Photo Flash: First Lady of the Joffrey Ballet Dame Patricia Kennedy Receives Ellis Island Medal of Honor

With Ellis Island still recovering from the devastating damage of Hurricane Sandy and despite a storm that whipped through New York Harbor with hail and winds that toppled trees, the 27th National Ethnic Coalition of Organization's annual Medal of Honor Gala went off with military precision on historic island thanks to the efforts of NECO Chairman Nasser J. Kazeminy and his hardworking staff. BroadwayWorld has photos from the celebration below!

Though hundreds were initially delayed in reaching the fabled isle due to the storm, they were finally able to alight and stroll into the massive tent on a red carpet flanked by an honor guard of members of all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces. Among the first honorees to step off the ferry was dance world patroness Dame Patricia Kennedy aka "The First Lady of the Joffrey", a vision in midnight blue Givenchy Couture accentuated by sparkling Buccellati jewels of gold and Ceylon sapphires.

Well respected broadcaster Marvin Scott did yeoman's work in keeping the evening on target from the raising of the colors to the rousing performance of the vivacious Liberty Belles to the Awards presentation. Following the awards, guests walked over to the main hall where countless millions had trod before in search of freedom. An elegant dinner by Great Performances awaited all.

NECO sponsors the Ellis Island Medals of Honor which are presented annually to American citizens who have distinguished themselves within their own ethnic groups while exemplifying the values of the American way of life. Past Medalists include six U.S. Presidents, one foreign President, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry, education, the arts, sports and government. And, of course, everyday Americans who have made freedom, liberty and compassion a part of their life's work.

Dame Kennedy was honored for her many years of philanthropy particularly to the dance world. Dame Kennedy is a shining example of an American who has led the way to help so many of her fellow Americans. She is Founder and President of the non-profit organizationSTEP UP 4 VETS, which she started in 2008 to offer healing opportunities through cultural events to our men and women who have served in the military. Veterans, especially those suffering with PTSD and the catastrophic injuries of war, reconnect with family and society through the transformative experience and healing power of the performing arts at events sponsored by STEP UP 4 VETS.

Dame Patricia's philanthropic work truly launched into high gear when she joined the Board of Directors of the Foundation for the Joffrey Ballet in 1984 and became a powerful force in the dance world. Known as the First Lady of the Joffrey Ballet, her dynamic leadership raised international audience attendance and millions of dollars for Joffrey Ballet productions including The Nutcracker andRomeo and Juliet, and guided them through a significant and turbulent period of growth.

She conceptualized and co-produced the groundbreaking rock ballet Billboards, which saved this great American treasure at a financially critical point and paved the way for the Joffrey to become the resident ballet of Chicago.

Billboards, with music composed by rock icon Prince, was a watershed event crossing cultural, ethnic, and generational boundaries, and introducing countless young people to ballet. It has been written in the press and widely discussed if Billboards had never been produced in 1993, there would not have been a receptive audience for Riverdance in 1994, produced by Irish dancer and choreographerMichael Flatley.

In 1992, she was honored with The Decade of Leadership Award from the Joffrey Ballet. The Arpino Angel Award followed in 1996 presented to her by previous recipient and founder of the Classic Arts Showcase, philanthropist Lloyd Rigler. In honor of her dedication to the vision of founders Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, she was presented the Arpino Angel Award a second time during theJoffrey Ballet 50th Anniversary celebration in 2006.

Honored for her dedication to her fellow man, Dame Kennedy was invested in The Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George,Dame di Merito con Placca (Dame of Merit with Star) by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George, Archbishop of Chicago in 2008, and promoted to Dame di Gran Croce di Merito (Dame Grand Cross of Merit) by His Eminence Theodore Cardinal McCarrick, Archbishop Emeritus of Washington, DC in 2011.

Dame Patricia Kennedy is one of only six women in the world honored with the title of Dame di Gran Croce di Merito (Dame Grand Cross of Merit) and one of only two American women in the history of the Order to receive this highest honor. (The first American woman so honored was Lindy Boggs, former United States Ambassador to the Holy See).

Among the more than 90 other outstanding Americans who were honored along with Ms. Kennedy are Dr. Regina M. Benjamin, US Surgeon General, Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, USA, US Dept. of Defense, Rep. Peter King (R-NY), Dionne Warwick, legendary recording artist, Brian Boitano, Olympic Gold Medalist, Alina Cho, CNN correspondent, Mia Farrow, actress, Danny Masterson, actor, Thomas Sherak, Revolution Consulting Services, David Merage, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Richard "Dick" Vermeil, retired NFL Coach and Steve Silks, Deputy Chief, NYPD. Past Medalists include six Presidents, Nobel Prize winners and leaders of industry,education, the arts, sports and government including Bob Hope, Renee Fleming, Tony Blair, Michael Bolton, Joe DiMaggio and Bill & Hillary Clinton.