ANNIE WATT AGENCY’S THIRD ANNUAL "IMPROMPTU PORTRAITS — ONE NIGHT ONLY" FUNDRAISING EXHIBITION AT THE COLONY HOTEL, PALM BEACH

One of the hottest tickets in town, the Annie Watt Agency held their 3rd annual “Impromptu Portraits - One Night Only” Fundraising Exhibition in Palm Beach.

Many were invited on Tuesday, April 18th, and many more wanted to be. Why? To be on the guest list for this private cocktail party in and around The Colony Hotel Solarium signaled the unofficial end of the social season. It also signified that you were photographed by Annie and her team of photographers this season.

On the philanthropic side, Annie was known in Manhattan for her various charity contributions and donations of her time or percentage of the proceeds from print sales. Her “paying it forward” tradition has continued since becoming a full-time Palm Beach resident. Annie holds this annual fundraising bash with support from The Colony owners Sarah and Andrew Wetenhall.

This year, Honoree Fashion Icon Iris Apfel was in attendance, selecting the Police and Fire Foundation and the Palm Beach Police Department as the recipients of the proceeds from the exhibition’s print sales. In addition to the 200+ guests, Palm Beach Police Chief Nicholas P. Caristo, as well as other members of the police department were in attendance. For it to be such a resounding success, Annie had terrific support from her Event Manager, Alexandra-Dana Gusita, and a fantastic team of society photographers, videographers, social media, and visual creators who were active on-site throughout the whole event.

Located inside the Solarium, over 600 photos were on exhibit, showcasing events and parties, as well as portraits of some wellknown celebrities includingTom Hanks, Tommy Hilfiger, Jane Fonda, Barbara Walters, James Earl Jones, Candice Bergan, Sylvester Stallone,

Michael Douglas, Catherine ZetaJones, to name a few, alongside with, of course, many photos of the honored guest Iris Apfel.

Besides her “megaWatt” smile, what makes Annie so special is that for almost two decades, Annie has been known as the goto social photographer of the Old Guard and those who one day will be. Besides Palm Beach, Annie Watt Agency has photographers in NYC, the Hamptons, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Washington, and London.

The Annie Watt Agency brings impressive talent and provides images for promotion, public relations, marketing, social media content, and personal enjoyment.

All photos are available for purchase both at the event and after the party ends online through Annie’s website, www.AnnieWattAgency.com

THE IDEAL SCHOOL OF MANHATTAN’S “MOVING OUR WORLD” GALA RAISED OVER $230,000

The 18th Annual Fundraiser Hosted by Award-Winning Journalist Genevieve Shaw-Brown Honored Social Justice & Disability Leaders Judith Heumann, Heidi Latsky, Charles Imohiosen, Kathryn Russell-Brown & NY Secretary of State Robert Rodriguez

Award-winning journalist and author Genevieve ShawBrown hosted the 18th annual IDEAL School of Manhattan Gala, “Moving Our World,” at Pier 60 in New York City on February 27, 2023. The Gala, which drew over 325 guests, raised more than $230,000 for the city’s first and only independent K-12+ inclusion school.

This year’s event honored the work of disability rights icon Judith Heumann, influential leader in physically integrated dance Heidi Latsky, Charles Imohiosen, President and CEO of The Andrew Goodman Foundation, N.Y. Secretary of State Robert Rodriquez, and Katheryn Russell-Brown, a social scientist, professor of law, and director of the Center for the Study of Race and Race Relations at the University of Florida Law School. Each of the honorees shared how they connected with IDEAL students during a visit to the school last year at its first Civil Rights Community Day. Heumann, who was not able to travel, sent a video that was played during the event.

“Inclusion and social justice cannot be practiced only when it is convenient, or it’s easy,” said Shaw-Brown, whose son is a student at IDEAL. “This is because putting it into practice day in and day out isn’t always easy - but it is always right.”

Entertainment was provided by recording artist and disability rights activist Lachi who performed a 15-minute set that included her hit “Dis Education.” While on stage the singer advocated for society to embrace open and frank conversations about disability, along with other aspects of identity and commended IDEAL for its inclusive mission, language, and emphasis on social justice.

IDEAL’s Board president, Jay Eisenhofer, and Head of School, Janet Wolfe, addressed the guests and explained the importance of the Gala and fundraising for independent schools, bridging the gap between tuition and operating costs. Wolfe welcomed Upper School music students to the stage, who brought the crowd to its feet with their rendition of the Amy Winehouse classic, “Valerie.”

. The IDEAL Gala Committee was led by co-chairs Rachel and Rob McQueen, along with Committee members Grace Kaynor, Christine Mickletz, and Tracy Nixon. During the event, Alexander Gorlin and Quncie Williams of Alexander Gorlin Architects presented their vision for The IDEAL School’s new building at 5 Hanover Square and provided guests with a model and renderings of the space. For further information go to www.theidealschool.org