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WNET's annual Gala honored Kathryn
and Kenneth Chenault and Cheryl
and Philip Milstein,
the event recognized the partnerships that allow WNET
to continue to deliver media with impact through on-air and
on-line programming and
educational initiatives.
Through their long-standing leadership and
support for public media, these two extraordinary couples
have played a vital role in the institution's success. The
Chenaults and the Milsteins are longtime friends, community
leaders, and philanthropists whose generosity has added
immeasurably to the cultural landscape of New York City
life. (Cheryl
Milstein is one of the vice chairmen of WNET's board.)
Another example of a great partnership,
husband and wife team of Deborah
Roberts,
correspondent for ABC
News' 20/20, and Al Roker, co-host
of NBC
News' Today
Show and The
Weather Channel's Wake
Up With Al,
served as masters of ceremonies for the special event on
Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at Cipriani 42nd Street ® in New
York City. The Chenaults and the Milsteins were recognized
for exceptional commitment and partnership in creating the
best of public television.
"WNET
is pleased to honor the Chenaults and the Milsteins and to
show our appreciation to all of our devoted supporters for
their ongoing commitment to this vital institution," said
WNET Board Chairman James S. Tisch. "Through the significant
efforts and civic contributions of the honorees, WNET
continues to flourish--creating remarkable programming and
educational initiatives that inspire viewers and engage the
community in unique ways."
The Gala began with an opening cocktail
reception, followed by dinner. A live program during the
evening acknowledged the honorees and featured a specially
produced video interview with Charlie Rose, a past honoree
himself.
"For
years WNET has pioneered programming and cultivated
partnerships that have enriched the cultural landscape of
the New York community and beyond," said Neal Shapiro,
WNET's President and CEO. "Collaborating with community
leaders, organizations and supporters dedicated to our
mission like those attending this year's gala is what
ensures a dynamic and fertile future for the station for the
years of
growth to come."
Past honorees have included, to name a few:
Alan Alda, Julie Andrews, Antonio Banderas, Tony Bennett,
Michael R. Bloomberg, Tom Brokaw, Ken Burns, Joan Ganz
Cooney, Oscar de la Renta, Placido Domingo, Henry Louis
Gates, Jr., the Henson Family, Gwen Ifill, Kevin Kline,
Yo-Yo Ma, Robert MacNeil, Peter Martins, Beverly Sills,
Rosalind P. Walter, Wendy Wasserstein, and Elie Wiesel.
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About WNET
As New York's flagship public media provider
and the parent company of
THIRTEEN and WLIW21 and operator of NJTV, WNET brings
quality arts, education and public affairs programming to
more than 5 million viewers each week. WNET produces and
presents such acclaimed PBS series as Nature, Great
Performances, American Masters, PBS NewsHour Weekend,
Charlie Rose and a range of documentaries, children?s
programs, and local news and cultural offerings available on
air and online. Pioneers in educational programming, WNET
has created such groundbreaking series as Get the Math, Oh
Noah! and Cyberchase and provides tools for educators that
bring compelling content to life in the classroom and at
home. WNET highlights the tri-state's unique culture and
diverse communities through NYC-ARTS, Reel 13, NJTV News
with Mike Schneider and MetroFocus, the multi-platform news
magazine focusing on the New York region. WNET is also a
leader in connecting with viewers on emerging platforms,
including the THIRTEEN Explore iPad App where users can
stream PBS content for free. |