at Henry Street! “Fast forward to today,” said Tannebaum, “and it’s amazing how relevant the Settlement remains.” Accepting the award with Tannebaum were Fir Tree’s David Sultan, Andrew Fredman and Jim Walker.
Anna Pinheiro, a member of Henry Street Board of Directors, presented Alexis Stoudemire, President of the Amar’e & Alexis Stoudemire Foundation with the Young Leadership Award, noting that “Alexis is encouraging the next generation of philanthropists.” Addressing the audience, Alexis Stoudemire said, “I’m speaking from the heart, and am passionate about what we do. I’m very proud to partner with Henry Street.”
Attendees also screened a brief video, highlighting the success of three Henry Street clients — Robin Luna, Beth Meah and Claudius Agrippa.
