Henry Street Settlement’s 125th Anniversary Dinner

When Henry Street Settlement reached their 125th Anniversary, they chose Empire as their partner to mark this incredible milestone.

“Dinner on Henry Street” was held in Sol Lain Park, which is adjacent to the Settlement’s headquarters. This location was chosen to remain close to home and to serve as a reminder of the humble beginnings that led to the extraordinary legacy of this New York City institution.

The evening began in the cocktails tent, where guests marveled at the “Humans of Henry Street” wall installation, featuring personal stories from people whose lives have been affected and transformed by the Settlement’s remarkable work. During cocktails, guests were treated to the sounds of a jazz band that played music that reflected the cultures and immigrants that have left their mark on the Lower East Side over the past 125 years. Youths from The Chinese Free Masons Athletic Club led the way to the dinner tent with a traditional lion dance, engaging attendees and firing up excitement for the coming program.Guests moved inside a stunning tent and were seated to an elegant dinner beneath the stars. To start the dinner program, Henry Street’s Executive Director, David Garza, presented the Lillian Wald Legacy award to Richard Abrons and the Abrons Aranow Family, whose history with the Settlement dates back 122 of their 125 years.David Garza also presented the Heart of Henry Street Awards to longtime supporters Dale Jones Burch and Pilar Crespi Robert & Stephen Robert. The firehouse adjacent to the Settlement’s headquarters is slated to become the Dale Jones Burch Neighborhood Center at Henry Street in 2020.

Board Chairman Scott Swid presented the Heart of Henry Street Awards to corporate partners JPMorgan Chase & Co., Credit Suisse, UPS, The Clark Foundation, and Tiger Foundation. Representatives from each partner organization provided signatures to be etched on a Tiffany & Co. sterling silver tray—a replica of the silver tray that Lillian Wald received for her 70th birthday in 1937. The tray was etched with the signatures of Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt, other social reformers, and friends of Henry Street.The program featured performances by entertainers from the Abrons Arts Center such as the Voices of Henry Street intergenerational choir, Rajé & Rajé Reborn Dance Troops, and an excerpt from the critically acclaimed production of Jack & The Beanstalk.

The final performance of the night was delivered by legendary actor, recording artist, and activist Yasiin Bey. Bey closed out the evening with an intimate, yet energetic performance that left the tent buzzing with positivity and gratitude.

Working closely with Henry Street’s team for almost a year, Empire managed every detail of this momentous occasion, which included but was not limited to: concept development, programming, permitting, tenting, budgeting, registration, technical production, catering, décor, stage management, and overall guest experience.

Empire is proud to have partnered with Henry Street Settlement to help them celebrate this extraordinary milestone.

To learn more about the Henry Street Settlement and their work, visit https://www.henrystreet.org