JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS BASTILLE DAY @ LE CIRQUE

Jean Shafiroff

Philanthropist and author Jean Shafiroff hosted her Annual Bastille Day Luncheon for 40 guests on Thursday at Le Cirque Restaurant in New York City to honor the French on their national holiday.

Jean Shafiroff With Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia

Dawne Marie Grannum With Lee Fryd And Ann Rapp

George Gurley

During the luncheon, the hostess Jean Shafiroff, wearing a pink and yellow silk Zac Posen dress, toasted the French and then gave a short speech honoring the 86 people who lost their lives to terrorism in Nice on Bastille Day one year ago. She then spoke of the need for our country to unite and avoid fighting with one another during these difficult times. She said our enemies would want to see us fighting with one another so that we would weaken as a nation. Jean then repeated the famous quote, "United we stand, divided we fall", a saying originally attributed to Aesop but then later used by several leaders in the United States including Abraham Lincoln. Ms.Shafiroff announced that she would give a donation to the French Heritage Society in honor of the French and her guests. She has been a board member of the French Heritage Society for approximately 6 years.

Larry Kasier With Geoffrey Bradfield, Craig Dix & Frederico Wasserman

Lieba Nesis With Michele Herbert

Bastille Day, the French national holiday, commemorates the storming of the Bastille, which took place on July 14, 1789 and marked the beginning of the French Revolution. The Bastille was a prison and a symbol of the absolute and arbitrary power of Louis the 16th's Ancient Regime. By capturing this symbol the people signaled that the king's authority should be limited by a separation of powers.

Cassandra Seidenfeld With Maggie Norris & Lee Fryd

Jean Shafiroff With Marco Maccioni, Sharon Bush & Margo Langenberg

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, fashion designers Zang Toi, Maggie Norris, Frederick Anderson and Victor de Souza, best-selling author Nina Burleigh, NY Times feature writers George Gurley and Darold Cuba, Sharon Bush, international decorator Geoffrey Bradfield, writer Ann Rapp, Roy Kean, Rachel Hirschfeld, Craig Dix, Larry Kaiser, Michele Herbert, Janna Bullock, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Lee Fryd, Natalie Ross and Margot Langenberg .

About Jean Shafiroff:

Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, humanitarian, and author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give, is considered to be at the vanguard of a new movement of modern philanthropists. Jean's philanthropy goes beyond financial contributions and includes the gifts of extensive time and knowledge. Through her work she encourages and seeks to empower all individuals to become philanthropists so that they can build the fulfillment of giving into their lives.

A volunteer fundraiser, leader and spokesperson for several charitable causes, the spectrum of Jean’s philanthropic work includes improving the lives of underserved populations, women’s rights and well-being, health care, animal welfare and resources for children in need, in addition to other causes. Jean serves on the boards of New York City Mission Society, New York Women’s Foundation, French Heritage Society, Couture Council (Museum of the Fashion Institute of Technology), Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services (20+ years), Southampton Animal Shelter Honorary Board, Southampton Bath & Tennis Club’s Charitable Foundation and Global Strays. Recently Jean became an Ambassador for the American Humane Society.

Jean works closely with the multiple causes she supports. Each year she chairs numerous galas and hosts events benefiting numerous not-for-profit organizations. She is particularly well-known for her leadership in raising money for many charities, including the Southampton Hospital, New York City Mission Society, New York Women's Foundation and Southampton Animal Shelter. Jean has been honored by several organizations including the American Heart Association, American Cancer Society, New York City Mission Society, Youth Counseling League, Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, Southampton Animal Shelter, Surgeons of Hope, The Ellen Hermanson Foundation, Pet Philanthropy Circle, and Animal Zone International.

Jean holds an MBA from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University and a BS in physical therapy from the Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

For more information about Jean Shafiroff, please visit: www.jeanshafiroff.com

Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life by What You Give is available in selected bookstores.