NEW YORK, NY – Fall, the season when New Yorkers admire the changing of the leaves, exchange their summer clothes for wool overcoats and down jackets, and assemble inside for gala season.
Earlier this week, Casita Maria, a Bronx-based charitable organization that empowers Hispanic youth and families through arts and culture, hosted their annual fundraising gala at 5-star hotel The Plaza.
OCTOBER 11: Daniel Brodsky, Princess Nand Khemka, Thomas Quick, Ricardo Oquendo and Jackie Weld Drake attend Casita Maria Fiesta! on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Jared Siskin/PMC/PMC)
On Tuesday evening, the board honored several notable guests for their contributions to society: Cuban-American Grammy-winning producer Nelson J. Albareda, former U.S. Ambassador to Morocco David Fischer and his wife philanthropist Jennifer Fischer, as well as SOMOS Community Care Founder Dr. Ramon Tallaj.
“I’m honored to be here tonight, sharing this beautiful evening with all of you, in celebration of an organization that I think is not only groundbreaking, but breaking ground for many, many years in the Latino community. This organization creates a safe environment that empowers our community. It’s not every day a Cuban-American boy from Miami makes it to New York City to be honored so I share this with all Latinos,” said Nelson J. Albareda as he accepted his award.
Jackie Weld Drake, Virginia Sheppard, Leonardo Sheppard and Martha Bograd attend Casita Maria Fiesta! on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Jared Siskin/PMC)
The Fischers echoed a similar sentiment towards the organization in their acceptance speech, with Jennifer Fischer declaring, “David and I have spent our lives believing that children’s future is the future of all of us. Whether it’s a job or self-esteem, or someone believing in you, or in our class that gives you a moment’s respite. Casita Maria lives with this dream to the max. We’re incredibly honored to receive this.”
Tina Beriro and Daniel Brodsky attend Casita Maria Fiesta! on October 11, 2023. (Photo by Jared Siskin/PMC)
When the organization was first founded in 1934 (next year will be their 90th anniversary), it operated out of a five-room tenement apartment in East Harlem. The Sullivan sisters, public school teachers who were also relatives of TV personality Ed Sullivan, sought to offer after school enrichment and recreational activities for the children of newly arrived families from Puerto Rico.
Since then, it has continued with its efforts to uplift the Hispanic community. According to Chair Jacqueline Weld Drake, each year, Casita Maria serves over 1,000 youth in addition to 15,000 families and community members of the Bronx, East Harlem, and Harlem neighborhoods. Its staff, volunteers, and partners, work closely to leverage the arts to foster a love of learning for young scholars.
Alice Lutz
Casita Maria Fiesta! 2023
The Plaza, New York, NY
October 10, 2023
©Patrick McMullan
Photo – Jared Siskin/PMC
At the gala, after the honorees accepted their awards, guests in black tie were invited to the dance floor to jam to the tunes of Bob Hardwick Sound, celebrating in style with music from Hispanic artists.
All photos from Patrick McMullan Company.
