The ARTWALK NY 2024 charity gala raises over $700,000 to support Coalition for the Homeless

On a lively evening in the heart of Chelsea, New York City’s art, philanthropy, and activist communities came together for an unforgettable night at ARTWALK NY 2024. This year’s event, hosted at Chelsea Factory, raised over $700,000! These funds go directly to supporting the Coalition for the Homeless and our vital programs, which every single day, serve more than 3,500 homeless and low-income individuals and families.

The ongoing housing and homelessness crisis continues to impact hundreds and thousands of New Yorkers, so it was heart-warming to see almost 500 supporters joining us at ARTWALK, in the name of helping families and individuals in need.

The evening, presented by Max Mara, began with a VIP reception. Guests enjoyed hand-crafted cocktails as DJs Oscar Nñ and Ushka set the tone for the evening, while guests mingled and explored the stunning artworks hung throughout the industrial-styled space.

After the silent auction kicked off, Coalition for the Homeless board chair Barry Berke welcomed everyone to ARTWALK and underscored the importance of the Coalition’s mission, and then introduced a video showing the work funded by the event’s proceeds.  The video included stories of the actual people served by the Coalition, and their journeys from homelessness to a home of their own. The video was followed by remarks from Coalition for the Homeless’ executive director, David Giffen.

“Because Everybody deserves a home. Those five words are why we’re here tonight. The Coalition for the Homeless is helping thousands of men, women, and children every day, and it’s only because of your support that we can continue this work.”

– David Giffen, Coalition for the Homeless Executive Director

The highlight of the program was the presentation of awards to Artist Honoree Katherine Bradford, introduced by Art Advisory Board member Lara Cocken, and Philanthropic Honoree, Aileen Agopian, introduced by AAB chair Mike de Paola. In her acceptance speech, Katherine Bradford said, “Art inspires change. It does. I’m so happy to be a part of this event supporting such a worthwhile cause.” After Aileen Agopian humbly accepted her award, reminiscing on her roots as a child of immigrants, she launched into a rousing live auction.

The live auction featured standout works by artist honoree Katherine Bradford, as well as Ed Ruscha, José Parlá, Joan Snyder, Ann Craven, and Kenny Scharf. Guests were treated to a vibey performance by Brooklyn-based band Walk Talk, whose genre-bending music kept the celebration in full swing.

A special thanks to our Art Advisory Board and Benefit Committee for making the evening so special, as well as to our event producer, Fremont Blue Events, who kept things moving smoothly throughout the night.

And, we greatly appreciate the support of General Art Company, UOVO, and Marina Rinaldi, as well as our Auction Partner, Artsy, and we were thrilled that guests could enjoy tastings and craft cocktails thanks to Via Carota, as well as beer, wine and spirits from Celestine and from Tito’s Homemade Vodka.

To see all photos, visit these links:
Getty – Michael Ostuni /PMC
BFA – Kevin Czopek
BFA – Mike Vitelli

There are currently  more than 350,000 individuals without homes in New York City, so the work of the Coalition for the Homeless remains more important than ever. Every day, the Coalition’s programs help thousands of people in need to find stability, dignity and a pathway towards a brighter future.

ARTWALK NY rallies supporters to fund proven solutions that will end mass homelessness in New York City and the Coalition is deeply grateful for the generosity and dedication of its community. Together, we are working toward a future where everyone has a place to call home.