On Monday, October 15, 2018, The T.J. Martell Foundation, Music’s Promise for Curing Cancer held the 43rd New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York. The night honored Jeffrey Harleston, Universal Music Group’s General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs with the Lifetime Music Award and Drew Nieporent, Founder of Myriad Restaurant Group, who was honored with the Lifetime Business Leadership Award.
Comedian Bill Bellamy hosted the event attended by important VIPs and influencers from the music industry. Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Trustees Joel Katz of Greenberg Taurig, opened the night by reminding guests about the critical mission of the Foundation. The sold-out New York Honors Gala raised essential funds for cancer research and patient treatments. The T.J. Martell Foundation has raised over $280 million for research and nine flagship hospitals.
Highlights from the night including actor Robert Wuhl who presented Nieporent with his award pointing out that there isn’t a New Yorker in the city who hasn’t benefitted from the culinary delights Nieporent brings to the city. He also spoke of Drew’s unselfish giving back to the city and his commitment to the first responders after 9/11.
British cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason received a standing ovation after a mesmerizing performance of “Hallelujah” The cellist, who performed at the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Megan Markle was one of the anticipated performances of the night.
After Jeffrey Harleston accepted his award and spoke to the crowd about mentorship and leadership, as well as those who have played an important role in his career, he and host Bill Bellamy introduced Mary J. Blige. Blige spoke of her admiration for Harleston and thanked him for everything he has done for her through her career and personal life. She then performed to a standing room only crowd as the 43rd Honors Gala came to an end.
(l to r) – Joel Katz, Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation National Board of Directors, Honoree Jeffrey Harleston, Universal Music Group’s General Counsel and Executive Vice President, Business and Legal Affairs who received the Lifetime Music Award, Drew Nieporent, Founder of Myriad Restaurant Group who was honored with the Lifetime Business Leadership Award and Laura Heatherly, CEO of the T.J. Martell Foundation. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation).
(l to r) Jeffrey Harleston and cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason at the T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd Honors Gala held at Cipriani on Monday, October 15, 2018. (Photo by Theo Wargo/ Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
Comedian Bill Bellamy hosted the T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd Honors Gala held at Cipriani on 42nd Street on Monday, October 15, 2018. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
Actor Robert Wuhl praises honoree Drew Nieporent from the stage at The T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd Honors Gala held at Cipriani in New York on Monday, October 15, 2018. Wuhl introduced Nieporent who was honored with the Lifetime Leadership Award at the important fundraiser. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation).
Honoree Drew Nieporent, Founder of Myriad Restaurant Group was honored with the Lifetime Business Leadership Award Honoree at The T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd NY Honors Gala held at Cipriani on Monday, October 15, 2018. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
Cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason (l) and Universal Music’s Graham Parker on the red carpet at The T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd Honors Gala held at Cipriani on Monday, October 15, 2018 in New York. (Photo by Theor Wargo/Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
Award-winning singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige performs at The T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd New York Honors Gala held Monday, October 15, 2018, at Cipriani in New York. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
Award-winning singer/songwriter Mary J. Blige performs at The T.J. Martell Foundation 43rd New York Honors Gala held Monday, October 15, 2018, at Cipriani in New York. (Photo by Michael Loccisano/ Getty Images for The T.J. Martell Foundation)
