Retro Glam & Glitter at Viennese Opera Ball
Martin and Jean Shafiroff, Malan Breton – Photo credit Rose Billings
Charities are all reinventing after the Covid Pandemic working on bringing in jubilant moments to keep patrons smiling and donating to important causes. The black tie Viennese Opera Ball morphed into an elegant Swing Dance Dinner Gala aptly called “The Golden Age” and held at a private Club while waiting for the the traditional Opera Ball which will take place as normal in 2022. The event was a delectable feast for the eyes and the ladies dressed in glittering costumes as if to say we are New Yorkers and the virus may temporarily constrict us and test our resilience but the joy of dressing is here to stay as are philanthropic New Yorkers.
Gala Chair and working philanthropist Jean Shafiroff dressed in a vibrant red tulle gown designed by Malan Breton joined the governor and mayor of Vienna, the Honorable Micheal Ludwig; consul general of Austria in New York, the Honorable Helene Steinhaeusl and the director. the Austrian Cultural Forum New York, Michael Haider. Joining Mrs Shafiroff were Ana and Scott Stone, David Hockberg. Pamela O’Connor, Sonia Nassery Cole, Michele Herbert, Sabine Riglos, Emily Mohr and Cole Rumbough.
The Viennese Opera Ball supports charitable projects that are associated with New York and Vienna. This proceeds of the Swing Dinner Dance benefited the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation for Cancer Research. A silent auction was held with proceeds also benefitting the Gabrielle’s Angel Fund for Cancer Research. Bidding is still open until November 1 by going to vob2021.givesmart.com.
