Martin and Jean Shafiroff Host Annual Gala Kick Off Party for the New York City Mission Society's Annual Champions for Children

Author and Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff hosted a reception last night to announce the honorees at the New York City Mission Society's annual Champions for Children Gala on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 at the Mandarin Oriental NY. This year's honorees are legendary actress and singer Diahann Carroll, entrepreneur Don Peebles, and three lifetime members of the Mission Society's Board of Directors: actress and philanthropist Dina Merrill Hartley, whose family has supported the Mission Society for four generations; Lloyd W. Brown, II; and, LTC Francis W. Kairson, Jr. (Ret).

WABC News Anchor Bill Ritter, a longtime supporter of the Mission Society, will emcee the event. Performing that evening will be Kathy Sledge, the legendary voice of Sister Sledge, acclaimed singer Alex Donner and his Orchestra, and students enrolled in the Mission Society's free afterschool music education program, GRIOT.

Co-chaired by Mission Society's board members Jean Shafiroff (Gala Chair for the previous two years, and a former Mission Society Gala honoree) and Katrina Peebles, the benefit will support the Mission Society's programs and services that help youth and families in our city's most underserved communities break the cycle of poverty and achieve success.

The Gala will be held at the Mandarin Oriental at 80 Columbus Circle in Manhattan, starting with cocktails at 6:30 PM followed by a 7:30 PM dinner and program, music and dance. To purchase tickets to the event and learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit: https://www.nycharities.org/Events/EventLevels.aspx?etid=9605

Attending last night's party were: Jean Shafiroff, Martin Shafiroff, Elsie McCabe Thompson, Kenita Lloyd, Katrina and Don Peebles, Jay Morehead, Peggy and John Bader, Stan and Leah Rumbough, Geoffrey Bradfield, Edward Cox, Michael and Barbara Gross, Randi Schatz, Larry Milstein, B. Michael and Mark Anthony, Alex Donner, Helen Shelton , Craig Dix, Larry Kaiser, Flo Anthony, Angela Chen, Suzette Charles, Maggie Norris, Frederick Anderson, Joyce Brooks, Amanda Bowman , Natalie Ross, William Allen, Victor de Souza, Maggie Norris, and Matt Rich.

In addition to Gala Co-Chairs Jean Shafiroff and Katrina Peebles, this year's Gala Committee includes: Tommie Pegues (Gala Vice Chair); Peggy and John Bader; and Leah and Stanley Rumbough. Benefit Committee Members are: Alston & Bird, LLP; American Securities Foundation; Flo Anthony; Elaine Bernake Appelle; Kim Bingham; Sophia Bishop; Jerry Bonura; Geoffrey Bradfield; Henry Buhl; Victor de Souza; Lee Fryd; Penny Grant; Jo'Vion (J.D.) Greer; Shannon Hales; Michelle Herbert; Missy Kilroy & Jay Moorhead; Barbara and Francis Kairson, Jr.; Margo Langenberg; Brian Monroe; Riki Kane Larimer; Dustin Lujan; Lauren & James Peterson; Kim Renk & Greg Dyer; Natalie S. Ross; Helen Shelton; and, Brooke and Derek Steinhiser.

About the New York City Mission Society

The New York City Mission Society has been on the frontlines of the war on poverty for more than 200 years. Today, our progressive portfolio of educational, workforce development, cultural enrichment, and community-building programs, make a positive, long-term impact on the City's most underserved communities by promoting academic achievement, and providing career opportunities and cultural enrichment. Each year, we serve more than 13,000 children and families throughout New York City with our programs, supportive services, and community events. Learn more at http://www.nycmissionsociety.org.