Ambassador Mary Ourisman and Mr. Mandell Ourisman held a cocktail reception on Sunday, January 18th at their home in Palm Beach, FL, to honor the NYC Mission Society and help kick-off the annual Champions for Children Gala, which will be held in New York on April 1st.
The two-century-old nonprofit, the oldest in New York, provides programs and services that help break the cycle of poverty for New York’s children, youth and families.
As a young bride, actress and Palm Beach socialite, Dina Merrill Hartley, was told by her mother-in-law, Elizabeth Colgate, “Every bride needs a charity,” and thus began her long-time support of the NYC Mission Society.
Chaired by philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and Dina Merrill Hartley’s son, Stanley H. Rumbough, the Palm Beach event committee includes: Martin Shafiroff, Cole Rumbough, Christine Schott Ledes and George M. Ledes. Honored guests included: Audrey and Martin Gruss, Tommy Quick, Anka Palitz, Sharon Bush, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Somers Farkas, Geoffrey Bradfield, Christopher and Grace Meigher, Pamela O'Connor, and Megan Tierney.
“New York City Mission Society is extremely fortunate to have such dedicated supporters,” said the nonprofit’s President, Elsie McCabe Thompson. “As we prepare for this spring’s annual Champions for Children Gala, this event has helped to both raise funds and lift hearts in support of our mission: to improve the lives of children, youth and families in underserved communities in New York City.”
“My family has been proud to serve as longtime supporters of the NYC Mission Society,” said Stanley Rumbough, the third generation of Rumboughs to be involved with the NYC Mission Society. “This is an organization that cares about improving the lives of youth, children and families in our city that need help most. Core to the Mission Society’s mission are caring and compassion; both are what motivated us to get involved, and stay involved all of these years.”
“It’s a great privilege to be involved with the NYC Mission Society,” said Jean Shafiroff. “What I love most about the NYC Mission Society is that all of us involved work together as a family with one strong common mission. We all truly care about the future of the children.”
This year’s event was a fun-filled evening at the Ourisman’s home. All committee members dedicated their time and efforts to garner a wonderful and successful event for New York City Mission Society.
About NYC Mission Society
Founded in 1812, NYC Mission Society has been on the front lines of the war on poverty for more than two centuries, providing critically needed support for children, youth, and adults who live in New York City’s most underserved communities. Our dynamic portfolio of programs provides participants with the knowledge and life skills necessary to succeed as independent members of society, and make positive contributions to their communities. Each year, nearly 13,000 people in Harlem, the Lower East Side, the Bronx, and Brooklyn directly participate in our programs and/or attend our community events.

As an organization distinguished by over 200 years of service, NYC Mission Society has helped shape the landscape of non-profit service provision. In the early 19th century, the Mission Society established systems of relief in impoverished communities throughout the New York City, supporting families and immigrant groups in need of clothing, food, shelter, and employment opportunities. During that time, the Mission Society incubated and launched some of the best-known and most innovative programs in the nonprofit sector today, such as the Fresh Air Fund, the Children’s Aid Society, the Community Service Society, and the Visiting Nurse Service. Today, we continue our work by delivering services that encourage critical thinking, self-confidence, and resilience in those we serve. Visit http://www.nycmissionsociety.org for more information.