On Thursday, April 18, East Side House Settlement (ESH) once again partnered with the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Association (GNYADA) to host the 20th Anniversary Gala Preview of the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS).
Credit/Copyright: Vladimir Weinstien
Attracting more than 1,400 guests, the annual event was an exclusive preview night for car enthusiasts with the proceeds benefiting ESH, a community-based non-profit organization that provides educational and economic opportunity for some of New York City’s most vulnerable communities. The event raised more than $1.1 million. This year, ESH honored Manhattan Motorcars’ Dealer Principal and GNYADA Board Member Brian Miller with the Champion for Excellence Award for his longtime support of the organization and Gala Preview night. For the second consecutive year, Porsche Cars North America was the Official Car Sponsor. Ryan Field, WABC Channel 7 Sports Anchor, served as the evening’s emcee.
As ESH and GNYADA celebrated this 20-year partnership of the Gala Preview night, guests were given a rare and exclusive opportunity to view the NYIAS before it opened to the public and included a high-octane cocktail reception, private dinner for sponsors and benefactors, exciting live and silent auctions. In addition, the first-ever Porsche Conversation with Racing Legends took place featuring drivers Jeff Zwart and David Donohue, moderated by Aurora Straus, 20 year old race car driver and Harvard student. The evening was capped off with the riveting auction of a Porsche GT2 RS, valued at over $300,000. Event sponsors included: Willowbridge Associates, Inc, KCL Capital L.P., Monticello Motor Club, Classic Car Club Manhattan, Drive Coffee, Hudson Stables, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Carlsberg, and LBV.
Over the past 20 years, this event has welcomed 20,000 guests and raised more than $12.5 million for ESH programs and initiatives.
North America’s first and largest-attended auto show, the NYIAS showcases the incredible automotive technological advances taking place in the industry and celebrates the latest vehicles available at dealerships today. The show also includes a huge collection of concept cars, elegant classics and exciting exotic vehicles.
Notable Attendees: Ryan Field (WABC), Marysol Castro (NY Mets announcer), Brian Miller (honoree), Daniel Diaz (Executive Director, ESH), Mark Schienberg (President, GNYADA), Thomas Remien (President, ESH Board of Managers), David Donahue, Aurora Straus, Jeff Zwart, James Brolin (actor), Philip L. Yang, Jr. (Gala co-chair), Christopher LaSusa (Gala co-chair), Hugh Hildesley (auctioneer), Eric and Coco Wittenberg, Alice Jump, Jonathan Lloyd Jones, Alex Grappo, Raina Seitel (correspondent, NY Live), Tom Murro, Emeka Okafor (former NBA player), Shea Marie, Andres Fanjul, Magnus Walker, Sam Dangremond, Claudio Del Vecchio
