New York, Nov.12 – The J. Luce Foundation proudly announces its partnership with Complete Playground, celebrating a collaborative promotional, cultivating and groundbreaking event for the recently unveiled indoor Complete Playground—a revolutionary, fully inclusive space designed for both typical and special-needs children.

Honoring Real Estate Developer, Complete Gym chain owner, and founder of Complete Playground, Alex Resnik, the J. Luce Foundation recognizes his visionary contribution to the creation of a one-of-a-kind 40,000 sq. ft. indoor playground.

This innovative facility ensures a safe and enjoyable play environment for all children, inspired by Alex’s commitment to meeting the unique needs of his own children and the broader community.

Alex Resnik was presented with the prestigious Luce Foundation Humanitarian Entrepreneur 2023 Award, acknowledging his extraordinary vision and unwavering dedication to this transformative project.

Additionally, the event recognized philanthropic leaders, including John “SohoJohnny” Pasquale, awarded the 2023 “Nonprofit Leadership” honor for his benevolent efforts through the “Let Me Help, Inc.” foundation, supporting those in need through the power of music.  “SohoJohnny” is a regular Renaissance man. He is not only a philanthropist, a major real estate figure with his company Pep Real Estate, an actor, a producer, and a kind-hearted entertainer.

The Clare Boothe Luce Award and the R.Adm. Stephen Bleecker Luce Award for Maritime Leadership were bestowed upon Lorraine Silvetz, MSW, and Robert Silvetz, MD, founders of Global Stress Initiative, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in providing non-invasive treatment to veterans, service members, and survivors of trauma with PTSD since 2010.

Renowned artist Tatyana Horoshko Gegera and engineer/philanthropist Alexander “Sasha” Gegera were honored for their generous donation of exceptional portraits immortalizing founders of various non-profit organizations, including Let Me Help, Inc., The J. Luce Foundation, Global Stress Initiative, The Henderson Foundation, and Operation Warrior Shield. Tatyana and Sasha recently launched their foundation “Portrait of Freedom” whose mission is to support all children’s, especially the underprivileged, development and training in art.

DeCosta Headley of Brooklyn received an award for his outstanding contributions to the community, highlighting his dedication to enhancing the quality of life through initiatives such as college scholarships, employment opportunities, and social services. DeCosta has always been a leader in East New York, and Brownsville, including his post as District Leader for the 40th Assembly district in East New York. He founded the D.R E.A.M. Foundation which serves East New York in a myriad of ways.

The event, attended by a diverse audience, featured performances by world-renowned classical pianist Dr. Chen Wang, musical savant Jewels Harrison, and Quinn Lemley, star of “Rita Hayworth: The Heat is On!”

Jim Luce, founder of the Luce Foundation, emphasized the organization’s impactful work over the past 24 years, spanning Orphans International Worldwide, the Young Global Leadership Foundation, and education centers worldwide.

Several of the Luce Young Global Leaders were recognized for their advocacy and community service during the program. The future is bright with this beautiful team, from a diverse age group, dedicating themselves to making a difference, for the less fortunate, in our world.

For more information about the organizations involved, please visit:

Complete Playground: www.completeplayground.org

Luce Foundation:

www.lucefoundation.org

Global Stress Initiative: www.globalstressinitiative.org

Let Me Help, Inc.:

www.letmehelpinc.org

Portrait of Freedom:

www.portraitoffreedom.com

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https://blacktiemagazine.com/society_2023_April/Three_Amigos.htm
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#timessquarechronicles #lorrainesilvetz #judychristygilbert

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Founder of The Farzana Foundation, Farzana Niemmann and 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and 2 Time NYTimes Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby

The Farzana Foundation held its Inaugural Gala at the Apostle’s Ballroom on November 29 th, 2022. It was a huge success with attendees including well known entrepreneurs, anchors, actresses, artists, models, socialites and
fashion designers including, emcee C-King, 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and 2 Time New York Times Best Seller, Rita Cosby, Designer/Supermodel, Avadora Mimouni, Designer, Elie Balleh, Singer, Model and Reality Show Stars, Jamila and Celina Niemann, Humanitarian, Eve Brookville, Model, Artist, and Actress Olga Gretchen Schwartz, Model and Makeup Artist Sabine Wonderwoman, Award Winning Actress, Julianne Michelle, Artist and Philanthropist, Vill E. Wright, Ukrainian-American, Artist and Philanthropist Tatyana Horoshko and Ukrainian- American Opera Singer,
Oleksandra Hrabova, Socialite, Juan Castelo Branco among many other notables. Fashion shows were featured including Diana Mahrach designs with models’ hair and makeup coordinated by Donna Sousa of Makeover Artistry. Food was catered by La Mila Catering Camp; Events and drinks by Empire Rockefeller Vodka and Peramo Wine, and entertainment by DJ Sulel.

All photos in this article by Jeff Smith

Jose Castelo Branco, Tomaczek Bednarek, Rita Cosby, Farzana Niemann, Avadora Mimouni, Alex Quint, Lorraine Silvetz and Julianne Michelle

Farzana Niemann and Artist, Vill E Wright and his portrait of Farzana.

Eve Brookville, Farzana Niemann, Avadora Mimouni and Lorraine Silvetz

Fashion show took place during the event including Designer, Diana Mahrach with Hair and Makeup coordinated by Donna Sousa. Food was catered by La Mila Catering & Events and drinks by Empire Rockefeller Vodka and Peramo Wine, and entertainment by DJ Sulel. One hundred percent of the funds raised went to funding water wells in the region of Herat, Afghanistan.

Emcee C-King

Farzana Niemann and Rita Cosby

Celina and Jamila Niemann

Farzana Niemann, Rita Cosby, Diane Sare and Lorraine Silvetz

Since 2017, Farzana’s family has provided funding for more than 61 freshwater wells in the area surrounding her birth city of Herat which is located in the Northwestern parts of the country near the border with Iran. This has enabled families, living in this area. to enjoy this basic necessity. While each of these wells provides water to literally hundreds of families, there is a great need to construct more to satisfy the people’s substantially greater requirements.

