Juan Montoya, Jackie Weld Drake, Ambassador Mary Dawkins, General Peter Dawkins, Edgar Legaspi and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education’s annual gala, Fiesta, was held at The Plaza Hotel on October 15, 2019. The evening honored Ambassador Mary Dawkins and Brigadier General Peter Dawkins, John Hardy Jewelry, Edgar Legaspi, and Juan Montoya with the Casita Maria Gold Medals of Honor. The evening’s host was Sissi Fleitas.
The award is bestowed to individuals in recognition of their
contribution to the worlds of arts, education and philanthropy. The
festive evening began with cocktails, followed by a dinner dance to the
tune of Bob Hardwick’s Latin inspired tunes.
“Casita Maria has
been a second home and safe haven for kids and their families for more
than 80 years,” introduced host Sissi Fleitas. “It's really a blessing
and an honor to serve as executive director of the first and oldest
Latino charity in all of New York City,” said Haydee Morales. “Welcome! I
am here to be brief and grateful,” said Jackie Weld Drake.
“The Casita Maria enterprise
is a remarkable one that for decades has done such wonderful things for
this community,” said Pete Dawkins upon receiving his Gold Medal. “I
would just like to add my congratulations to the other recipients of
this wonderful award,” added Mary Dawkins. “To see such kindness and
thoughtfulness at Casita really touched my heart,” said
Juan Montoya. “Community and support are the most important things we
can nurture. You all are an inspiration.”
Edgar
Legaspi, on stage with his family, said, “We believe we have a mission
to help people through education. I would like to encourage people to
help Casita. It’s not about money, it’s about effort and
time.” John Hardy Jewelry’s CEO Kareem Gahed, said, “Thank you from all
of the generations of artisans, wax carvers, chain weavers, inspired
employees, and passionate leaders at John Hardy.”
Model
Adwoa Aboah attended with Gahed. She is the latest face of John Hardy,
joining Pénelope Cruz and Julianne Moore. Aboah was adorned with John
Hardy’s jewelry.
The Dinner Chairmen were Jacqueline Weld Drake, HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Urban Karlsson, Mary Snow, and Joan Steinberg. Honorary Chairmen were Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Elizabeth Peabody, and Carlos Souza. Past honorees have included Santiago Calatrava, Roberto Cavalli, Agnes Gund, Audrey Hepburn, Carolina Herrera, Daisy Soros, and Lynn Wyatt. Pachanga Chairs co-chairs were Victor Roquette and Sabrina Wirth.
Fiesta is arguably the best party in New York. It attracts a glamorous international crowd for a lively evening that is light on speeches and great fun, all in the service of our serious purpose. Much of the operating budget of the organization is raised at the event.
About Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
Casita Maria,
the oldest Latin charity in New York City, provides high-quality,
innovative arts programming to over 1,000 students daily both during and
after school, producing participatory, well-rounded individuals who go
on to fulfill their dreams. Located in the country’s poorest zip code,
the South Bronx, Casita Maria Center for Arts
& Education creates a safe and welcoming community, enriching and
uplifting youth and families towards success, through shared cultural,
art and educational experiences and programs.
Photos by PMC/ Gonzalo Marroquin
