Project Sunshine celebrated supporters, volunteers, patients, and families during their 15th annual gala fundraiser at Cipriani 42nd Street. The event raised over one million dollars. Project Sunshine recruits and trains volunteers to deliver programs that promote creative expression, socialization, and intellectual stimulation to children facing medical challenges in 175 cities across the US and in 4 international satellite locations.

Emilio Delgado, Roscoe Orman, Sonia Manzano & Bob McGrath

The evening was hosted by Sesame Street actor, Emilio Delgado, who was joined by former cast mates Roscoe Orman, Bob McGrath and Sonia Manzano for a live rendition of Bienvenidos to open the evening. Later into the programming guests were treated to an intimate set by Grammy nominated Singer-Songwriter Tori Kelly.

Chef Michael White Accepts the Visionary Award

This year’s honorees included Chef Michael White, Head Chef & Co-Owner of Altamarea Group, recipient of the Visionary Award. “This year Project Sunshine is excited to honor Chef Michael White, an outstanding culinary talent. We celebrate his work to encourage pediatric patients and their families to make health food choices through Project Sunshine’s “Better Bites” program,” said Joe Weilgus, Project Sunshine Founder.

Joe Weilgus, Stella Li

Stella Li, President of BYD Motors Inc., received the Business Leadership Award. Weilgus added, “We are equally thrilled to award Stella Li for her commitment to being an architect of the Project Sunshine Healthy Living A.B.C.’s program. May her dedication to building a cleaner, healthier, and brighter world be an example to us all.”

In addition to a silent auction, the night included live bidding conducted by C. Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby’s, on items such as a Chinatown foodie tour hosted by Andrew Zimmern and two private dinners for 12 at Michael White’s restaurant Vaucluse. Chef White personally auctioned off the two dinners, raising over $25,000 for the organization.

Kara McCullough, former Miss USA

Notable attendees included Miss USA and Project Sunshine volunteer, Kara McCullough, local New York TV journalists, Tamsen Fadal, Irv ‘Mr. G’ Gikofsky & Magee Hickey, Sports Illustrated cover model Danielle Herrington, models Zaina Gohou and Enly Tammela, designer Timo Weiland and Bravo stars Ryan Serhant and Emilia Bechrakis of Million Dollar Listing and spin off Sell It Like Serhant.

Danielle Herrington, Zaina Gohou, Enly Tammela