NEW YORK, October 8, 2014 – Actor/Director Kevin Spacey was the evening’s speaker and CBS News anchor Norah O’Donnell acted as master of ceremonies at the DEPARTURES Philanthropy Honors gala on October 7th in New York. The evening honored readers for their outstanding commitment to charity in their communities. DEPARTURES Editor in Chief Richard David Story and SVP/Publisher Steven DeLuca hosted this inaugural event, which was held at the Park Hyatt New York.

 

The four recipients were each honored based on their exceptional support for their respective charities: Emily Blavatnik for The Fresh Air Fund, New York; Trudy and Paul Cejas for New World Symphony, Miami Beach, Fla.; Bev Spector of WildAid, San Francisco, and Margaret Hyde for WriteGirl, Los Angeles. Along with the honor, the evening raised money for the organizations.

 

Kevin Spacey’s outstanding philanthropic commitment includes supporting UNICEF and the Elton John Aids Foundation, as well as establishing the Kevin Spacey Foundation, which discovers, trains and mentors emerging artists through free university places, funding and creative learning initiatives. The activist and DEPARTURES reader “is honored to be involved with the inaugural DEPARTURES Philanthropy Honors gala, as it is vital that for-profit organizations like DEPARTURES use their platform to enhance the programming within the non-profit space.”

 

DEPARTURES introduced its Philanthropy Honors program in celebration of its 25th anniversary this year. DeLuca said, “We’re thrilled to introduce this new platform that celebrates our readers’ commitment to philanthropic efforts and spotlights their invaluable work. I’m inspired by the dedication of these individuals who are making a difference and delighted that we’re able to bring more attention to these important causes.”

 

The inaugural DEPARTURES Philanthropy Honors gala sponsors included: Montblanc, which commissioned a special collection of 25 pieces with a portion of proceeds benefitting the four charities, Seabourn and Park Hyatt New York. Global Philanthropy Group, a Los Angeles-based philanthropic consulting firm, has advised on the initiative.

 

 

About DEPARTURES

 

DEPARTURES is published for American Express Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members. The DEPARTURES international network includes 18 editions in more than 50 countries, including Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The DEPARTURES digital footprint includes departures.com and the “DEPARTURES Ultimate City Guides” app available on iPad and iPhone. DEPARTURES is published by Time Inc. Affluent Media Group. DEPARTURES is a trademark of American Express Marketing & Development Corp. and is used under limited license. Time Inc. Affluent Media Group is not affiliated with American Express Company or its subsidiaries.

 

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