[New York, NY – October 21, 2024] Carolina Herrera Creative Director Wes Gordon said, “The world desperately needs more art, creativity, joy, and dreamers dreaming dreams,” during Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education’s 2024 Fiesta benefit. Gordon was honored with the Gold Medal of Honor, recognizing Casita Maria’s efforts in fostering the next generation of creatives.
Philanthropist Lucy Doughty, also honored, shared, “Service is a gift you give yourself. I thank Casita Maria for their dedication to the children and for recognizing that everyone has potential, even if few have opportunities.”
Gallerists James J. Borynack and Adolfo Zaralegui, the third honorees, expressed their gratitude, emphasizing Casita Maria’s commitment to serving children and families. Casita Maria, the oldest Latin charity in New York, celebrated its 90th annual Fiesta at The Plaza Hotel, chaired by HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Jacqueline Weld Drake, Board Chair and recipient of the inaugural Living Legend Award. Drake quoted Audrey Hepburn, stating, “Children are our greatest asset.”
Ydanis Rodríguez, Dario Oleaga, Yulay Volquez, Gabriel Rivera-Barraza, Nicole Salmasi, Sana Sabbagh
Guests enjoyed cocktails in the Terrace Room, followed by dinner in the Ballroom, where speeches were brief, and dancing lasted all night. Artist Gustavo Novoa contributed a painting, auctioned to benefit Casita Maria. Many guests, including Jean Shafiroff, honored Wes Gordon by wearing Carolina Herrera gowns.
Prominent attendees included Paul Arnhold, Muffie Potter Aston, Patricia Herrera Lansing, Lady Liliana Cavendish, and more, alongside 90th Anniversary Committee Chairs Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas and Mary Snow. The Anniversary Committee also featured influential names like Jennifer Fischer, Marc Rosen, and Christine Schwarzman.
Casita Maria, founded in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan and Sister Mary Imelda, serves youth, families, and communities in the South Bronx. It began as a vital resource for Spanish-speaking immigrants from Puerto Rico, offering nutrition, housing, childcare, and education. Initially addressing the unmet needs of these marginalized groups, Casita Maria became an early advocate of social justice.
Today, after 90 years of service, Casita Maria continues to be a haven for people of color, providing enrichment through arts, education, and culture. Their state-of-the-art 90,000 square-foot facility, opened in 2009, features performance spaces, galleries, dance, and music studios. Partnering with the Department of Education, Casita Maria has expanded its reach as a beacon of hope and excellence.
