The National Trust for Historic Preservation hosted a gala benefit event in New York City to celebrate its 75th anniversary and raised $1.8 million in support of its preservation efforts around the country.
Hosted at the iconic Metropolitan Club of New York, the National Trust took this momentous occasion tohonor Peter L. and Isabel Malkin (accepted by Scott Malkin and Tony Malkin) for their extraordinary philanthropic efforts, the publication VERANDA (accepted by Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux) for its work promoting historic restoration and cultural preservation, and the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund (accepted by Executive Director and Strategic Advisor to the CEO, Brent Leggs), an initiativeby National Trust that aims to preserve sites of African American activism, achievement, and resilience.
The gala was presented by Visionary Partner American Express and was hosted by Mo Rocca. Chairs Phoebe and Bobby Tudor hosted the gala alongside Vice Chairs Christy Brown and the Honorable Tod Sedgwick, and Tracy and Senator Bill Frist; Honorary Co-Chair Bunny Williams; and Design Advisor Alex Papachristidis. The evening brought together artists, philanthropists, and supporters from the worlds of business and politics to celebrate the National Trust’s legacy and future.
The evening began with cocktails in the Metropolitan Club’s Great Hall before guests were seated for dinner, where the decor was overseen by noted interior designer Alex Papachristidis. Nodding to Gilded Age style, centerpieces featured 19th-century antiques that were generously loaned by Alexander Sakhai and Isaac Sakhai of Alexander’s Antiques. The ceremony began with a welcome from the gala’s Chair, followed by remarks by the National Trust’s President and CEO, Carol Quillen. Along with awarding the evening's honorees, a live auction in support of the National Trust offered once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences. Fund-A-Need donations from generous patrons also raised valuable capital for the National Trust’s many initiatives.
“Last night we celebrated 75 years of preservation serving the public good and improving people’s lives,” said Carol Quillen, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. “Preservation sparks experiences of awe and joy. It creates economic opportunity and builds community. What the American people most need now are places to meet, places that facilitate sustained and robust connection—and connecting people is the superpower of preservation.”
“It was an absolute thrill to host over 300 champions and partners of preservation at the historic Metropolitan Club last night,” said Phoebe Tudor, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Chair of the Gala. “The evening underscored the power of place and demonstrated the impact of the National Trust’s mission to honor the contributions and achievements of all Americans.”
The National Trust for Historic Preservation has led the movement to save America’s historic places. Along with the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, major programs include America's 11 Most Endangered Historic Places, which raises awareness about the threats facing some of the nation's greatest treasures and catalyzes community-led preservation work resulting in increased visibility, public attention, and new resources to save and activate historic places for the public good. Other initiatives like Main Street America lead an inclusive, impact-driven movement dedicated to reenergizing and strengthening older and historic downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts nationwide. The National Trust also maintains 27 historic sites located across the country, and provides grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies. The majority of funding is awarded for planning and education projects through the National Trust Preservation Funds grant program.
Image credit: Peter Zwolinski & David Benthal/BFA
