Times Square Gossip

New York, NY – On Tuesday, November 26, 2019, philanthropist and Mission Society Board member, Jean Shafiroff, hosted a gathering to kick off the holiday season and celebrate the Mission Society’s impact on New York City. With over 100 guests in attendance, Ms. Shafiroff welcomed family and friends to “party with a purpose” by learning more about the Mission Society’s educational programs and getting involved in the organization. Guests included Mission Society President, Elsie McCabe Thompson, and New York State Assembly Member, Rebecca Seawright, among others.

“The holidays can be a difficult time for many of the families that the Mission Society serves. I hope this gathering inspires people to learn more about our impactful programs and to give back to help lift others up. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed and our work at the Mission Society makes a huge difference in eliminating the barriers they may face in doing so,” shared Jean Shafiroff.


For over 200 years, the M…

The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) 22nd Anniversary Collaborating for a Cure Gala raised a record of nearly $6 Million for innovative research studying cancer genetics and metastasis. The event sold out in advance. It drew nearly 1,000 guests who celebrated the SWCRF’s research achievements and honorees Kobi Halperin, Valery Joseph, and Marc Taub, who received the SWCRF Collaborating for Cure awards. Guests at this year’s gala were treated to a special performance by Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, who just released their fifth studio album and will finish a tour opening for legendary bands such as The Rolling Stones and The Who. CBS 2's Chris Wragge emceed the event.
Mr. Halperin, Mr. Joseph, and Mr. Taub each shared personal stories of how cancer has indelibly touched their lives. Mr. Joseph received a standing ovation after recounting his late wife Revi Joseph’s battle with ovarian cancer, which had gone into remission after her initial treatment only…

Philanthropist and Attorney Thomas J. Henry’s launched the new art and music experience “Austin Elevates,” in Austin, Texas. The two-day event was free to the public and benefited local nonprofit organizations SAFE Alliance, Superhero Kids and St. David’s Foundation Community Fund.
On day two of “Austin Elevates” there was a special benefit concert at the Austin360 Amphitheatre (9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd, 78617) and featured live performances by recording artists Kygo, Daddy Yankee, DaBaby and 88Glam. All donated proceeds from the event supported the participating nonprofit organizations.


Notable guests included: Thomas J. Henry, Alec Monopoly, Kygo, Daddy Yankee, DaBaby, 88Glam, DJ Quiz, Jennie Garth, Ashlee Simpson Ross, Evan Ross, Khloe Terea, Edwina Carla Isaacs, Jameill Showers, Shawn Onyechi, Erika Gray, Elaine Thi, Meghan Gilbert, Jarrod Richardson, Kinsey Sue, Chase Crawford, Alvin Jones, Pierre Gasly, Hélio Castroneves, Simon Pagenaud, Will Owen, Alexa Dellanos, Eve…

The Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF) hosted their 2019 New York Dinner at the Restaurant Daniel at 60 East 65th Street in New York City. Dinner at Daniel was an exquisite culinary experience with a special guest performance by Academy Award Winning Artist Jamie Foxx to benefit the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and raised over $5 million. Master Mentalist, Lior Suchard performed mystifying tricks for the guests.


Notable attendees included: Michael Milken, Jamie Foxx, Lior Suchard, David Geffen, Katharine McPhee, David Foster, John Paulson, Christine Jones, Dr. Jonathan and Plum Simons, Mitchell Modell, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Seth Bernstein, Ernesto Rivera, Larry Leeds, Anne Marie Alexander, Lynn Merritt, Jan Haber, David and Sybil Yurman, Ambassador Earle Mack, Steven Cohen, Michael and Iris Smith, Omeed Malik and Caroline Morgan.
The evening started with a splendid cocktail hour before guests were escorted to the main dining room for the dinner and entertainment. Michael Milken welcomed…

New York, NY - Mission Society of New York City brought together nearly 400 New Yorkers for their annual Fall Harvest Feast at their Harlem location on Wednesday, November 20, 2019. Mission Society Board of Directors, alumni, staff, and volunteers decorated the gym for the celebration, opening their doors to the community to enjoy a warm meal. This incredible evening was made possible through the generosity of Mission Society Board members, Jean Shafiroff, who underwrote the event, and Jay Moorehead.
“It was a great honor to be able to serve our community. The Fall Harvest Feast is my favorite Mission Society event. It was such a joyful evening and it made my Thanksgiving extra special. I hope everyone who came had a great time, because we sure did,” shared Jean Shafiroff, Mission Society Board member.

