2023
In 2023, the LiLY Legacies Awards Gala was a momentous event held at Columbia University’s iconic Low Library, uniting over 200 supporters to celebrate excellence and legacy. The evening was graced by notable figures including James McDaniel of NYPD Blue and Hal Linden of Barney Miller, who added to the event’s excitement alongside musical performer Quinn Lemley. The gala paid heartfelt tribute to Irene Zola, the founder of LiLY, who passed away earlier that year. LiLY presented the LiLY Leadership Award to television and cooking icon Rachael Ray. Dr. Rafael Lantigua was honored with the Linda P. Fried Trailblazer Award, and Richard Mayeaux, MD received the Dr. Herbert Pardes Inspire Award for 2023.
2021
Celebrating a Covid pause, LiLY supporters, friends, and honorees gathered at International House for the 2021 LiLY Legacies Gala Awards on October 25. Honorees were remarkable leaders including Nancy Wexler, Brooke Bailey Johnson, Adrian Benepe and Barry Benepe, and Andrew Jenkins. John Stossel headed up the stage with grace and wit, introducing an exciting cast of presenters including Rachael Ray, Linda P. Fried, and Dr. Herbert Pardes, among others. Guests were treated to the Young People’s Chorus moving performance of “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” Legendary Dame Julie Andrews’ tribute to LiLY and to Dr. Nancy Wexler was spellbinding.
2018
The 2018 LiLY Legacies Gala was an exciting affair. Norm Lewis emceed and attendees enjoyed live performances of Lindy Hop dancers and Peter Yarrow. Dr. Linda P. Fried, leader in public health, medicine and science received the inaugural Dr. Herbert Pardes Inspire Award. Dr. Craig Smith, Surgeon-in-Chief at New York Presbyterian Hospital and Chair of the Department of Surgery at Columbia University Irving Medical Center was honored with the LiLY Leadership Award.
2016
At our memorable Legacies 2016 gala on May 9th at Columbia University’s historic Low Library, we honored Dr. Herbert Pardes for his unprecedented career in healthcare and psychiatry and his generosity of spirit. And, we also honored centenarian Sandy Socolar for her career in early childhood education and her heart of gold. FOX journalist Maria Bartiromo, NY Public Radio host Brian Lehrer, former Legacies Award recipient David Amram, Howard McGillin (Broadway’s longest playing phantom) and pianist Larry Yurman were on hand to help make the evening most a memorable one.
2022
The 2022 LiLY Legacies Awards Gala was a memorable occasion, characterized by its intergenerational spirit and diverse guest list from academia, healthcare, and the arts. The gala celebrated individuals for their significant contributions to improving the quality of life in New York City’s uptown communities. Dr. Ronald D. Adelman, Medical Director of the Irving Wright Center of Aging and Co-Chief of the Division of Geriatrics Medicine and Gerontology at The New York-Presbyterian Hospital was awarded the Dr. Herbert Pardes Inspire Award for his impactful work. Arthur A. Gianelli, Chief Transformation Officer for the Mount Sinai Health System and President of Mount Sinai Morningside Hospital and Peggy Sheppard, Founder and Executive Director of WE ACT for Environmental Justice were also honorees.
2019
For 2019, Lifeforce in Later Years and guests celebrated three wonderful honorees: Jane E. Brody, Dr. Karl H. Kreiger, and Cynthia Zirinsky. Dr. Linda P. Fried presented the Dr. Herbert Pardes Inspire award to Jane Brody, syndicated columnist. The LiLY Leadership Award was presented to Dr. Krieger, Vice Chairman of the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Weill Medical College, by Dr. Herbert Pardes. Susan Zirinsky presented the inaugural LiLY Lifelong Hero Award to her mother, Ms. Zirsinsky, a healthcare leader, mental health advocate, and philanthropist. Gala attendees enjoyed a night of music and dancing. David Amram (LiLY Legacies Award ’15) performed alongside legendary composer and Jazz saxophonist, Benny Golson. America’s Sweethearts and members of the cast of “Beautiful” also performed.
2017
The 2017 Legacies Gala celebrated the spirit of community felt in the neighborhoods where we serve. LiLY’s honorees, Dr. George Alexopolous and Deborah McManus graced the stage. At 97 years old, Fanny Steinhauser reminded us of the power of arts in connecting each generation to the other. Dr. Herbert Pardes (2016 Honoree) reminded us of the enormous role that our healthcare system and philanthropy play in society. After dining and the auction, Peter Yarrow brought all to their feet to express unity through song. Gala participants and contributors fully engaged in the organization’s mission, finding aspects of their own life stories among the honorees, performers, and speakers.