Wearing Their Stripes with Distinction

Over 225 people attended the Jay Heritage Center’s Zebra Soiree on October 19 at American Yacht Club.

Over 225 people attended the Jay Heritage Center’s Zebra Soiree on October 19 at American Yacht Club. The high-energy party exceeded all expectations — raising over $150,000 for educational programs in history and the environment at the landmark Jay Estate.

Co-Chairs Elisabeth and Matt Casey and Keelin and Chris Pye, along with members of the JHC Preservationists auxiliary, transformed the yacht club, ideally located just across the water from the Jay home, into a chic nightclub with swaths of black and white fabric, a posh white lounge area, and pink gel lighting.

Guests embraced the JHC signature zebra theme and black and white dress code, throwing in striped accessories and splashes of hot pink for added flair. Enjoying cocktails, conversation, a delicious buffet, and the fabulous Latin band Fiesta NY, happy supporters kept the dance floor packed almost till midnight, before spilling out into the light of a full moon.

Funds from the evening, together with monies donated by community partners like Con Edison, will help JHC expand its offerings for children and their families. Plans are already underway to add musical afternoons, civic advocacy activities, and gardening workshops to the calendar, while also building upon existing sustainable architecture and hands-on archaeology experiences at the 23-acre park in Rye.

— Photos by Cutty McGill