Henry Street Settlement 2015 Dinner Dance: Elegant and Spirited
Click here to view photos from the 2015 Dinner Dance »
Filled with energy, rousing spirit and, most importantly, generous individuals whose support makes the Settlement’s work possible, the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel elegantly set the stage for Henry Street’s 2015 Dinner Dance on April 14.
Honored at the event were Michael Steinberg, Henry Street Board Vice President; Ennead Architects; and Marissa Sackler, founder of Beespace.
David Garza, Executive Director of Henry Street, welcomed guests with one of his signature raps, setting the party tone for the event. Three Lives Transformed, a video showcasing three Henry Street clients, was shown, followed by a violin solo by client and music prodigy Claudius Agrippa, 15, that had the audience transfixed.
Robert Harrison, Henry Street Board Chairman Emeritus, presented the award to Michael Steinberg, joking that the honoree “tortured” three sets of investment advisors, but his investment acumen ultimately saved the Settlement millions of dollars in the 2008 recession. “We are all very grateful to Michael,” he said, adding that everyone is appreciative of Steinberg’s two-decade plus philosophy that he will do “whatever is best for Henry Street.”
The gratitude for Steinberg’s involvement was heightened when Garza announced a transformative $2 million gift to the Abrons Arts Center made by Steinberg in honor of his parents, Harold and Mimi Steinberg. “Michael opens doors, makes sure magic happens inside, and now he’s building a door,” said Garza, noting that the gift will be used to re-envision the Abrons Arts Center amphitheater to create a cultural beacon for downtown arts.
Accepting the award, Steinberg joked that the only downside was the ten pounds he gained eating a chocolate babka, which was included in a Lower East Side gift basket sent by the Settlement. On a more serious note, he spoke of his great grandfather, a penniless immigrant on the Lower East Side, who worked as a pushcart peddler. “Henry Street was there to address the needs of these new arrivals to America and, though the ethnic profile of the community has changed, Henry Street’s enduring commitment to the needs of the community has not,” he said.
Presenting the Opening Doors Award to Ennead Architects, the internationally acclaimed design studio known for powerful building designs, and the firm hired to transform the Abrons amphitheater was Yasmeen Vargas, 15, a member of Henry Street’s Urban Youth Theater. “Two years ago, I was a target. I felt unimportant,” she said. “All that changed when I joined the Urban Youth Theater. Henry Street inspired me to embrace my uniqueness, set goals, and most importantly, to imagine a future of exciting possibilities.” Accepting the award on behalf of Ennead was partner Susan Rodriguez. “Our partnership with Henry Street is rooted in shared values and a commitment to improving the lives of New Yorkers,” she said. “We look forward to working together to transform the Abrons Arts Center to support its innovative spirit and vitality, and that will continue to give hope and purpose to so many for the next century.”
Carlos Montanez, 22, a Brooklyn College student and former Henry Street youth client, presented the Young Leadership Award to Marissa Sackler, founder of the nonprofit incubator, Beespace. “I grew up in the projects across from Henry Street, and was involved with the Settlement my entire life, from summer camp to college scholarships,” said Carlos. “I tell the young kids in the neighborhood that even if you live in a bad neighborhood, you can be anything you want to be – Henry Street is right there to open those doors.” In accepting the award, Sackler thanked the audience, and said, “Each of you are making a difference. We have motto at Beespace — Profit the World — and that’s what is happening here tonight.”
A paddle raise and live auction, conducted by Tash Perrin of Christie’s, raised more than $100,000. The online auction of luxury good and experiences will close on April 23.
In keeping with the evening’s arts theme, Breaken 2, comprised of Abrons Arts Center dance students, performed an energetic breakdance, and a carousel of images of the history of the arts at Henry Street played on the large screens in the room.
Dinner chairs were Natalia Gottret Echavarria, Kalliope Karella, Teddy Liouliakis, Angela Mariani, Anna Pinheiro, Pilar Crespi Robert, Lesley Schulhof and Barbara von Bismarck. Vice chairs were Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Dale J. Burch, Richard DeScherer, Robert S. Harrison, Arie L. Kopelman and Paul LeClerc.
Henry Street Settlement 2015 Dinner Dance in the news:
“It’s hard not to be generous when celebrating one of the city’s oldest non-profits.” W Magazine | Read more »
“‘When you see the young people who have been products of Henry Street, you can understand instantly what a wonderful organization this is. I don’t need to say anything else,’ Steinberg teased before dinner. Women’s Wear Daily | Read more »
“It was a breakout! On Tuesday night at The Plaza, the annual Henry Street Settlement Gala was held to raise funds for the 120-year-old, non-profit social service agency on the Lower East Side that provides social services, health care services, and arts programs for New Yorkers.” Daily Front Row | Read more »
“‘I feel like you can’t just hear about Henry Street Settlement, you have to experience Henry Street Settlement,’ said Ms. Sackler, of the social-services organization.” Wall Street Journal | Read more »
‘Evening Hours | Highlight of the Season’ By Bill Cunningham, New York Times | Read more »
