Celebrating the Power of Philanthropy and Artistry: A Night at the NYCB Fall Gala

In the midst of so much uncertainty — the terrorist attacks in Gaza, a seemingly endless summer in Texas, and a will-they-or-won’t-they government shutdown threat — one constant we can always count on is the heart and soul of good people doing good things.

I like to look for these good works in small ways — like the neighbor who brings you flowers when they know you’re going through a hard time, or the stranger who helps you change a tire on a hot day — but it’s always a thrill to see those good works writ large.

I’m privileged to be embedded in some organizations with missions to provide much-needed services to those who couldn’t otherwise afford them (such as Rebuilding Together, where I’m on the national board of directors, and the USTA Foundation, where I’m the president), so I have a front row seat to some life-changing philanthropy.

I also got to see it last weekend at the New York City Ballet’s Fall Gala, which supports the world-renowned New York City Ballet. In addition to their performances, the NYCB also provides programs for children, teens and adults with disabilities.

I attended the Gala at the invitation of my friend Allyson Tang, the founder of Angel Shine Foundation, which provides scholarships to gifted children in need and supports the arts worldwide.

If you’ve spent any time on my site, you know I’m a passionate believer in the power of the arts to transform and inspire, so it was a pleasure to get to spend the evening in the presence of some of the most transformative and inspirational artists I’ve ever seen: the dancers of the NYCB.

The gala I attended marked the company’s 75th anniversary with a program featuring works by their co-founding choreographers, George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins — two names that are familiar to even non-dance fans.

The dancers performed parts of Robbins’ Glass Pieces and excerpts from Balanchine’s Who Cares?, both of which reflect each choreographer’s “take on the energy and vitality of New York City.” I’ve now lived in Texas longer than I lived in New York, but the power of that city is undeniable.

Glass Pieces was set to music by composer Philip Glass, and Who Cares? Is set to George Gershwin’s classic songs performed by special guest vocalists, including Patti LuPone and Vanessa Williams.

It was a spectacular evening, and it was an honor to be in the presence of some of the country’s philanthropic finest, along with some of its most talented artists. There is hope and inspiration all around us. The NYCB Gala reminds us of the immense potential for positive change, and the enduring belief in the power of good people doing good things.