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ONE OF A KIND GIFTS FOR THE 2025 HOLIDAY SEASON

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The Baker House 1650    With the holiday season well underway, plan a special night out or complete your gift shopping for everyone on your list with these unique get-togethers, gourmet goodies, fashion brands, inspirational reads, and a vacation. Family, friends, and significant others can revel in the finer pleasures that bring joy, happiness, and personal development  this holiday season and beyond.  For a gift that truly amazes, these exclusive finds are everything your loved ones will likely adore.  The Baker House 1650  For a Cozy Country Staycation If travel to the English Cotswolds is not an option this holiday season, why not be transported to a country estate imbued with the character of an English manor House in East Hampton, New York ?  The Baker House 1650, led by Antonella Bertello is a masterpiece of 17th Century Cotswold-inspired architecture. Throughout the property, guests find a sense of historical legacy and majestic aura from the c...

JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS HOLIDAY RECEPTION FOR NEW YORK WOMEN'S FOUNDATION

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Jean Shafiroff   Jean Shafiroff, philanthropist, TV host, author and longtime board member and supporter of The New York Women’s Foundation (NYWF) hosted and underwrote an elegant 75 guest holiday reception at her New York residence in celebration of The New York Women's Foundation’s mission to advance gender, economic, and racial equity across the city. The gathering, held in the festive spirit of the season, highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work to uplift women through strategic grantmaking and community-driven initiatives. New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Citations to both Jean Shafiroff and The New York Women's Foundation for their outstanding work in philanthropy and in the effort to break the cycle of poverty.  Fashion Designer Malan Breton gave a vocal performance in the holiday season spirit.   Mary Baglivo With Jean Shafiroff And Ana L. Oliveira Leaders from The New York Women’s Foundation expressed gratitude for Shafiroff’s enduring...

CENTER FOR FAMILY SERVICES OF PALM BEACH 'HAVANA NIGHTS' BRINGS CUBAN HEAT

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  Theodora Pace And Barbara Pendrill Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County transported guests to the vibrant streets of Havana at its sold-out “Havana Nights” fundraising event at the historic Palm House in Palm Beach. The Cuban-inspired evening blended Latin flair, cocktails under the palms and high-energy entertainment with a powerful mission to expand access to mental-health care for vulnerable children, families and individuals across the region.   Guests gathered poolside for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres before moving indoors, where lively Latin beats set the tone for gourmet Cuban-inspired food stations, a cigar-rolling station, an immersive rum-tasting experience by West Palm Beach’s own Revenge Rum, and a spirited live auction. The setting at Palm House, with its Old-World glamour and tropical ambiance, offered an ideal backdrop for an evening that celebrated both Cuban culture and Palm Beach style.   CFS Board The event was co-chaired by social phi...

JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS VIENNESE OPERA BALL KICKOFF

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  Jean Shafiroff Philanthropist, TV host, author  and longtime supporter and chairwoman of the Viennese Opera Ball Jean Shafiroff hosted and underwrote a reception with over 100 guests at her New York residence to officially kick off the 70th Annual Viennese Opera Ball, one of New York’s oldest and most prestigious white-tie galas celebrating Austrian culture, diplomacy, and the enduring friendship between Austria and the United States. The reception honored the Ball’s significant milestone year and gathered  supporters, cultural leaders, and patrons of the arts ahead of the landmark 70th Anniversary Viennese Opera Ball taking place in 2026. During the evening, NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright (representing the NYS Assembly) awarded Citations to both Jean Shafiroff and the Viennese Opera Ball for their exemplary work in philanthropy.   This special evening included performances by acclaimed opera stars Elizabeth Sutphen, Soprano, and Brandon Cedel, Bass-Bar...

THOMAS J. HENRY 'BUILT TO WIN' BOXING RETURNS TO SOUTH TEXAS

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  Isaac Cruz Thomas J. Henry served as one of the official sponsors of a major night of boxing at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio on Saturday, December 6th, 2025, headlined by the highly anticipated interim WBC super lightweight title fight between Isaac “Pitbull” Cruz and Lamont “Reaper” Roach Jr.  The four-fight card, carried live on Prime Video Pay-Per-View, delivered twelve rounds of high-intensity action in the main event. Cruz and Roach battled to a majority draw with official scores of 115–111 for Cruz and 113–113 on the remaining two cards, allowing Cruz to retain his interim WBC title after a closely contested bout that had the San Antonio crowd on its feet.  Throughout the evening, Thomas J. Henry’s “Built to Win” campaign was prominently featured in the arena, showcasing the Legal firm’s with a card that showcased resilience, pressure, and championship-caliber performance from opening bell to final scorecard. “I am committed to bringing the best events to Sout...

JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS ART BASEL MIAMI RECEPTION AT HOTEL CROYDON

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  Jean Shafiroff     Philanthropist, author, and TV host Jean Shafiroff hosted a packed Art Basel Miami reception at Hotel Croydon in South Beach, presented in partnership with the South Beach Group Hotel’s owner Alan Lieberman. The event spotlighted a curated selection of works by celebrated Miami-born artist Purvis Young, exhibited by New York City gallery One Art Space as an exclusive preview of its forthcoming February 2026 exhibition at the gallery’s 23 Warren Street location in Tribeca. Guests gathered at the boutique property to mark the opening weekend of Art Basel Miami while experiencing early selections from One Art Space’s upcoming February 2026 Purvis Young showcase, which explores the artist’s storied legacy within contemporary American art. The reception served as a cultural bridge between Miami’s dynamic creative community and New York’s downtown arts scene. Hotel Croydon, known for its intimate charm, rooftop views, and role as a South Beach creative hub,...

