An Evening of Elegance on the Upper East Side
On Tuesday, September 29th, French Heritage Society (FHS) officially opened its busy gala season with a festive cocktail reception at the home of philanthropist Jean Shafiroff. A devoted FHS Board Member and former FHS Gala honoree, Shafiroff welcomed friends, supporters, and patrons of the arts for an evening that captured the spirit of the season ahead. The occasion served as the kick-off party for Le Bal Impérial, the organization’s much-anticipated annual Gala Dinner Dance.
Guests gathered in an atmosphere of warmth and refinement, raising their glasses to a shared love of France and a common commitment to preserving its extraordinary architectural and cultural legacy.
A Celebration of Imperial Splendor
This year’s Gala Dinner Dance will take place on November 11th at a private club in New York City. Titled Le Bal Impérial, the evening will celebrate French savoir-faire, imperial splendor, and timeless craftsmanship. The black-tie affair promises to be one of the highlights of the New York social calendar, with music and dancing provided by the Bob Hardwick Sound, followed by an afterparty that will carry the festivities late into the night.
The kick-off reception offered a tantalizing preview of the grandeur to come, setting the tone for a gala that honors the artistry and heritage at the heart of the FHS mission.
Words of Welcome
The evening featured remarks from three of the organization’s leading figures. Jean Shafiroff opened the program as host, speaking about her longstanding connection to the Society and the importance of its work. She was joined by FHS Events Chair CeCe Black, who shared her excitement about the upcoming gala season, and by FHS Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Herlein, who reflected on the organization’s achievements and its vision for the future.
Together, their words reminded guests that every celebration on the FHS calendar supports a larger purpose: safeguarding treasured landmarks and cultural traditions for generations to come.
Music to Remember
Entertainment played a starring role throughout the evening. Pianist Yui Kitamura delighted the room with an elegant performance, while Wako performer Satochiki offered a captivating and distinctive musical contribution. Violinist Valentina Paolucci completed the program with a performance that drew warm applause from the assembled guests.
The blend of musical styles reflected the international and cross-cultural spirit that defines French Heritage Society, an organization that has long built bridges between France and the United States.
Honors from New York State
One of the evening’s most memorable moments came when New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented certificates of recognition from New York State to both Jean Shafiroff and French Heritage Society. The honors acknowledged their contributions and service in preserving French architectural and cultural legacy in both the United States and France.
The presentation was met with enthusiasm from guests, many of whom have supported the Society’s mission for years and were pleased to see its work formally recognized.
A Distinguished Guest List
The reception drew an impressive gathering of philanthropists, artists, and cultural leaders. Among the esteemed guests were FHS Board Member Jennifer Farrell, as well as Elena Ayot, Elizabeth Baltz, Carole Bellidora Westfall and David M. Hayes, Erin Berthoux, Lee Black, Olivia Boude, Louise Braver, Candace Bushnell, Marlon Corvera, Carole Crist, Lauren Day Roberts, Roberta Downs Sandeman Houghton, Maria and Kenneth Fishel, David Hochberg, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Cheri Kaufman, Dr. Marc Lazare, Arlene Lazare, Valerie Lettan, Davy Malinur, Stephanie Mattera, Vicky McLoughlin, Ruth Miller and Jacques Acoca, Mar Morosse, Peter Thomas Roth, Carole Roth, Leesa Rowland, Caroline Ryals, Victoria Sherman, Patricia and Tom Shiah, Hunt Slonem, Hank Stampfl, Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether, Ilona Anoli Velez, Nabys Vielman, Suzie and Pierre Villere, and Andrew Werner, among others.
A Season of Celebrations Ahead
The kick-off party marked only the beginning of a full calendar of events on both sides of the Atlantic. Following the New York Gala Dinner Dance on November 11th, FHS will host a Thanksgiving Dinner in Paris on November 24th. The season continues in the new year with the Palm Beach Gala Dinner on February 21st, 2027, and the Palm Beach Luncheon on April 19th, 2027.
The crowning event will be the 45th Anniversary Gala at Les Invalides in Paris on October 8th, 2027. Set within one of the French capital’s most iconic landmarks, the anniversary celebration promises to be a truly historic occasion for the Society and its supporters.
About French Heritage Society
Open to all lovers of France, French Heritage Society works to ensure that the treasures of French architectural and cultural heritage survive to delight, educate, and inspire future generations. Over the past 44 years, FHS has awarded more than 730 restoration and cultural grants to properties throughout France and the United States. The Society has also supported nearly 600 university students who have crossed the Atlantic for career-defining internships at esteemed institutions.