Tatyana Horoshko, Alex Gegera and Jenise Ariane

Gretchen Olga Schwartz, Farzana Niemann, Jose Castelo Branco, Eve Brookville

Tatyana Horoshko, Flora Pllumaj, Robert Baxter, Lorraine Silvetz and Rebecca Ricks

Those that do not have a freshwater well in their village must frequently travel great distances on foot and physically carry extremely heavy containers of water for their families. As a mother of three, Farzana recognizes the difficulties and stress one experiences as a parent, under normal conditions, let alone an untenable environment where one has little supply of basic necessities.

Farzana Niemann, Designer, Diana Mahrach and Eve Brookville

Singer, Oleksandra Hrabova

Farzana Niemann, Singers, Mother and Daughter, Oleksandra and Anna Hrabova

Farzana is a passionate and accomplished veteran in the healthcare industry who, for the first fifteen years of her career, worked as a senior registered nurse at some of the most prestigious hospitals in the city of Hamburg, Germany, where her family finally settled after fleeing the ravages of war in her birth country of Afghanistan. Farzana came to the UN from Hamburg in 2011 where she shifted her focus from medicine to becoming a full-time skincare specialist (NY licensed aesthetician) and celebrity makeup artist.

Designer, Elie Balleh and his lovely wife

Rita Cosby

Center of photo-Diana Mahrach, Farzana Niemann, Donna Sousa and models

Being a survivor of domestic violence Farzana has become an advocate for Women’s Empowerment that reinforced her sensitivity to the plight of women in Afghanistan. She has been an outspoken public speaker on this topic with the goal of providing women with a greater sense of unification and cohesiveness. This has included presentations to the Miss Immigrant Contest Unlabelled Award and The United Nation’s an organization dedicated to the promotion of Women’s Empowerment.

Lorraine Silvetz, Gretchen Olga Schwartz and Flora Pllumaj

Artist, Tatyana Horoshko and Farzana Niemann

Farzana feels particularly passionate about this project since her own life experiences closely parallel challenges that unfolded in Afghanistan. After the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 she was subjected to a terrifying environment of war over a two-year period where members of her nuclear family were murdered by the invading forces. Many of her surviving family were forced to flee the country or face certain death, although some remained to face the aftermath. Due to being exposed to this horrific environment, she became determined to create more palatable circumstances for those that remain in Afghanistan. As an advocate for women’s rights, she is deeply troubled by the subordination and general abuse experienced by women under the current regime and is determined to support and encourage a greater climate of justice in the area.

Farzana and Celina Niemann, Lorraine Silvetz and Rita Cosby

Lorraine Silvetz, Dr. Adal Hussain and Avadora Mimouni

The immediate goal of the Farzana Foundation is to provide funding for the construction of more freshwater wells. The benefit to families in this region cannot be overestimated. Farzana is determined to ensure that the the proud people of Afghanistan receive the proper treatment and basic necessities to which all of humanity should be entitled. I could not imagine a more noble goal.

Alex Quint, Lorraine Silvetz, Alex Gegera, Farzana Niemann, Artist, Tatyana Horoshko, and Emcee, C-King

For more information go to www.thefarzanafoundation.com
IG @thefarzanafoundation

Journalist, Lorraine Silvetz, MSW is a psychotherapist and Executive Director of Global Stress Initiative. She is a graduate of New York University’s School of Social Work.
Instagram @lorrainesilvetzofficial
Twitter @lorrainesilvetz
Photo Credit: Alvin Toro

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Catalyst, a nonprofit focused on helping women work outside the home, on Tuesday celebrated adding its archives to Hagley Museum and Library’s collection of business records.

The organization, which also is celebrating its 60th anniversary, started as a way to encourage educated women to go to work at a time when businesses were dominated by men.

It evolved to encompass all women and work on helping corporations change workplaces to make them more attractive for women who wanted to work and have a family. Catalyst was an early champion of job sharing, for example.

Hagley will store and preserve Catalyst’s archives, which archivists say is the only collection of its kind that shows the evolution of women in business and the workplace.

It came in 350 boxes that are still being archived, but should be open to researchers in a few months.

FELICE N. SCHWARTZ

Looking at business through the eyes of women is an area Hagley hopes to be able to continue to strengthen.

The library already is known for having a major collection of manuscripts, archives, photographs and books from many companies, including DuPont, that document American business and technology.

Catalyst was established by Felice N. Schwartz in 1962.

The nonprofit’s debut tracks along with the rise of the feminist movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s, but rather than burning bras, Catalyst wanted to encourage women to have the satisfaction of a career and a paycheck of their own while balancing that with family.

“The focus on the role of women in business is squarely where we are,” said CEO Lorraine Hariton. “Our vision and mission has evolved over time, but it’s always been about women being successful in business.”

Catalyst evolves
Somewhere in the 90s, Catalyst realized that corporations needed to change their workplaces in order to attract and keep more women and shifted focus to that. It champions diversity and embraces changes, such as working virtually, which it started doing 20 years ago.

The company is based in New York but is global. It works with hundreds of companies and has revenues of $25 to $30 million annually.

Catalyst bused dozens of workers to Hagley Tuesday to attend a preview of the archives as part of its 60th anniversary.

Sixty years from now, Hariton told the crowd, Catalyst will still be trying to help women in the workplace.

Also speaking Tuesday was Dr. Anne Boylan, professor emerita of history and women and gender studies at the University of Delaware.

She fascinated the crowd with stories about how women came to the workplace, starting with a study group created in December 1961 by President John F. Kennedy.

The Presidential Commission on the Status of Women was housed in the cabinet-level Department of Labor and led by former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Those on the committee included five cabinet secretaries, congressmen and leaders of important major corporations.

