The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than 200 years. The organization’s portfolio of educational, workforce development, cultural enrichment, and community-building programs make a positive, long-term impact on the City’s most underserved communities. Each year, they serve more than 12,000 children and families throughout New York City with programs, supportive services, and community events. On April 5th, more than 340 people attended the New York City Mission Society’s annual Champions for Children Gala at the Mandarin Oriental in Columbus Circle. The gala raised over half million dollars. Co-chaired by Jean Shafiroff and Katrina Peebles, the benefit honored legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll and entrepreneur Don Peebles, as well as recognized lifetime members of the Mission Society’s Board of Directors.
The evening started with cocktails, followed by a program with dinner, music, and dancing. The Gala was emceed by WABC News Anchor Bill Ritter, a longtime supporter of the Mission Society. Performers included Kathy Sledge, from Sister Sledge; singer Alex Donner and his Orchestra, and students enrolled in the Mission Society’s free afterschool music education program, GRIOT. Mrs. Peebles congratulated the audience on a record-breaking dinner as the attendance was nearly 50% larger than last year and the event sold out. Donahue Peebles III took to the stage to present the award to his father. Before doing so, he mentioned his father’s many accolades, including his avid supporter of mentoring to the youth, serving as Chairman of the Board of the Congressional Black Caucus, serving on the Board of Directors of the YMCA of Greater New York, and so much more. Don Peebles expressed his gratitude for the honors and mentioned the three best days of his life, September 12, 1994 the day he married Katrina Peebles “the love of my life, my best friend, and partner in life”; November 11, 2002, the day his daughter Chloe Alexandra Peebles was born and “today April 5th – not only because I am receiving this award but it’s the day Donahue was born in 1994!” He then went on to wish his son a happy 23rdbirthday.
As the night went on and guests dined on a delicious 3-course dinner, former New York City Mayor David Dinkins presented legendary actress, Diahann Carroll with the Champions for Children Award. Ms. Carroll was the first black actress in television history to star in her own series, Julia, on NBC. Her career flourished as she starred in so many amazing films like Claudine, Carmen Jones, Paris Blues, Porgy & Bess, Hurry Sundown, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, and Eve’s Bayou. She’s also served as an ambassador and national spokesperson for Lifetime Television’s breast cancer awareness campaign and has been recognized for raising awareness about HIV and AIDS. Her speech garnered a standing ovation. It was warm and thoughtful. She reminisced about her time in NYC at the Mission School, her parents and growing up in the big apple. She remarked on the impressive diversity in the five-star hotel ballroom.
Among the notable guests at the event were the legendary Cicely Tyson, Gayle King, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr., and designer B Michael.
In addition to Gala Co-Chairs Jean Shafiroff and Katrina Peebles, this year’s Gala Committee includes Tommie Pegues (Gala Vice Chair), Peggy and John Bader, and Leah and Stanley Rumbough. Benefit Committee Members are: Alston & Bird, LLP, American Securities Foundation, Flo Anthony, Elaine Bernanke Appelle, Kim Bingham, Sophia Bishop, Jerry Bonura, Geoffrey Bradfield, Henry Buhl, Victor de Souza, 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.
For more information about the New York City Mission Society, visit: http://www.nycmissionsociety.org.
Photo: Owen Hoffmann/PMC