New York, NY – December 10, 2025.
Each December, Jacqueline Weld Drake’s home becomes one of New York’s most cherished holiday traditions—an evening where philanthropy, culture, and community blend seamlessly with the sparkle of the season. This year, the longtime chairman of the Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education invited the organization’s children’s choir to fill her fireplace-lit salon with the warmth of carols, transforming a private holiday gathering into a celebration of hope and artistic promise.
“This is why we work so hard at Casita Maria,” Weld Drake shared as ten young singers gathered near the hearth, their eyes bright with anticipation. “To give kids a space for community, positivity, learning, and free expression.”
Her words framed the essence of the evening: the belief that art not only uplifts but also opens doors—particularly for the young people of the South Bronx, where Casita Maria has been a beacon for nearly a century.
A Moment of Pride for Casita Maria
Executive Director Felix Urrutia echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to depth rather than breadth.
“We focus our resources on bringing in experienced, educated artists and teachers to work with committed youth, rather than taking a generalist after-school approach,” Urrutia said. “That investment, supported by our Board and donors, is what makes Casita Maria different. It has made a significant impact in the enrichment and skill development of our youth choir, for example, and they have been invited to perform on Good Day New York. The entire Casita Maria family is gleaming with pride!”
The young performers demonstrated exactly why. Before rushing to the glittering Christmas tree for gifts, they offered guests a stirring rendition of Casita Maria’s Anthem, their voices rising with lines about joy, community, and the cultural heartbeat of the Bronx. What followed was a festive medley of Winter Wonderland, All I Want for Christmas Is You, Carol of the Bells, and Feliz Navidad, with guests enthusiastically singing along.
A Gathering of New York’s Cultural and Philanthropic Patrons
The evening drew an impressive crowd of supporters and society figures. Casita Maria board members Martha Bograd, Gautam Patel, and Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas were in attendance alongside a constellation of notable guests: Steven Aronson, Halim Bulos, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Lee Fryd, Susan Gutfreund, Eleanora Kennedy, Sharon King Hoge, Mercedes Levin, William Ivey Long, Alicia Lubowski-Jahn, Fern Mallis, Marc Rosen, Hunt Slonem, Justin Stewart, Mamie Kanfer Stewart, Sabrina Wirth, and Maria Wirth.
Their presence underscored the influence and reach of Casita Maria’s mission: uplifting young people through arts education and ensuring that creativity flourishes regardless of socioeconomic barriers.
A Legacy of Art, Education, and Opportunity
Founded in 1934, Casita Maria is New York City’s oldest Latin charity and now serves more than 1,000 students each day. Its programs—rooted in dance, music, visual arts, theatre, and academic support—offer a haven in the South Bronx, the nation’s poorest zip code. The center’s impact is profound: generations of young people have found confidence, community, and a path toward fulfilling their ambitions.
Weld Drake’s annual holiday celebration is more than festive tradition—it is a reminder of what becomes possible when young talent is nurtured, supported, and celebrated.
For more information about Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, visit www.casitamaria.org.
