Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: Starry Night in NYC: Jennifer Holliday to Headline ACE’s Dream Gala 2025

Henry Buhl and ACE Programs Will Unite Philanthropy, Music, and Glamour at the Mandarin Oriental

New York, NY — October 9, 2025.

New York City’s skyline will soon glitter a little brighter as the Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE), founded by the visionary philanthropist Henry Buhl, will host its highly anticipated Dream Gala 2025 at the iconic Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The black-tie affair will bring together luminaries from the worlds of business, art, and entertainment for an unforgettable evening dedicated to empowerment, compassion, and the transformative power of opportunity.

A Night of Purpose and Glamour

Guests will gather for a cocktail reception followed by an elegant dinner and program hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Cynthia McFadden. The evening will celebrate those who have made extraordinary contributions to community advancement and social change. This year’s distinguished honorees — Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey — will be recognized for their leadership and enduring commitment to creating opportunities for vulnerable communities.

But the true heartbeat of the night will come from the stage when Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, best known as the original “Dream Girl”, will grace the gala with a soul-stirring performance. Her powerful voice and emotional depth will embody ACE’s mission — inspiring resilience, dignity, and hope in the face of adversity.

An Elegant Evening Curated to Perfection

Throughout the night, guests will enjoy live music by the renowned Alex Donner Orchestra, setting the perfect tone for an evening of joy and reflection. A spirited auction, led by celebrated auctioneer Gabriel Butu, will invite attendees to bid on exquisite experiences and items — all in support of ACE’s life-changing programs.

The events media and PR will be orchestrated with flawless style and sophistication by Lawlor Media Group, under the expert direction of Norah Lawlor, whose public relations mastery continues to define New York’s most prestigious philanthropic gatherings. Her team’s impeccable curation ensures that each ACE Dream Gala will be not only a celebration of compassion but also a cultural highlight of the season the world notices.

Transforming Lives, Building Futures

Since its founding in 1992, ACE has been a beacon of hope for New Yorkers rebuilding their lives. Through job readiness training, work experience, and long-term support services, ACE has empowered thousands of individuals affected by homelessness, incarceration, and addiction to reclaim stability and independence.

Funds raised during the Dream Gala will directly support these vital initiatives — creating a path toward employment, dignity, and lasting change.

A Legacy of Hope Continues

As the evening unfolds under the stars of Manhattan, guests will not only witness a night of glamour but participate in a legacy of transformation. Each smile, each song, and each generous contribution will echo ACE’s guiding principle: “Everyone deserves a second chance to dream.”

Event Details & Contact

Event: ACE Dream Gala 2025

Date: Thursday, October 9, 2025

Location: The Mandarin Oriental Hotel, New York City

Honorees: Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey

Host: Cynthia McFadden

Headliner: Jennifer Holliday

Music: Alex Donner Orchestra

Auctioneer: Gabriel Butu

For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or table purchases, please visit www.acenewyork.org.

About ACE Programs for the Homeless

The Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE) works alongside New Yorkers with histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction to provide job training, work experience, and a lifelong support network. These programs empower participants to achieve their goals, gain economic independence, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

Website: www.acenewyork.org

Instagram: @aceprogramsny

Facebook: aceprogramsny

X/Twitter: @aceprogramsny

* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a

Prince Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe: New York is Dancing This Social Season Autumn and Winter

As summer winds down and the city gears up for the colder months, New York’s social calendar remains as vibrant and packed as ever. The coming months are filled with a variety of galas, benefit events, and cultural happenings that draw in the city’s most prominent figures. Here is a look at some of the most anticipated events scheduled for the rest of 2025.

August

The month of August has already seen a number of notable gatherings. The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) hosted an opening for artist Saya Woolfalk’s “Empathic Universe,” a stunning exhibit that has been a defining moment for New York art. For those passionate about mental health awareness, the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF) held its annual Race of Hope in Southampton, a collective stride toward a future free from depression. Guests, including Hilary Dick and Karen Klopp, showed their support by wearing bright yellow.

September

While details on September’s specific events are still emerging, the fall season is traditionally a time of renewal and major fundraising in the city. The social scene is expected to return in full force, with various galas and charity balls marking the start of the season. Given past years, patrons of the arts, hospitals, and various foundations will be out in force for their annual cornerstone events.

October

October brings with it a mix of seasonal and philanthropic events. One of the highlights is the annual Gardeners’ Fair at Old Westbury Gardens. The 2025 event celebrated Robert A. Bartlett and served as a gathering for a community dedicated to a shared purpose of beauty and conservation. This time of year often features numerous benefit dinners and cocktail parties, with the Met Apollo Circle frequently hosting a key social event for its members and supporters.

November

As the holidays approach, the pace of events quickens. The city’s social calendar will be filled with gatherings that celebrate the arts and support charitable causes. While specific details for November 2025 are still being confirmed, the month is typically a time for pre-holiday galas and benefits.

December

December marks the height of the holiday season, with a plethora of festive and charitable events. The period is celebrated with elegant gatherings that reflect the spirit of giving. In past years, events such as E. Braun & Co. New York’s holiday tablescape event, which showcased the work of designers like Timothy Corrigan and Caroline Gidiere, have been a fixture of the season. These events are a chance for the city’s influential residents to celebrate the holidays while supporting a wide array of causes.

* His Highness and Excellency Global Peace Ambassador Dr. PRINCE MARIO-MAX SCHAUMBURG-LIPPE is a working Royal, award winning TV- and Event-Host, Bertelsmann Randomhouse author, Public Speaker and Philanthropist ♔ Prince Mario-Max is the son of Royal Dignitaries H.H. Dr.h.c. Prince Waldemar and H.H. Dr. Princess Antonia of Schaumburg-Lippe. His Grandmother is H.R.H. Princess Feodora of Denmark. Therefore they are the Royal Danish Nachod Line of The Princes of Schaumburg-Lippe, the Founding Family of Hamburg, Lübeck and Kiel. ♔ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/princemariomax/ Website http://www.schaumburglippe.org Facebook https://www.facebook.com/zuschaumburglippe X-Twitter https://twitter.com/schaumburglippe Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/prince-mario-max-schaumburg-lippe-1879978a