Celebrating its 40th Anniversary throughout 2022, French Heritage Society will mark its milestone year on both sides of the Atlantic this fall with a 40th Anniversary Gala at the Petit Palais in Paris on October 15th and “Gilded Age Gala” at a private club in Manhattan on November 17th. FHS kicked off its busy fall gala season with festive cocktails on two consecutive Thursday evenings in September, one graciously hosted by FHS Board Member and Gilded Age Gala honoree Jean Shafiroff and the other by Young Patrons Circle Co-Chair Blake Funston.
On September 15th, French Heritage Society’s Young Patrons Circle enjoyed an “End-of-Summer Swing” at the lovely home of YPC Co-Chair Blake Funston and Rufus Funston. With perfect fall weather and live jazz provided by Michael Arenella and His Dreamland Orchestra, the atmosphere was warm and festive as guests streamed into the garden. Champagne was provided by G.H. Mumm, and provençal rosé and chardonnay by Maison Lorgeril.
Esteemed guests included: FHS Events Chair CeCe Black, FHS Board Member Rosann Gutman, and YPC Co-Chair Johnsonie Casimyr. Also attending: Elena Ayot, Charles Burdick, Jonathan Doucette, Allison Ecung, Sophie Evekink, Valentin Goux, Valerie Lettan, Erin Malone, Lansing Moore, Christina Bott Murphy, Alexandra Nicklas, Andres Perea-Garzon, Tara Tunney, William Rutledge, among others.
On Thursday, September 22nd, FHS continued the cocktail festivities at the exquisite home of Jean and Martin Shafiroff. Remarks were given by the hostess, as well as FHS Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and FHS Events Chair CeCe Black. Guests were further delighted to witness Mrs. Shafiroff receive an official proclamation as “First Lady of Philanthropy” from New York State Assemblywoman Rebecca Seawright in recognition of her immense impact as a philanthropist.
Esteemed guests included: FHS Board Members Judy McLaren, Kazie Metzger Harvey, and Ann Van Ness. Also attending: Afsaneh Akhtari, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Susan and Gerald Baker, John Barman, Rosalie Brinton, Candace Bushnell, Liliana Cavendish, Bonnie Comley and Stewart F. Lane, Terry Corbett, Maria Fishel, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Susan Gutfreund, Rolf Heitmeyer, Sylvia Hemingway, David Hochberg, Margo Langenberg, George Ledes, Jonathan LeWinter, Jonn Nubian, Liane Pei, Barbara Schumacher, Hunt Slonem, Guy Robinson, Patricia Silverstein, Victor de Souza, Barbara Tober, Carole Bellidora Westfall, Pamela Wright, among others.