A Free Bird’s annual gala is our biggest fundraising event of the year. Each year we gather in glitz and glamor to
showcase incredible talents and raise money to expand our mission of helping children pursue their artistic dreams.
Guests enjoy performances from talented musicians and artists and rub shoulders with famous faces such as fashion designer
Richie Rich and actor/singer Jelani Alladin. AFB honorees are recognized and some of our children showcase the artistic
skills they have attained.
Past gala performances have included singers Ali Ewoldt, Kim Viera and Kirsten Scott, performers from America’s Got Talent
including Str8jacket and Calysta Bevier, and Broadway performers from The Lion King, Phantom of the Opera, Frozen,
Les Miserables, Cats, the Metropolitan Opera and more.
It is an evening of uplifting performances, delicious food and general positivity; a heart-warming night
celebrating the journeys of our children, while raising money to continue A Free Bird’s mission.
We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our past sponsors who have played a vital role in making our gala a success. Their generous contributions have helped us empower children and create lasting impact. You can view our past sponsors on our Sponsor's page.
To relive the magic of past Galas and witness the lasting impact on the lives of the children we support, visit our Magazine page.
The 5th Annual "Diamonds" Gala in 2019 at the Grand Slam Banquet Hall celebrated diverse talent, including stars like Ali Ewoldt, Kirsten Scott, Evi Siskos and performances by Take Flight members. The event showcased various art forms, from Latin art to classical music. Sponsored by companies like Amika, it featured a vegan meal by Stephen Yen. Inspirational Parents Award went to the Blades family, and Alessando Berni received the Leadership Excellence Award. Guests enjoyed performances by Olga Tymchenko, Laura Giannini, Natalia Basava, Judy Malka, Ryan Brahm and Vivienne Fliescher. Special guests included Lance Reinheimer, Joey Sanchez, Richie Rich, and Adam Malka. The Gala underscored the organization's commitment to providing arts education to pediatric cancer patients.
Videos
Honorees
Alessandro Berni - Leadership Excellence Award
Blades Family - Inspirational Parents Award
2018 "Light" Gala
The 2018 Gala: Light in NYC was a magical winter wonderland, featuring enchanting performances and snowfall. A Free Bird's decade of uplifting children with cancer was magnificently represented at the gala, showcasing talents like King Singh. The event honored his mother, Shameeza Singh, and recognized figures, including Catherine Schuller and Janelle Funari. Renada Romain and Andrea Marino hosted the gala, and performers such as Adrienne Walker, Stephen Carlile, Kathryn Wallace, Michal Pe'er, Theresa Heyer, Josua B. Edwards, and Marty Zack graced the stage. The event, made possible by sponsors like Bellozino and others, reflected tireless devotion to A Free Bird's mission.
Honorees
Catherine Schuller - Artists Supporting Artists
Award
Shameeza Singh - Inspirational Mom Award
Videos
2017 "Prosperity" Gala
A Free Bird's 3rd annual gala, "Prosperity," on November 16, 2017, celebrated the organization's 9-year journey. Hosted by Godni Amir and Lauren Pollock, the event featured performances by artists like Valerie Velazquez, Whitley, Nathan Gardner, Samantha Gillogly, Vivienne Fleischer, Lior Milliger, Miguel Leano, Str8jacket from America's Got Talent, and Jelani Alladin. Honorees Ana Reyes, Sol Greenfeld, and Len-ia Batas were recognized. Elana Koenig and Sophia Eber showcased their talents, and Ryan Reyes and Noelia Lara were part of the memorable evening. Chef Shelley Everett created a delightful dinner, sponsored by Chef's Table Ltd. The event, supported by The Business Card Shoppe, Michelle's Design House, Art of Perfection Events, Lafco, Zezé, and AWA Lighting Designers, transformed Union Square Ballroom into a wonderland. A Free Bird bid farewell until the next year, expressing gratitude for the support.
Videos
Honorees
Lenia Batas - Leadership Excellence Award
Solomon Greenfeld - Philanthropy Award
2016 "Purple" Gala
A Free Bird's 2nd annual gala on December 21, 2016, at the Town and Village Conservative Synagogue was a purple wonderland, celebrating life. Attendees, including prominent figures in the art and music world, enjoyed the black-tie event with sumptuous food. Hosts Godni and Lauren Pollack led the show, featuring performances by cancer survivor Calysta Bevier, Broadway stars Daisy Hobbs and Nina Hennessey, pianist Vivienne Fleischer, and singer Kathyr Francisco. Falyn Vega, face of 'I Am A Free Bird,' showcased her musical talent, and a sneak peek of the new musical 'I Am A Free Bird' was presented. The event honored supporters Sarah Jassir, Miral Kotb, and David Austen. A joyful celebration of A Free Bird's productive year ended with hope for more happiness in the new year.
Honorees
Miral Kotb - Inspirational Award
Sarah Jassir Final - Artists Supporting Artists Award
Videos
2015 "I AM" Gala
A Free Bird's first-ever "I AM" Gala on November 19, 2015, at 501 Union in Brooklyn, celebrated the powerful message of the "I AM" campaign. The venue, adorned in blue, hosted guests dressed in blue or black for an evening filled with performances. The Velveteen Ensemble and Vivienne Fleischer, a cancer survivor, showcased their talents. Erica Nadera, from the national tour of Miss Saigon, performed hit songs. The gala included a raffle and silent auction with prizes from generous sponsors. AFB honored Dr. Karl Alorbi with the Innovation Award, Tamar Madmoni-Reich with the Creative Arts Award, and Phil Miller with the Philanthropy Award. Special thanks were extended to sponsors, volunteers, interns, and guests for making the inaugural "I AM" Gala a night to remember.
Videos
Honorees
Karl Alorbi - Innovation Award
Phil Miller Final - Philanthropy Award
Tamar Madmoni-Reich - Creative Arts Award
Vivienne Fleischer - Artists Supporting Artists Award
