Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: HE Ambassador RJ Harper Supports Amazing NYABJ Sneaker Ball Awards Celebrates Culture and Community

September 30, 2026

The New York Association of Black Journalists invites supporters to gather for a fundraising evening honoring achievement, fellowship, and the enduring power of Black media.

The New York Association of Black Journalists is preparing for an evening that brings together elegance, community purpose, and contemporary style through its Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony fundraising event. Set for Friday, October 23, 2026, the occasion is presented as a signature gathering for supporters of journalism, culture, and civic connection in New York City.

At the center of the invitation is Cynthia Horner, president of NYABJ and CEO of Right On! Magazine and Right On! Digital. Her presence anchors the announcement with a sense of history, leadership, and continuity, linking the traditions of Black journalism with the evolving platforms that continue to shape public conversation.

The event will take place from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. at the Alhambra Ballroom, located at 2116 Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard in New York, New York 10027. The venue places the gathering in Harlem, a neighborhood long associated with cultural influence, creative excellence, public leadership, and the work of institutions that have shaped American life.

The Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony carries a distinct personality. It blends formal recognition with the accessible spirit of sneaker culture, creating a setting where achievement can be celebrated without losing the warmth and individuality of the people who sustain it. That combination gives the event a modern character while remaining grounded in the values of professional distinction.

The invitation’s visual language reflects that balance. Deep blue, gold accents, a formal ballroom sensibility, and sneaker imagery all work together to signal an evening that is polished, festive, and rooted in community. The design presents the gathering as both celebratory and purposeful, giving the fundraiser a strong sense of identity before guests even arrive.

A President’s Invitation

Cynthia Horner’s role in the event gives the fundraiser a personal and organizational center. As NYABJ president, she represents a chapter devoted to supporting Black journalists, strengthening professional networks, and advancing visibility within the media industry. As CEO of Right On! Magazine and Right On! Digital, she also brings a recognizable legacy connected to entertainment, youth culture, celebrity storytelling, and Black cultural documentation.

Right On! Magazine has long held a place in the cultural memory of readers who followed music, television, film, and popular culture through a lens that recognized young Black audiences with seriousness and enthusiasm. Right On! Digital extends that sensibility into the present, where media platforms continue to adapt to new habits, new audiences, and new forms of influence.

By placing Horner at the center of the announcement, the invitation emphasizes leadership that understands both tradition and change. The media landscape has transformed dramatically, yet the need for thoughtful coverage, ethical reporting, mentorship, and representation remains constant. That continuity gives the fundraiser a purpose beyond the evening itself.

The New York Association of Black Journalists, established in 1976, stands within that larger story. The organization’s name on the invitation signals a professional community with decades of commitment behind it. Its members and supporters are part of a broader network of journalists, editors, producers, photographers, digital creators, educators, students, and communications professionals who contribute to the public record.

A fundraiser of this nature helps sustain the work that happens between public ceremonies. It supports the infrastructure of connection, the programs, sponsorship opportunities, tables, tickets, promotional partnerships, and outreach that allow professional associations to remain visible and effective.

The Sneaker Ball format also reflects the cultural fluency of the organization. Sneakers are more than casual footwear in contemporary style. They are tied to sport, music, fashion, entrepreneurship, design, neighborhood identity, and personal expression. Bringing them into an awards ceremony creates an atmosphere where guests can honor accomplishment while arriving with individuality.

That approach is especially well suited to a media organization. Journalism is built on observation, voice, context, and presence. A room filled with honorees, supporters, and guests in formal attire paired with sneakers becomes a living portrait of modern professional culture, respectful of tradition while open to reinvention.

The Alhambra Ballroom provides an appropriate home for the occasion. Its Harlem address, on Adam Clayton Powell Jr. Boulevard, connects the event to a corridor associated with public service, Black history, and cultural momentum. For guests arriving at the ballroom, the location itself will be part of the evening’s meaning.

