8th Annual Gala for the Lycee Francais De New York
Honoring Mr. Michel David-Weill
And Celebrating “The Night of the Dragon”
At Cipriani Wall Street, New York, NY
February 2nd, 2007

Cipriani Wall Street, known for its astounding eloquence and décor was the venue chosen for the Eighth Annual Lycee Francais De New York Gala held on February 2, 2007. The glamorous and fashionable evening began with an elegant reception and silent auction, followed by a grand opening by Yves Theze, Head of School, a refined dinner, an electrifying presentation by the Honoree, effervescent entertainment, a live auction lead by auctioneer Simon De Pury, Chairman, Phillips, DePury and Company, who generated excitement with a display of great wit and legendary performance at the auction podium, recognition of Gala co-chairs by Yves Theze, and ended with an evening of dancing in splendor. The auction succeeded in surpassing its 2006 performance of 1.1 million when it raised 1.4 million for scholarships the night of the 2007 Gala. The scholarship fund is central to maintain the diverse student body, which represents 60 nationalities from different socioeconomic backgrounds, and enables students who could not otherwise afford the opportunity, to benefit from a Lycee education.

The Gala’s theme “The Night of the Dragon” was a tribute to China and the Lycee Francais De New York’s newly launched Mandarin Chinese language program

The Honoree, Mr. Michel David-Weill, former chairman of Lazard Freres and Co., LLC and alumnus of Lycee Francais de New York, was presented the 2007 Charles De Ferry De Fontnouvelle Award for distinguished Service to the French-American Community by Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of L’Oreal and presented with a gift by Elsa Berry, Board of Trustees Chair. Mr. David-Weill was also recognized for his significant contributions to the school and the development of French-American relations and exchanges across the Atlantic. Amongst his many distinctions, Mr. David-Weill is a Trustee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art of New York, The Morgan Library, the Association of Museums in Paris, the New York Presbyterian Hospital and a member of the Metropolitan New York Hospital. The award, established five years ago, bears the name of the founding president of the school, Count Charles de Ferry de Fontnouvelle and is given to honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the French-American community and to students and families of the Lycee.

A warm welcome and recognition was also extended to Sir Lindsay Owen-Jones, Chairman of L’Oreal, and presenter of the award to Mr. David-Weill, for his continued support of the school and his commitment to developing industry standards to promote diversity and respect for different cultures and identities. The 2007 Honorary Committee included international dignitaries such as HRH Princess Firyal of Jordan, Annette and Oscar de la Renta and Gerard Depardieu.

The Lycee Francais de New York, founded in 1935, is a non-profit, independent private coeducational institution, which creates two parallel educations for the students that attend. It is chartered by the Regents of the University of the State of New York, and accredited by the French Ministry of National Education and by the New York State Association of Independent Schools. It educates over 1260 students representing over 55 nationalities and after completing the courses students may continue higher education either in French or American educational institutions. The school’s “mission is to prepare its students to be responsible citizens equipped for the world of tomorrow”.

We at liberty News Online like to thank Ms cesaltine gregorio publicist for the event for her kind invite, to learn more about the Lycee Francais De New York School feel free to log onto their website at www.lfnygala.org











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