Mission Society has been a part of New York City’s history for over 200 years. The Fall Harvest Feast is an opportunity to kick off a season of gratitude by welcoming neighboring famili…

Philanthropist Jean Shafiroff hosted a first night’s preview of new works by internationally acclaimed painter, Helmut Koller at the opening of Laverdin Gallery. The party for 200 guests benefited the work of Global Strays. Art collectors, philanthropists, business mavens and socialites all came out to show their support, and to learn more about the artist and the work of Global Strays.


Jean Shafiroff introduced painter Helmut Koller after speaking about the work of Global Strays, where she serves as a board member. Elizabeth Shafiroff, founder and President of Global Strays, spoke fulsomely about the charity’s work and the inspiration behind it. The Opening was a full-house with:: fashion designers Mary McFadden and Victor dE Souza, Roy Kean, international decorator Geoffrey Bradfield , NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright of the 76th District, Dr. Helen D. Goldfarb, actress Loretta Swit , Carole Belladora, Edgar Batista, Ingrid Arneberg and Will Marin, Nicole Noonan and Stev…

After two successful shows, renowned cookbook author, lifestyle and entertaining expert Pamela Morgan brought her one-women cabaret show back to The Laurie Beechman Theatre, 407 West 42nd Street, New York City. It was a fun night of singing, dancing and lots of laughs for all those who attended. In addition, Fashion Designer Frederick Anderson appeared as Pamela’s special guest for the evening. Pamela teamed up with local cabaret legends Mark Nadler as her director and Gregory Toroian as her musical director. This was Pamela’s third sold out performance of her one-woman show.
Some notable attendees included: Pamela Morgan, Frederick Anderson, Nicole Miller, Michael Trokel, Dana Trokel, Thomas Morgan, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Montgomery Frazier, Ben Mindich, Cheri Kaufman, Gary and Colleen Rein, Noa and Andrew Kahner, Irina Shaulov, Marco Maranghello, Paola Bacchini, Suzan Kremer, Andrea Wernick, Patty Raynes and Anna Rothschild.
Before her exceptional culinary career, it was her d…

Barack Obama Stops By To Support Sen. Tim Kaine

USA TODAY -- Democratic campaign workers in Virginia received a big surprise: a visit from former President Barack Obama, doughnuts in hand.
Obama dropped by Monday to encourage volunteers in Fairfax County, as Sen. Tim Kaine and congressional candidate Jennifer Wexton seek victory in Tuesday's election.
He told staffers it wasn't just candidates and issues such as health care on the ballot, but "the character of this country is on the ballot."
Obama said election victories on Tuesday don't mean issues like climate change or poverty are immediately fixed.
"What it does mean is things start getting better," said Obama. "Better is good. Better is important. Better is a start. That's what you're doing. You're going out there, you're going to make sure that people vote to start making things better."
Read the full story HERE. 

Maria Elena Paganini, descendant of famed Italian Violinist Niccolo Paganini, hosted a special VIP and media preview party for “Paganini Honors Paganini” at the Ascent Lounge in the Time Warner Center. Musicians and participants of the “Paganini Honors Paganini” Carnegie Hall concert were present and gave guests a taste of what they can expect to hear, while enjoying cocktails and hors d’oeuvres.
Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Maria Elena Paganini, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Detlef Vormschlag, Music Director/Violinist Edmond Fokker van Crayestein, Violinist Elly Suh, Violinist Stefan Milenkovich, Violinist Kevin Zhu, Violinist Sabrina-Vivian Höpcker, Florian Leonhard, Patricia Leonard, Violinist Ezinma, Dr. Mingi Choi, Heather Choi, Boh Yeon Han, Robert Hoogkamer, Walter Francia, Silvia Frieser, Camillo Stepanek, Maria Lagos Paganini and Carlos Lagos Paganini.
Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin opened the presentation, introducing Maria Elena Paganini who in turn introduced the…

