On October 20th, Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education held their Annual Fiesta Gala in honor of the organization’s 91st anniversary at The Plaza Hotel’s Grand Ballroom in a stunningly orchestrated celebration. The evening was a feast for the senses and a show in style.
Guests arrived in lavish haute couture gowns and effortlessly chic cocktail dresses in a runway of elegance. entering the opulent lobby, adorned with towering floral arrangements flowing seamlessly into The Terrace Room, where guests mingled with elegance and anticipation, as conversation and laughter filled the hall. Signature bar creations and artfully presented hors d’oeuvres set the stage for an unforgettable evening.
After the Cocktail hour Guests made their way into the Grand Ballroom for a sumptuous sit-down dinner, savoring fine wines and gourmet fare as the evening’s ceremonies unfolded alongside live-auction bidding in a spirit of goodwill, under the elegant guidance of Jacqueline Weld Drake and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, that brought together society’s most distinguished patrons for an evening of purpose and refinement. The Gala celebrated philanthropist Kamie Lightburn and health visionary Tina Vidal-Duart for their extraordinary contributions, while the incomparable Barbara Tober received the prestigious Jacqueline Weld Drake Living Legend Award in recognition of her enduring dedication to community and culture.
The Ballroom buzzed with excitement as surprise guest Mayor Eric Adams took the podium: “Tonight is an important event. I love this city. It’s not because of the buildings, or the infrastructure, it is because of the people. New York is made up of the greatest people on the globe. I like to say there’s two types of Americans – those who live in New York, and those who wish they could live in New York. But what’s important is how we give back, and that is what Casita Maria is doing with the proceeds shared today for a very significant place in the city- The South Bronx, often identified with the highest number of crimes and medical issues in the city, but it’s really the highest in spirit and energy among those who want to prosper but haven’t been given the opportunity to do so. Your donations give that opportunity”.
Executive Director Felix Urrutia, joined by trustee Sissi Fleitas, welcomed guests, noting, ‘Tonight we celebrate Casita Maria’s 91st anniversary Every year, this gala raises the vital funds that sustain Casita Maria’s programs, bringing art, culture, and opportunity to children and families in the South Bronx”.
Honoree Kamie Lightburn expressed her admiration for Casita Maria’s lasting influence on community, culture, and education: “Casita Maria elevates families and communities through arts, culture, and education — something I love”. As philanthropist, entrepreneur, and community leader, Lightburn has long championed initiatives in education, public health, and cultural programs across New York City.”
Tina Vidal-Duart was recognized for her remarkable efforts in providing medical and disaster relief services, aiding the homeless, and advancing education and public initiatives, shared, “Casita Maria has, for generations, transformed lives through art and education. For over a century, they have been the cornerstone of opportunity, culture, and hope for the Hispanic community. A wise woman once told me that children are our greatest asset — and that woman was Jackie Weld.”
The presentation of the Jacqueline Weld Drake Living Legend Award was a defining moment of the evening, celebrating a lifetime of dedication to uplifting the community. Board chair Jacqueline Weld Drake graciously accepted the honor, sharing, “My hope is that this award continues to recognize those who inspire others through their generosity and impactful work. This year, it will be presented to Barbara Tober, who is a marvel of energy. I hold dear the image of Barbara and her beloved Donald in this very room, dancing the night away. Barbara, always beautiful and graceful—at age ninety-one, she remains ever steadfast and practical. Barbara is who I want to be when I grow up.” Barbara Tober reflected, Jackie brought people together from every field—writers, artists, musicians and made something extraordinary happen. Casita Maria is one of those places that carries that same spirit. It’s a huge success, and something that thousands of young people depend upon for their growing and learning years. We are all here because we believe in that mission and in what Casita Maria continues to do for the city.”
Attending were also the Casita Maria Board of Directors and Trustees Martha Bograd, George Corton, Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Michèle Gerber-Klein, Alberto Mariaca, Gautam Patel, and Jean Shafiroff. Among the guests was Bronx artist August Quinn, who stood alongside proud parents Topper Quinn and Bianca Pratt-Simon as his mural was displayed as part of the decor for the Plaza Ballroom. Other distinguished attendees included Steven Aronson, Muffie Potter Aston, Yanna Avis, Peter Bacanovic, David Beer, Cece and Lee Black, Mercedes Bograd, Janna Bullock, Halim Bulos, Sharon Bush, Lord and Lady Cavendish, Olivia Tournay Flatto, Rick Frieberg and Francine LeFrak, Lee Fryd, Mark Gilbertson, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Susan Gutfreund, Mai Hallingby, Sylvia Hemingway, Sharon Hoge, Susan Jaffe, Natalia and Peter Kanavos, Sophia Kanavos, Eleanora Kennedy, Karen Klopp, Margo Langenberg, Jeanne Lawrence, Harrison LeFrak, William Ivey Long, Alicia Lubowski-Jahn, Ellie Manko, Christopher Mason, Ann Nitze, Carlos Picon, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Joyce Ravid and Lionel Tiger, Mary Snow, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Christopher Walling, Sabrina Wirth, and Victoria Wyman.
The Gala was a resounding success with 500 guests attending and every auction item met with enthusiastic bids, amplifying the night’s spirit of generosity and purpose.
Mary Snow’s long ballroom table was surrounded by friends who quickly brought the party to the dance floor, cheerfully declaring, ‘It wouldn’t be a Casita Maria Fiesta without music and dancing!’ Guests embraced the festive spirit, keeping the celebration lively well past midnight.”
Casita Maria is a dynamic arts, culture, and education organization serving youth, families, and the broader community in Hunts Point/Longwood in the South Bronx. Founded in East Harlem in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan alongside Sister Mary Imelda, the organization emerged in response to waves of Spanish-speaking immigrants from Puerto Rico seeking essential services. At the time, settlement houses primarily served Jewish, Irish, and Italian communities, leaving the new arrivals isolated. Recognizing this gap, the founders provided vital support in nutrition, housing, childcare, and education—championing social justice long before the term existed.
For 90 years, Casita Maria has grown to serve all communities of color, acting as a safe haven and vibrant hub for hope, enrichment, and cultural expression. In 2009, the organization unveiled its state-of-the-art Simpson Street campus, a 90,000-square-foot, six-story facility featuring performance spaces, exhibition galleries, and dance and music studios. Developed in partnership with the Department of Education, this landmark facility has elevated Casita Maria as a beacon of excellence, expanding its reach and impact across generations.
Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education
928 Simpson St, Bronx, NY 10459
Visit for more info. www.casitamaria.org