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Celebrating Women’s Achievements in February

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By Great Performances

Last month, Great Performances participated in two incredible events that celebrated women’s achievements in the arts and brought attention to women’s health. March is officially Women’s History Month, and as the month begins, we proudly take a look back at two events that paid tribute to extraordinary women.

The 17th Annual Red Dress Awards hosted by Woman’s Day honored those who have made great efforts in women’s heart health, and the 2020 Dining with the Divas Luncheon raised funds for various arts, education, and community programs there.

17TH ANNUAL RED DRESS AWARDS

February 4, 2020 At Jazz At Lincoln Center

For the 11th consecutive year, Great Performances had the privilege of working with Woman’s Day for their 17th Annual Red Dress Awards, held in the Appel Room at Jazz at Lincoln Center. This year’s event honored four prominent women in the wellness and medical fields for their efforts to help women take charge of their heart health: Mindy Grossman, President and Chief Executive Officer, WW International; Dr. Marilyn Gaston & Dr. Gayle Porter, co-founders & co-directors, The Gaston and Porter Health Improvement Center; and Annabelle Volgman M.D., F.A.C.C., senior attending physician at Rush Medical College and Rush University Medical Center.

Guests enjoyed breathtaking views of Columbus Circle and Central Park South while indulging in a variety of dishes served by Great Performances’ all-female staff for the occasion. The menu featured such mouthwatering items as Spicy Mango Maki Rolls, Short Rib Tostadas, Truffle Duxelle Stuffed Chicken Roulade, and Chocolate Dipped Cheesecake Lollipops.

Hosted by comedienne Michelle Collins and Woman’s Day Editor-in-Chief Susan Spencer, this year’s “red-dressed” event also included performances by Broadway star Sutton Foster and iconic band The B-52’s. Celebrities in attendance included Betsey Johnson, Joy Bauer, Star Jones, Gloria Reuben, and Dorinda Medley.

2020 DINING WITH THE DIVAS LUNCHEON

February 13, 2020 At The Apollo Theater

For the 10th year, Great Performances is proud to have catered the annual Dining with the Divas Luncheon at the world-famous Apollo Theater in Harlem. The event, themed Advancing Women’s Leadership Through Arts Education, raised almost $400,000 for the Apollo’s various arts, education, and community programs.

GP’s design team impressed again with beautiful floral arrangements and table dressings, and the culinary team delivered a delectable menu that included Spicy Thai Chicken, BBQ Short Ribs, Fall Cayuga Grains Stuffed Petite Peppers and Hudson Valley Succotash Tarts.

The empowering event was chaired by Terri Borden, Joan Haffenreffer, and Carolyn Minnick Mason, and hosted by Tony Award-winning actress Condola Rashad. Amber Imam provided a special musical performance. Opening remarks to the captive audience were made by Apollo Theater President and CEO Jonelle Procope.

Speaking at the luncheon were Nadja Bellan-White, Executive Partner and WPP Team Leader, Ogilvy; Nikole Hannah-Jones, award-winning journalist, The New York Times Magazine; and Bethann Hardison, model, agent and activist, who all spoke passionately about using their own platforms to inspire and achieve. The Apollo’s Executive Producer Kamilah Forbes thanked donors and sponsors such as Capital Markets, RBC, and Great Performances for their support.