Spending my New Years Eve at Raines Law Room at The William was a fantastic change of pace.
Winter in New York hits differently when you can rise above it literally. I was excited to attend an exclusive first-look event at Magic Hour, NYC’s largest all-season rooftop, to experience their newest seasonal installation: Magic Hour Mountain Lodge, now open through March 2026.
On December 27, The Christmas Night Opera filled Carnegie Hall with an audience made of longtime opera enthusiasts, devoted fans, and first-time listeners drawn by the holiday program. Set inside the Stern Auditorium, the evening brought together world-renowned vocalists and the American Symphony Orchestra for a concert that felt both celebratory and focused, offering a year-end gathering rooted in tradition rather than spectacle.
In a New York minute we will collectively be counting down to 2026 and ringing in another momentous chapter.
Hooping into the Holidays! ESPN hosted Winter Season’s Swishes Holiday Portrait Studio at Bryant Park Winter Village on Sunday.
On December 10th, the V Foundation hosted their annual Boo-Yah Gala in NYC. The event sheds light on The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund, as well as ESPN’s 30 for 30 documentary, Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which premiered on ESPN the same day.
V Foundation for Cancer Research has spent more than three decades funding critical cancer research. Founded by NBA basketball player and coach, Jim Valvano, he “turned his own cancer journey into a legacy” by teaming up with ESPN to form the foundation. Valvano’s overall mission was to help save lives from the impact of cancer.
The Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund‘s Boo-Yah event partners with the V Foundation to unite cancer advocates and support growth in research, and simultaneously honors the life of the ESPN sportscaster, who passed away of cancer in 2015.
More specifically, Boo-Yah supports cancer research led by researchers working to address cancer disparities in underserved communities.
President and Executive Director of the V Foundation, Susan Scott, told The Knockturnal, “No one grows up recognizing [that] we need equitable participation in cancer research.” She continued, “That is why the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund within the V Foundation is so critical.”
Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss received the inaugural Stuart Scott IMPACT Award for his support of cancer research and his influence on advancing awareness within the sports community. Moss, a cancer survivor and passionate advocate, discussed his own experience, Scott’s impact, and the importance of supporting marginalized patients.
After a full night of auctioning and winning items, Boo-Yah raised over $3.1 million for disparities in cancer research.
When asked how donors at home can get involved with the V Foundation, President and CEO of ESPN, James Pitaro told The Knockturnal, “They should know that 100% of their contributions go towards research.” He explained, “Just google ‘V Foundation’ and make a donation online. We thank everyone for their amazing support.”
More than $400 million has been raised for the V Foundation, with over $200 million coming from ESPN’s support, according to Pitaro.
Producer and director of the Boo-Yah documentary, Andre Gaines, emphasized the “special resonance” of the night, with the fundraising event and film releasing on the same day.
Supporters can expect a glimpse of who Scott was behind the SportsCenter desk, the challenges he faced with appendiceal cancer, and the impact of his legacy in Boo-Yah: A Portrait of Stuart Scott, which is available on ESPN, the ESPN app and Disney+.
The good times rolled out in Baton Rouge during a stop for Raising Cane’s 6th annual Holiday Bike Giveaway.
On Wednesday, December 10th, The Knockturnal attended Citrus Wonderland, hosted by Florida Orange Juice, the original wellness drink, at Union Square Kitchen. The immersive culinary experience celebrated food, flavor, and wellness just in time for the holidays. In partnership with celebrity chef and TV personality Jordan Andino, the event invited guests to explore creative ways to incorporate orange juice into seasonal cooking far beyond the breakfast table.
Hotel Croydon in South Beach and Jean Shafiroff teamed up for an annual Miami Art Week bash that was as colorful and fun as the artwork being showcased all over town.
The 2025 Root 100 Gala delivered a powerful and reimagined celebration of Black excellence, bringing together influential voices from across arts, activism, business, politics, faith, media, and culture.