“In other words, this was not just window dressing. This was a consequential group,” she said. “It wasn’t just designed to sort of placate Kennedy’s women supporters.”

DR. ANNE BOYLAN

When the commission delivered its landmark 300-page report to Kennedy in October 1963, it offered a blunt assessment of women’s status in early 1960s America in everything from job opportunities, marriage and family life, to law, education, tax code and political status.

It said American women were systemically disadvantaged and treated as second class citizens in the economy and the family. It also said Black women and women of color generally suffered worse from economic and discriminatory structures in every facet of their lives.

Boylan pointed out that both Schwartz and Betty Friedan went to Smith College in the 40s. Neither was allowed into Ivy League schools, who accepted only men.

Schwartz founded Catalyst a year before Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique” was published in 1963. The book was a reworked collection of essays that Friedan had written for magazines.

It’s possible, Boylan said, that Schwartz had read those articles.

The Catalyst archive promises to open a variety of new lines of research, Boylan told the crowd that filled the second floor of Hagley’s Soda House.

“It’s also likely to propel forward interpretive projects that historians have had in development for the past 25 years or so,” she said. “That project involves challenging outdated notions about women’s historical experiences during the 1950s and 1960s, especially experiences in the economy.”

The event ended with a preview of the archives’ content and a champagne toast celebrating Catalyst’s 60th anniversary.

https://townsquaredelaware.com/

#catalystwomen #records #hagley #lorrainehariton #feliceschwartz #anneboylan #library #smithcollege #femininemystique #bettyfriedan #education #family #experiences

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Career Bridges Gala Photo credit: Hechler Photography

The dazzling evening we experienced at The Metropolitan Club was Gala in every sense of the word. Luminaries of the Opera World gathered in force to celebrate the next generation of opera stars, recipients of awards from The Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges. What does that title symbolize? A bridge from studio to stage.

L to R Row 1 Barbara Meister Bender, Matthew Soibelman, Keungeun Lee, Lisa Rogali, Thomas Ciliuffo, Mary Beth Nelson, Joanna Evans, Samson McCrady, Mala Weissberg, Kaileigh Riess, Key’mon Murrah, and David Schuyler Bender, Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

The Foundation has been performing a vital service for 18 years now. Career Bridges was founded by David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender with the mission of providing vital assistance to young opera singers as they transition from training to stage. Awardees receive three years of mentoring, financial support, and performance opportunities. Every year, except during the pandemic, Career Bridges spearheads a competition where they give career grants to 10 young artists. Those winners have the opportunity to sing for and receive expert critique from a panel of professionals in the business; directors, voice teachers, performers etc. The singers are then granted a conference with David and Barbara where the critiques are discussed and further helpful suggestions are given. The grant winners have the opportunity to return for 3 more years to “check in” to see if the hard work they have done has been realized for the panel. What an incredible mentorship for these fortunate young artists.

Left to right: Richard Miller, Jr, Barbara Meister Bender, Jane Shaulis and David Schuyler Bender, Photo credit, Hechler Photography

The Benders are one of those beautiful, power couples whose welcoming remarks set the evening off with a wonderful start. Guests that had not attended events in the last three years, due to the pandemic, basked in the delightful entertainment which enveloped them throughout the evening. Many who have attended most of the Gala’s commented that this was the best array of talent they had found in all the foundation’s long history. That is saying something since they have found world class talent each year.

Left to right: First row: Jane Shaulis, Eve Queler, Barbara Meister Bender, David Schuyler Bender Second Row: Richard Miller, Jr, Mary Beth Nelson, Kaileigh Riess, Joanne Evans, Keungeun Lee, Lisa Rogali, Third Row: Left to Right: Key’mon Murrah, Samson McCrady, Thomas Ciliuffo, and Matthew Soibelman

David Schuyler Bender and Barbara Meister Bender, Photo credit: Hechler Photography

This year Career Bridges selected ten outstanding, young opera singers.

Thomas Ciliuffo Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Joanne Evans opened the program with a technically and artistically perfect rendition of Handel’s famous trumpet and mezzo solo “Or La Tromba”. Followed by the world famous aria, In diesen eil’gen Hallen from Mozart’s famous opera Die Zauberflote sung masterfully by the wonderful voiced Bass, Matthew Soibelman. The highlight of this section was the presentation of The Rose performed by Soprano, Kayleigh Riess. Tenor, Thomas Ciliuffo brought to life the ? …… The virile voiced, Baritone, Samson McCrady excelled with the world famous, largo ao factotem by Rossini.

Mary Beth Nelson Photo credit, Hechler Photography

Lisa Rogali Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award was the incomparable, Eve Queler, who is one of the first women to establish herself in the traditionally male-dominated field of orchestral conducting. As a guest conductor of many European and South American orchestras, as well as through her work as music director of The Opera Orchestra of New York which she founded in 1971, she has conducted high-quality performances of seldom-heard masterpieces, featuring internationally acclaimed stars. Eve has conducted over 100 operas in concert at Carnegie Hall. In addition, she has conducted worldwide, including engagements at the Kirov Opera in St Petersburg, the legendary Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, the Hamburg and Frankfurt Operas in Germany, the Australian Opera in Sydney and the Liceu in Barcelona, Spain, to name a few.

Eve Queler, Lifetime Achievement
Award Winner, Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

After Eve Queler’s award, the piece de resistance of the evening was the outstanding performance by Key’mon Murrah, Countertenor whose rendition of the ah! quel giorno ognor rammento by Rossini brought down the house. Mezzo Soprano, Lisa Rogali’s rendition of Una voce poco fa by Rossini revealed a warm, beautiful voice peppered with technically perfect coloratura. Most impressive was the fantastically realized performance of Wagner’s Zwangvolle Plage! sung by Tenor, Thomas Ciliuffo. The performance of Sein wir wieder gut! was artistically and dramatically performed by Mezzo Soprano, Mary Beth Nelson.

