15th Annual New Yorkers For Children Fall Gala

Despite the fact that most of the fashion set was still in Paris, last night New York City’s benefit season kicked off with the annual New Yorkers for Children Fall Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. “It’s like going back to school!” said Gillian Miniter in a white cocktail frock from Lela Rose. Joining her were Lucy Sykes and Euan Rellie, Eugenia Gonzalez in Carolina Herrera, Annelise Peterson in an Honor dress, and Julie Macklowe, also in Honor, sported a personalized Edie Parker clutch. “I wanted to try to reconnect with New York and its philanthropic causes,” said Suzy Biszantz, CEO of La Perla North America who slipped into a Chloé short shift accented by gold metallic accents from Saint Laurent.

Also getting into the spirit was model Lindsay Ellingson in a fringed Chloé dress and Jimmy Choo shoes. “I brought my best friend with me to come and support the charity,” said Ellingson, “to see the children who come and speak is amazing. That’s the point of why we’re all here.” Sharing that sentiment was Jemima Kirke in a black silk dress from New York Vintage. “I was invited here by the Deputy Commissioner which is a huge honor,” said the actress, still sporting pink tresses. “It’s coming out! It’s Manic Panic!” she exclaimed when asked if she was going to prolong her punky do.

Elettra Wiedemann, accompanied by designer Adam Lippes, wore an elegant black dress by him. “It’s always a great event,” said Wiedemann before Lippes chimed in, “it’s one of the most inspiring events I go to.” But it was the athletes who caused the biggest stir during cocktails. Mario Manningham, in a natty custom ensemble from JB Clothiers, joined by Tiffany Hughley in Halston Heritage, met up with Victor Cruz and Elaina Watley both in Calvin Klein Collection. “It’s fun to be here and honor children,” said Cruz.

As everyone took their seats, including Allison Aston in Carolina Herrera and Amy McFarland in Chloé, the evening proceeded with emcee television host Greg Kelly taking the stage. This year’s recipient of the Spirit Award, Jermaine Christian, who entered foster care at age fourteen, gave an impassioned speech explaining that without the organization he would not currently be enrolled at NYU with a 3.9 GPA. “It is amazing to think how far I’ve come in a few years,” said Christian, “At age 22, I consider myself to be a leader.”

Afterwards, Michael J. Dowling of the North Shore-LIJ Health System accepted the Nicholas Scoppetta Child Welfare Award and announced an additional $10,000 scholarship for kids who want to focus their studies on healthcare and medicine before publicly offering last year’s Spirit Award–winner a job as a nurse at one of his hospitals. “We always need to remember that everybody has potential,” said Dowling, “none of us succeeds alone, we’ve all had help along the way, and we have benefitted by new experiences made available to us.” With the crowd cheering and boisterous, it was time for Estelle, dressed in her second Oscar de la Renta look of the evening, to get everyone moving. As she started her set, the black-tie-clad crowd got on its feet to dance. “It’s an amazing event,” said Estelle, “This is where you see the work, but it’s a fun night too!”