Fundraising events often succeed because they create a sense of participation. Guests are not simply attending a program. They are helping sustain a mission. In this case, the mission is tied to journalism, representation, and the continued presence of Black professionals in the media spaces that inform public understanding.

The invitation encourages supporters to explore sponsorship packages, tables, promotional opportunities, and tickets. This range of participation allows individuals, companies, community partners, and media allies to support the fundraiser at different levels. It also reflects the practical work required to build a successful evening.

The early bird price is listed at $150 and marked as extended, giving interested guests additional time to secure a place at the event. The invitation also includes a QR code for tickets and event details, making the path from interest to participation direct and convenient.

A Celebration of Recognition

Awards ceremonies carry special importance in professional communities because they create public moments of affirmation. They allow peers to acknowledge work that might otherwise remain behind deadlines, production schedules, editorial meetings, field reporting, interviews, research, and the daily demands of media life.

For Black journalists, recognition also carries a broader significance. It acknowledges the skill required to report, produce, write, edit, photograph, host, and create while often navigating industries where representation and access have required sustained advocacy. Events such as this one offer space to honor that labor in a setting designed for celebration.

The Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony suggests an evening built for both recognition and connection. Guests may arrive to support honorees, reconnect with colleagues, meet emerging journalists, learn about NYABJ initiatives, or align their brands and institutions with a respected professional organization.

The fundraiser’s tone is clear. It is elegant without being distant, festive without losing focus, and contemporary without abandoning tradition. The image of sneakers against a refined gold and blue design captures the personality of the event with immediate clarity.

Cynthia Horner’s inclusion as president further humanizes the invitation. Rather than presenting the event only as an institutional announcement, the flyer frames it as a message from leadership. That choice gives the fundraiser warmth and direction.

The presence of Right On! within the invitation also broadens the cultural reach of the evening. Right On! Magazine and Right On! Digital connect the event to entertainment journalism and popular culture, fields that have helped shape how generations have understood celebrity, music, youth identity, and Black creativity.

NYABJ’s work exists within a media environment that continues to change quickly. Digital platforms, social channels, streaming, newsletters, podcasts, and independent publishing have expanded who can tell stories and how audiences receive them. At the same time, core journalistic values remain essential, including accuracy, fairness, depth, accountability, and trust.

A gathering like the Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony creates room to celebrate both heritage and possibility. It allows established professionals and newer voices to occupy the same space, reinforcing the idea that strong media communities are built through relationships as much as individual achievement.

The event’s fundraising purpose adds another layer of importance. Financial support can help organizations maintain programming, strengthen member services, develop opportunities, and build visibility for future initiatives. In that sense, every ticket, table, sponsorship, and promotional partnership contributes to a larger ecosystem.

The invitation’s message is also deliberately accessible. It provides the essential details clearly, including date, time, place, ticket direction, and contact information. For sponsorship packages, tables, promotional opportunities, and tickets, guests are directed to contact president@nyabj.org, keeping the event’s leadership and planning channels visible.

The design’s inclusion of the phrase Right On! gives the announcement an unmistakable note of encouragement. It functions as a cultural signature and a gesture of affirmation, fitting naturally with a night created to recognize excellence and gather support.

For attendees, the evening offers the chance to participate in a celebration shaped by purpose. The formal setting, the awards component, the sneaker theme, and the fundraising mission all point toward an event that values style, substance, and community presence in equal measure.

For sponsors and partners, the fundraiser offers a visible association with Black journalism and New York media culture. Supporting such an event can signal investment in professional development, cultural storytelling, and the institutions that help strengthen public life.

For emerging journalists, the occasion may offer inspiration through proximity. Being in a room where achievement is recognized can matter deeply. It can help reinforce that careers are built through discipline, relationships, mentorship, and sustained commitment to the craft.

For established professionals, the event provides a moment to reflect on the field’s progress and continuing responsibilities. Journalism depends on people willing to ask careful questions, document lived experience, and bring public attention to stories that matter.

The Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony is positioned as a fundraiser, yet it is also a statement of identity. It tells supporters that NYABJ values celebration, professionalism, cultural relevance, and the collective power of showing up.

As October 23, 2026, approaches, the invitation offers a clear call to gather at the Alhambra Ballroom in support of an organization with deep roots and a forward-facing mission. With Cynthia Horner as president, NYABJ’s Sneaker Ball and Awards Ceremony stands as an evening designed to honor accomplishment, encourage participation, and celebrate the enduring role of Black journalists in shaping the stories of New York and beyond.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Literacy Partners Marks 40 Years With a Landmark Gala Celebration – Leaders Already Say: America’s Best Literacy Event!

June 4, 2026

As Literacy Partners prepares for its 40th annual Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner, New York’s literary, philanthropic, civic, and business communities will gather to celebrate four remarkable honorees whose achievements reflect the enduring power of education, storytelling, leadership, and opportunity. Super PR Norah Lawlor gives an insight on the spectacular evening:

On June 8, 2026, Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers will become the setting for one of New York’s most anticipated charitable evenings as Literacy Partners hosts its Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner. The black-tie celebration arrives at a particularly meaningful moment in the organization’s history, marking four decades since the gala was first established in 1986 by the legendary columnist and cultural figure Liz Smith.

For forty years, the event has served as a gathering place for leaders from publishing, business, education, media, and philanthropy. It has become an occasion where the city’s commitment to literacy is celebrated alongside the stories of individuals and families whose lives have been transformed through education.

The 2026 edition continues that tradition with a distinguished roster of honorees whose careers span literature, nonprofit leadership, corporate governance, publishing, and civic engagement. Together, they represent the many ways literacy influences personal achievement, professional success, and community development.

At the heart of the evening is a mission that has remained constant since Literacy Partners was founded in 1973. The organization works to advance literacy two generations at a time, helping adults, parents, and caregivers strengthen their own skills while supporting the educational development of the children in their lives.

The evening’s highest recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award, will be presented to Patricia Cornwell. Widely regarded as one of the defining voices in contemporary crime fiction, Cornwell has spent decades building an internationally celebrated literary career. Her novels have reached readers across the globe and have played a significant role in shaping modern suspense and forensic crime storytelling.

Cornwell’s work stands as a powerful reminder of literature’s ability to inform, entertain, and inspire. Through compelling narratives and memorable characters, she has introduced generations of readers to the enduring value of books and the transformative influence of storytelling.

Her recognition by Literacy Partners highlights the connection between literary achievement and literacy itself. Every successful author begins with a foundation built through reading, learning, and access to education. Cornwell’s extraordinary body of work reflects what becomes possible when those foundations are nurtured and sustained.

Another major honoree of the evening is Sabastian Niles, president and chief legal officer of Salesforce. Niles will receive the Distinguished Leadership in Literacy Award in recognition of leadership that reflects the importance of access, equity, and opportunity.

Throughout his career, Niles has been associated with initiatives that emphasize inclusion, advancement, and community engagement. His recognition underscores the increasingly important role that business leaders play in supporting educational opportunities and creating pathways to success.

Literacy Partners has long emphasized that literacy is more than an educational issue. It is a workforce issue, an economic issue, and a community issue. By honoring Niles, the organization shines a light on the importance of leadership that acknowledges the broad societal impact of literacy and educational access.

The evening will also celebrate Barbara Tober, who will receive the Lizzie Award, named in honor of gala founder Liz Smith. Tober’s influence across publishing, philanthropy, and cultural life has made her one of New York’s most respected civic figures.

As editor-in-chief of BRIDES magazine for more than three decades, Tober helped shape one of publishing’s most recognizable titles while establishing herself as a prominent voice in media. Her career reflects a deep understanding of communication, audience engagement, and the enduring value of publishing.

Beyond her accomplishments in media, Tober has devoted significant energy to philanthropic and cultural causes. Her longstanding commitment to the arts and civic life has made her a familiar and admired presence across New York’s charitable and cultural institutions.

