CITYarts' 42nd Annual Benefit was living proof that we live in a global village. Therefore, if we want to prepare our youth to become functioning leaders in our world, we must create fertile grounds for them - programs and projects in which they can get involved and voice their hopes and aspirations.

Look at our honorees, starting with Amir Dossal, Executive Director of the UN Office for Partnerships. His award was created by Nicky Nodjoumi and presented by Liesel Pritzker. Amir brings people together from around the world and forges partnerships that leave an important footprint on many lives and communities around the world. From our own experience, I'm happy to say that the Pieces for Peace exhibition he helped us to organize at the UN opened for us endless opportunities and connected us to an additional 600 kids from 12 new countries now involved in the CITYarts Pieces for Peace project. We know they will encourage more to participate in creating a "piece for peace" and aspire to doing good in their community.

The Duchess of York, who we honored as well, arrived in spite of the threat from the volcanic ash in Iceland. She continues to help children, especially girls, to stand up for what they believe in. She told a very emotional story about a 12-year-old girl and received the award created by Andrea Arroyo in her honor.

Badr Jafar, unfortunately, wasn't able to escape the volcanic ash, but we know for a fact that he will come to celebrate with us soon - maybe a project or wall that we will complete. His award was created by Keith Cerone and presented by Robert Dunn.

About 250 guests from all walks of life - artists, business executives, foundation donors, art lovers, and other caring and generous people came to enjoy our event. Many of them received a very clear picture of what CITYarts is and of the meaningful work we do, especially when Alicka Ampry-Samuel, a CITYarts kid who worked on a mural 19 years ago, told everyone about her experience working on the mural after her father had died of a drug overdose. Today, she is a lawyer and will work with CITYarts as a youth coordinator for our projects. We can't thank enough the generous artist and philanthropist Ana Tzarev, in whose gallery the event was hosted. Her staff - Diane Buckley, Simone DiLaura, and Elizabeth Savvinidis - treated us like family, so the atmosphere was perfect for the night: warm, happy, and caring.

Our Pieces for Peace exhibition continues to welcome visitors from all over the world to the Ana Tzarev Gallery, on view through this Monday, May 3. Please visit this weekend if you have a chance and purchase a "piece for peace" that will encourage youth to get involved in building their own better future in collaboration with their peers around the world.

Thank you for all your support. My best wishes for a nice Spring!,