Distinguished Award Winner. Jane Shaulis Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Superstar mezzo-soprano, Jane Shaulis, spoke eloquently as she received the Distinguished Achievement Award. She has been a staple of the Metropolitan Opera’s roster for 25 years appearing in 561 performances and heard in 67 radio broadcasts. This past season she sang in the new HD production of Lulu. Prior to joining the Met she performed with the New York City Opera for 15 years, appearing in over 60 roles. She has also sung with the major opera companies, including San Francisco, Chicago, and San Diego and has performed with many major orchestras, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, as well as the festivals in Spoleto and Glyndebourne.

Key’Mon Murrah Photo credit, Hechler Photography

22 year old Mezzo Soprano, Mala Weissberg impressed us all with the beautifully realized rendition of Meyerbeer’s Nobles seigneurs, salut! Qui la voce sua soave…Vien diletto composed by Bellini was sung by Soprano Keungeun Lee highlighted by her clear cut coloratura. An audience favorite, the flower duet from Lakme was brought to life by the beautifully matched voices of Kaileigh Riess and Mala Weissberg, Mezzo Soprano.

Mala Weissberg Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

The tribute in memoriam was made to Laurence Broderick, 2006 Grant winner, whose life was cut short in a boating accident. The tribute began with a heartfelt rendition of Abendilch by Wagner sung by Bass-Baritone, John Dominick, III, 2006 Career Bridges’ winner. His mother and brother accepted the moving tribute in his memory.

Mary Beth Nelson Photo credit, Hechler Photography

Ted Taylor as Music Director contributed his amazing job of accompanying a great variety of material for these gifted young singers.

Samson McCrady Photo credit: Hechler Photography

The entire ensemble joined Baritone, Samson McCrady in the highly appropriate “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha. For many having a career in Opera might seem like an impossible dream but Career Bridges’ Co-Artistic Directors, Barbara and David Bender and team’s mission is to make the dream all the more possible.

Kaileigh Riess Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

Jane Thorngren and Walter McNeil

Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

David Schuyler Bender, Barbara Meister Bender, Elizabeth Broderick and son.

Photo credit, Hechler Photography.

For more information on Career Bridges go to www.careerbridges.org

#careerbridges #mission #buildingbridges #studiotostage #lorrainesilvetz #gala #careerbridgeshechler #metropolitanclub #operastars #recipientsofawards #schuylerfoundation #symbolize

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Click on Image to Enlarge…

Models include Rita Cosby, Robbie Canner, Diana Sorkin, Isabel Lopez, Lorraine Silvetz, Gigi Nunez, ReBecca Ricks, Alyssa Casa, Sara Johnson Kaplan, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, Meenal Manikandan, Donna Sousa, Cherie Corso, Flora Pllumaj, Paulina Apice, Dr. Elisa English, Sonia Texeira Couto, Kayla Kotsch, Paris Zelyakovsky and Cory Orosz Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

Avadora Mimouni Collection was featured at Prestige Models NYFW show 2022. Model and Designer, Avadora Mimouni, is a gem, as is her line of “wearable art” luxury bags adorned with semi-precious stones and upcycled materials. They are becoming increasingly popular among women who want to look and feel like the gems they are. Inspired designer and model, Avadora Mimouni was born in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. Avadora’s creative ways started in her youth. She expressed herself through theater and modeling in fashion boutiques. She moved to Manhattan in 1994. She soon pursued modeling and graced the covers of magazines, walked prestigious runways, and appeared in acting roles. Her latest role is as an inspired designer, helping make the world and its inhabitants more beautiful.

Lorraine Silvetz, Rita Cosby, Rebecca Ricks

Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

Donna Sousa, Yasmeen Gumbs-Breakenridge, Sonia Teixeira Couto
Photo Credit: Jeff Smith

In 2017, Avadora attended an event wearing a one-of-a-kind purse she created and was surprised by the immense adulation. She was immediately inspired to launch her Avadora Mimouni Collection that same year. Her collection received dramatic admiration from women of all ages. Her startling and gorgeous luxury bags are “wearable works of art,” making those who carry them look and feel more beautiful.

Rita Cosby                ReBecca Ricks           Meenal Manikandan
Photo credit: Dez Santana Photo credit: Jeff Smith Photo credit: Dez Santana

Avadora Mimouni Collection inspired many former models from the 90’s, 2000’s to return to the runway, during NY Fashion Week 2019, 2020, and 2022, to strut their stuff for the camera while making a difference in the world. Her luxury “wearable art” bags inspired the models to not only look their best but to promote causes, far and wide, through their inspired “fashion runway advocacy”. Several of the models who appear in Avadora’s NYFW shows became active in philanthropy after their modeling careers.

Sara Johnson Kaplan                  Jennifer Harrison                    Isabel Lopez
Photo credit: Getty Images

Not only do these models know how to talk the talk, but they also walk the walk on the runway: Proof that a woman can “strut her stuff,” make a difference in the world and be fabulous at any age! The world needs a message that celebrates timeless beauty; it is more than skin deep and does not end at age 30!

Lorraine Silvetz            Lorraine Silvetz & Rita Cosby
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

Several of Avadora Mimouni collection’s models are today’s entrepreneurs, TV anchors, therapists, doctors, actresses, executive directors of foundations among other notable accomplishments. One of the star models, is 3 Time Emmy Award Winning Anchor and NY Times Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby. One need only look at her biography to not only see her incomparable list of accomplishments but all her long list of advocacy and support for a multitude of great causes. Rita is spokesperson for another Avadora Mimouni model, Lorraine Silvetz, MSW, foundation,Global Stress Initiative treating veterans, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors with PTSD. Lorraine has served as the face of Avadora Mimouni’s Collection for 2021-2022. All of the mature models (age 35 and up) have either founded, currently support, or lend their personalities to foundations that work to help those in need.

