I Happen to Like New York

Posted by New York Social Diary

The historic Explorers Club provided an enchanting backdrop for Lighthouse Guild’s “An Evening of Discovery” cocktail party, where over 100 guests took in the unique ambiance of this venerable mansion and its picturesque terrace.

Kicking off the program was longtime Lighthouse Guild supporter Marc Rosen, who welcomed everyone and reflected upon the parallel between the mantra of discovery and exploration of the Explorer Club members and Lighthouse Guild’s innovative initiatives, including the state-of-the-art Tech Center. Marc announced the date of February 24 for their annual Palm Beach dinner dance honoring Mary Mahoney and Patrick and Milly Park.

James Dubin, Lighthouse Guild Board Chairman, and Board member Dr. Christopher Starr expanded on how advanced technology and Lighthouse Guild’s expert training help individuals who are blind or visually impaired live the lives they aspire to.

Guests saw first-hand samples of accessible technology — such as the Seeing AI app that is a game-changer in helping people with vision loss navigate their world — through Lighthouse Guild’s Innovation Stations.

Matthew Cho, Lighthouse Guild client, captivated the crowd with the story of his experience with vision loss and how he has leveraged technology to excel in school and beyond. He has also served as a Lighthouse Guild Tech Pals Mentor, teaching older adults who are visually impaired how to use technology.

The event and auction raised over $250,000 in support of Lighthouse Guild’s programs.

Guests included Susan Gutfreund, Jackie Weld Drake, Thomas Quick, Michael Donnell, Heidi Holterbosch and Tom Gimbel, Yanna Avis, Saundra Whitney, Linda Filardi and Gary Talarico, William Ivey Long, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Jay and Iris Fialkoff, Eric Margolis, Kathy Sloane, Peter Bacanovic, Jamie Saakvitne, Aeros Wang, Ruth Woolard and Mimi Saltzman along with Lighthouse Guild board members Barry Honig, Ann Thivierge, Sarah Kramer, Eric Maidenberg, and Valerie Chianuri.

The generous sponsors who helped make “An Evening of Discovery” possible included Visionary Sponsors Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies, Proskauer Rose LLP and Judy and Leonard Lauder, as well as Explorer Sponsors Apellis Pharmaceuticals, Astellas, J.P. Morgan and Thomas Kahn.

Photographs by AnnieWatt.com

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