French Heritage Society (FHS) officially kicked off its highly anticipated gala season with an elegant cocktail reception hosted by longtime supporter and FHS Board Member Jean Shafiroff at her New York City residence. The September 29 celebration brought together prominent figures from New York’s philanthropic, cultural, fashion, and social communities in anticipation of the organization’s upcoming Le Bal Impérial Gala Dinner Dance.
Valentina Paolucci;Jean Shafiroff Hosts FHS’s Le Bal Impérial Kickoff Party ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Paul Bruinooge/PMC
Scheduled for November 11 in New York City, the annual black-tie gala will celebrate French savoir-faire, imperial splendor, and timeless craftsmanship. guests at the highly anticipated evening will enjoy dinner, music, and dancing to the Bob Hardwick Sound, followed by an exclusive afterparty.
The September kick-off reception offered an intimate preview of the festivities to come. Remarks were delivered by Jean Shafiroff, FHS Events Chair CeCe Black, and FHS Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Herlein, highlighting the organization’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating French architectural and cultural heritage.
The evening also featured a sophisticated program of live entertainment. Guests enjoyed performances by pianist Yui Kitamura, Wako performer Satochiki, and violinist Valentina Paolucci, adding an international artistic dimension to the elegant gathering.
Jean Shafiroff and French Heritage Society Honored
A special moment came when New York State Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright presented Jean Shafiroff and French Heritage Society with certificates of recognition from New York State. The honors recognized their contributions and service to preserving French architectural and cultural heritage in both the United States and France.
Jennifer Herlein, Rebecca Seawright, Jean Shafirof ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Paul Bruinooge/PMC
The reception attracted an impressive roster of guests from New York’s cultural, philanthropic, fashion, and business circles. Among those in attendance were FHS Board Member Jennifer Farrell, Elena Ayot, Elizabeth Baltz, Carole Bellidora Westfall, David M. Hayes, Erin Berthoux, Lee Black, Olivia Boude, Louise Braver, Candace Bushnell, Marlon Corvera, Carole Crist, Lauren Day Roberts, Roberta Downs Sandeman Houghton, Maria and Kenneth Fishel, David Hochberg, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Cheri Kaufman, Dr. Marc Lazare, Arlene Lazare, Valerie Lettan, Davy Malinur, Stephanie Mattera, Vicky McLoughlin, Ruth Miller and Jacques Acoca, Mar Morosse, Peter Thomas Roth, Carole Roth, Leesa Rowland, Caroline Ryals, Victoria Sherman, Patricia and Tom Shiah, Hunt Slonem, Hank Stampfl, Bill Stubbs and Kurt Grether, Ilona Anoli Velez, Nabys Vielman, Suzie and Pierre Villere, and Andrew Werner, among others.
Piet Sinthuchai ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Paul Bruinooge/PMC
Pierre Villere, Suzie Villere ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Paul Bruinooge/PMC
Peter Thomas Roth, Candace Bushnell September 29, 2026 ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Paul Bruinooge/PMC
A Season of French Heritage Celebrations
The Le Bal Impérial kick-off is the first in a series of events celebrating the mission of French Heritage Society on both sides of the Atlantic.
Following the New York Gala Dinner Dance on November 11, FHS will host its Thanksgiving Dinner in Paris on November 24. The organization’s 2027 calendar will continue with the Palm Beach Gala Dinner on February 21, 2027, followed by the Palm Beach Luncheon on April 19, 2027.
One of the organization’s most significant upcoming milestones will be its 45th Anniversary Gala at Les Invalides in Paris on October 8, 2027, marking nearly five decades of dedication to French heritage and cultural preservation.
Preserving French Architectural and Cultural Heritage
For more than four decades, French Heritage Society has worked to protect the architectural and cultural treasures of France and the United States. Open to all lovers of France, the organization seeks to ensure that important historic properties, traditions, and cultural treasures survive for future generations.
Over its 44-year history, FHS has awarded more than 730 restoration and cultural grants to properties in France and the United States. The organization has also supported nearly 600 university students, providing opportunities for career-defining internships at distinguished institutions on both sides of the Atlantic.
French Heritage Society currently has 12 chapters;11 in the United States and one in Paris with membership providing access to all chapters.
With its elegant New York kick-off hosted by Jean Shafiroff, the countdown to Le Bal Impérial has officially begun. The November gala promises to bring together French culture, historic preservation, philanthropy, music, and New York society for an evening celebrating the enduring connection between France and the United States.