Annual Gala
The French-American Foundation’s Annual Gala is the premier fundraising event to support the work and mission of the FAF. Held in New York City, the Annual Gala recognizes individuals and organizations who have made valuable contributions to the FAF community.
Prominent leaders and figures in the French-American community gather for a festive evening that plays an essential role in continuing the FAF’s mission of sustaining and strengthening transatlantic dialogue. In 2024, the Foundation united Board members, Young Leader alumni, Transatlantic Forum members, and friends new and old alike to celebrate the best of Franco-American friendship at the Rainbow Room on May 22nd.
Each year, the Annual Gala honors individuals who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in their respective field and for their contributions to the French-American relationship. In 2024, the French-American Foundation honored:
- Raymond J. McGuire, President, Lazard
- Isabel Wilkerson (Young Leader 1994), New York Times Bestselling Author and Pulitzer Prize Winner
And for their dedicated service to French-American friendship:
- Allan M. Chapin, Chairman Emeritus, French-American Foundation–United States
- Alain Papiasse, Chairman Emeritus, French-American Foundation–France
Each year, a limited number of tickets and tables are available for purchase. Benefits for supporters may include premium table placement and brand recognition on Gala materials and throughout the event. Individuals and corporate sponsors also have the opportunity to purchase ad space in the Gala journal. Take a look at our 2023 and 2024 Gala journals.
To learn more about opportunities to provide individual support and corporate sponsorship for the Annual Gala, please contact Margaret Fahey (mfahey@frenchamerican.org).
Past French-American Foundation Gala honorees include:
2023:
- The Honorable Dina Powell McCormick (Young Leader ’05), Global Head of Sustainability & Inclusive Growth, Global Head of Sovereign Business, Goldman Sachs
- Yves-André Istel, Co-Founder, French-American Foundation; Senior Adviser, Hanseatic LLC; Formerly, Vice Chairman, Rothschild & Co.; Formerly, Deputy Chair, Richemont
2022:
- Carol Bellamy (YL ’81), Former Executive Director, UNICEF
- Kenneth Jacobs, Chariman and CEO, Lazard
2019:
- Gina Adams, Vice President of Government Affairs, FedEx Corporation
- John Paulson, Founder, Paulson & Company
View all past Gala honorees here.
From left to right: Caroline Naralasetty, Allan M. Chapin, Yves-Andre Istel, Dina Powell McCormick and Edward C. Wallace at the 2023 French-American Foundation Gala
Former FAF-U.S. Chairman and United States Ambassador to France Walter Curley at the 1998 French-American Foundation Gala