Annual Dinner and Auction Supports Residents of NYC’s Premier Not-for-Profit Living Communities for Older Adults
James Lenox House and Carnegie East House, New York City’s premier not-for-profit independent and enriched living communities for older adults, will honor three exceptional New Yorkers, each of whom has demonstrated a significant commitment to the needs of older adults, at its annual Spring Blossoms Gala on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at The Ziegfeld Ballroom on 141 West 54th Street in Manhattan.
Co-recipients of the 2024 Mary Lenox Sheafe Award are Jonathan Andrew, Managing Director at Gardiner & Theobald, and Andrew Cooke, Senior Vice President of Management Services for the East Region at Hines. This year’s Lifetime Service Award will be presented to Andrew Bonzani, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Interpublic Group.
The gala raises funds to support safe, affordable living at James Lenox House and its sister residence, Carnegie East House. Programs include excellent nursing care, social work counselors, exercise and yoga programs, health and wellness seminars, robust libraries, as well as a variety of cultural opportunities, including musical performances, dance programs, and ample opportunities to socialize, which is critical given that a major enemy of older adults is social isolation.
“As we commemorate our 158th year of steadfast commitment to our residents and the New York community, we take immense pride in honoring Jonathan Andrew, Andrew Cooke, and Andrew Bonzani for their remarkable contributions,” Joseph Girven, Executive Director of the James Lenox House Association. “Their dedicated service and profound impact on their respective fields truly embody the spirit of our organization’s enduring mission.”
Mary Lenox Sheafe Award co-honoree Jonathan Andrew is a leader in the New York City construction industry, serving as Managing Director at Gardiner & Theobald Inc., a prominent project and cost management consultancy. The award is presented to those who demonstrate extraordinary dedication and leadership to New York City and its older adults.
Mr. Andrew has significantly advanced Gardiner & Theobald’s presence in the New York construction industry, steering the company into new markets and fortifying its reputation as a top project and cost management consultancy. His leadership is characterized by a strategic focus that has solidified the firm’s position and expanded its services to meet the diverse needs of the metropolis’s construction sector.
Mr. Andrew’s contributions extend beyond his corporate responsibilities; he is deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of industry professionals. His community involvement is reflective of his commitment to leadership development and philanthropy. Mr. Andrew’s participation in various boards and advisory councils underscores his dedication to giving back and fostering a culture of community support within the industry. Mr. Andrew is a longtime supporter of James Lenox House and Carnegie East House enabling their missions of helping older adults to lead safe and healthy lives in affordable housing.
“A strong community is built on the foundations of shared effort and mutual support,” Mr. Andrew said. “I am deeply honored by this recognition and am proud to stand alongside esteemed partnersto support James Lenox House and Carnegie East House through the Spring Blossoms Gala.”
Honoree Andrew Cooke, the co-recipient of the Mary Lenox Sheafe Award, is a recognized leader in the property management sector. As Senior Vice President of Management Services for the East Region at Hines, Mr. Cooke has shaped the firm’s approach to real estate management, enhancing the operational efficiency and service quality across a portfolio of properties. His strategic leadership at Hines has not only set a benchmark within the industry but also deeply influenced the firm’s culture and value delivery.
With more than two decades of experience in property, facility, and asset management, as well as engineering and residential operations, Mr. Cooke has cultivated long-term relationships with a broad spectrum of clients and has been instrumental in advancing the industry’s standards in management services. Mr. Cooke together with his colleagues at Hines have supported James Lenox House at a major level for many years.
“I have devoted my career to enhancing the quality and performance of properties to the benefit of those who live and work in them, which aligns perfectly with an organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults,” said Mr. Cooke. “Receiving this honor is deeply meaningful to me, and I am enthusiastic about collaborating with my peers in the industry to ensure that this year’s Spring Blossoms Gala is an unprecedented success.”
The organization’s Lifetime Service Award will be given to Andrew Bonzani, Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Interpublic Group, for his exceptional dedication and service on the Board of Directors at James Lenox House Association, helping to drive the organization’s mission forward. As President of the Board throughout the Covid years, Mr. Bonzani played a crucial role in bringing his professional insight to bear on JHLA’s initiatives,both at James Lenox House and as a Board Member of Carnegie East House, helping to ensure that residents continued to receive the care and respect they deserve and that the organization successfully prevailed over the Pandemic crisis. His leadership and service reflect the essence of the Lifetime Service Award and underscore his commitment to bettering the lives of New York City’s older adults.
For sponsorship and ticket information, visit www.jlhainc.org, or contact Lane Peace at lpeace@jlhainc.org
