Fiesta At The Plaza To Benefit Casita Maria Center For Arts And Education

A last minute guest to Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education annual Fiesta gala, Mayor Eric Adams, addressed The Plaza Hotel Grand Ballroom, “Tonight is an important event. I love this city. It’s not because of the buildings, or the infrastructure. It is because of the people. New York is made up of the greatest people on the globe. I like to say there’s two types of Americans – those who live in New York, and those who wish they could live in New York. But what’s important is how we give back, and that is what Casita Maria is doing with the proceeds shared today for a very significant place in the city—the South Bronx. Often it’s identified with the highest number of crimes and medical issues in the city, but it’s really the highest in spirit and energy among those who want to prosper but haven’t been given the opportunity to do so. Your donations give that opportunity.”

Casita Maria is a youth, family, and community-serving arts, culture, and education organization in the Hunts Point/Longwood section of the South Bronx. The annual celebration, chaired by Jacqueline Weld Drake and Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, honored philanthropist Kamie Lightburn and health visionary Tina Vidal-Duart. Barbara Tober received the special Jacqueline Weld Drake Living Legend Award for service to the community.

Honoree Kamie Lightburn shared, “Casita Maria elevates these families, communities, through arts, culture, and education – something I love.” Philanthropist, entrepreneur, and community leader, Lightburn’s work supports education, public health, and cultural programs across New York City. Tina Vidal-Duart was recognized for her work in providing medical and disaster relief services, assisting the homeless, as well as advancing education and public initiatives. She added, “Casita Maria has, for generations, transformed lives through art and education. For over a century, they have been the cornerstone of opportunity, culture, and hope for the Hispanic community. A wise woman told me that children are our greatest asset, and that woman was Jackie Weld.”

The evening also marked the presentation of the Jacqueline Weld Drake Living Legend Award. “It was my hope that the award would continue to recognize individuals who inspire others through their work and generosity,” said board chair Jacqueline Weld Drake. “This year, it will be presented to Barbara Tober, who is a marvel of energy. I hold dear the image of Barbara and her beloved Donald in this very room, dancing the night away. Barbara, always beautiful and graceful—at age ninety-one, she remains ever steadfast and practical. Barbara is who I want to be when I grow up.” Barbara Tober reflected, “Jackie brought people together from every field—writers, artists, musicians—and made something extraordinary happen. Casita Maria is one of those places that carries that same spirit. It’s a huge success, and something that thousands of young people depend upon for their growing and learning years. We are all here because we believe in that mission and in what Casita Maria continues to do for the city.”

“It wouldn’t be a Casita Maria Fiesta without music and dancing!” said trustee Sissi Fleitas, joined by Executive Director Felix Urrutia, who welcomed over 500 guests that evening. Continued Fleitas, “Tonight we celebrate Casita Maria’s 91st anniversary. Every year, this event raises the funds that keep our programs going and allow us to bring art and opportunity to children and families in the South Bronx.”

Attending were also the Casita Maria Board of Directors and Trustees John Bernbach, Martha Bograd, George Corton, Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Miguel Fuentes, Michèle Gerber-Klein, Alberto Mariaca, Dr. Gautam Patel, and Jean Shafiroff. Among the guests was Bronx artist August Quinn, who stood alongside proud parents Topper Quinn and Bianca Pratt-Simon as his mural was displayed as part of the decor for the Plaza Ballroom. Other attendees included Steven Aronson, Muffie Potter Aston, Yanna Avis, Peter Bacanovic, David Beer, Cece and Lee Black, Mercedes Bograd, Janna Bullock, Halim Bulos, Sharon Bush, Lord and Lady Cavendish, Olivia Tournay Flatto, Rick Frieberg and Francine Lefrak, Lee Fryd, Mark Gilbertson, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Susan Gutfreund, Mai Hallingby, Sylvia Hemingway, Sharon Hoge, Susan Jaffe, Natalia and Peter Kanavos, Sophia Kanavos, Eleanora Kennedy, Karen Klopp, Margo Langenberg, Jeanne Lawrence, Harrison Lefrak, William Ivey Long, Alicia Lubowski-Jahn, Ellie Manko, Christopher Mason, Ann Nitze, Carlos Picon, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein, Joyce Ravid and Lionel Tiger, Consuelo Vanderbilt, Christopher Walling, Sabrina Wirth, and Victoria Wyman.