Diana Sorkin    Cory Orosz     Cherie Corso
Photo credits: Getty Images

After close to two years of being unable to attend events due to the pandemic, everyone is ready to get out and be seen supporting good works. And, they’ll want to do it in style! No woman will want to be without their AVADORA MIMOUNI luxury handbag as they enter the world stage yet again. The Imperial Collection will bring the wearer back to the old-world glamour and beauty of classic cinema sirens like Rita Hayworth, Marilyn Monroe, and Ava Gardner.

Robbie Canner             ReBecca Ricks & Avadora Mimouni      Flora Plumaj
Photo credit: Getty Images Photo credit: Jeff Smith Photo Credit: Getty Images

All women agree that you cannot wear an Avadora Mimouni bag without making a statement, being asked where you got it, who designed it since they steal the show wherever you go. They are beyond unique and beautiful, and each one is one of a kind, just like the woman who wears them.

Elisa English and Avadora Mimouni   Flora Pllumaj & Lorraine Silvetz     Cindy Marinangel,                                                                                                                                              Avadora Mimouni,                                                                                                                                             Errol Rappaport
Photo credit: Jeff Smith

The designer and acclaimed model, Avadora Mimouni, illustrates that beauty is timeless, and her gorgeous bags symbolize each woman as a precious gem. Her luxury bags adorned with semi-precious stones remind the wearer of the luxury purse that they genuinely are.  And, let’s face it, the more we feel like precious gems, the more we act that way, and so the world becomes a better and more beautiful place – one gem at a time.

Back row: Elisa English, Isabel Lopez, Flora Pllumaj, Robbie Canner, Jennifer Harrison, Cory Orosz, two guest models, Allysa Casa, Diana Sorkin, Cherie Corso and Paulina Apice
Front row: Gigi Nunez, Lorraine Silvetz, guest model, Rebecca Ricks, Sara Johnson Kaplan, Sonia Teixeira Couto Front: The divine designer, Avadora Mimouni

#avadoramimouni #avadoramimounicollection #ritacosby #rebricks3 #coryorosz #isabeloriginal #jenniferdevin111 #pauliapice2914 #sarieny1 #prestigetopmodelnyc #errolrappaport #gigi_nunez #flogplu #robbiecanner @isabeloriginal @originallivingmagazine #alyssacasa #kayla_kotsch #cheriecorso #mylifeyasmeen #meensmanik #makeoverartistry #reflectionsnyc #soniateixeiracouto #paris.zelyakovsky #dezsantanaphoto

Article written by Lorraine Silvetz, MSW

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The models not only know how to strut for the camera but make a difference in the world. Each one of the models either founded, support or, lend their personalities to charity. Not only do these ladies know how “to talk the talk,” they “walk the walk” on the runway: Proof that a woman can “strut her stuff” while looking fabulous at any age! The world needs a message that celebrates timeless beauty since beauty does not end at 30!

Divine Designer and model, Avadora Mimouni was born in the Azores archipelago of Portugal. As a child, Avadora was always creative expressing herself through theater and modeling at fashion boutiques. She moved to Manhattan in 1994. She pursued modeling and graced the covers of magazines, walked prestigious runway and, appeared in acting roles. In 2017, she attended an event wearing a one of a kind purse she created and was surprised by the immense adulation that it received. She was immediately inspired to launch her Avadora Mimouni Collection at the end of 2017.

Partners, Ivonne Camacho and Avadora Mimouni Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Avadora has enjoyed a fruitful partnership with Ivonne Camacho, PR Creative Director of @AbsolutModerne. After hosting private events in various locations in New York, Avadora’s line opened with rave reviews at New York Fashion Week (NYFW). Avadora credits Ivonne with where Avadora Mimouni Couture Collection is today

Emmy Award Winning Anchor and Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby

At the top of the “Models of Philanthropy” list of ladies was Emmy-Winning TV Host, Radio Star, and Best Selling Author, Rita Cosby who spearheads countless philanthropic efforts for charities…with her main focus on heralding the military and families. She not only was first to step out on the runway with “Models of Philanthropy” but emceed the entire evening.

Rita Cosby

Rita Cosby is one of the most recognized and respected broadcasters in America. She is a renowned Emmy-winning TV host, veteran correspondent and multiple best selling author, who anchored highly rated prime time shows on Fox News Channel and MSNBC. She currently does frequent hosting on HLN/CNN and is a special correspondent for the top-rated CBS syndicated news magazine Inside Edition. Heralded as one of the Most Influential Women in Radio since 2014 by Radio Ink magazine, she was selected as Legend of the Year for 2018, chosen among all women on and off air in the radio industry. Throughout her illustrious media career, Rita has secured some of the biggest interviews, including exclusives with more than twenty world leaders, including six U.S. Presidents.

Mitzi Perdue
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Mitzi Perdue holds a BA with honors from Harvard University and an MPA from the George Washington University. She is a past president of the 35,000-member American Agri-Women. She’s also a former syndicated columnist for Scripps Howard and her column, The Environment and You, and in the 1990s, was the most widely-syndicated environmental column in the country. Her television series, Country Magazine, was syndicated to 76 stations. She’s the founder of CERES Farms, the second-generation family-owned vineyards that sell wine grapes to wineries such as Mondavi, Kendall-Jackson, Bogle, Folie a Deux, and Toasted Head.

Mitzi Perdue and Rita Cosby
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

Mitzi combines the experiences of three long-time family businesses. Her father Ernest Henderson co-founded the Sheraton Hotel Chain and her late husband Frank Perdue was the second generation in the poultry company that today operates in more than 50 countries. She herself founded CERES Farms in 1974. She founded Win this Fight an anti-human trafficking foundation whose primary focus is helping other anti-trafficking organizations with fundraising. With additional funding, the organizations can spend less time fundraising and more time delivering services. Win This Fight exists to help other organizations in their missions to educate, prevent, rescue and rehabilitate. To accomplish these goals, Win This Fight will host a variety of fundraisers, an online auction, as well as a live auction, requesting items in the million-dollar range or higher. For more information go to www.winthisfight.org.

