Malu Lund
Hair by Natasha Vallejo

On Tuesday, November 18, 2014, Maya’s Hope, a non-profit organization that sends aid to orphaned, disadvantaged and special needs children overseas hosted its 3rd annual gala at the Players Club on Gramercy Park in New York City.

The theme this year was Cabaret de Paris, and guests came in droves with the dapper gentlemen dressed in black tie tuxedos or smart suits while the ladies donned their finest 1920’s inspired apparel and festive cocktail dresses.

HONOR, the high-end women’s ready to wear company founded by Giovanna Randall dressed several ladies on the benefit committee including Sarah Arison, Amanda Starbuck, Stephanie Dauman and gala chair, Julia Moore. The men on the committee including Kipton Cronkite, Winston Lapham and Philippe Dauman wore bespoke bow ties from the brand “Title of Work” designed by Jonathan Meizler.

The players club was magically transformed into a 1920’s Parisian cabaret complete with the Avalon Jazz Band playing throughout the night, roving entertainers dressed in vintage inspired garb and an old fashioned roulette table set up amidst the crowd. Ballet, burlesque, cabaret and French follies performances throughout the evening kept the party goers amused with an exceptional performance by Lady Alchemy, a beautiful burlesque dancer who was a dead ringer for the famous burlesque star Dita Von Teese.

Malu Lund
Hair by Natasha Vallejo

While the guests sipped their champagne and nibbled on their French crepes, the lovely Maya Rowencak took to the stage to tell the sad tale of Margarita, a beautiful seven year old orphan from the Ukraine who suffers from a long list of severe health problems. With the help of Maya’s Hope Foundation, Margarita was able to receive nutritious formula and medical assistance to help ease her suffering. Thanks to the awareness Maya’s Hope has spread about Margarita, there is even hope that she will be adopted next year.

Several celebrities were spotted lending their support and mingling with guests including Kelly Rutherford best known as Lily van der Woodsen on Gossip Girl who looked lovely wearing a draped white cocktail dress by Amy Matto New York. Also present was reality TV star Sonja Morgan, looking elegant in a long crimson dress by La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni. Christian Campbell, brother of Neve Campbell hosted the evening as Master of Ceremonies.

Maya’s hope, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization was founded in 2010 by Maya Rowencak. Maya’s Hope strives to provide medical care, food, education and awareness to these orphaned children, most whom are abandoned by their parents due to their severe disabilities. To learn more about Maya’s Hope and what you can do to help, please visit www.mayashope.org.

   

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