SANTA CLAUS FLYS OVER EMPIRE STATE BUILDING AND LANDS AT RICK'S CABARET

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  Santa Claus Visits Rick's Cabaret NEW YORK CITY   —  Santa Claus made a surprise visit to Rick’s Cabaret New York, the multi-level club in the heart of midtown Manhattan—just one block from Madison Square Garden and across the street from the Empire State Building. Santa was spotted dining in the Rick’s Steakhouse and said that he was impressed by the food. He also said that he enjoyed the lit Christmas tree that greets all visitors to the club.  Rick’s hostess Diane said, “Santa told me that he still had much work to do and had to hurry back to the North Pole but he promised to return after the holidays.”  The highly rated Rick’s Steakhouse under the direction of acclaimed chef Jayson Margulies offers three-course daily lunch specials, dinner, and one of New York’s best late-night menus, served all the way until 3AM. Rick’s Cabaret New York *** RICK: NASDAQ Listed *** Three Floors of Fun *** Rick’s Steakhouse Open Late *** Roof Top Cigar Lounge  *** Dail...

SOUTHAMPTON ANIMAL SHELTER UNDERTAKING MAJOR REPAIRS

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  Chris Teakle The Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation (SASF), one of Long Island’s leading community resources for animal welfare, is currently undertaking a major repair and environmental modernization project to bring its facilities up to current standards and ensure the long-term sustainability of its operations. Unlike most shelters, the Southampton Animal Shelter is unique in its open-admission obligation whereby it accepts every animal in need, regardless of breed, age, health, or circumstance. That mission makes it one of the few organizations on the East End capable of serving as a true safety net for both animals and the residents who rely on its compassion and expertise. While the Town of Southampton owns the shelter property itself, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation bears responsibility for its maintenance, operation, and improvement. Recognizing the aging condition of the building and systems, SASF has undertaken a comprehensive repair and upgrade program to ...

THE MVVO ART COLLECTOR SERIES 2025 -- A NEW SALON FOR COLLECTORS

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  MvVO Collector’s Series “Art is not just for museums, it belongs in our daily lives, and I am excited to welcome guests into that conversation,” said Paul Woolmington, CEO, Canvas Worldwide, and host of the inaugural MvVO Collector’s Series event. MvVO ART, the platform known for bringing new art to iconic venues such as Sotheby’s, Oculus at the World Trade Center, Powerhouse Arts, the New York Stock Exchange, and on a monumental scale in Times Square, announces the launch of The Collector Circle Series, an intimate, invitation-only program designed to bring together collectors, aspiring collectors, and select cultural partners at the intersection of art, creativity, and contemporary culture. The launch, a private, exclusive event, hosted at the SoHo loft owned by Paul Woolmington. Guests will step into an environment where art feels personal, lived-in, and an essential part of everyday life. “Opening my home for The Collector Circle launch is a way to share how, for me, art is n...

GREAT CHARITIES FOR THIS GIVING TUESDAY DECEMBER 2ND, 2025

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  Ellen Scarorough And Chuck Scarborough @ Arf Hamptons This in Giving Tuesday on December 2nd, 2025, a coalition of leading nonprofits across New York and Palm Beach invites the public to participate in the global movement inspiring generosity and transforming lives. Whether rescuing animals, protecting wildlife, empowering women and families, supporting individuals experiencing homelessness, or advancing world-changing medical research, these charities offer powerful, trusted ways for donors to make a meaningful impact. This year’s featured organizations include Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, Wildlife Rescue Center of the Hamptons, NYC Second Chance Rescue, ARF Hamptons, Animal Ashram, Brady Hunter Foundation, Center for Family Services of Palm Beach County, ACE Programs for the Homeless, the Prostate Cancer Foundation, and the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, a leader in groundbreaking cancer prevention and treatment research. Saving Animals and Protecting Wildl...

JEAN SHAFIROFF HOSTS THANKSGIVING RECEPTION FOR NYC MISSION SOCIETY

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  Jean Shafiroff   Jean Shafiroff With Malan Breton And Camelia Entekhabifard In the spirit of gratitude and giving, philanthropist and 10-year Mission Society board member Jean Shafiroff hosted and underwrote a Thanksgiving cocktail reception in Manhattan honoring the Mission Society of New York City at her Park Avenue home. Founded in 1812, the Mission Society is one of New York’s oldest social service organizations, dedicated to breaking the cycle of multigenerational poverty by unlocking the potential of the city’s most underserved families. The elegant evening brought 75 guests together for a celebration infused with compassion, fellowship, and purpose. Surrounded by friends and supporters, Jean Shafiroff highlighted the organization’s enduring commitment to education, mentorship, and opportunity in Harlem and across twelve public school programs throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. Jean Shafiroff With Shannon Lepre   Jean Shafiroff With Patrick McMullan “T...

THE BAKER HOUSE 1650 CROWNED BEST BY CONDE NAST JOHANSENS

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  The Baker House  The Baker House 1650, one of East Hampton’s most celebrated luxury inns, has been named “Best House, Villa or Serviced Apartment in North America” by Condé Nast Johansens at the 2026 Awards for Excellence, held at London’s Kimpton Fitzroy Hotel. Recognized for its timeless charm, exquisite hospitality, and design that seamlessly blends 17th-century heritage with modern elegance, The Baker House 1650 has become synonymous with refined Hamptons living. The award—one of the most coveted in luxury travel—places the historic East Hampton property among the finest accommodations in the world. The Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence, now in their 41st year, honor the very best in independent luxury hotels, spas, and venues worldwide. Each winner is selected through a rigorous combination of guest feedback, expert inspection reports, and online voting by discerning travelers. “It’s an incredible honor to receive this global recognition from Condé Nast Johanse...