On May 1, 2025, the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House hosted more than 500 guests at Cipriani 42nd Street to celebrate the 131-year-old nonprofit’s annual Spring Gala. Since its opening in 1894, the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House has been dedicated to supporting the various needs of the community. This integrated settlement house provides a vast range of programming, including older adult services, early educational programs, services for those who are homeless, and so much more.
In order to support the needs of the neighborhood and their services which extend to all five boroughs, the Gala is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit. New York interior designer and Co-Design Chair of the Gala, Lindsey Coral Harper, commented, “The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Spring Gala is our biggest event of the year. It is the biggest fundraiser, raising millions of dollars which we put right back into the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House. This then in turn gives us opportunities to come up with great and wonderful things at the Neighborhood House!” The black-tie fundraising benefit and premier tabletop event raised more than $1.1 million to support 17,000 New Yorkers in need this year.
The transformation of Cipriani 42nd Street would not be possible without the interior designers from across the country who volunteer their time and talents creating tablescapes that bring each year’s theme to life. Coming all the way from Charleston, South Carolina, interior designer Drayton Campbell Weldon remarked that it was an honor to be asked back for a second year: “It’s very exciting, and now I get to really enjoy it this year and not stress over the little things. It’s a wonderful event, and it’s just so creative—everybody’s just so creative—and it’s just so fun.” Drayton was one of 37 designers tasked with bringing this year’s theme to life. With each unique spin on “La Dolce Vita,” each table brought us a distinct piece of the sweet life, with some even paying homage to the 1960s film by Federico Fellini.
Meet the Designers:
“La Dolce Vita and Flower Power are the ’60s!” — Ashley Stark Home
Come and sit down with your favorite ’60s celebrities! This table by Ashley Stark Home brings us back in time with flower power and Stark/Scalamandré Unikko Poppy Fabric. “This was a moment in time where everything was very happy, and flower power,” shared Andrea Stark for Ashley Stark Home, “and we could use a lot of happiness now!” Fitting the theme, Andrea herself was wearing vintage Pierre Cardin from the ’60s in the same print as the table!
“Garden of Spoils” — Vivere Interior Design
Have you ever seen a pink pineapple? Sweetness is found in the indulgences of this “Garden of Spoils” by Vivere Interior Design. From imported poppies to a pink pineapple, “You can see just totally over-the-top elements,” noted designer Drayton Campbell Weldon. “It’s full of unexpected things that you wouldn’t find in a normal garden. It’s all the little tiny indulgent details that just make it whimsical.”
Photos by Christopher Delaney
“Ocean’s Bounty” — K.A. Murphy Interiors
Waves crash on the shore bringing in sweetness from the sea. “We imagined abundance not just in indulgence, but in the natural treasures that surround us,” commented K.A. Murphy Interiors. “Ocean’s Bounty is our ode to the sea’s generous spirit, with a table adorned in shimmering mother-of-pearl, rosy scallop shells, and delicate ocean creatures—each a sweet reminder of nature’s gifts.”
“The Infinite Passion of Life” — Fete Home by Jen Potter
In 1960, director Federico Fellini gave us a taste of the sweet life in his film La Dolce Vita. The designer, Fete Home by Jen Potter, describes the table as an embodiment of “the sweet life through cinematography. The table is adorned with elements paying homage to Fellini’s cinematic masterpieces, blending the charm of Italian cinema with the luxurious Italian lifestyle.”
Photos by Christopher Delaney
“A Springtime Awakening” — Alexandra Howard x SFERRA
The simple sweetness of spring blossoms in this table by Alexandra Howard x SFERRA. “My inspiration for the table is the gentle awakening of spring. When selecting the palette for the event, I embraced the essence of spring. The crisp tones of light green, pale blue, and lavender evoke the freshness of new grass and the tender emergence of spring bulbs in the garden,” commented Alexandra.
This Year’s Gala Honorees
In addition to a night of fundraising and breathtaking tablescapes, this year’s Spring Gala honored Board Member Dusty Philip and recognized Executive Director Warren B. Scharf.
When asked about this year’s honorees, Justine Tetteh, the Director of Policy & Advocacy at the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, highlighted both men’s commitment to the nonprofit and philanthropic work. “We are honoring Dusty Philip, who is a dedicated board member, and he is also a member of the Upper East Side community,” commented Justine. “He has served on the boards of various other local and global nonprofits, so he’s a real pivotal member, not only for our organization, but for other organizations as well.”
The second honoree, Warren Scharf, has been the Executive Director of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House for 22 years—one-sixth of the organization’s history. He is stepping down and retiring this June. “He [Warren Scharf] is someone who has always encouraged all staff, current and former, to really excel in the way that we provide services to the community. The foundation of his entire career has been advocacy for underserved people and communities,” remarked Justine. “We’re really lucky to have had him, and we’re really excited to toast to his remarkable leadership at the organization.”
131 years later, the work of the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House continues to be an essential part of the lives of thousands of New Yorkers. To find ways you can support their mission and to learn more about the Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, please visit their website at www.lenoxhill.org.
Schmidt Studios 