Martin And Jean Shafiroff Host Kick-Off Fête For New York City Mission Society’s Annual Champions For Children Gala

Jean and Martin Shafiroff opened their home last week to announce this year’s honorees at The New York City Mission Society’s April 5 gala at the Mandarin Oriental. Diahann Carroll, real estate entrepreneur Don Peebles, and three lifetime members of the Mission Society’s Board of Directors – Dina Merrill Hartley, whose family has supported the Mission Society for four generations; Lloyd W. Brown, II; and, LTC Francis W. Kairson, Jr. – will be recognized for their contributions.

Adele Nino and Randi Schatz. (Photo: Owen Hoffmann/PMC)

The party was also newsworthy – and featured in Page 6 – when Peebles revealed he was thinking of running again for mayor. His wife, Katrina, who serves on the NYC Mission Society board, will co-chair this year’s gala with Jean Shafiroff, a past honoree and gala chair for many years. Carroll, who was involved with Mission in the past, will fly in from Los Angeles for the occasion.

WABC News Anchor Bill Ritter, a longtime supporter of the NYC Mission Society, will emcee the April 5 event. Performing that evening will be Kathy Sledge, the legendary voice of Sister Sledge, Alex Donner and his Orchestra, and students enrolled in the Mission Society’s free after school music education program, GRIOT.

The benefit “will be great fun,” Shafiroff said. “NYC Mission Society is changing the lives of the most underserved children by supplementing their education with programs and services. Because of these programs and services, our kids go off to college – and succeed.”

The Gala will be held at the Mandarin Oriental (80 Columbus Circle, Manhattan), starting with cocktails at 6:30 p.m,. followed by a 7:30 p.m. dinner and program, music and dance.

Shafiroff likes to stress that money is not a prerequisite for giving. She details that philosophy in her book, Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life By What You Give.

Craig Dix, Angela Chen, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Larry Kaiser. (Photo: Owen Hoffmann/PMC)

Jean and 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 were among the kick-off party attendees.

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 and 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 and Jay Moorhead; Barbara and Francis Kairson, Jr.; Margo Langenberg; Brian Monroe; Riki Kane Larimer; Dustin Lujan; Lauren and James Peterson; Kim Renk and Greg Dyer; Natalie S. Ross; Helen Shelton; and, Brooke and Derek Steinhiser.

To purchase tickets to the event and learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.nycharities.org.