The 2025 Jay Soirée, A Night in the Gardens of Spain, raised over $200,000 for educational programs in American history and environmental stewardship for the nonprofit Jay Heritage Center (JHC). Co-Chairs Josy and Nicholas Cassin, Suzanne and Rich Clary, Katherine Ernest, Laurence Lafforgue and Jorge Otero-Pailos, Lindsay Bello Martin and Tim Martin, Caroline and Scott Wallach, JHC board members, committee members, staff and volunteers threw a party that was truly estupendo. The event took place on Saturday, September 13 in the Jay Estate Gardens where guests were first treated to a private viewing of the newly installed public art exhibition, Analogue Sites by Spanish American artist Jorge Otero-Pailos. “It is deeply meaningful to share these sculptures at the Jay Heritage Center, a place rooted in the history of American diplomacy. Here, they connect the story of our modern embassies abroad with John Jay’s legacy as a statesman at home and diplomat abroad, ” said Otero-Pailos.
The beauty of seasonal flowers was outmatched only by the vibrant hues of guests’ dance-ready gowns and suits. Government advocates Senator Shelley B. Mayer, Steve Otis and partners from Save the Sound, Long Island Sound Partnership, American Women of African Heritage, Westchester NAACP Act-SO, the Rye Human Rights Commission and Friends of the African American Cemetery were there to support. Special touches reminded partygoers of our nation’s centuries-long friendship with Spain starting with deft Spanish guitarists playing acoustic music by the reflecting pool. Emmy Lambert, founder of Cliffwalk Designs, styled the venue with romantic roses, kalanchoes, yuccas and olive trees in terracotta pots. Everyone raved about the sangria and food provided by Scarborough Fair Catering including garlic shrimp, pintxos matrimony, lamb meatballs and churrasco steak.
The program was dynamic as JHC Horticulture Director Lucia Maestro delivered a warm welcome in Spanish, JHC Board President Suzanne Clary highlighted how past funding supported the work of young research fellows studying Black history at the center, and the renowned charity auctioneer Lydia Fenet thrilled the crowd with a high energy round of bidding on private parties and bespoke experiences including a weekend in Fire Island and a 7-day adventure by small ship to the Cyclades donated by Lead Sponsor Variety Cruises. The evening finished with salsa lessons from cultural partner Ballet Hispanico, the nation’s leading Latinx dance organization followed by even more dancing to the music of Best of Westchester winner Naked Soul.
More photos of the night to come! Check back here.
Photos by KC Photography
