New York society knows how to throw a party, but few do it with the kind of grace, glamour, and sheer philanthropic firepower as the New York Junior League (NYJL).
On March 1, Cipriani South Street transformed into a gilded rabbit hole for the 73rd Annual Winter Ball—an opulent, sold-out affair aptly themed “An Evening in Wonderland.” With nearly 1,000 guests swanning about in black-tie regalia, the soirée broke fundraising records, raising over half a million dollars to fuel the NYJL’s powerhouse volunteer and community programs.
Craig Melvin, the award-winning co-anchor of NBC’s “Today,” provided a high-voltage dose of charm and charisma. He served as the evening’s master of ceremonies, guiding the crowd through a night of accolades, performances, and some very competitive bidding wars.
The main event? A presentation of NYJL’s highest honors—the Outstanding Sustainer and Outstanding Volunteer Awards. These distinctions, dripping with prestige, went to Elizabeth King and Gena Lovett for their enduring commitment. At the same time, Sarah Marie Cloonan, Nicole M. Hudak, Michelle LeNoach, Kathleen Z. Li, and Noreen Okarter were recognized for their relentless dedication to community service.
The air crackled with energy as the ballroom filled with some of the city’s most dynamic and influential women — leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers who have dedicated themselves to making an impact.
Before guests were seated for dinner, the Harlem School of the Arts electrified the room with a vibrant dance performance, setting the tone for an evening teeming with elegance, power, and purpose.
Then came the live auction—an adrenaline-fueled showdown led by the formidable Erin Ward of Star Benefit Auctions, a woman whose presence alone commands a room. With the precision of a maestro, she orchestrated a battle of bids, drawing gasps and cheers as guests vied for once-in-a-lifetime experiences.
High society bidders threw their hats (and credit cards) into the ring for packages that included a New York City dream getaway (complete with an opulent stay at the New York Athletic Club and an evening at the Metropolitan Opera Club), a week-long escape in St. Barth via WIMCO Villas, a Montauk-to-Hamptons golf and yacht experience, and the ultimate Ferrari Fantasy—a luxe Modena, Italy getaway complete with a Ferrari test drive and a balsamic tasting because, naturally, fine cars and artisanal vinegar go hand in hand. With each bid, Erin Ward transformed philanthropy into performance, proving that fundraising is an art form in itself.
The indulgence didn’t stop at high-stakes bidding. After dessert, the dance floor erupted into a glittering spectacle as The Midnight Project took the stage, providing the soundtrack for a night of Champagne-fueled revelry beneath Cipriani’s iconic chandeliers. As the clock inched toward the early hours, it was clear: the Winter Ball is not just a party—it’s a legacy.
Of course, a soirée of this magnitude does not materialize without a village of benefactors. Corporate sponsors included Bloomberg Philanthropies, Morgan Stanley, Hadassah, LFB Ventures, and The HollyJolly Foundation, among others. In-kind sponsors pulled out all the stops, with contributions from ASD Gems, Beck Bags, Hampton Water, and Veuve Clicquot (because, let’s be honest, no grand New York evening is complete without some golden bubbles).
Since its founding in 1901, the NYJL has been a force of nature, powered by over 2,500 female volunteers committed to tackling New York City’s most pressing social issues. Through a strategic mix of community partnerships, educational programs, and policy advocacy, these women work tirelessly to uplift underserved populations while cultivating the next generation of civic leaders.
With another Winter Ball in the books and over half a million dollars secured for future initiatives, the NYJL proves once again that when New York’s most dynamic women come together, they don’t just raise their glasses—they raise the bar.