The presentation of the Lizzie Award carries particular resonance because it connects two generations of influential women whose work has helped shape the city’s cultural landscape. It also reflects the gala’s longstanding tradition of recognizing individuals whose contributions extend well beyond their professional achievements.

Sherrie Westin will receive the Champion of Literacy Award, honoring her leadership as president and chief executive officer of Sesame Workshop. As the organization behind Sesame Street, Sesame Workshop has become one of the most influential educational nonprofits in the world.

For generations, Sesame Street has introduced children to foundational learning concepts while promoting curiosity, empathy, and confidence. Its educational model has demonstrated how media can serve as a powerful tool for learning and development.

Under Westin’s leadership, Sesame Workshop has continued to expand its reach and impact, serving children and families across diverse communities and cultures. Her recognition reflects a lifelong commitment to early childhood education and the belief that every child deserves access to meaningful learning opportunities.

The connection between Literacy Partners and Sesame Workshop is particularly fitting. Both organizations share a commitment to empowering families through education and creating environments where children can thrive academically and emotionally.

Guiding the evening’s program will be celebrated journalist Lesley Stahl. Known for her distinguished career and decades of work with 60 Minutes, Stahl brings a level of credibility, insight, and professionalism that aligns perfectly with the spirit of the event.

Her presence as host adds another layer of distinction to an evening already defined by accomplished leaders and influential voices. Throughout her career, Stahl has demonstrated the importance of informed storytelling, thoughtful reporting, and meaningful public dialogue.

The Evening of Readings & Gala Dinner has always distinguished itself through its focus on stories. Rather than simply celebrating accomplishments, the event seeks to illuminate the journeys that make those accomplishments possible.

This tradition reflects Literacy Partners’ understanding that literacy changes lives in practical and profound ways. It can improve employment opportunities, strengthen family relationships, support educational achievement, and increase confidence.

The stories shared during the gala often reveal the challenges that many adult learners face, from interrupted education to economic hardship. They also highlight the resilience, determination, and ambition that define the individuals served by Literacy Partners programs.

For attendees, these stories offer a powerful reminder that literacy extends far beyond reading and writing. It opens doors to new opportunities, encourages civic participation, and strengthens communities across generations.

That philosophy has guided Literacy Partners since its founding more than five decades ago. Through its research-based approach, the organization supports adults, parents, and caregivers while helping children develop early reading abilities, social-emotional skills, and school readiness.

Its two-generation model recognizes the interconnected nature of family learning. When adults gain literacy skills and educational confidence, children benefit as well. This creates a cycle of growth that can influence entire families and communities.

Over the years, Literacy Partners has remained focused on breaking cycles of poverty and expanding opportunity through education. Its programs are designed to provide practical tools and support systems that help participants build brighter futures for themselves and their children.

As the organization celebrates the fortieth anniversary of its signature gala, the milestone serves as both a reflection on past accomplishments and a vision for the future. The evening honors individuals whose work embodies the values Literacy Partners champions every day.

From Patricia Cornwell’s literary legacy to Sherrie Westin’s commitment to childhood learning, from Barbara Tober’s cultural leadership to Sabastian Niles’ dedication to opportunity and inclusion, each honoree represents a different dimension of literacy’s influence on society.

Together, their achievements illustrate how education, storytelling, leadership, and service intersect to create lasting impact. Their recognition reinforces the belief that literacy remains one of the most powerful tools for individual advancement and community progress.

When guests gather at Pier Sixty on June 8, they will celebrate more than an anniversary. They will celebrate four decades of lives changed, families strengthened, and opportunities created through the enduring power of literacy. In doing so, they will help ensure that Literacy Partners continues its mission for generations to come.

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Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: The Waxman Luncheon 2026 Last Tickets For The Most Powerful Charity Luncheon Of The Year!

