NFL London: Talking points from the New York Jets’ defeat to the Minnesota Vikings

It is an honor for me to support this worthy cause !

The ballroom shimmered, a sea of elegant gowns and crisp tuxedos. Laughter mingled with the clinking of champagne glasses, but beneath the surface of the White Cross Ball of New York City, a deeper current flowed. This wasn’t just another glittering gala; this was a gathering fueled by compassion, a testament to the kindness that pulsed through the heart of the city. The wonderful Metropolitan Club Ballroom on Central Park in NYC was filled with the most distinguished Philanthropists of the East Coast.

My wonderful friend and priest Father Enrique Salvo gave the blessing for the evening.

I always love this ball as it brings so many wonderful people together! Well done! And so many surprises, seeing some friends from my teenage years in Salzburg Austria or Friends from LA. This year was super special also because i had Olga Palinkasev Gregorian on our table and she is the Malteser International Worldwide Relief Development Manager. Stunning how much Malteser achieve! Bravo!

Master artist Deanna First had a line of hundreds of people to get painted by her, and I got so lucky to get the original with pearls and crystals right from her. She is one of these very rare century artist geniuses and a true icon. Everyone talker about her great art! She is lovely and talented alike. So many amazing and happy friends came to support the grand cause, super doc and amazing philanthropist Dr. David Robbins, Palm Beach’s Debora Perl Hartman, Mahdiul Chowdhury, Hanna Trudo, Greg Camp, Marie Choi Mannix, Alfred Wolff, Barbara Cleary, Topmodel Anna Kulinova, Aurelia Dragani and any NYC’s Trendsetter Carlos Arana. Aramis is always the heart of every dance floor no wonder he runs the hottest club in town Bijoux ! Dr. Michael Espiritu made sure that the afterparty at the cool and fun Virgin Hotel on broadway becomes the same successful as the ball itself. And he always is THE best host of NYC. The Speech of Mercedes and Catherine was very touching but also really great and fun. We can’t hear enough of them from stage, wonderful and kind hearted power ladies of NYC!

All started in 2015, a glorious idea: a night of elegance to support the Order of Malta’s global mission of mercy. Word spread like wildfire through the city’s philanthropic circles. Socialites with a social conscience, Wall Street titans with hearts of gold, and heartwarming good New Yorkers who believed in making a difference, they all came together.

Maria Fishel Kenneth Fishel H.H. Dr. Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe

The White Cross Ball wasn’t just about writing checks; it was about connecting with the causes. A video played, showing the wonderful work of the Order. Funds raised by the ball had provide emergency help, medical supplies, bringing hope to those who had lost everything. And most importantly the order spread a clear message of hope and peace for the world.

The fabulous summer camp where children with and without disabilities play and learn together, thanks to the White Cross Ball, is another beacon of light.

The Sovereign Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. A lay religious order of the Catholic Church since 1113 and a subject of international law, the Sovereign Order of Malta has diplomatic relations with over 100 states and the European Union, and permanent observer status at the United Nations.

It is neutral, impartial and apolitical.

