Ambiance at the Spring Garden Party; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Set against the backdrop of the museum’s recently restored galleries and the rarely accessible Fifth Avenue Garden, the event offered a magical summer night filled with culture and conviviality. Guests sipped expertly crafted cocktails and sampled a delectable array of seasonally inspired hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided by Olivier Cheng Catering & Events, while the lively jazz sounds of The Flail quartet set the tone.

Guests enjoying a preview of the Frick’s special exhibition Vermeer’s Love Letters at the Spring Garden Party; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

One of the evening’s highlights was an exclusive preview of Vermeer’s Love Letters, the debut exhibition in the Frick’s newly unveiled Ronald S. Lauder Exhibition Galleries. For the first time, three masterpieces by Johannes Vermeer- Mistress and Maid (The Frick Collection), The Love Letter (Rijksmuseum), and Woman Writing a Letter, with Her Maid (National Gallery of Ireland) were shown together, offering a breathtaking glimpse into the artist’s nuanced portrayals of intimacy and communication. The show officially opened to the public the following day.

Attendees were also treated to an after-hours access to the museum’s permanent collection, now showcased in refreshed gallery spaces. Works by Bellini, Rembrandt, Fragonard, and Turner captivated viewers, along with just recently  accessible second-floor galleries.

The decor, expertly executed by Stellar Style Events, complemented the grandeur of the evening, while the museum’s leadership and supporters including Axel Rüger, Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen, and Annabelle Selldorf helped bring the celebration to life.

Larry Keigwin, Trustee Chuck Royce, Deborah Royce, John Updike Curator Aimee Ng, and Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director Axel Rüger; photo: George Koelle

The evening was not only a celebration of art and history but also a triumphant return for one of New York’s most cherished cultural institutions. As twilight fell over Central Park and the garden sparkled under the June sky, guests toasted to a new chapter at the Frick, where tradition and transformation now go hand in hand.

Moments to remember:

Victoria Whipple and Catherine Gray; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Ingrid Abramovitch, Associate Director of Communications Heidi Rosenau, and Leah Singer; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Libby Lindsey and Host Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Alessia Fendi; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Associate Director of Marketing and Visitor Experience Alexis Light and Host Committee member Alexander Hankin; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Peter and Jamee Gregory and Trustee and Host Committee member Suzzara Durocher; photo: George Koelle

Anna Zaiachkivska, Anita Saggurti, Michael Espiritu, and Anastasia Koval; photo: Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com

Monica Elias; photo: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Sarah Lechevalier and Avishan Bodjnoud; photo: George Koelle

Associate Director of Development Angie Calderwood, Associate Curator of Decorative Arts Marie-Laure Buku Pongo, Erick Brocoy, and Aurela Dragani; photo: George Koelle

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Jill Martin poses with the “Spirit of Life” award, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)

The Spirit of Life Award is City of Hope’s highest honor, bestowed annually on influential leaders across industries who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to improving the lives of others through innovation in healthcare, philanthropy, and compassion. Past honorees include luminaries in business, entertainment, science, and philanthropy — all united by their shared belief in the power of individuals to effect meaningful change.

Jill Martin who is still recovering from what she hopes was her final surgery, Martin took to the stage to share her personal health journey, previously documented on The Today Show. In an emotional speech, she thanked her family and friends and urged the audience to prioritize early screenings and regular health checkups.

Jill Martin and Cassie Rosenthal pose with the “Spirit of Life” awards, presented by the City of Hope East End Chapter & Jeanne Kaye League at The Plaza Hotel (Photo by Valerie Terranova/Getty Images)

The afternoon’s energy peaked during the live auction, led by spirited emcee and auctioneer Letitia Frye, who rallied guests to contribute generously. The paddle-raise has become a signature moment of the event, directly funding City of Hope’s groundbreaking cancer research initiatives.

POP Style Tv had a pleasure to speak to Lisa Konsker , a supporter for close to three decades and part of the gift committee for the fundraiser

“One of the things that attracted me to the city of hope was that when I originally started, they were one of the only, if not the only, cancer research hospital that shared their research. It was very important at the City of Hope to encompass everything about the person, the emotional part, the physical part, and as Jill said today that you can hold two feelings at the same time, is that you can also want to look beautiful and they were one of the first people to help your family and help you, give hair, give makeup while you were going through things. And even though, thank God I’m not going through anything. I was empathetic as I had friends who were, and it does take a village and City of Hope is the village for people who need it.” – Lisa Konsker

The East End Chapter/Jeanne Kaye League, founded over four decades ago, includes 500 dedicated women from across New York’s business, philanthropic, and cultural communities. Together, they have raised more than $14 million to support City of Hope’s innovative therapies and compassionate care programs.

About City of Hope

Founded in 1913, City of Hope is one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States and a global leader in research for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. With a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center at its core, City of Hope’s contributions include breakthrough cancer medications, synthetic insulin, and monoclonal antibodies. The organization’s growing national network spans locations in Southern California, Orange County, Atlanta, Chicago, and Phoenix, offering an integrated approach to care that combines research, treatment, and innovation.

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