November 17th, 2022

Honors Jean Shafiroff on Their 40th Anniversary

French Heritage Society closed out their 40th Anniversary celebrations with a Gilded Age-themed gala on Thursday, November 17th, honoring philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and chaired by Liz McDermott Barnes, CeCe Black, Michael Kovner, Jean Doyen de Montaillou, and Ann Van Ness.

 

Events Chairman CeCe Black opened the ceremonies, followed by remarks from Board Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and President Denis de Kergorlay. Jean accepted her award – a statuesque trophy by Daum – dressed in a shimmering gold ball gown. The designer, Malan Breton, was at her table with international friends including Her Royal Highness Queen Diambi, Democratic Republic of Congo. New York Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Jean with a Congressional Record plaque, signed by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney, for her philanthropic and humanitarian work.

Jérémie Robert, Consul General of France in NY, said "I want to congratulate French Heritage Society for your 40 years of ceaseless commitment to preserving the architecture of France, and places of French inspiration in the United States. You’ve made truly incredible contributions to this architecture and this legacy, financing more than 600 restoration projects since the society was launched. Their restoration projects are diverse and ambitious; Repairing and beautifying chateaux, rehabilitating abbeys, churches, la maison d’éducation de la Légion d’Honneur, forts, parks, and much more. You also rose to the occasion when Notre Dame was almost destroyed by a great fire, mobilizing your impressive network to raise funds to help save and rebuild the cathedral. Merci."

Photo credit: Annie Watt

Jean Shafiroff, Elizabeth Stribling

Bill Steel, Christopher Drake, Mark Gilbertson

Blake Funston, Sana Sabbagh, William Rutledge

Brian Laughman, Barbara Tober, Guy Robinson

Cheri Kaufman, Lauren Day Roberts, Ruth Miller

Daisy Soros, Craig Dix, Sharon Bush

Elizabeth Stribling, CeCe Black, Denis De Kergorlay

Jean Shafiroff, CeCe Black, Elizabeth Stribling, Ann Van Ness