A Rachel Zoe Moment

I was working a little Red Carpet and here's a few of Rachel Zoe in NYC and the windows she designed for Tiffany & Co. I actually did have breakfast at Tiffany's!

The Children's Aid Society Gala at the Waldorf Astoria

We had the pleasure of shooting the first gala for The Children's Aid Society last night at the legendary Waldorf Astoria. This was a sold-out event and the evening was led by Master of Ceremonies, Ron Suskind and Iris Abrons the Gala Chair. The event recognized the work of Robert Wolf, Ann Sather & Doris Meister for BNY Mellon. The Children's Aid Society Chorus performed as well.


Promise Award Recipient Robert Wolf, Gala Chair Iris Abrons and Children's Aid CEO Richard Buery

Master of Ceremonies Ron Suskind, Ruchard Buery and Gala Committee Member Anne Citrin

Richard Buery and Petra Nemcova

Petra Nemcova, CAS student and Donna Pressman

Table decor made by Children's Aid Society students

Robert Wolf and Tamara Tunie

Award recipient Ann Sather and Patti LuPone

Bill Cunningham, Rewind!

RUN, don't walk, to see the documentary about Bill Cunningham at the New York Film Forum. We hit the first show on Saturday morning (well 1:00 but it felt like morning!) and the place was packed and even some of the commentators were there, including Patrick McDonald!

It is being held over until April 7th, and if you love photography you shouldn't miss it! The best 88 minutes of my weekend!

I had the pleasure of shooting an event for The Smithsonian some time ago and some of my favorite people were there - including a brief appearance by my favorite photographer so I took a few shots of him in action. Love him! I sent him a letter and my resume about 15 years ago looking for work as an assistant.

A Fabulous Fundraiser for Friends of Jaclyn

I had the pleasure of shooting the first annual Boston gala for the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation at the Intercontinental Hotel. This is an amazing charitable organization that improves the quality of life for children with pediatric brain tumors and their families by matching them with college sports teams. Check out their website for more info!



Kathryn Tappen hosted the event and Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots was the honorary chair and speaker.



Jaclyn Murphy and family.

A Benefit for Wellfleet Preservation Hall in New York City

I had the pleasure of shooting a fundraiser for Wellfleet Preservation Hall last night. I spent many summers in Wellfleet and was happy to take some photos at the event - and of course have some fresh Wellfleet Oysters! The event's honorary chair was the lovely Meredith Vieira of the Today Show. The event included an auction of some wonderful art and services.

Nicholas Gulde, Campaign Director and Meredith Vieira

An auction item.

Oysters!

Go Michael and Go New York Knicks - Lily Kesselman Photography New York

Pictured (left to right): Elmer Blanco, former participant in Children’s Aid youth programming and current employee; John Starks, Knicks Alumni Relations and Fan Development Advisor and former player; honoree Michael Roberts; Matthew Modine, actor and member of the Garden of Dreams Board of Directors; Wendy Flores, former participant in Children’s Aid youth programming and current employee.

Michael Roberts, Associate Division Director Youth Development Services at The Children’s Aid Society, was honored with the prestigious Garden of Dreams Hero Award at a center court ceremony at Madison Square Garden on April 6th at halftime during the Knicks/Celtics game. I was there to capture the event!

The Garden of Dreams Foundation, the charitable arm of Madison Square Garden, chose Roberts as its Hero for his commitment and dedication in working with children in crisis. A special reception for Roberts’ family, friends and Children’s Aid and MSG executives was held before the evening’s basketball game.

The Garden of Dreams is a generous supporter of Children’s Aid, providing financial assistance as well as extraordinary experiences for our youth.

And The Knicks won the game against Boston that night so it was a double win!

Jared Jeffries and Toney Douglas of The Knicks visit The Children's Aid Society

This morning I photographed a visit from the New York Knicks' Jared Jeffries and Toney Douglas at The Children's Aid Society in Harlem. The two basketball players had a busy morning - they loaded food in the food pantry at the Pelham Fritz location, visited preschoolers at the daycare (and checked out the kids' balance beam skills) and gave out gifts to parents. Jared Jeffries sponsored the event.

Jared Jeffries and Toney Douglas. The children made a big card for Jared!

Toney Douglas

Jared Jeffries hands out great gifts for parents!

Jared Jeffries and Toney Douglas

Jane Fonda at The Harvard Club

I had the pleasure of photographing Jane Fonda at the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Carrera Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Program at The Harvard Club. This is an amazing program and Jane has been an activist and working with Dr. Carrera for many years. Jane asked me to email her some imgages and then she posted some of my images on her blog! Click Here to see her blog.

It was such an honor to be there and learn about this highly effective program.

Photo of the Day!

I thought I would post some fun images once in a while so here's the first - the photo of the day!  This is recording artist Akon, whose actually birth name, according to Wikipedia, is Aliaune Damala Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam.  Wow!  That's like the best name ever!  There is also much speculation to his real age and birthday - but that doesn't matter.  I took this at the Michael Jordan Basketball Classic at Madison Square Garden a few months ago.  

More Cooking - with Mark Bittman!

Mark Bittman visited The Children's Aid Society's Next Generation Center in the Bronx yesterday. He worked with kids in the Next Generation Catering Company in the kitchen in a hands-on project making an amazing cassoulet. This is an amazing catering company and this a bit about them from their website: Next Generation Caterers specializes in healthful, innovative cuisine made from fresh and seasonal ingredients. Youth employed at NGC lead every aspect of the business, from creating menus, to preparing and serving food, to managing finances and marketing. In the process, they learn valuable entrepreneurship, leadership and life skills.

The food was wonderful and I think everyone had a fabulous time! Thanks Mark!

And hey, if you are having a party - hire Next Generation.  I've been to several events they catered and love their work!

Tamara Tunie at Greenwich Village Center

OK, catching up from the Holidays! Tamara Tunie visited The Children's Aid Society's Greenwich Village Chorus to prepare for December's Miracle on Madison Avenue - a shopping event in Manhattan benefiting The Children's Aid Society.  Tra-la-la!

Allan Houston and the Knicks City Dancers

Former New York Knick's Allan Houston visited the Dunlevy Milbank Center of The Children's Aid Society in Harlem over the holidays to give out holiday meals and host a party for the kids and people from the community.  The Knicks City Dancers also attended and spent time with the kids and danced away on the dance floor.