French Heritage
Society 40th Anniversary New York Gala French Heritage
Society closed out their 40th Anniversary celebrations with
a Gilded Age themed gala on Thursday, November 17th,
honoring philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and chaired by Liz
McDermott Barnes, CeCe Black, Michael Kovner, Jean Doyen de
Montaillou, and Ann Van Ness.
Events Chairman CeCe Black opened the ceremonies, followed
by remarks from Board Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and
President Denis de Kergorlay. Mrs. Stribling said, “I’m so
happy to introduce my great friend, Jean Shafiroff.
She is a marvelous board member of French Heritage Society
and the loveliest person with a great heart. When we decided
to honor American Philanthropy at our 40th Anniversary Gala
in Paris, we immediately knew we had to keep our own Jean
for the New York Gala.
No one supports New York charities better than Jean!” Jean
accepted her award – a statuesque trophy by Daum – dressed
in a shimmering gold ball gown. The designer, Malan Breton,
was at her table with international friends including Her
Royal Highness Queen Diambi, Democratic Republic of Congo.
New York Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Jean
with a Congressional Record plaque, signed by Congresswoman
Carolyn B. Maloney, for her philanthropic and humanitarian
work. Jérémie Robert, Consul General of France in NY, said
"I want to congratulate French Heritage Society for your 40
years of ceaseless commitment to preserving the architecture
of France, and places of French inspiration in the United
States.
You’ve made truly incredible contributions to this
architecture and this legacy, financing more than 600
restoration projects since the society was launched. Their
restoration projects are diverse and ambitious; Repairing
and beautifying chateaux, rehabilitating abbeys, churches,
la maison d’éducation de la Légion d’Honneur, forts, parks,
and much more. You also rose to the occasion when Notre Dame
was almost destroyed by a great fire, mobilizing your
impressive network to raise funds to help save and rebuild
the cathedral. Merci." Dinner Chair and Young Patrons Circle
member, Stark D. Kirby Jr., shared “Young Patrons are the
future of any organization, and while French Heritage
Society may work to preserve the treasures of our past, it
does so with an eye to the future.”
Later in the evening, Nicholas Dawes of Heritage Auctions
took the podium to lead a very successful live auction and
“fan raise”. Celebrations concluded with dancing to live
music by the Bob Hardwick Sound. Additional guests included
FHS Executive Director Jennifer Herlein, FHS Board Members
Yann Coatanlem, Christian Draz, Ronald Lee Fleming, David
Gray, Rosann Gutman, Judy McLaren, and Jacqueline Wilson,
Dinner Chairmen Ben Barnes, Lee Black, Kenneth and Lady
Maria Fishel, Martin Shafiroff, William Van Ness, Honorary
Chairmen Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Margaret and
Gregory Hedberg (past honorees), New York Chapter Chairmen
Guy Robinson and Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, Young Patron
Circle Co-Chairs Johnsonie Casimyr, Blake Funston, and
Elizabeth Hartnett, as well as Marian and Richard Bott,
Caroline Brownstone, Sharon Bush and Bob Murray, Missy
VanBuren-Brown and Tom Brown, Celso Gonzalez-Falla,
Ambassador Brenda Johnson, Margo Langenberg, Sana Sabbagh,
Roberta Sandeman and Arthur Houghton, Barbara Tober, Lynn
and Pascal Franchot Tone, and Carole Bellidora Westfall.
About French Heritage Society
Founded in 1982, French Heritage Society is an American
nonprofit organization with ten chapters in the U.S. and one
in France. Its central mission is to ensure that the
treasures of our shared French architectural and cultural
heritage survive to inspire future generations. Over the
past 40 years, FHS has given over 650 restoration grants to
properties throughout France and in the U.S. and selected
and supported more than 530 university students who have
crossed the Atlantic for internships at esteemed
institutions. Its emergency Notre-Dame Fire Restoration Fund
has raised nearly $2.6 million to date. |