United States Representative for the State of New York Carolyn B. Maloney was the Mistress of Ceremonies for the 59th New York Junior League Winter Ball. This year's theme was "Elegance Through Time" and that theme was made evident by the selection of the Mistress of Ceremonies, the honoree Mary J. Blige and the dedicated women who were given the Outstanding Volunteers and Sustainers Award - Caroline Tyburczy, Laura D. Matiz, Suzanne Elizabeth Manning, Desirée Fish, Shari Aser, Diann Rohde and Deane Allen Gilliam.

Grammy award winning singer Mary J. Blige was presented with the New York Junior League (NYJL)’s Award for Leadership and Excellence in honor of her dedication to the empowerment of young women and her inspiring work as the co-founder of The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN).

Special Events Council Head Joni Grossman during the Live Auction

The evening began with a cocktail party/silent auction which was followed by the awards presentation, seated dinner, live auction and dancing. The live auction prizes included three incredible vacations ranging from a golf outing at a Trump owned property to a seven-night stay at the Myconia Imperial Hotel in Greece (scroll down for more details about the evening's sponsors).

All proceeds from Winter Ball ticket sales benefited the New York Junior League’s charitable activities, including its community outreach initiatives. nyjl.org

 

NYJL Outstanding Volunteers and Sustainers: Caroline Tyburczy,
Laura D. Matiz, Suzanne Elizabeth Manning, Desirée Fish,
Shari Aser, Diann Rohde and Deane Allen Gilliam

Winter Ball Chairs Anne-Marie Peterson McMahon,
Brooke MacDonald Moorhead and Emily Martin

Here is some more information about the event from the press release:

"The NYJL is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Since 1901, the NYJL has been a leader in identifying and responding to unmet community needs. Through direct service, collaborations with other community organizations and advocacy, the NYJL provides a positive force for change within the communities it serves. Each year more than 2,500 trained volunteers donate more than 250,000 hours of their time to better the lives of women and children in New York City. The NYJL works with more than 20 community-based organizations and public agencies to deliver services and assistance directly to women and children in need.'

To ensure consistency and a concentrated level of direct service, the NYJL’s community programs are focused on four areas: Outreach Education, Youth Education, Youth Mentoring and Adult Mentoring. The community programs are staffed with NYJL volunteers who work in partnership with nonprofit, public and community-based organizations. Community partners include the American Cancer Society, Bayview Correctional Facility, Children’s Aid Society, New York Presbyterian Hospital’s Domestic & Other Violence Emergencies program, New York Foundling Hospital, and Mentoring U.S.A."

Also From the Press Release:

"The NYJL recognizes its many generous sponsors, who include Van Cleef & Arpels and Moet Hennessy. Auction items include a Prada bag from the Spring 2011 Collection, a diamond pendant designed by Patricia Daughn, an exclusive golf outing for four at one of Trump Golf’s world-renowned courses, a seven-night stay at the Leading Hotels of the World’s Royal Myconian or Myconia Imperial Hotel in Greece, and a two-night stay for two at the Montage Deer Valley Hotel and Resort."