An elegant Upper East Side townhouse became the setting for a deeply meaningful evening when Sophie and Malcolm Kanter opened their doors on May 10, 2025, for a benefit supporting Mommy’s Heart, the nonprofit founded by star actress and advocate Julianne Michelle. The gathering brought together New York’s most compassionate philanthropists, advocates, and community leaders in a shared mission to protect survivors of domestic abuse and their children.
At the center of the evening was Julianne Michelle’s unwavering vision—a world where parents and children are not punished for seeking safety. Her organization, Mommy’s Heart, has already assisted more than one hundred survivors through free trauma-informed legal, mental health, and advocacy services. With the grace and determination that have defined her advocacy, Michelle has mobilized a network of volunteers, board members, and professionals who give their time and expertise to ensure that no family faces danger or injustice alone.
The evening unfolded with the ease of a refined private salon, its purpose amplified by heartfelt conversation and the hum of shared commitment. Guests gathered in the Kanters’ gracious townhouse, surrounded by art and soft light, as cocktails and light fare circulated among guests. It was a night where purpose met elegance, and philanthropy took on the intimacy of friendship.
Among the guests were New York’s civic and social figures who have each contributed to strengthening the city’s community fabric. NYS Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright was honored with the Mommy’s Heart Champion for Families and Justice Award in recognition of her ongoing advocacy for women, children, and families. Her acceptance reflected a sense of civic responsibility that resonated throughout the room.
Virginia Maloney, Democratic Nominee for NYC Council, District 4, and Mommy’s Heart board member, joined Republican Nominee for District 5, Alina Bonsell, as examples of bipartisan support for the organization’s cause—a rare and meaningful gesture in today’s often divided climate. The guest list also included Sir Ivan Wilzig, known for his philanthropic work and dedication to humanitarian causes, as well as fellow board members Nadira Saban and Justin Alexander, each instrumental in guiding Mommy’s Heart’s growth and outreach.
Also in attendance were Dr. Elliot Heller, James Pecora, and Count Edward Stroh, whose presence underscored the evening’s blend of professional and social influence united for a common good. Volunteers Chris Agianian and Gee Wang offered their assistance with quiet dedication, ensuring the night ran seamlessly and guests felt at home. The event’s spirit and energy were captured beautifully by renowned photographer Annie Watt, whose lens has documented New York’s most meaningful gatherings.
The emotional heart of the evening came with the words of guest speaker Dr. Nadine Macaluso, a psychotherapist, author, and survivor whose personal history gave her message powerful authenticity. Known for inspiring the character of Naomi Lapaglia in The Wolf of Wall Street, she spoke not of glamour, but of courage and renewal. Her book, Run Like Hell: A Therapist’s Guide to Recognizing, Escaping, and Healing from Trauma Bonds, offers both guidance and hope to those who have lived through abuse, and her appearance at the benefit underscored the event’s message of resilience and recovery.
Mommy’s Heart’s work is urgent and far-reaching. Every six days in the United States, a child dies due to failures within the family court system. Each year, two thousand children lose their lives to neglect or abuse, and fifty-eight thousand more are forced into unsafe custody arrangements. Against this backdrop, Mommy’s Heart stands as a lifeline, providing survivors with legal and psychological resources to escape cycles of trauma. The organization’s proposed legislation, A01154/S6825, aims to reform the very systems that too often endanger the vulnerable, offering a pathway toward justice and protection.
Throughout the night, conversation turned repeatedly to the transformative power of advocacy, the strength of survivors, and the importance of community engagement. The Kanters’ home, filled with conversation and empathy, became more than a venue—it became a testament to what can happen when compassion meets action. The funds raised will sustain Mommy’s Heart’s growing programs, extending the organization’s reach to more families in need across the nation.
For those in attendance, the benefit was not merely an evening of philanthropy but a call to conscience, a reminder that progress begins with awareness and grows through collective will. Julianne Michelle’s leadership, supported by an inspired network of advocates, continues to redefine how society supports survivors of domestic abuse. Her work bridges the worlds of activism, mental health, and legislative reform with an unshakable belief in humanity’s capacity for healing.
As guests departed into the night, there was an unmistakable sense that the event had achieved something beyond its immediate purpose. It had gathered people from across political, professional, and personal divides in a spirit of shared responsibility. Mommy’s Heart had not only raised vital funds but had strengthened a movement built on empathy, courage, and the refusal to remain silent.
Sophie and Malcolm Kanter, through their generosity and warmth, created a setting in which these conversations could flourish. Their hospitality reflected the broader essence of the organization they supported—a belief that home should be a place of safety and care, never of fear.
In a city known for its glittering events and high-profile causes, the Mommy’s Heart benefit stood apart for its sincerity and its purpose. It was a night of shared humanity and elegant resolve, a gathering that demonstrated how compassion, when paired with action, can reshape the world one family at a time.
