Jay Heritage Center’s 2024 Soirée

Over 200 people helped raise money for more free public programming at the Jay Heritage Center’s 2024 Soirée. The night was co-chaired by Lindsay Bello Martin and Tim Martin, Suzanne and Rich Clary, Anne and Ryan Prime and Victoria and Paul McMahon.

During the golden hour in the Jay Estate Gardens, guests enjoyed a private, illuminated viewing of JHC’s first fine art exhibit, Rich Soil, created by noted contemporary artist Kristine Mays. An elegant fall-flavored dinner by Scarborough Fair Catering followed paired with New York State wines from Millbrook Vineyard. Phenomenal music by Naked Soul got rave reviews from the crowd. Auctioneer Lucas Hunt had everyone raising their paddle to win exclusive items including a Greek Islands cruise and private dinners at the 1838 Jay Mansion.

The elegant dinner was set up under a crystal top tent.

After thanking everyone, JHC’s Interim Executive Director Suzanne Clary formally announced that the first phase of a $5 million campaign had been completed with over $3.6 million raised to date for improvements to the 23-acre park and its buildings. The balance of public fundraising efforts will go towards raising monies for community programming and expanded staff to support JHC’s mission of accessible education in American History, Social Justice and Environmental Stewardship.

Co-Chairs Anne Prime, Lindsay Martin, Suzanne Clary, and Victoria McMahon.JHC President Suzanne Clary takes the stage for remarks.

Three JHC Fellows, Fenway Donegan, Shannon Stemper and Wena Teng explained to the crowd how pivotal their fellowships were to them and confirmed that their work would not have been possible without a place of inspiration and support like the Jay Estate. NY State Senator Shelley B. Mayer and NY State Assemblyman Steve Otis were in attendance. Otis applauded JHC as one of the most dynamic nonprofits in New York State. Magnanimous sponsors of the evening included Veronica Beard, Variety Cruises, Andrea Martone, Rye Professional Firefighters Local 2029, Kelco and Greenwich Tent Company.

JHC Trustee Dan Derman.Paul McMahon, Nick Southwell-Keely, Richard Gallagher, and Paul Buckley-Hurst.Heather and Patrick Gordon.Isaac Pasha, Josy Cassin, Nicholas Cassin, and Robert Levins.Elizabeth and David Lukes.Andrea and Elliot Martone and family.Liz Tuncer, Autumn Terrill, Debbie Cohen, Stefanie Fu, Margaret Yeh, and Elyssa Gray.Jeff Cherkin, Nicole Friedman, Tess Steele, Marie-Victoire Wickers, Sean Khosrowshahi, Taryn Clary, Peter Bahr, Mallory Gershenfeld, and Ashley Tidman.Francine Shorts, Alex Rodriguez, Rabab Abdalla, Jay Adler, Shelby Green, and Gloria Welcome.Caroline Wallach and Katherine Ernst.Cammie and Greg Williams.Jon and Cheryl Mohraz.Lisa and Toby King with the Jay meadow behind them.Chris Pappas and Lucia Maestro.Katie Yates, Ted Yates, Kay Yates, and Nate Thorne.Suzanne Clary and Francine Shorts.Taryn Clary and Rich Clary.Lindsay and Ed Timlin.Nicole Stocks and Amory Wooden.Emily Kindler-Tisdale and Bobby Tisdale.Caroline and Scott Wallach.Andy and Meredith Slater.Caroline Wallach with Pat and Liz Garrett.Caroline Wallach, Lindsay Martin, and Anne Prime get in the zebra spirit!Chris Bertrand and Marc McGehan.Jay Estate Garden Volunteers with green thumbs, Anthony Demeo, Amy Villalba, and Jim Kenny.Jamie Jensen, Danielle Tagger-Epstein, and Sue Drouin.Assemblyman Steve Otis called the Jay Heritage Center one of the most dynamic organizations in New York State.2024 O’Neill Fellow Wena Teng shares how much a fellowship has meant to her.2023 O’Neill Fellow Fenway Donegan explains how his fellowship advanced his career and put him on a path to work in Albany.Haub Environmental Law student Shannon Stemper described her summer experience at JHC.Lucas Hunt returned as auctioneer.Jorge Otero-Pailos wins a party in the gardens!Ed Timlin won the Variety Cruises boutique travel experience to Greece.Robert Leviton bids up the Live Auction.

A winning bid for Shannon and Richard Golazewski.

And that’s a wrap!