Media, friends and family welcomed iconic suit maker Richard James of Richard James Savile Row to his first US store location in New York City, on 57th and Park Avenue. The store, which opened earlier this year, offers men both made-to-measure and fully bespoke suiting, along with Swarovski studded evening wear, jazzy shirts, hand woven ties, silk pocket squares, and four new cologne fragrances which were released just last week. Sean Dixon, co-founder and current managing director, also joined for the occasion.
Notable attendees include: Richard James, Charles S. Cohen, Clo Cohen, Sean Dixon, Carson Kressley, Kendell Cronstrom, and Sydney Sadick.

Mr. James, who is known for his confident and praised use of bright colors, hand-drawn patterns and a 'can create anything' attitude, was welcomed with fanfare from Vogue's Michael Philouze and New York Times' David Farber, along with The Wall Street Journal's Alexander Fisher and Avenue Magazine's Kristina Stew…

The official kick-off of A Place To Be(ad) Me, a children’s 501(c)(3), was held at Core Club in New York City.
Jacqueline Shafroff was in attendance in support of A Place to Be(ad) Me as were Curtis Sliwa and Nancy Sliwa, Michael Loeb, NY Assemblyman Michael Lipetri, Francine Lefrak, and A Place To Be(ad) Me Board members - Founder and Chair Susan Foster, Honduran Ambassador to the United Nations Elizabeth Flores Flake and Tara White.

Honorees Actor and activist Stephen Baldwin and New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright spoke in support of the organization. Andrea Catsimatidis and Jean Shafiroff were on hand to present each honoree with an award acknowledging their humanitarian advocacy.
A Place to Be(ad) Me is dedicated to shifting the life trajectory of children made vulnerable by external emotional trauma. The mission of the nonprofit is to build the resilience of these children, equip them with self-esteem, and help improve their emotional development through expo…

Actress and Philanthropist Leesa Rowland hosted her Heavenly Halloween Party at Hank Stampfl’s Revel Rouge, NYC. With so much darkness in the world today, Leesa wanted a light-hearted party celebrating heavenly spirits, friendship and love.



Notable attendees include: Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Ramona Singer, Hank Stampfl, Pamela Morgan, Bonnie Pfeifer Evans, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Ruth Miller, Paolo Rosenstein, Colleen Rein, Gary Rein Alyse Ruth, Iris Schwartz, Wayne Diamond, Nicole Noonan, Nicole Tunick, Deborah Wasser, Jacques Acoco, Christina Di Simone, Alyse Ruth, Cristina Di Simone, George Spadoro, Bill Sclight, Cheri Kaufman, Alan Helene, Trish Backall, and Adam Stobsky.
About Leesa Rowland
Most acclaimed actors have interesting backgrounds, but few are as unique and wide-ranging as cult film star and philanthropist Leesa Rowland. Shortly after Leesa finished her acting studies at the world-renowned Steller Adler Studio in Los Angeles, she gained a following after being cast as Vi…

The not-for-profit animal rescue organization, Rescue Dogs Rock NYC (RDRNYC) hosted their 2nd annual gala at 583 Park Avenue, New York City. The cocktail and dinner reception gala raised funds and awareness to help animals in need, and was co-chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump. The gala was produced by Robin Lathrop of By Robin who also donated fabulous décor and DJ. TV personality Bill McCuddy was the emcee for the evening.

Notable attendees included: Jean Shafiroff, Elizabeth Shafiroff, RDRNYC co-founders Jackie O’Sullivan and Stacey Silverstein, co-chairs Georgina Bloomberg and Lara Trump, Eric Trump, Emcee Bill McCuddy,  Lizzie Asher, Pamela Morgan, Leesa Rowland, Randi Schatz, actress Sean Young, Meredith O’Connor, Dana Tycher Reisman, Sydney Sadick, RHONY Sonja Morgan, Justina Valentine, Jesse Watters, and Ray Mariscal. The real stars of the evening were the RDRNYC dogs as well as guests who brought their own.




The 2nd annual gala commenced with a cocktail reception an…