2022 French-American Foundation Gala

The French-American Foundation held its annual Gala – the first in three years – on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. It was an elegant and festive occasion to celebrate the French-American relationship and its own efforts over the year with many distinguished friends and benefactors. The evening honored Kenneth Jacobs, Chairman and CEO of Lazard, and Carol Bellamy, Former Executive Director of UNICEF, French-American Foundation Board member, and Young Leader 1981. Guest speakers Chloe Demrovsky, CEO of Disaster Recovery Institute International and Young Leader 2019, and Adam Hodge, Assistant U.S. Trade Representative for Media and Public Affairs and Young Leader 2019, spoke eloquently on the subject of French-American friendship and the importance of continued dialogue and engagement across cultures.

Chairman Allan M. Chapin and Vice Chairman Edward C. Wallace opened the evening with welcome remarks. Honoree Carol Bellamy spoke about unity and the importance of global respect and understanding. As a member of the Foundation’s very first Young Leaders class in 1981, Ms. Bellamy reflected on the continued significance of the program. After the dinner service, Foundation President Caroline Naralasetty contemplated the importance of the Foundation’s work, emphasizing that our mission is, and always has been, to connect people on a personal level, cultivate friendships that will stand the test of time, and learn from one another to achieve mutual understanding. Final remarks were given by Honoree Kenneth Jacobs, whose career has spanned business in both the United States and France. Mr. Jacobs spoke with praise of the meaningful relationships that his French-American experiences have brought him, both professionally and personally.

The annual Gala dinner is one of the rare occasions that unites the Foundation’s Board, Young Leader alumni, Transatlantic Forum members, and friends new and old alike. The festive evening celebrated the very best of the French-American relationship, and we extend sincere thanks to all of those who attended and made donations in support of our work.

The Gala is the premier fundraising event and a major source of support for the mission and work of the French-American Foundation. For more information, click here.