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.
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.