LIGHTHOUSE INTERNATIONAL'S PLAZA FETE

Gena Rowlands With Arlene Dahl, Robert Osborne,
Chita Rivera And Jane Powell

Jean Shafiroff With Mark Ackermann And Beth Rudin de Woody

More than 350 guests attended the star-studded black tie Gala at the Plaza last night for Lighthouse International‘s Lightyears Salutes the Art of Film. The event honored 5 outstanding individuals including, TCM’ host Robert Osborne who was delighted with the honor and said that the evening reminded him how important it is to help people who are visually impaired. He was surrounded by friends and fans including actress Arlene Dahl, Chita Rivera, Gena Rowlands and Jane Powell. Whoopi Goldberg and Joan Collins joined in a brief film tributes to Mr. Osborne. Charles S. Cohen, President of Cohen Brothers Realty Corporation and a Lighthouse board member was honored for his work in film and his support of a stunning new Academy Theater at Lighthouse International, the new east coast home of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. His wife Clo Cohen, philanthropist was also honored. And Tom Sherak, President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and his wife Dr. Madeleine Sherak, philanthropist were also honored The Sheraks has a double celebration since they were marking their 43rd wedding anniversary last night. Other dignitaries attending included former New York Mayor David Dinkins, Commissioner of New York City’s Mayor Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting Katherine Oliver who is a past LightYears honoree and a co-chair of the evening, the author Barbara Taylor Bradfield, actor Ben Gazzara, Jean Shafiroff, Somers Farkas and the interior designer Mario Buatta. According to Mark Ackermann, President and CEO of Lighthouse International, “It was a wonderful evening for Lighthouse International to spotlight these outstanding individuals and highlight the importance of our mission of helping people who are visually impaired. Our guests were especially moved by the opening performance of the children from our Music School singing “That’s Entertainment”. Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy.