Back at the calendar: A few weeks back, Young Concerts Artists’ 63rd annual gala honored Damian Woetzel, President of The Juilliard School and Artistic Director of the Vail Dance Festival. The evening was chaired by Ann Ziff (also Chairman of The Metropolitan Opera).
“Juilliard and YCA share a common goal,” explained Young Concert Artist’s President Daniel Kellogg, “to nurture the talents of brilliant young artists. For 63 years, YCA has invested in the next generation of extraordinary musicians, launching the careers of nearly 300 artists.” YCA’s alumni include Emanuel Ax, Julia Bullock, Randall Goosby, Sasha Cook, Mason Bates, Anne Akiko Meyers, Zlatomir Fung, and Jeremy Denk. All these artists also studied at Juilliard.
YCA Chairman, Paul Sekhri, offered his deepest gratitude to Gala Chair, Ann Ziff, who over the past 10 years has become one of his closest friends. He also recognized the evening’s honorary chairs Deborah Borda, Anne Akiko Meyers, and Christopher Wheeldon; esteemed co-chairs Judith Pisar, Ellen Marcus, Annaliese Soros, and Barbara Tober, as well as the entire benefit committee.
Judith Pisar sent this message to Damian: ‘There could not have been a better person to honor at the 2024 YCA gala … I will raise my glass to you and all of YCA’s guests from Paris.’” Sekhri added, “I’d also like to thank YCA founder Susan Wadsworth, as without you, none of this would’ve been possible.”
The evening’s performances included musicians Jeremy Denk, Zlatomir Fung, Anne Akiko Meyers, Chaeyoung Park, Anthony Trionfo, Albert Cano Smit, Ying Li, Ziggy and Miles, Bella Hristova, Oliver Neubauer, Toby Appel, Julia Bruskin, and dancer/choreographer/movement artist Lil Buck. Following the music, guests adjourned to a spirited dinner in the Appel room, with its sweeping views of Central Park.
The evening raised in excess of $1.2 million. More than 300 black-tie guests included Ray and Eva-Marie Berry, Chiara Clemente, Suzi Cordish, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Carole and John French, Margaret and Gregory Hedberg, Bruce C. Horton, Agnes Hsu-Tang and Oscar Tang, LaVon Kellner and Tom Roush, Michele Gerber Klein, Karen Lindquist, Helen and William Little, Jorge Islas López, Vincent and Anne Mai, Liane Pei, Sana Sabbagh, Sarah Billinghurst Solomon, Annaliese Soros, Cory Toevs, Ruben Toledo, Heather Watts and many others.
Meanwhile, down in Palm Beach, MorseLife Health System hosted its Annual Golf Classic on the iconic Ocean Course at The Breakers last week. This signature event teed off to raise critical funds for MorseLife’s Hospice and Palliative Care program for seniors. This year’s tournament — Chaired by Pam and Ed Pantzer — offered a day of exceptional golf and camaraderie, driving support one swing at a time for the lives of seniors in Palm Beach County.
This event has consistently been a sell-out since it was established by MorseLife’s volunteer leadership nearly 40 years ago.
“MorseLife extends its deepest gratitude to all participants for their generosity making this the most successful MorseLife Annual Golf Classic yet,” said Keith Myers, President and CEO of MorseLife Health System.
“This support allows us to provide compassionate, comprehensive care to seniors in their most critical times. The Palm Beach community’s commitment to our cause is truly inspiring, and we are eager to continue making a meaningful impact in the lives of seniors, ensuring they receive the dignity, comfort and care they deserve.”
The day began with registration and breakfast at the Clubhouse, followed by a shotgun start at 9 a.m. Participants enjoyed a round of golf on the picturesque Ocean Course, the oldest course in Florida. The Ocean Course rewards wit over power, with winding fairways between sandy hazards and six lakes.
An awards luncheon at Flagler Steakhouse capped off the tournament. The afternoon boasted fantastic raffle items and auction prizes, including foursomes at renowned courses throughout Palm Beach County, a three-day, two-night stay at The Breakers Hotel and more.
The event was made possible thanks to the generosity of Golf Classic sponsors, including Whiting-Turner, Pam and Ed Pantzer, the Robbins Family, Knight Corporations, MSL CPAs & Advisors, CareOne Pharmacy Services, Hodgson Russ Attorneys and V2 Jets.
MorseLife recently celebrated its 40th anniversary milestone and is embarking on a 40th anniversary campaign that was announced on December 15. As a charitable, not-for-profit organization, its programs include independent and assisted living, short-term rehabilitation, memory long-term term care, private and skilled home health care, Hospice, palliative care, meals-on-wheels, Cannabis-based therapies, care management and counseling, homebound Mitzvah program.
MorseLife Foundation and PACE – Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, which touches the lives of 3,600 seniors each day.
For more information about MorseLife Health System or to join next season’s events, please email events@morselife.org, call 561.242.4661 or visit www.morselifeevents.org
And before we forget: Almost 600 members and guests of the Society of the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick gathered recently for the Society’s 240th Anniversary Dinner, held at Cipriani 42nd Street.
All attendees wore white or black tie with decorations to one of the city’s oldest and most anticipated celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day. Following a lively cocktail hour, dinner commenced with a moving invocation from Timothy Cardinal Dolan. Diners enjoyed dessert and coffee while listening to the three traditional toasts.
Peter McGuire, President of the Society, offered a toast to the President of the United States. Guest speakers Helen McEntee, T.D., Minister for Justice, Ireland, toasted the United States.
David Feherty, former professional golfer, golf broadcaster and Internationally recognized stand up entertainer, spoke of the Day We Celebrate and provided comedic entertainment.
Singer Cathy Maguire wowed the crowd with her rendition of the National Anthem and a specially commissioned rendition of the “Hail of the Friendly Sons.” The Society continued the festivities at Cipriani until retiring for the evening in anticipation of the patron saint of Ireland’s feast day on March 17th.
