An Evening of Art and Giving

Art, philanthropy and New York society came together at The Plaza Hotel as Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education celebrated its 92nd anniversary with the annual Fiesta! Gala, honoring three distinguished individuals whose contributions reflect the organization’s longstanding commitment to creativity, education and community empowerment. A

Chaired by Jackie Weld Drake, Jean Shafiroff and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, the sold-out celebration brought together artists, philanthropists and longtime supporters for an evening that combined recognition, generosity and spirited entertainment.

The event honored internationally acclaimed artist Hunt Slonem, philanthropist Sonia Gutt de Haime and Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, recipient of the Jackie Weld Drake Living Legend Award.

CELEBRATING ART AND INSPIRATION
Among the evening’s honorees, Hunt Slonem has established an extraordinary international reputation through his vibrant neo-expressionist paintings, sculptures and distinctive interpretations of the natural world.

Best known for his colorful representations of rabbits, butterflies and tropical birds, Slonem’s work combines expressive brushwork, repetition and vivid color. His creations are represented in approximately 250 museum collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Whitney Museum of American Art.

A longtime supporter of Casita Maria, Slonem reflected on the importance of introducing young people to artistic opportunities.

“For the last 35 years I have attended and supported this Gala and Casita Maria,” he said. Recalling the encouragement he received as a child, Slonem emphasized that every young person deserves the opportunity to discover creativity and pursue their dreams.

His recognition underscored the connection between artistic achievement and the educational opportunities that help inspire future generations.

HONORING A LEGACY OF GENEROSITY
Philanthropist Sonia Gutt de Haime was celebrated for her longstanding dedication to healthcare, education and the arts, as well as her enduring support of Casita Maria.

Surrounded by family, she received a heartfelt tribute from her son, Daniel Haime Gutt, who spoke about her influence and commitment to living a purposeful life.

Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, Casita Maria’s vice chair, received the Jackie Weld Drake Living Legend Award in recognition of his contributions to the organization an its mission.

Rodriguez-Cubeñas also delivered one of the evening’s most significant announcements: a $100,000 commitment from the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, accompanied by a challenge to guests to match the contribution.

The response was enthusiastic, with a lively paddle raise led by Paul Florez generating more than $200,000 during the celebration.

The fundraising success helped make this year’s Fiesta! the organization’s most successful benefit to date, according to event organizers.

A CELEBRATION WITH PURPOSE
The evening reflected the spirit of New York society, with guests gathering in The Plaza’s elegant ballroom for a celebration that favored dancing over lengthy speeches.

Jean Shafiroff made a particularly colorful entrance wearing a turquoise ballgown by designer Malan Breton, while music from Bob Hardwick Sound kept the festivities moving.

Among the notable guests were Sharon Bush, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Frederick Anderson, Maribel Lieberman, Marc Rosen and members of Casita Maria’s leadership and board.

Over the years, Fiesta! has recognized an impressive roster of cultural figures, including Audrey Hepburn, Oscar de la Renta, Paloma Picasso, Gloria Estefan and Baz Luhrmann.

NINETY-TWO YEARS OF OPPORTUNITY
Founded in 1934, Casita Maria was the first charitable organization established to serve New York City’s Latino community.

Today, the South Bronx institution continues to provide free arts and educational programs designed to empower young people and strengthen families.

Its offerings include academic support, artistic training, paid teenage apprenticeships, career readiness and preparation for college and employment.

For generations, Casita Maria has served as a cultural and educational resource, celebrating the Bronx’s rich heritage while helping young people develop the skills and confidence to pursue their ambitions.

As the organization approaches its centennial, the Fiesta! Gala serves as a reminder that philanthropy’s greatest impact extends far beyond a single evening.

Through the generosity of its supporters and the dedication of its educators, Casita Maria continues creating opportunities for the next generation of artists, leaders and changemakers.

For more information: www.casitamaria.org Instagram: @casitamariabx | Facebook: casitamariabx Hunt Slonem: www.huntslonem.com | @huntslonem

Photos: BFA / Kevin Czopek; PMC / Patrick McMullan