Screen Shot 2023 04 03 at 4.05.21 PM - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

On March 28, 2023, YRB attended a reception given by Nat King Cole‘s twin daughters, Casey Cole-Ray and Timolin Cole-Augustus, hosted at Jackie Weld Drake‘s Upper East Side residence in New York City. The occasion was to honor the upcoming Harlem School of the Arts Gala.

Yeou Cheng Ma Casey Cole Ray Jackie Weld Drake Timolin Cole Augustus and Marc Rosen attendJMS01461 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Like the sister’s Nat King Cole Generation Hope and Mrs. Weld Drake’s beloved Casita Maria, advocate arts education for all children.

After warm thanks to their hostess, Casey and Timolin Cole explained,

“As the daughters of Nat King Cole and sisters of Natalie Cole, we were bestowed much more than the Cole name — the spirit and passion of two legendary entertainers; a father and daughter who cherished the privilege of bringing harmony to people through their music. Our hearts are full that on May 1, the esteemed Harlem School of the Arts will honor our father and sisters’ legacy in tandem with our dad’s namesake charity.

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On a special note, today marks the diamond anniversary of our parents, who would be celebrating 60 years. In both their memories, we encourage you to share love with the world today.”

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Guests included Jackie Weld Drake‘s sisters Martha Bograd and Mercedes Bograd Levin, Marc Rosen (whose late wife Arleen Dahl knew Nat King Cole from her days at the Copacabana),  the new executive director of Casita Maria, Felix  Urrutia, the president of Harlem School for the Arts, James C Horton, as well as Steven Aronson, Cricket and Richard Burns, Dr. Karen Burke Goulandris, Susan Cheever, Anne Dexter-Jones, Terry Frankenberger, Patti Kim, Michele Gerber Klein, Helen Little, Yeou-Cheng Ma, Liane Pei, Kathy Sloane, Benny Tabatabi, Ted Taylor, and Christopher Walling.

Mercedes Bograd Levin Jackie Weld Drake Timolin Cole Augustus Kathy Sloane and Dr. Karen Burke attendJMS01674 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Dr Karen Burke and Jackie Weld Drake attend JMS01602 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Steven Aronson Timolin Cole Augustus and Casey Cole Ray attend. JMS01698 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Anne Dexter Jones Timolin Cole Augustus Casey Cole Ray and James C. Horton. JMS01702 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

IMG 3606 540x720 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope Robin Dubin Avram Ted Taylor Tiffany Dubin and Terry Frankenberger JMS01517 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Marc Rosen and Shaunna St. John JMS01554 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Marc Rosen and Helen Little attend. JMS01639 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

John Hare Claire Hare and Patti Kim attend. JMS01666 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Jason Milstein Allegra Nina Toram Benny Tabatabi attendJMS01629 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Jackie Weld Drake and Galit Kursman JMS01567 540x810 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Christopher Walling Ted Taylor and James C. Horton attend. JMS01830 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Felix Urrutia Hila Mina Ynette BrunoJMS01509 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Christopher Walling Steven Aronson Jodi Tam and Susan Cheever attend JMS01621 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Benny Tabatabi and Michele Gerber Klein attend. JMS01662 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Helen Little and Valentina Galardo JMS01534 540x810 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Rex Niswander and Sonoko Niswander JMS01590 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Mercedes Bograd Levin Timolin Cole Augustus Jackie Weld Drake Casey Cole Ray and Martha Bogart attend JMS01686 540x360 - Event Recap: Celebrating Nat King Cole Generation Hope

Photos by: Jared Siskin

About Nat King Cole Generation Hope

In 2008, Casey and Timolin co-founded Nat King Cole Generation Hope, Inc., a 501c(3) non-profit, to provide equal access to music instruction, mentorship and resources for underserved, economically disadvantaged youth in under-resourced communities. The sisters’ organization addresses the predicaments of many in the public education systems whose schools lack funding for enrichment, parents who cannot afford lessons or to buy/rent instruments, and talented music teachers who do so much with so little. Nat King Cole Generation Hope ultimately supports the child, the music instructor, and the school.

Click here to visit the Nat King Cole Generation Hope website

 

About Harlem School of the Arts

For over 50 years, Harlem School of the Arts has built a community centered around a dynamic global curriculum, with a focus on diasporas of prominence in Harlem and Upper Manhattan. Students study and are exposed to music, dance, theater, visual arts, design, and culture guided by world-class faculty and Master teachers.  HSA is committed to leveling the playing field by empowering young people from across the multi-cultural and socio-economic spectrum. Of the nearly 5,000 students who participate in HSA programs, more than 85% are African American or Latino and nearly 50% of students taking classes at our facility receive financial assistance.

Click here to visit the HSA website

About Casita Maria

Casita Maria, headquartered in the South Bronx, was established in 1934 by Claire and Elizabeth Sullivan as the first charitable organization to serve Latinos in New York City. The Sullivan sisters had a primary mission to offer after school enrichment and recreational activities for the children of newly arrived families from Puerto Rico. Today, Casita Maria remains dedicated to its original mission, delivering services to the mostly Latino youth, and families of the Hunts Point community it serves in the Bronx. Casita Maria now works out of a state-of-the-art facility encompassing performance spaces, exhibition gallery, dance, and music studios, and more on its Simpson Street campus.

Click here for additional information

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