Lorraine Silvetz
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

Lorraine Silvetz received her BFA from N.Y.U. Film School and her Master’s from N.Y.U. School of Social Work in 2005. She is a psychotherapist, active in philanthropy, having founded Global Stress Initiative (GSI) under the International Committee Against Mental Illness (ICAMI), a mental health foundation directed by her Uncle, Robert Cancro, MD in 2010. ICAMI-GSI’s goal is to provide non-invasive treatment for survivors of trauma. GSI utilizes individualized transcranial magnetic stimulation (iTMS) for the treatment of service members, domestic violence and human trafficking survivors impacted by PTSD.

Back row: Ivonne Camacho, Rita Cosby, Lorraine Silvetz and front row, Avadora Mimouni.
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

TV Anchor, Rita Cosby serves as spokesperson for GSI’s service members’ and Actress/Supermodel, Kelly LeBrock as spokesperson for GSI’s human trafficking and domestic violence survivors. Lorraine and GSI supporters, Rita Cosby, Mitzi Perdue, and Robert Cancro, MD, received Congressional Awards for the treatment administered to service members and veterans in 2011.

ReBecca Ricks
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennisimadigan

ReBecca Ricks strutted her stuff on the runway with her sister “Models of Philanthropy.” She has worked with service members and their families while Manager for Global Stress Initiative (GSI). Her early career was spent as an accomplished dancer, athlete and coach (15x Boston Marathon Qualifier), MAC makeup artist, and Paul Mitchell hairdresser, and degrees in art and science. She has recently returned to school studying neuroscience, kinesiology, and nutrition with hopes to apply this knowledge to a continued career in mental health.

Melisa Cristaldi
Photo Credit: Noel Valero @noelvphoto

Melisa Cristaldi was born in Argentina, where she studied to become a physical therapist and volunteered for several non-profits raising awareness about health issues in low income communities. Passionate about helping patients through clinical research, she devoted her career to stem cell and autism research. After moving to New York in 2012, she pursued her Masters degree in Clinical Research Administration at George Washington University and currently works in the immuno oncology, stem cell research and treatment field and is a fervent advocate of this cause to improve people’s lives.

Daryl Devlin
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Daryl Devlin has a multifaceted background in business development, sales, and production. Expertise in production includes hiring and managing filmmakers and editors and spearheading the process from concept to post-production. She is a tenacious leader who pursues opportunities and challenges to achieve results, with experience managing multiple offices, overseeing organizations up to 60 in staff and directing sales for a European company.

Prior to founding The Daryl James Company, Daryl worked at Bernstein & Andriulli, when she was recruited to build their film/ motion division, working with premier filmmakers, photographers, animators, CGI artists, and illustrators. She was president at MediaLogic, where she represented talent with key accounts and provided consulting services to corporations to maximize their advertising capabilities. She is an active advocate for human trafficking related foundations including Freedom for All and Win this Fight.

Kathleen Giordano
Photo Credit: Priscilla Periut @escapestudiosinc

Kathleen Giordano is a commercial print model/actress, entrepreneur, writer, men’s hair groomer and a member of SAG/AFTRA. She modeled throughout Europe/NY in magazines, catalogues, TV commercials and the runway. Kathleen takes tap dancing lessons, is an avid gardener and loves to decorate her beach cottage at the Jersey shore.

She has been featured on WE, NBC’s Today Show, ABC’s 20/20, QVC, Sky 1, Access Hollywood, Univision, Good Day NY, Us Weekly, LA Times, British Glamour, NY Post, NY Daily News, GQ, PHilly Mag, etc.
Kathleen supports a number of charities…The Horticultural Society, The Animal Medical Center, Culture for One and Women’s Health Organizations.

Dena McCoy
Photo Credits: Noel valero @noelvphoto

Dena McCoy is the Executive Director at AbsolutModerne, a dynamic branding, social media, PR, and VIP events company based in New York under the direction of CEO/ Creative Director Ivonne Camacho. She is a Director and proud fourth generation Trustee of the Woodard Family Foundation in her home state of Oregon, and is no stranger to the importance of supporting community needs. Dena looks forward to her son and daughter joining in the long tradition of family philanthropy. She is President of Grace Meadow Properties and Grace West Properties, LLC’s her latest ventures which were inspired by a long tradition of family business in Oregon, California and Hawaii. Dena is a SAG/AFTRA actress, model and fitness enthusiast with a discipline in dance and yoga. She believes that the best way to serve and inspire others is to come from a place of inner strength through fostering a healthy mind, body and spirit. With a B.A. in Humanities and minor in German from UC Berkeley, her love of language and faith, has led her to write a powerfully personal memoir, “Greed & Grace,” which will be published later this year.

Pamela Morgan
Photo Credit: Noel Valero @noelvphoto

Pamela Morgan is owner of Flirting with Flavors and a member of Les Dames D’Escoffier, Pamela Morgan has been praised for her work as a caterer, event planner, food personality and cookbook author. She began her career studying with chefs Alain Ducasse and Roger Verge in their highly acclaimed kitchens in the south of France. After returning to the USA, she trained with esteemed Madeleine Kamman, later working behind the counter at the renowned Silver Palate retail and catering store in New York City.

In 1984, she began her own company, Flavors Catering, a New York catering firm specializing in custom-tailored events, from private dinners to full-scale parties for up to 2,000 people, with clients such as Martha Stewart Living, Food Network Television and HBO. In January of 1993, she opened her first retail store, Pamela Morgan’s Flavors, in New York’s Flatiron District, where it became a fixture of the neighborhood and received the highest rating attainable from Zagat’s Marketplace Guide. Her cookbook, Pamela Morgan ‘’s Flavors, written with Michael McLaughlin (Viking) was published in May 1998. In 2000, she sold the retail storefront so that she could spend more time on the many other projects she’d become involved in, while maintaining a more boutique operation of her catering and events firm. She is working on her second cookbook, Love, Well Seasoned.

