The Big Give: A Holiday Season of Giving in NYC

Happy holidays, dear reader, from “The Big Give,” the column where we talk about all the altruistic acts taking place in the greatest city on the planet.

New York City brings together millions of vibrant souls into one modern rhapsody. There is something wonderfully dizzying about the life led in the Big Apple. A clash of languages, cultures, and personalities makes it like no other place on the planet. And part of the special rhythm that keeps us moving along is how New Yorkers uniquely support each other. Like snowflakes, they all look different, and each represents glistening goodwill.

With the month of December, it all comes together, wrapped up in a beautiful bow. Giving back to humankind falls in line perfectly with the festive feeling of the season.

Millions of dollars have been raised for hundreds of great causes in recent weeks, helping to celebrate the spirit of joy as we transition from autumn to winter.

American Ballet Theatre (ABT) celebrated the iconic Misty Copeland as part of ABT’s landmark 85th-anniversary season. The principal dancer took the stage before guests such as Caroline Kennedy, Debbie Allen, and Honorary Grand Chair Oprah Winfrey to help raise $6 million for the beloved dance program.

Before the historic performance, Copeland shared reflections on her impact on the culture of New York City and future generations. She told Dan’s Papers on the red carpet through happy tears, “I never imagined that my career would become what it has. Tonight is like going back to the roots of why I do it. And it’s to give to people. It’s to tell stories through movement.”

More champions for the people, like Copeland, celebrated life and found ways to give back profoundly.

Care For the Homeless (CFH), an industry-leading non-profit dedicated to social services in New York, hosted its 40th Anniversary Commemorative Breakfast. Delivering integrated healthcare and housing to people experiencing homelessness, the event was hosted by bestselling author Adriana Trigiani and included a proclamation from Molly Wasow Park, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Social Services.

The day honored community leaders, advocates, and supporters who impact the path forward for equitable housing and healthcare.

Uptown, the Center at West Park hosted a special staged reading of Kenneth Lonergan’s acclaimed play Hold on to Me Darling. The event supported efforts to prevent the demolition of the historic, landmarked church to make way for luxury development.

Performances by Alec Baldwin, Matt Damon, J. Smith-Cameron, Charles Everett, Peter Friedman, Lucas Hedges, and Gretchen Mol captivated the audience. Director Neil Pepe joined the cast for a post-reading conversation, which the playwright moderated.

Downtown, the stars of the city also came out to raise crucial awareness. Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research celebrated the 27th annual Angel Ball, hosted by co-founders Denise Rich and her daughters Daniella Rich Kilstock and Ilona Rich Schachter. The black-tie fête at Cipriani Wall Street raised $3 million.

This year, the evening recognized breast cancer survivor Tina Knowles for her dedication to philanthropy and raising awareness for research, amongst many other changemakers. Performances by Patti LaBelle, Ja Rule, Paul
Russell, and Montego Glover ignited passion to give, and the live auction paddles were swinging high at the epic affair.

In Midtown, more advocates paved the way for greater giving. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) held its Annual Symposium & Awards Luncheon at the Hilton Midtown, raising $4.4 million for lifesaving research. This year’s luncheon was hosted by Julianna Margulies and honored Leonard A. Lauder in memoriam. Robert H. Vonderheide, MD, D.Phil, was also celebrated with the Sandra Taub Humanitarian Award in recognition of his enduring legacy and leadership of BCRF. Dee and Tommy Hilfiger, along with William P. Lauder, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Estée Lauder Companies and Co-Chair of BCRF, shared tribute remarks.

Then, in the heart of the city, a star-studded party dazzled attendees in Times Square. The New York Operation Smile Gala made a sparkling return to the city’s philanthropic spotlight, uniting business, entertainment, and community leaders. They gathered to raise funds and awareness for children born with cleft conditions worldwide.

Hosted by Pritika Swarup, the speakeasy-inspired evening at Sony Hall celebrated compassion, transformation, and the power of a single smile. Honorees included Oscar winner Mira Sorvino and Viet Hoang. Guests enjoyed lively Roaring Twenties-style entertainment featuring a performance from Chicago by Pussycat Dolls’ Carmit Bachar and Broadway star Jessica Lee Goldyn.

Pioneering work and volunteering efforts like these have made the holidays shine bright for many. We unwrap the civil duties of these cultural leaders and advocates who inspire well beyond the season. Their amazing stories are woven into the broader tapestry of our treasured history of philanthropy. We celebrate the holiday of giving today, all while looking boldly toward a merry future.