NYJL 72nd Annual Winter Ball
The New York Junior League (NYJL) hosted its 72nd Annual Winter Ball, a black-tie event and the organization's greatest fundraiser, on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Cipriani South Street, one of Manhattan's most spectacular event locations. This year's sold-out Winter Ball shattered attendance records and collected more over $700,000, due to generous donors who purchased tickets, corporate sponsorships, individual donations, and participated in a silent and live auction.
This year's Winter Ball celebrated recipients of the NYJL's highest accolades, the Outstanding Sustainer and Outstanding Volunteer Awards, as well as Humanitarian Award recipient Sarah Flint for her philanthropic efforts. Since 1952, the Winter Ball has helped collect critical funding for the NYJL's training and community activities while also bringing together volunteers, family, friends, and supporters for award giving ceremonies.
The evening began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a delicious three-course dinner, during which attendees watched the awards presentation and live auction. After dinner, guests indulged in sweets before dancing the night away to the strains of Elegant Music Group's The Midnight Project in the gorgeous waterfront backdrop of Cipriani South Street. This year's Winter Ball drew nearly 1,000 guests, including a record number of VIP Harriman Circle clients, to commemorate the NYJL's 123-year history of serving the New York City community.
The NYJL honored recipients of the Outstanding Sustainer and Outstanding Volunteer awards—reserved for women who represent a superior standard of excellence in volunteerism—at Winter Ball. These awards are the organization's highest distinctions. A. Gale Kroeger and Elizabeth Ann Timberman are the 2024 Outstanding Sustainers, and Mona Kelly Lopez, Moriah K. Lutz-Tveite, Susan Timmons Marks, Elizabeth Ann Beller Staryak, and Megan Zuckerman are the 2024 Outstanding Volunteers. These remarkable women are committed to leading by example, helping the communities of New York City and NYJL, and exhibiting the organization's basic principles.
In addition, the NYJL presented a Humanitarian Award to shoe designer Sarah Flint, the creator of her namesake line, in appreciation of her charitable work promoting inclusivity and uplifting women. The Sarah Flint brand will return a portion of its sales proceeds to the NYJL as a way of celebrating this accomplishment.
The dinner reached its climax with renowned auctioneer Sebastian Clarke from Heritage Auctions leading the live auction. Attendees eagerly bid on exclusive experiences and memorabilia, such as "Glamour in Gotham" (a unique Tiffany's flagship experience followed by an evening at The Metropolitan Opera Club), "Toi là! Je t'aime!" (a luxurious week-long stay in St. Barth with WIMCO Villas, Nocturne Luxury Villas Collection), "Luxury Meets the Links" (a stay at The Colony Hotel in Palm Beach with a chance to play at The Breakers Palm Beach and The Maidstone Club in East Hampton), and "Paradise Found" (a three-night stay at the Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort in the Bahamas for a family of four). The dinner ended with a captivating performance by violinist Shiann Rose, leading into the Dessert & Dancing segment of the evening.
“The NYJL has made an impact on the New York City community for over 123 years, with our Outstanding Sustainers and Outstanding Volunteers serving as key examples of our organization’s steadfast commitment to training and volunteerism. We are extremely grateful to our generous sponsors, donors, and attendees for supporting Winter Ball and the NYJL,” said NYJL President Serra Eken.
Corporate sponsors included Bloomberg Philanthropies, DíaGen AI, Hellman & Friedman, Merrill, Morgan Stanley, Polestar, Sheffield Haworth, and Solidea Capital. In-kind sponsors included ASD Gems, Beck Bags, Bow Bridge Blooms, Elegant Music Group, Hampton Water, Moët & Chandon, The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, and WIMCO Villas.
Proceeds from Winter Ball support the NYJL's community and advocacy work and leadership development.
Photos by Andrew Werner