Carissa Lawson
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Carissa Lawson is the morning news anchor at News 12 New Jersey. She is a New York City native who grew up in Queens. Lawson is a proud graduate of New York University with a degree in broadcast journalism. Lawson has won an Associated Press Award for feature reporting. She co-anchored the newscast at the CBS affiliate in Louisville that received the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award for best newscast. She was also part of the CBS affiliate team that received the coveted National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) Service to America Television Award, among the highest public-service honors in broadcasting, that honors exceptional public and community service. Upon graduation from NYU, Lawson earned the James Fenimore Cooper Memorial Prize, which is presented annually to the most outstanding undergraduate student of journalism. She was also inducted into the Kappa Tau Alpha National Honor Society in journalism and mass communication.

Janel Tanna
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Janel Tanna is an actress, occasional producer and screenwriter who, just four years into her career, has appeared in more than twenty projects. She has won 16 acting awards at various film festivals, plus two writing awards. She has also received an additional 10 acting nominations. Impressive for someone who almost never went down the path of acting, which she had often daydreamed about, but life seemed to have other plans.

Janel’s most recent awards include the Mary Austin Excellence in acting award, which she received at the prestigious 2019 Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema. The award is based on cumulative acting skills as demonstrated in different roles. Also at Idyllwild in 2019, Janel was honored with the Kristoff St. John award, which is bestowed in memory of the talented and inspiring Kristoff, an actor, to someone who has demonstrated inspiration to their peers. At the New York City International Film Festival, Janel was recognized with an emerging talent award for her performance in Sienna’s Choice – a film that she also produced.

Cassandra Seidenfeld
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Cassandra Seidenfeld is a graduate of Columbia University 2013, a Professional Actor, Humanitarian and an athlete. She is also active philanthropically. Cassandra received the 2016 Women4Empowerment Gold Medal of Honor for her philanthropic work closely associated with empowering women and young girls. She has also been nominated to be on the Advisory Board of LDEO (Lamont – Doherty Observation Earth Conservatory) as a direct affiliation with her interests at Columbia University.

Cassandra has appeared on TV Shows, in Indie Films, Feature Films and on “Person Of Interest”. She secured a role in the Guild Hall’s Labor Day Production in East Hampton, New York where she performed in “The Night of 75 Stars”, alongside Alec Baldwin and Bob Balaban, and she is slated for the Lead role in Kevin Sheaff’s upcoming Indie Feature Film entitled “In The Eyes Of Love & Vengeance” as ‘Apostle Saundra’, Iris Braun in Tyriq Mustaqyuim’s “From Sin To Salvation”, Mary Clarke in Steven Harris Anzelowitz’s “Hope Saves Manhattan”, and Constance in Gregory Brown’s “Eastern Citrus.”

Deborah Galligan
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Deborah Epperson Galligan had a successful bi-coastal career as a model and actress in the late 80’s- 90’s with the prestigious Ford Models Agency. She and her family settled on Manhattan’s Upper West Side before relocating to Oyster Bay Cove on Long Island’s north shore. She raised three sons, all of whom became division one athletes playing baseball and lacrosse at University of Maryland, Georgetown and St. John’s University. While on Long Island, Deborah was active both in and out of her sons schools and the community; she established and led a women’s personal enrichment study group for 12 years. Deborah has made her return to the city as a busy real estate agent with the Lee/Greenfield Team at Douglas Elliman’s Upper Westside office. As well as, being the principle of her new home design company, which specializes in personalized luxury lifestyle design thereby helping clients create their perfect urban home.

Sara Johnson Kaplan
Photo Credit: Charles Fara @cfaraphoto

Sara Johnson Kaplan is an actress, fashion model and producer. Most recently, she appeared as an influencer on Liquid Lunch TV to promote women’s health, fitness and fashion. She has appeared in film and off-Broadway productions, including Vamperifica and Beyond Therapy. Sara is a graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theatre Institute of Acting. Sara’s philanthropy work has included being the Benefit Chair for Broadway’s Astaire Awards to raise money to provide movement and dance classes for children with autism.

The gala also featured new up and coming, designer talents, Qaysean Williams and Sarah Minervini:

Manikin – Qaysean
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan
Qaysean Williams is a celebrated fashion designer who created the luxury street wear brand Manikin Mob. His nickname “The one hand sewing man” evolved organically because of his ability to cut and sew gowns, tuxedos and outwear with one hand. He has been seen on VH1’s Basketball Wives/Season 3 Love & Hip Hop. He is sponsored by comedian and actress Sommore of One Thousand Kisses Inc. To learn more go to www.bsbgallery.com/qayseanwilliams

Manikin
Photo Credit: Billy Dee photographer

Manikin
Photo Credit: Noel Valero

Sarah Minervini is an American fashion designer whose line, SIRS, features lingerie designed to spread confidence by making women around the world feel beautiful. Her lingerie line and dresses were stunning and received major response from the audience. To learn more about the collection go to www.sirslingerie.com

Sarah Minervini and Avadora
Photo Credits: David Warren

SIRS
Photo Credits: David Warren @david_warren

SIRS
Photo Credit: David Warren @david_warren

Ivonne Camacho, PR Creative Director, from @absolutmoderne was responsible for making Avadora Mimouni’s show a great success. Her career in merchandising, designing, and sourcing the globe for fashion has been a dream come true. Graduating from Mount Ida College, with a focus on Fashion Illustration, Ivonne pursued her passion in Fashion Design and Merchandising at The Fashion Institute of Technology and Syracuse University. The highlight of her training took place after meeting famous fashion designer, Oleg Cassini who took her under his wing as his mentee. Ever since, Ivonne has had the tools that have enabled her to pave a successful 25 year career, in the fashion business, traveling the globe to over 30 countries as VP of Merchandising and Design.

