An Evening of Elegance: French Heritage Society Celebrates Notre-Dame's Revival at The Celestial Ball
In a night filled with opulence and purpose, the French Heritage Society (FHS) hosted its annual Celestial Ball on November 15th, 2024, at a private club in Manhattan. This year's gala marked a momentous occasion: the reopening of the beloved Notre-Dame Cathedral, following its remarkable restoration after the devastating 2019 fire. With luminaries from across the worlds of design, philanthropy, and French heritage gathered under glittering chandeliers, the evening proved a heartfelt tribute to the artistry and dedication behind the cathedral’s renewal.
PHOTOS by Annie Watt Agency and PMC/Jared Siskin
Honoring Craftsmanship and Dedication
The event celebrated the transatlantic efforts that brought Notre-Dame back to life. Among the honorees was Odile de Schiétère-Longchampt, renowned interior designer and advocate for French decorative arts, who was recognized by FHS Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling for her enduring contributions. The evening’s most poignant moment came with a heartfelt presentation by Hank Silver, an American carpenter who spent 18 months rebuilding the cathedral's wooden roof framing. His recounting of the work behind Notre-Dame’s nave restoration captivated the audience, offering a glimpse into the intricate craftsmanship required for this iconic monument.
The evening continued with a lively auction led by Nick Dawes, Vice President of Heritage Auctions, and concluded with spirited dancing to the Bob Hardwick Sound, leaving guests with memories of both celebration and inspiration.
A Night of Glamour
Chaired by CeCe Black and co-chaired by Liz McDermott Barnes, Jean Shafiroff, and Ann Van Ness, the Celestial Ball welcomed an illustrious crowd, including FHS Board Members and cultural ambassadors such as Timothy Corrigan, Maureen Nash, and Lucia Hwong Gordon. The guest list sparkled with high society names like Sharon Bush, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Marifé Hernandez, who mingled amid the exquisite décor, exchanging toasts to a night dedicated to preservation and the enduring beauty of French art and architecture.
Special recognition was given to the generosity of Americans, whose contributions to FHS’s Notre-Dame Fire Restoration Fund—raising over $2.6 million from 3,300 donors—highlighted the deep bonds between French and American heritage.
A Legacy of Preservation
Since its founding, FHS has awarded $15.8 million in grants to restore nearly 700 French and American cultural landmarks, while also fostering cross-cultural education through its Richard Morris Hunt Prize and internship programs. Events like the Celestial Ball not only raise vital funds but also reflect FHS’s mission to champion French Art de Vivre through preservation and cultural exchange.
Upcoming highlights for the FHS calendar include the Palm Beach Gala in February 2025 and the Dîner des Mécènes in Paris next May, offering supporters new opportunities to engage with the organization’s impactful work.
For more on FHS and its mission to sustain French architectural and cultural treasures, visit French Heritage Society.
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