May 1, 2026

The Waxman Luncheon 2026 Sets the Standard for Purpose and Style – Get Your Ticket NOW!

An elegant New York gathering unites philanthropy, fashion, and science to advance lifesaving cancer research. New York’s PR Powerwoman Noral Lawlor reps the Luncheon of the year: BEST GUESTLIST, BEST PROGRAM, BEST CAUSE and nowhere else does doing good feel better!

https://waxmaninstitute.org/events/12th-annual-waxman-luncheon#tickets

In the refined cadence of New York’s philanthropic calendar, certain gatherings carry a deeper resonance, extending far beyond their setting to shape conversations that matter. The 12th Annual Waxman Luncheon emerges as one such occasion, where purpose and elegance meet with unmistakable clarity. Scheduled for May 6, 2026, this highly anticipated event draws together a distinguished community committed to one of the most urgent causes of our time, advancing cancer research through collective action and support.

At Riverpark, a venue synonymous with understated sophistication and sweeping views, the afternoon unfolds with intention. From the moment guests arrive, there is a palpable sense that this is not merely a social engagement, but a meaningful convergence of individuals who understand the stakes. The Samuel Waxman Institute for Aging and Cancer stands at the heart of this gathering, anchoring the event in its mission to explore the intricate relationship between aging and cancer.

The Institute’s work reflects a forward-thinking approach that recognizes aging as the most significant risk factor in the development of cancer. This perspective has guided a new era of scientific exploration, one that seeks to bridge disciplines and foster collaboration across institutions. The luncheon serves as both a celebration of progress and a catalyst for continued discovery, ensuring that each contribution supports tangible advancements in prevention, detection, and treatment.

Philanthropy at this level carries a certain elegance, expressed not only through generosity but through intention. The Waxman Luncheon has cultivated a reputation for bringing together leaders from diverse spheres, including real estate, fashion, science, and advocacy. This blend of perspectives enriches the experience, creating a dynamic environment where ideas and commitments intersect.

The 2026 luncheon honors Mary Slattery and Alexandra Adame, two figures whose dedication to the cause reflects a broader commitment to meaningful impact. Their recognition underscores the importance of individual leadership within the collective effort to address cancer’s global reach. Their presence adds a layer of personal narrative to the event, reminding attendees that progress is driven by both institutional strength and individual conviction.

Fashion plays an integral role in shaping the identity of the luncheon, adding a dimension that speaks to creativity and cultural influence. Safiyaa’s involvement as the fashion presenter introduces a refined aesthetic that complements the event’s philanthropic purpose. The presentation is not merely a display of design, but an extension of the event’s ethos, where artistry supports advocacy in a seamless expression of modern luxury.

The setting at Riverpark enhances the experience, offering a space that feels both intimate and expansive. The design of the venue allows for natural movement and interaction, encouraging conversations that extend beyond formalities. It is within these exchanges that the true spirit of the luncheon emerges, as guests share insights, build connections, and reinforce their shared commitment.

Beneath the elegance lies a carefully structured program designed to maximize impact. Live and silent auctions provide opportunities for guests to contribute directly, transforming moments of engagement into measurable support for research initiatives. Each bid represents more than a transaction, it signifies a shared investment in the future of cancer treatment.

The Samuel Waxman Institute’s affiliation with The Mark Foundation for Cancer Research further strengthens its position within the global research community. This partnership reflects a commitment to collaboration at the highest level, ensuring that resources are directed toward projects with the greatest potential for breakthrough discoveries. The luncheon serves as a vital conduit for this work, translating awareness into action.

A Legacy of Scientific Commitment

The history of the Samuel Waxman Institute is rooted in decades of dedication to advancing cancer research. Building on the legacy of the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation, the Institute has supported more than 200 scientists worldwide, distributing over $120 million in funding since its inception. This sustained effort has created a foundation upon which new discoveries continue to emerge.