Chairs,

MERCEDES DE GUARDIOLA, DM,

CATHERINE BOOROM,

Founders,

DR. MICHAEL ESPIRITU, KM NICCOLO FALEZ, KM

WILLIAM MURRAY, VISCOUNT STORMONT,

Committee,

LAUREN ALEMANY,

DAVID FAJARDO CARACTA, KM,

ALESSANDRO CRESO,

MARY DELANEY,

ELIZABETH DEMAREE, DM,

CAROLINE A. GIBSON,

LUISA MAJNONI D’INTIGNANO DI POGGIO BALDOVINETTI,

MARIA ENZA FARIELLO,

DR. CLAUDINE HOLI, DM,

CHRISTOPHER CARTER LEE, KM,

BEN MALEG, KM,

PETER-ANTHONY PAPPAS, KM,

JASON PELLETIER, KM,

ANNA SHEMIN,

MICHAEL SMILEK,

ERIN MÁIRÉAD O’KANE,

Benefactors included,

Peter Bicknell Kellner, KM,

William R. Morosse, KM,

Dr. Mar Morosse,

Barbara Ann Cleary,

Gregory P. Oussani, KM,

Colin D Tooze, KM MG (Ret.) Tom Wessels, GCMOb,

Linda Wessels,

SKH Prinz Ludwig von Preußen David Fajardo Caracta, KM,

Camille M. Kelleher, GCMOb,

Rory Kelleher, GCMOb Robert Brown, KMOb,

Chris Hausner,

Debora Pearl Hartman,

Sean Kon,

Thomas Slanover.

Today, the Order of Malta is active in 120 countries caring for people in need through its medical, social and humanitarian works. Day-to-day, its broad spectrum of social projects provides a constant support for forgotten or excluded members of society.

It is especially involved in helping people living in the midst of armed conflicts and natural disasters by providing medical assistance, caring for refugees, and distributing medicines and basic equipment for survival.

Across the world, the Order of Malta is dedicated to the preservation of human dignity and the care of all those in need, regardless of their race or religion.

Malteser International, together with Malteser International Americas, is the humanitarian arm of the Sovereign Order of Malta. Thanks to the generosity of the American Association, on the occasion of the White Cross Ball, Malteser International is able to support countless individuals living in some of the most dire circumstances.

Malteser International serves the sick and the poor regardless of faith, gender, ethnici-ty, or political orientation. Globally, for nearly 70 years, it has served families through healthcare and emergency relief services, with a particular focus on the displaced, whether they may be on the move fleeing war and persecution, or hunger and lack of economic opportunity.

In 2023, proceeds raised at the White Cross Ball helped Malteser International achieve its goal of reaching 650,000 people in need in the Americas, bringing medical care to 124,000 of the most vulnerable, and providing care for 77,000 children, making it possible for many to live their lives with health and dignity, Globally, Malteser International was able to serve over 5.6 million individuals through over 145 projects in 37 countries.

One of the many wonderful projects of the order:

The Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation exists to support the inspiring work of the Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem, located just 1,500 steps from the birthplace of Christ. This Catholic teaching hospital is a state-of-the-art maternity and neonatal critical care center serving women, infants, and children throughout the Holy Land.

The hospital stands as a beacon of hope for poor and at-risk families in the Bethlehem region, nearby desert villages, and refugee camps. The hospital and its mobile clinic provide quality medical care to all, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or ability to pay. No one is ever turned away.

“Your generous donation doesn’t just change lives, it brings lives into the world. At Holy Family Hospital in Bethlehem, 89 babies take their first breath each week.

Thanks to you, every mother and baby receive the very best healthcare with compassion and dignity. In a land of walls and division, love prevails — no one is ever turned away.”, confirms Kate Robinson, Director, Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation.

Malta Camp USA is built on the belief that every person is wonderfully made and deserving of a community that fully loves and accepts them! Malta Camp USA provides a robust, life-long community supporting its guests with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through a week-long summer camp and year-round events, individuals with disabilities are given an opportunity to try new things, experience independence, and make new friends.

“With support from the White Cross Ball of New York City, Malta Camp USA has grown from 30 participants in 2022 to over 100 today. We are grateful for the critical funds the ball has provided to allow us to support and grow our thriving community of those with and without disabilities.”, Mary Delaney, Camp Director, Malta Camp USA beautifully summarizes.

Year after year, the White Cross Ball grew, becoming a beacon of hope and a symbol of New York City’s unwavering spirit of generosity. It was a reminder that even in the midst of the city’s hustle and bustle, kindness could flourish, and that together, they could make a real difference in the world. The White Cross Ball wasn’t just the kindest ball in NYC; it was a testament to the kindness within each individual, a kindness that rippled outwards, touching lives across the globe.