Project Sunshine Celebrated Supporters, Volunteers, Patients and Families at Their 15th Annual Gala

Project Sunshine celebrated supporters, volunteers, patients and families at their 15th annual gala fundraiser last evening at Cipriani 42nd Street which raised over $1mm.

Project Sunshine recruits and trains volunteers to deliver programs that promote creative expression, socialization, and intellectual stimulation to children facing medical challenges in 175 cities across the US and in 4 international satellite locations.

The evening was hosted by Sesame Street actor, Emilio Delgado, who was joined by former cast mates Roscoe Orman, Bob McGrath and Sonia Manzano for a live rendition of Bienvenidos to open the evening. Later into the programing guests were treated to an intimate set by Grammy nominated Singer-Songwriter Tori Kelly, who performed an acoustic version of Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing.

This year's honorees included Stella Li, President of BYD Motors Inc., recipient of the Business Leadership Award and Chef Michael White, Head Chef & Co-Owner of Altamarea Group, recipient of the Visionary Award. "This year Project Sunshine is excited to honor Chef Michael White, an outstanding culinary talent. We celebrate his work to encourage pediatric patients and their families to make health food choices through Project Sunshine's "Better Bites" program," said Joe Weilgus, Project Sunshine Founder. "We are equally thrilled to award Stella Li for her commitment to being an architect of the Project Sunshine Healthy Living A.B.C.'s program. May her dedication to building a cleaner, healthier, and brighter world be an example to us all."

In addition to a silent auction, the night included live bidding conducted by C. Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby's, on items such as a Chinatown foodie tour hosted by Andrew Zimmern and two private dinners for 12 at Michael White's restaurant Vaucluse. Chef White personally auctioned off the two dinners, raising over $25,000 for the organization. Notable attendees included Miss USA and Project Sunshine volunteer, Kara McCullough, local New York TV journalists, Tamsen Fadal, Irv 'Mr. G' Gikofsky & Magee Hickey, Sports Illustrated cover model Danielle Herrington, models Zaina Gohou and Enly Tammela, designer Timo Weiland and Bravo stars Ryan Serhant and Emilia Bechrakis of Million Dollar Listing and spin off Sell It Like Serhant.

The evening could not have been such a success without the leadership of event Co-chairs Ahmass Fakahany, Shawn McGowen, Al Tylis and Vice chairs Bernard M. Rosof, Matthew Skurbe, Robin Wilpon Wachtler, Joseph Weilgus and Howard Weiser.

Joy and connection are the foundation of childhood. Project Sunshine is a multi-national organization that addresses the psychosocial and developmental needs of pediatric patients and their families. Through volunteer-led programming, Project Sunshine provides opportunities for creative expression, socialization, and learning-ensuring childhood remains a place of wonder. www.projectsunshine.org.

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