New York’s glitzy annual UNICEF Snowflake Ball was held yesterday at Cipriani 42nd Street, bringing out the glitzy stars, socialites, and government aficionados galore. The glitzy gala hosted by Al Roker honored Antonio Reid and Ted Chaiban, two of UNICEF’s greatest contributors to saving and improving the lives of children around the globe. Reid was presented with the Spirit of Compassion Award, and Chaiban with the Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award. Guests in attendance were David Lauren, Lauren Bush, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Muffie Potter Aston, Somers Farkas, Charlotte Moss, Matt Lauer, Bryant Gumbel, Mariah Carey, Nick Cannon, Dayle Haddon, Gillian Miniter, Wolfgang Puck, Tea Leoni, David Duchovny and Fareed Zakaria to name a select few.

The black-tie event was a huge success as always, and when the celebration of the lighting of the snowflake took place, which is 23 feet in diameter, over 28 feet high, weighs more than 3,300 pounds, and is made up of 16,000 Baccarat crystal prisms, applause could probably be heard word-wide.  “We are proud to acknowledge the passionate commitment of LA Reid and Ted Chaiban to child survival and UNICEF’s mission to do whatever it takes to save a child,” said Caryl Stern, President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. “Both individuals have demonstrated their philanthropic commitment to UNICEF’s mission to reach a day when zero children die from preventable causes.”

The evening included a live auction hosted by Hugh Hildesley from Sotheby’s and the entire gala was chaired by Claudia Lebenthal and Christine Stonbely, with Barbara Bush and Maggie Betts serving as Gala Junior Chairs. It was just one more notch on the belt of success for UNICEF and all of its contributors. Without a doubt, a well done job with an even better cause.

Via: Guest of a Guest