Members and guests of The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA recently gathered for their annual gala, A Celebration of Scotland’s Treasures, at the Metropolitan Club in New York City. Guests were ceremonially piped into the festive event and enjoyed a whisky tasting by The Macallan to kick off the evening.
Under the guidance of gala chair Mrs. Bruce R. Burton, vice chairs Alasdair and Susanne Nichol, Naoma Tate, and Scot Meacham Wood, NTSUSA raised over $350,000 to support the work of The National Trust for Scotland, that country’s largest conservation charity, protecting Scotland’s heritage and natural beauty today and for generations to come.
NTSUSA chair Helen E. R. Sayles CBE presented the 2023 Great Scot Award to Judy Murray OBE, former international tennis player, coach, philanthropist, author, and mum to tennis superstars Sir Andy and Jamie Murray.
Alasdair Nichol, chairman of Freeman’s and popular appraiser on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow, charmed guests with a rousing live auction of exceptional Scottish travel experiences followed by a spirited paddle raise to support the Scottish Wildcat.
Guests included author Flora Fraser; Mitch Owens of The World of Interiors; textile designer Araminta Birse-Stewart; sculptor Andy Scott; presidential historian Douglas Brinkley; and philanthropists Joan Kahn and Christopher “Kip” Forbes. Chris Thomson, head of the Scottish government in the US, and Sir Mark Jones, chair of the National Trust for Scotland, were also on hand to celebrate.
A traditional ceilidh brought the evening to a close in true Scottish fashion with lively dancing lead by Christopher Gow.
The Stephen & Christine Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) presented the 15th Annual Living Legends Awards last week, honoring three pets who overcame serious health issues thanks to the world-class veterinary care they received at AMC, along with their owner’s love and commitment.
Approximately 140 guests attended the event. Notables included: Jenny Paulson as well as co-chairs Donna Acquavella, Katharine Rayner, and Ann R. Tisch. Additional co-chairs included Laura Garner, Michael Heaner, Nancy M. Kissinger, Sharon Amsterdam Koplin, Emilia Saint-Amand Krimendahl, Robert Liberman, Ellen Marcus, Elizabeth Monaco McCarthy, Marianne Mebane, Kane Nussbaum, Elizabeth Gore Ross, Nicole Seligman, and Janet York.
“The extraordinary Living Legends we honor today exemplify the outstanding care that is our hallmark at AMC; they are the inspiration for what drives us to work hard and expand our hospital so we can continue to make more miracles happen,” said Helen M. Irving, RN, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of AMC. “It’s wonderful to be among so many of AMC’s donors and friends who have come together for the Living Legends Luncheon to celebrate the unbreakable human-animal bond.”
Awards were presented to the following honorees: Spice, a 14-year-old cat; Charley, an eight-year-old Papillion; and Polly Rhythm, a 58-year-old Amazon parrot – the oldest Living Legend.
The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) is the world’s largest non-profit animal hospital with 130+ veterinarians providing the highest quality medical care across more than 20 specialties and services, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Its mission to provide the best in care, research, and education has been the foundation of their work for over a century.
Photos by Hechler Photographer and Jill Nelson/AnnieWatt.com (The National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA)
