Commit to WIN Dinner Event honoring Brendan Hoffman &

Cindi Leive

Wednesday evening, April 7, 2010

WIN’s 14th annual Commit to WIN dinner was held for the first time at the Waldorf=Astoria hosting more than 1,100 people—the largest group in Dinner history—and raising a record-breaking $1.8 million to help WIN’s homeless families. 

Brendan Hoffman, President and CEO of Lord & Taylor, and Cindi Leive, Editor-in-Chief of Glamour magazine, were honored before their colleagues, WIN supporters, and notables including supermodel Iman, retail legend, Burt Tansky, media personality Gayle King and rising Hollywood star, Whitney Port.

A highlight of the evening was the story of Mutiya Vision—a former resident of a WIN shelter when she was a child living with her mother.  Ms. Vision’s story was told through a 4-minute video explaining her early childhood struggles and illustrating the successes she currently enjoys—all because she and her mother were given a second chance through WIN.  Although there was not a dry eye in the house after the video was shown, it was a time for celebration as it proved that the work we are doing does make a difference.

Another emotional moment came when 11-year old Taliq, a child currently living in a WIN shelter with his family, took to the stage to read his winning essay for the Peter Jennings Prize: A Child’s View.  Given several different subjects to choose from Taliq focused on reading and how the power of words can take him anywhere, without limits.  Through the generosity of Random House Children’s Books, Taliq and the other finalists, Diamiles, Fatoumata, and Ronell, each received a library of their own and a cash prize to reward their hard work and encourage them to strive for success. 

And in what has become a signature of the Commit to WIN dinners, the Balloon Challenge set forth by Board Member, Karin Sadove and her husband, Steve Sadove, created a friendly competition among tables.  The 15 minutes it took for the balloons to be sold to guests throughout the ballroom raised an astonishing $144,000!  WIN Board Member, Susan York, hosted the winning table which raised more than $14,000—and as a thank you, each guest received a Saks Fifth Avenue gift certificate.

A new addition to the evening was a live auction with Condé Nast’s Jamie Pallot serving as auctioneer.  The prize was an all-expense paid trip for two to Castiglion del Bosco, a Tuscan retreat owned by Chiara and Massimo Ferragamo.  The package was sold in less than 10 minutes for $23,000—all of which will be donated to WIN.

Adding to the beauty of the event, upon entering the ballroom, guests were met with banners artfully displayed on the balcony columns featuring black and white images of children currently living in WIN shelters, taken by photographer and jewelry designer, Monica Rich Kosann. 

As a show of gratitude for their support, guests were pleasantly surprised to find a gorgeous round frame courtesy of Monica Rich Kosann, beautifully displayed at each place setting. 

And finally, the evening was capped off with a one-of-a-kind gift bag, generously donated by Liz Claiborne and included items from Lord & Taylor, L’Oreal Paris, Molton Brown, Brooks Brothers, Agraria, Glamour, Colgate-Palmolive, Frito-Lay, Frederic Fekkai, Ellen Tracy, Celestial Seasonings, Cameo Cleaners, Charm & Chain and Leighton Umbrellas.