The Institute’s focus on aging biology represents a significant shift in how cancer is understood and addressed. By examining the processes that contribute to cellular aging, researchers are uncovering pathways that may lead to more effective interventions. This approach holds the promise of treatments that are both more precise and less invasive, improving outcomes for patients across diverse populations.

Events such as the Waxman Luncheon play a crucial role in sustaining this momentum. They provide not only financial support but also a platform for raising awareness about the Institute’s work. The visibility generated by the luncheon extends its impact beyond the immediate audience, reaching a broader community that can engage with and support the mission.

The leadership behind the event reflects a network of individuals deeply invested in its success. Event Chairs Marion N. Waxman, Susan Pernick, and Dina Koutroumanis guide the vision with clarity and purpose. Their leadership is complemented by Event Co-Chairs Erica Linden-Fineberg, Nancy Litman, and Helen Vaysman, along with a dedicated committee that includes Sandy Ackerman, Jessica DiPalma, Orital Karelic, Norah Lawlor, Lorri Scott, and Randi Schatz.

Each of these contributors brings a unique perspective, ensuring that the luncheon reflects a balance of tradition and innovation. Their collective efforts shape an experience that is both seamless and impactful, reinforcing the event’s position as a cornerstone of philanthropic engagement in New York.

Where Style and Substance Converge

The integration of fashion within the luncheon speaks to a broader understanding of influence. Style becomes a vehicle for storytelling, a way to engage audiences who may not traditionally intersect with scientific discourse. Safiyaa’s presentation exemplifies this approach, offering a visual narrative that aligns with the event’s purpose.

Guests experience a carefully curated environment where every detail contributes to the overall narrative. From the floral arrangements to the pacing of the program, the luncheon reflects a commitment to excellence that mirrors the standards of the Institute itself. This attention to detail ensures that the event resonates on multiple levels, leaving a lasting impression.

The presence of leaders from the fashion community adds a layer of cultural relevance, highlighting the role of creative industries in shaping public engagement. Their participation reinforces the idea that philanthropy can be both impactful and inspiring, bridging the gap between different spheres of influence.

As the afternoon progresses, the sense of unity among attendees becomes increasingly evident. Conversations shift from introductions to shared goals, reflecting a collective understanding of the importance of the cause. This transformation is one of the defining features of the Waxman Luncheon, turning a gathering into a movement.

The auction segments introduce moments of anticipation, drawing guests into the process of giving in a dynamic and engaging way. Each item represents an opportunity to contribute, with proceeds directly supporting research initiatives that have the potential to change lives.

A Future Defined by Innovation

Looking ahead, the significance of the Waxman Luncheon continues to grow. As research evolves and new challenges emerge, the need for sustained support becomes even more critical. The luncheon stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose.

The work of the Samuel Waxman Institute extends far beyond the confines of the event, influencing the trajectory of cancer research on a global scale. Its commitment to collaboration and innovation positions it at the forefront of efforts to understand and combat the disease.

The 2026 luncheon captures this momentum, offering a moment to reflect on progress while looking toward the future. It is an occasion defined by clarity of purpose, where every element contributes to a larger vision of improved health outcomes and expanded possibilities.

In this setting, philanthropy is not an abstract concept but a tangible force, expressed through action and engagement. The luncheon embodies this principle, transforming generosity into meaningful impact that extends far beyond the event itself.

As guests depart, the impression left by the afternoon lingers, not as a fleeting memory but as a reminder of what can be accomplished through collective effort. The Waxman Luncheon continues to set a standard for how events can unite elegance and purpose in service of a vital cause.

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, Waldemar Prinz zu Schaumburg-Lippe und Antonia Prinzessin zu Schaumburg-Lippe

Website about His Highness Dr. Prince Mario-Max Prinz zu Schaumburg-Lippe SAG-AFTRA, EQUITY, AGVA, LA Press Club, NY Press Club, OEJC, BFFS

Tag: Fundraising Gala

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: HE Ambassador RJ Harper Supports Amazing NYABJ Sneaker Ball Awards Celebrates Culture and Community