Last night marked the inauguration of The New York Observer’s First Annual Young Philanthropy Event. On the chic PH-D rooftop lounge of the Dream Hotel, amidst panoramic views of the city and overlooking the twinkling lights of the Empire State building, some of the leading lights in philanthropy came together to celebrate giving back.
The evening was held in recognition of New York’s 20 top philanthropists under 40, an illustrious list that included Eric Trump, Nigel Barker, Lauren Bush Lauren and Chelsea Clinton. While waitresses passed out dainty nibbles like grilled cheese fingers and spoonfuls of truffle risotto, the D.J. spun beats to a packed crowd who schmoozed and mingled under the light of two immense Venini glass chandeliers.
The festivities kicked off with speeches by Joseph Meyer and Peter Davis, members of our own Observer family, and from Eric Trump, who spoke eloquently about his involvement with the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. Under the auspices of the Eric Trump Foundation, Mr. Trump has raised nearly $6 million for St. Jude’s and the foundation has grown into one of the largest private charities in the country.
“We had the benefit through our company and through our network to do something for people less fortunate,” Mr. Trump explained to The Observer afterwards. “And in this case it’s kids who just drew the short straw: it could happen to you and it could happen to me.”
Donald Trump had nothing but praise for his son’s charitable work. “Eric works so hard for so many charities and St. Jude’s in particular, he’s just got that in his blood,” said Mr. Trump. “He loves it. And he’s raised a lot of money over the years and I’m very proud of him.”