The annual Gordon Parks Foundation gala was a night to remember, as it felt more like a church service than a typical fundraising event. The celestial voices of a choir filled Cipriani on 42nd Street, setting the tone for an evening of reverence and celebration.
The gala, now in its 14th year, honors a community of artists and athletes in the spirit of Gordon Parks, the renowned photographer, director, and musician. This year’s honorees included Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz, Colin Kaepernick, and the late Richard Roundtree, among others.
The highlight of the night was an auction of photographs by Mr. Parks, which raised an impressive $640,000. A bidding war ensued over a photo from 1956, with Gail Yabuki ultimately winning with a bid of $200,000.
The event was not just about raising funds, but also about preserving Mr. Parks’s legacy and inspiring future generations of artists. Chelsea Clinton, Spike Lee, and Clive Davis were among the notable attendees who paid tribute to Mr. Parks and his impact on the world of art and activism.
As the night came to a close, guests were treated to performances by Patti Smith and D.J. D-Nice, creating a sense of fellowship and community. It was a night of celebration, reflection, and inspiration, reminding everyone of the importance of using art as a tool for social change.
