Town Hall Hosts 92nd Year of Awards in the Arts
(L-R) Pres. Emeritus Marvin Leffler, Honoree Robert Wankel & Dr. Charlotte Frank
The Town Hall recently celebrated its 92nd Annual Gala, and presented the Friend of the Arts Award to internationally renowned recording artist, songwriter, and producer Judy Collins, and President & Co-CEO of The Shubert Foundation, Robert E. Wankel at the Princeton Club. The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award has been given annually for almost 30 years, to individuals in recognition and appreciation of their abiding interest in the development, enrichment and support of the Arts. Previous recipients have included Elaine Stritch, Tovah Feldshuh, Barbara Cook and Sheldon Harnick.
Robert Wankel is President of The Shubert Organization, a company that has been in the forefront of the American theatre since the beginning of the 20th century. Under the leadership of Philip J. Smith, Chairman and Mr. Wankel, President, The Shubert Organization continue a long tradition of presenting outstanding theatrical productions in its 17 landmark theatres on Broadway and cities across the country. During Mr. Wankel’s 35-year career at Shubert, he has been a guiding force in all developments of the organization, including creative projects, financial operations, and commercial real estate.
The evening commenced with a performance by cabaret and Broadway star KT Sullivan with Jon Weber at the piano, followed by cocktails and dinner. Among the guests enjoying the evening’s festivities were NYU Steinhardt School Dean Mary Brabeck, former Columbia University President and current Chancellor Kent Professor of Law at Columbia Law School Michael Sovern, Up the Down Staircase author and Town Hall Arts in Education Advisory Council member Bel Kaufman, Senator Roy Goodman, former Executive Director of the NYC Department of Education’s Office of Arts and Special Projects Sharon Dunn, Repertory Company High School Principal Manuel A. Ureña, Town Hall President Tom Wirtshafter, P.S. 307 Principal Yolanda Valez, Chairman & Co-CEO of The Shubert Foundation Philip J. Smith, and Town Hall President Emeritus Marvin Leffler with his wife, McGraw Hill Financial executive and Town Hall Arts in Education Advisory Council Chair Charlotte Frank.#
