Photo Flash: Sing for Hope's 2014 Gala, Honoring Jim Woolery & Featuring Renee Fleming, Set for 10/20

On Monday, October 20, 2014, Sing for Hope (www.singforhope.org) will present its eighth annual Sing for Hope Gala, uniting New York's philanthropic and cultural leaders for a magical evening in support of Sing for Hope's programs that bring the arts to under-resourced areas. The event will be co-chaired by Marina Kellen French, Margie Loeb, and Ann Ziff, and will take place at the beautiful Tribeca Rooftop in downtown Manhattan.

The centerpiece of the event will be a special musical performance by "The People's Diva" Renée Fleming, one of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time. The Grammy Award-winning opera star has been awarded the National Medal of Arts by President Obama and is the first classical artist to have sung the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. A dedicated Sing for Hope board member, Ms. Fleming will perform classic and contemporary favorites in this one-night-only performance in an intimate venue.

In addition to her artistry, Ms. Fleming is widely known for her passionate belief in the power of the arts to uplift under-resourced communities. In her words: "I know firsthand the power of art to unite and transform communities. Sing for Hope is dedicated to bringing the healing power of the arts to those who need it most, and in today's world, that feels more urgent than ever."

Ms. Fleming will be introduced by 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Muhammad Yunus. About the organization of which he is a founding board member, Dr. Yunus says, "I believe we have a responsibility and a built-in urge to use our creativity to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. Sing for Hope Volunteer Artists do this every day, and I am inspired by this work and proud to be a part of an organization that uses creative expression to transform the lives of the underserved."

The 2014 Sing for Hope Gala Honoree is Jim Woolery, the charismatic Chairman-elect of Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft LLP. Mr. Woolery is being honored for his ongoing philanthropic support of Sing for Hope and his dedicated service as a founding board member of the organization.

In Mr. Woolery's words: "It has been a joy to support Sing for Hope since its inception and witness its development into a force that brings joy to so many. The arts are part of what make New York City great, and Sing for Hope brings artistic opportunity to all New Yorkers, leveling the field and inspiring hope through creativity. In my work at Cadwalader, I am inspired by innovation and I seek impact; Sing for Hope traffics in both."

Sing for Hope's 2014 Gala Host Committee is comprised of leading philanthropic, arts, and business leaders including Hugh Jackman & Deborra-lee Furness, Arianna Huffington, John & Jody Arnhold, Diana & Joel Peterson, Joan & Barry Tucker,Lili & Wilson Ervin, Cynthia Vance & Bob Abrams, Polly & Mike Brandmeyer, Kristin Fisher, Chris Carbone, Dr. William Isacoff, Flavia Gale, Linda Saul Schejola, Ted Hillery, David Kleinberg, and Yeardley Smith. In addition to Ms. Fleming, Ms. Loeb, Ms. Ziff, and Dr. Yunus, members of the Sing for Hope board committed to the gala's success include Plácido Domingo, Andrea Bocelli, Jeffrey Chertoff, Valerie Demont, Annabelle Garrett, Linda E. Johnson, Jodi Kahn, Lilia Marini-Calves, David Miller, Luis Moreno, Kara Unterberg, Billy Weisman, Damian Woetzel, and Board Chair Eva Haller.

In the words of the organization's Co-Founders, internationally acclaimed sopranos Monica Yunus and Camille Zamora, "We can't imagine a more exciting group of people coming together to support arts outreach in New York City. With this rare opportunity to experience an intimate musical performance by one of the world's greatest musical artists, the event is sure to sell out. Please join us, and have fun while doing good!"

To purchase tickets or tables for the 2014 Sing for Hope Gala, visit gala.singforhope.org or contact Sing for Hope's Development Manager Elizabeth Elliott at 212-966-5955.