Along with the warmer weather comes the dreaded chore. You know the one I am speaking of—spring cleaning. Lifting the shades, you see all of the dust bunnies. Opening the windows to let the fresh air come in makes you realize it’s definitely time to say goodbye to Old Man Winter and let the sunshine in.
I hadn’t even transferred cold weather clothes for lighter weight when the unthinkable happened. The clothes rack in my closet came tumbling down from the wall. Now that really calls for a cleanup. My clothes piled up in a heap on the floor don’t look as appealing as when they were hanging, which makes me think what disarray they were in while hanging on the rack. With no skills or time to reconstruct the closet, I quickly headed to the Container Store and bought a double hang portable rack. My weekend was then consumed with assembling the rack, fitting into my closet, and weeding through each item, discarding anything that hasn’t been worn or likely to be worn anytime soon—not to mention the things that no longer fit. I am a regular at collecting clothes and giving them away. Although I support Goodwill stores because they provide jobs, I like the feeling of giving the clothes directly to those most in need. I used to leave them on the steps of my local church until I saw the bag, still full, placed with the trash (Quelle dommage! French for “Oh no you didn’t!”). Now I strategically place the bag near the hospital or other institution where I know the clothes will be picked up and used. As I was struggling with one such load, a young man approached me and asked if he could help. I said, “Yes, the bags contain loads of good children’s clothes. Know anyone who can use them?” He replied, “Yes, me. I got seven kids.”
Speaking of kids, Mount Sinai has been very busy in hosting a gala here, a gala there, all to raise awareness and funds for the kids, and then some. Mount Sinai Children’s Environmental Health Center celebrated its 10th anniversary Greening Our Children, with a benefit luncheon. Although the event was held in nearby Greenwich, Conn., more than 250 guests were in attendance, and the event raised more than $200,000 to continue the effort to improve the lives of children. The CEHC mission is to conduct innovative research around the world to identify chemical, physical, nutritional and social factors affecting children’s health and future development. Accordingly, data collected from the CEHC is used to educate communities, advocate for public health policies and develop new strategies for prevention and treatment. The proceeds raised at the luncheon will help fund these research initiatives and projects. Among those in attendance was Anne Williams-Isom, chief executive officer for the Harlem Children’s Zone.
Williams-Isom, over the years, has had a few innovative initiatives herself. Before joining the HCZ, she was employed at the New York City’s Administration for Children’s Services. Working her way up the ladder, she eventually became deputy commissioner of the Division of Community and Government Affairs. She was instrumental in developing the ACS Leadership Academy for Child Protection, a program to assist and educate ACS child protective managers in leading the staff, who are responsible for child abuse and neglect investigations. Williams-Isom works closely with the HCZ’s Geoffrey Canada, who is well-known for developing a network of neighborhood-based programs aimed at improving child health, education and development. If that is not enough, you should have seen Williams-Isom lead the staff at the Armory Well and Woke health and fitness event.
The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering hosted a luncheon at Saks Fifth Avenue to celebrate their partnership for the annual Spring Ball. If the ball was anything like the luncheon, you can bet it was a smash hit. The afternoon consisted of shopping, dining and philanthropy—all activities that we love to indulge in. Last year’s Spring Ball raised more than $1 million for programs at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The figures aren’t in as to how much was raised this year, but I am sure, judging by the turnout for the luncheon, they surpassed expectations. According to Society President Jamee Gregory, “We are so grateful to have Saks Fifth Avenue generously sponsor our 11th annual Spring Ball. Today’s event was such a great way to kick off our partnership.” Among those in attendance was Eleanora Kennedy.
Not to be undone, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital hosted more than 700 guests at the annual Celebrate New York Presbyterian benefit dinner. The event raised $1.5 million, which will fund the hospital’s mission to continue providing, according to Dr. Steven J. Corwin, president and CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian, the “highest quality, most compassionate care and service to all patients in the New York metropolitan area, nationally and throughout the globe.” There was a special performance by Cyndi Lauper. Attending were Shelly and George Lazarus, M.D. Shelly was president of Ogilvy & Mather advertising agency during the time of 9/11. She called a staff meeting where she spoke words of comfort to the more than 100 staff members, instructing them to give one another a hug, after which she provided a snack of milk and cookies.
More than 250 supporters gathered at the Parkinson’s foundation 2018 Gala to raise $750,000 to benefit the Parkinson’s Foundation, the national organization working feverishly to find a cure. Honored was Parkinson’s Foundation board member Richard D. Field, retired senior executive of BNY Mellon and MasterCard, founding director of Lending Tree, a financial services industry leader, and Parkinson’s advocate. So many people in our community have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s-like symptoms that any help in curing this disease will be a tremendous help for all.
Bronx-born actress, producer, activist, Kerry Washington joined friends and supporters at the second annual Building Our Future Together gala at the Bronx Children’s Museum. Held in the Edison Ballroom, the event, which raised more than $450,000 saluted those who were from the Bronx. They included Sonia Manzano, “Maria” from “Sesame Street,” author and activist, who grew up in the Bronx, and Bronx-born actor, director and creator of “A Bronx Tale,” Chazz Palminteri. Also honored were Kerry Malawista and Alan Heilbron, donors of the Museum on the Go! bus. Bronx-born Museum board member Sunny Hostin, co-host of the ABC morning show “The View” and senior legal correspondent and analyst for ABC News, was the master of ceremonies. Entertainment was provided by renowned Bronx-born jazz pianist and educator, Dr. Valerie Capers. Kerry Washington is the daughter of museum board member Valerie Washington. Attending the event was Vanessa Gibson and Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr.
Until next week … kisses.