Ivonne Camacho and NJ Housewives, Dolores Cantania
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

AbsolutModerne Fab Four: L to R: Lorraine Silvetz, Dena McCoy, Ivonne Camacho, and Avadora Mimouni
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

Rick Galvin partnered with Ivonne to make this Gala a grand success. Rick founded the Carol Galvin foundation in memory of his mother who he lost to cancer at age 11. Carol’s battle with cancer lasted four years. Because of his youth and the stress of watching a loved one die, Rick was not at his mother’s bedside on the night she passed. The guilt over not being there has haunted him ever since.

Rick Galvin and Rita Cosby
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

Lorraine Silvetz, Rita Cosby, Daryl Devlin, Adam Sands, Ivonne Camacho and Rick Galvin
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan

“My mother was the type of woman who would put the needs of her family ahead of her own. I wanted to establish a foundation that would keep her memory alive and at the same time help other women like her. I wanted to give women battling cancer a night where they would be treated like a rock star. To walk the red carpet, speak, perform or just attend an event where they could feel the support of, not only their loved ones, but complete strangers as well. I also wanted to be able to provide them with a financial gift to pay their bills or take a trip or whatever they wanted to use it for. That is exactly what the Carol Galvin Foundation New York Fashion Week Gala does.”

Rick Galvin also runs a music entertainment company, CG Talent Management, which has two movies in the works and has worked with past celebrities such as Garrett Clayton/Elias Harger/Meredith O’Connor/Krista Allen/Brian Austin Greene and many more.

Rita Cosby, Sid Rosenberg, Ivonne Camacho, Lorraine Silvetz, ReBecca Ricks, and Dena McCoy
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Sid Rosenberg co-host of The Bernie and Sid in the Morning Show on 77 WABC in New York City hosted the VIP hour and was presented with an award for his unwavering support of The Carol Galvin Foundation.

Musical performances and appearances by:

Aaron Paul and Cognac Wellerlane
Photo Credit: Dennis Madigan @dennismadigan

Aaron Paul British Recording Artist and Style Arbiter performed during the VIP hour. Sarina Sono, an accomplished violinist, also performed before the fashion show.

Sarina Suno

Frank A. Haye & Brooklyn International Choir: Performing 2 original songs and two covers one from pop star Meredith O’Connor & the other from the Greatest Showman soundtrack.

Frank A. Haye & Brooklyn International Choir
Photo Credit: Ken Grille

Cindy Grosz, columnist and radio show personality who co-hosts on The Jersey Joe Show was a great addition to the evening.

Rita Cosby and Cindy Grosz
Photo Credit: Ken Grille

Thanks to all who made the Carol Galvin Foundation NYFW Gala a genuine success. Strong kudos goes to Sag Workshop for hair and makeup for all of the models.
#carol #galvin #rita #crosby #sara #pamela #morgan #carissa #lawson #lorraine #silvetz #johnson #kaplan #ivonne #camacho #dolores #cantania #kathleen #giordano #daryl #devlin #dena #mccoy #deborah #galligan #rebecca #ricks #cassandra #seidenfeld #rick #avadora #mimouni #melisa #cristaldi #model #actress #actor #entrepreneur #anchor #philanthropy #new #york #fashion #week #nyfw #show #rumi #manhattan #beauties #luxury #handbags

The post The 7th Annual Carol Galvin Foundation NYFW Gala features “Models of Philanthropy” and Designers Avadora Mimouni, Sara Minervini & Qaysean. appeared first on Good News!.

The post JUST PUBLISHED: Robert Silvetz, MD and Lorraine Cancro: True Love at Last – Stewardship Report by Mitzi Perdue appeared first on Good News!.

Please join Charles R. Marmar for a

90th Birthday

Celebration

Honoring

Eric J. Simon, PhD

Professor

Departments of Psychiatry, Biochemistry,

and Molecular Pharmacology

Thursday, June 5th 4:30 – 6:00pm 1 Park Avenue, 7th Floor “Central Park”

Please RSVP to Melody Baugh at 646-754-4858 or Melody.Baugh@nyumc.org by Monday, June 2nd.

The post Eric J. Simon, PhD appeared first on Good News!.

Ted Moudis Associates
79 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10016

NYCREW will honor Women’s History Month with an Industry Spotlight on “Women Greening NYC: Sustainability in Commercial Real Estate,” an all-star panel of experts in sustainable building and design, all helping to make New York City a greener place. Moderator (and NYCREW Member) Amelia Janisz, CEO and President of Easy Building Environmental Health and Safety will be joined by: Charlotte Matthews, Vice President of Sustainability for Related Companies; Sukanya Paciorek, Senior Vice President of Corporate Sustainability for Vornado Realty Trust; and Eleni Reed, Chief Greening Officer of the U.S. General Services Administration Public Buildings Service. The four will discuss the opportunities and challenges in helping owners and managers reduce the energy use and carbon footprint of their buildings and more. Contact us for a complimentary press registration!

ABOUT NYCREW Network
NYCREW Network, the original New York area chapter of CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women, a national organization of over 8,200 commercial real estate professionals), was founded in 2001 to advance the success of women in commercial real estate through
opportunity, influence and power. Since then, NYCREW has provided its members with the skills and opportunities to achieve success in commercial real estate, encouraging doing business together in collaboration rather than competition. Comprised of senior and rising professionals from a broad range of disciplines within the commercial real estate industry, such as: financial services; asset and property management; developers; owners and operators; investment and property brokerage firms; and appraisers, accountants, architects, attorneys and other consultants, NYCREW members are also active in a wide range of industry segments, such as hospitality, industrial, office, retail, mixed use, transportation, etc. www.nycrew.org

The post NYCREW HOSTS “WOMEN GREENING NYC,” Sustainability Experts Will Discuss Building and Design appeared first on Good News!.