NEW YORK CITY TOURISM FOUNDATION HOSTS 21ST ANNUAL FUNDRAISING GALA

New York City (December 5, 2023) — The New York City Tourism Foundation honored leaders from the City’s aviation, health care, hospitality and cultural industries at its 21^st annual Gala at the Plaza Hotel last night. The event, which raised more than $600,000, celebrates prominent leaders who have significantly contributed to New York City’s tourism industry and played an integral part in its continued recovery. The New York City Tourism Foundation—formerly the NYC & Company Foundation—is the 501(c)(3) charitable arm of the City’s official tourism organization and helps sustain the local nonprofit arts community through cultural tourism development, education and outreach projects citywide. Funds raised this year will be directed to the Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program, which supports audience development for cultural organizations in all five boroughs through microgrants administered in partnership with the City’s five Borough Presidents’ offices.

This year’s honorees include:

United Airlines, accepted by Josh Earnest, EVP of Communications and Advertising (presented by Kathryn S. Wylde, President and CEO of the Partnership for NYC) ‘

Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA), accepted by President Kenneth E. Raske (presented by Philip Ozuah, GNYHA Board Chair and President and CEO of Montefiore Einstein)

Liz Neumark and Great Performances, accepted by Liz Neumark, CEO and Founder (presented by Marcy Blum, Event Planner and Owner of Marcy Blum Associates)

Jonelle Procope, President and CEO Emerita of The Apollo received the Lifetime Achievement Award (presented by Charles E. Phillips, Chairman, Board of Directors, the Apollo Theater, and Managing Partner and Co-Founder, RECOGNIZE)

“For more than 20 years, the New York City Tourism Foundation Gala has placed a spotlight on leaders and businesses who continue to make tourism a driving force in the City’s economy, while supporting the cultural institutions that make up the fabric of our industry,” said Fred Dixon, President and CEO of New York City Tourism + Conventions. “Congratulations to this year’s honorees for their many years of incredible vision and partnership.”

“The Foundation’s work makes the Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program possible,” said Charles Flateman, Board Chair of New York City Tourism + Conventions and Executive Vice President of The Shubert Organization. “Funds raised this evening provide resources to the many institutions that help make NYC one of the most culturally rich destinations in the world.”

United Airlines plays an essential role in New York City’s tourism economy as one of the area’s largest employers with more than 14,000 employees. Through its vast network, United provides direct service to numerous global destinations from its Newark Liberty International Airport hub and LaGuardia Airport, and continues to connect the world to NYC while enhancing and expanding the traveler experience. United is currently an official promotional partner in New York City Tourism + Conventions’ global tourism campaign to help attract millions of visitors to the five boroughs.

Greater New York Hospital Association (GNYHA),thetrade association comprising more than 200 hospitals, health systems and continuing care facilities throughout New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Rhode Island, has helped guide the health care industry since 1904. The Association and its members were on the front lines of New York City’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, helping to ensure the safety and well-being of New Yorkers during an unprecedented emergency. GNYHA and its members remain committed to elevating the City’s health care delivery system through new investments in education and innovation and by developing clinical advances and strategies to improve health care access and patient outcomes.

Liz Neumark and Great Performances, the catering company she founded in 1980, have been leaders in New York City’s hospitality, catering and events industry with a reputation for excellence. Ms. Neumark founded Great Performances as a catering staffing agency for women in the arts to support themselves as they pursued their dreams. Over four decades, it has become one of the nation’s foremost independent catering and hospitality companies. Great Performances has helped set the standard for corporate, nonprofit and social events in the City’s most iconic cultural institutions, including the Apollo Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center and the Brooklyn Museum. Since 2008, Great Performances has been the exclusive caterer for The Plaza Hotel’s ballroom in partnership with Delaware North.

Jonelle Procope was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her visionary leadership of The Apollo for over 20 years, cementing its place as the world’s leading Black performing arts organization. Under Procope’s guidance, The Apollo experienced an unparalleled period of growth in programming, revenue and global recognition. Her dedication influenced not only the legendary organization but also Harlem, New York City, and the international performing arts and entertainment communities. Her leadership also helped make possible Historic Theater renovation which will begin in Summer 2024 as well as The Apollo’s expansion into The Victoria, opening in February 2024, which will be home to two black box theaters, including the 99-seat Jonelle Procope Theater in her honor. 

Yesterday’s Gala included a live auction that provided supplemental proceeds for the Foundation.  

For over two decades, the New York City Tourism + Conventions Gala has honored distinguished leaders supporting New York City’s vibrant tourism sector. Past honorees include former Citigroup and Time Warner CEO and Chairman Richard Parsons, American Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour, fashion designer Diane Von Furstenberg, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, former New York City Deputy Mayor and Sidewalk Labs co-founder Dan Doctoroff, Carnival Corporation, Union Square Hospitality Group founder Danny Meyer, Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig, Delta Air Lines, Hilton Hotels and many others.  

The New York City Tourism Foundationis a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated in 1999 to educate domestic and international audiences about New York City’s diverse and vibrant cultural community. The Foundation has provided more than $4.5 million in grants across the five boroughs through its Borough Cultural Tourism Development Grant Program, which is administered by offices of the City’s five Borough Presidents. Grant recipient initiatives include the addition of new parks on Staten Island (Fresh Kills Park Alliance), creating citywide access to buildings and unique spaces (Open House New York), highlighting the music and dance of Queens’ diverse populations (Magar Association’s Himalayan Summer Street Festival, Queensboro Dance) and nurturing literary culture (Brooklyn Book Festival).

About New York City Tourism + Conventions: New York City Tourism + Conventions is the official destination marketing organization and convention and visitors bureau for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and spreading the positive image of New York City worldwide. For all there is to do and see in New York City, visit nyctourism.com.

MEDIA ASSETS: 

Gala Photos: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/DUR2oGRCV1
Headshots: https://spaces.hightail.com/space/8yiRY78PSF