New York’s philanthropic and cultural community came together for an unforgettable evening as Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education returned to The Plaza Hotel for its annual Fiesta! Gala, celebrating the organization’s 92nd anniversary with a sold-out evening of art, philanthropy, music and dancing.
Daniel Brodsky, Ben Rodriguez-Cubenas, Jackie Weld Drake, Hunt Slonem, Jean Shafiroff
Chaired by Jackie Weld Drake, Jean Shafiroff and HRH Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, the gala became the highest-grossing benefit in Casita Maria’s history. The evening honored celebrated artist Hunt Slonem, philanthropist Sonia Gutt de Haime, and longtime Casita Maria Vice Chair Ben Rodriguez-Cubeñas, who received the Jackie Weld Drake Living Legend Award.
Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Princess Valerie of Yugoslavia The Plaza, New York, October 5, 2026 ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Patrick McMullan/PMC
True to the spirit of Fiesta!, the evening was light on speeches and heavy on celebration, with guests taking to the dance floor to music by Bob Hardwick Sound. Among the night’s standout fashion moments was Jean Shafiroff, who arrived in a striking turquoise Malan Breton ballgown.
A Record-Breaking Evening for Casita Maria
The evening’s fundraising momentum was especially impressive. Rodriguez-Cubeñas announced that the Rockefeller Brothers Fund had committed $100,000 to Casita Maria, challenging guests to match the contribution.
The response was immediate. With the lively paddle raise led by Paul Florez, more than $200,000 was raised on the spot, adding to a landmark evening for the organization.
“For years, I have watched Casita Maria help the next generation of artists, teachers, doctors, and scientists from our own community,” Rodriguez-Cubeñas said. “They teach our kids to read, learn, but also to imagine, create, and see themselves in their own story.”
Jackie Weld Drake, whose three sisters Estrellita Brodsky, Martha Bograd and Mercedes Levin were also in attendance, emphasized the importance of the organization’s work.
“Kids have come to us from underserved communities, with limited vocabulary and opportunities. Your support here helps us improve the quality of life for countless children, adults, and their families,” she said.
Executive Director Felix Urrutia described Casita Maria’s remarkable history and continuing mission.
“For 33,790 days, Casita Maria has been the heartbeat of East Harlem and South Bronx, a home for dreamers, doers, and storytellers,” Urrutia said. “Our mission is to enrich and help elevate the lives of those we serve so that they may have a fighting chance of realizing the American Dream.”
Felix Urrutia, Sissi Fleitas, Moataz Refaie
Celebrating Artist Hunt Slonem
One of the evening’s honorees, Hunt Slonem, has been a longtime supporter of Casita Maria. Known internationally for his exuberant paintings of bunnies, butterflies and other vibrant subjects, Slonem has enjoyed a celebrated career, with his work represented in major institutions including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Guggenheim and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Reflecting on his connection to the organization, Slonem noted that he has attended and supported the Fiesta! Gala for 35 years.
“As a child, I wanted to be an artist due to the support I received in school,” Slonem said. “Casita Maria provides that same support, opening windows into the arts for many students in New York. Every child deserves a chance to dream, and together we can turn those dreams into reality.”
Sonia Gutt de Haime Honored for Philanthropic Legacy
Philanthropist Sonia Gutt de Haime was also celebrated for her longstanding commitment to healthcare, education and the arts. Surrounded by family, she accepted the honor presented by her son, Daniel Haime Gutt.
“For 98 years you have touched the lives of so many. You have taught us how to love, how to give, how to persevere, and how to live a life of purpose,” Daniel Haime Gutt said in presenting the award.
Her recognition reflected a longstanding relationship with New York’s cultural and philanthropic communities, as well as her dedication to Casita Maria and its mission.
Sonia Gutt de Haime, Nohra Haime
A Storied Fiesta! Tradition
Casita Maria’s Fiesta! Gala has become one of New York’s most distinctive annual philanthropic celebrations. Over the years, the event has honored an extraordinary roster of artists, designers, performers, philanthropists and cultural icons, including Audrey Hepburn, Margot Fonteyn, Oscar de la Renta, Paloma Picasso, Gloria Estefan, Mary McFadden and Baz Luhrmann.
This year’s guest list reflected the event’s longstanding place within New York’s social, artistic and philanthropic circles. Guests included George Corton, Alberto Mariaca, Patrick Moran, Gautam Patel, Darlyn Portes, Thomas Quick, Gail Heidel, Martha Bograd, Jimmy Borynak, Halim Bulos, Gabriel Rivera Barraza, Estrellita and Daniel Brodsky, Sharon Bush, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Fe and Alessandro Fendi, Gloria and Carey Fieldcamp, Sissi Fleitas, Roberta Houghton, Kamie Lightburn, Alicia Lubowski-Jahn, Elizabeth Meigher, Juan Montoya, Lauren Day Roberts, Victor Roquette, Marc Rosen, Mary Snow, Adrienne and Gigi Vittadini, Saundra Whitney, Hal Witt and Adolfo Zaralegui, among many others.
Maria Ruiseco, Dani Bedoni
Lynne Wheat, Sharon Bush, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Sharon Handler Loeb Casita Maria Fiesta! 2026 Gala”
The Plaza, New York, NY October 5, 2026 ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Patrick McMullan/PMC
Jackie Weld Drake, Roberto Camacho
Fe Fendi, Alessandra Saracino Fendi Casita Maria Fiesta! 2026 Gala” The Plaza, New York, NY October 5, 2026 ©Patrick McMullan Photo – Patrick McMullan/PMC
Nearly a Century of Arts and Education
Founded in 1934, Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education was the first charitable organization established to serve New York City’s Latino community. Today, based in the South Bronx, the organization continues its nearly century-long mission through free arts and education programs for young people.
Its programs include academic support, arts training, paid teen apprenticeships, career readiness, and preparation for college and the workforce. Through its work, Casita Maria continues to nurture the next generation of artists, educators, leaders and changemakers while celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the Bronx.
The record-breaking Fiesta! Gala demonstrated the enduring power of Casita Maria’s mission and the extraordinary community that continues to support its vision of giving young people the opportunity to learn, create, dream and thrive.