Jennifer Holliday (Photo credit: PMC / Patrick McMullan)
Under the glittering chandeliers of the Mandarin Oriental New York, philanthropists, business leaders, and longtime supporters of the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) gathered for the organization’s annual Dream Gala 2025. The evening, hosted by Emmy Award–winning journalist Cynthia McFadden, celebrated ACE’s enduring mission to empower New Yorkers affected by homelessness through job readiness training, work experience, and ongoing career support.
Founded by Henry Buhl, ACE has become a lifeline for individuals striving to reclaim their independence and dignity. This year’s gala once again reaffirmed that vision, raising critical funds to advance programs that transform lives across the city.
A Night of Inspiration and Glamour
The festivities began with cocktails overlooking Columbus Circle, followed by an elegant dinner and awards program. The spotlight shone brightly on this year’s Honorees Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey, recognized for their exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to creating opportunity for New York’s most vulnerable communities.
Adding Broadway brilliance to the night, Tony Award–winning legend Jennifer Holliday, best known as the original “Dream Girl,” brought the room to its feet with a powerhouse performance that epitomized the evening’s spirit of hope and perseverance.
Throughout dinner, guests enjoyed the sophisticated sounds of The Alex Donner Orchestra, while celebrated auctioneer Gabriel Butu led a spirited auction that generated generous support for ACE’s vital programs.
An Audience of Notables
Among the distinguished attendees were Henry Buhl, Cynthia McFadden, Henry Hay, Andrew Torrey, Jennifer Holliday, Alex Donner, Gabriel Butu, Carlos Morrison, Rob Goldston, Jean Shafiroff, Mohammed Misbah, Abby Hamor, Donna Carvalho, Simon Yao, Maribel Lieberman, James Cavello, Margarite Almeida, Donna and Richard Soloway, Jorge Iragorri, and Lauren Imperato, among others.
A Legacy of Empowerment
For more than three decades, ACE has provided pathways to employment for New Yorkers overcoming homelessness, incarceration, and addiction—offering comprehensive training, transitional work opportunities, and lifelong support. The Dream Gala underscores not only ACE’s vital work but also the extraordinary network of supporters who believe that every individual deserves the chance to thrive.
High-resolution images from the evening are available via the following galleries:
About ACE Programs for the Homeless
The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) partners with New Yorkers who have experienced homelessness, incarceration, or addiction to provide job training, work experience, and long-term support, helping participants achieve economic independence and stability.
For more information, visit acenewyork.org
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