Industry leaders, dignitaries, and prominent figures from the hotel, tourism, Broadway, and public safety sectors gathered Monday evening at the JW Marriott Essex House in Manhattan for the annual Red Carpet Hospitality Gala, hosted by the Hotel Association of New York City Foundation (HANYC Foundation).
The highly anticipated fundraiser featured a special performance by BOOP! The Musical and brought together executives and guests to celebrate excellence in hospitality, public service, and the arts. Proceeds from the evening will support the Foundation’s charitable initiatives across the city.
The gala was co-chaired by Vijay Dandapani, President and CEO of the Hotel Association of New York City; Heather Davis, Chair of the HANYC Foundation; and Shane Cookman, Acting Chair of the Association. Brian Kuchcicki, Vice President of People + Culture at Visiting Media, emceed the evening.
The HANYC Foundation presented three major awards:
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The Hospitality Award to Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Travel Group;
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The inaugural Champion of Public Safety Award to Susan L. Birnbaum, President & CEO of the NYC Police Foundation;
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The Broadway Award to Frank DiLella, Emmy Award-winning journalist and host of On Stage on Spectrum News NY1.
Guests enjoyed a festive evening that included a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, musical entertainment, and the formal award presentations. Attendees donned “Festive Attire” in celebration of the vibrant industries the Foundation champions year-round.
