New York Star Studded UNICEF Gala with Sofia Carson and Houstonians together raise over $3.6 million for children around the world

The UNICEF Gala, which took place at the end of November, the ‘Giving Tuesday’ at Cipriani Wall Street in NYC was not just star studded, but graced by many Houstonians, as our very own Houston Power Couple Dr. Sippi & Ajay Khurana served as gala chairs.

While we all know that UNICEF responds to hundreds of crises around the world, the special evening paid tribute to the remarkable UNICEF staff around the globe who won’t stop working until every child is healthy, educated, protected and respected.

The evening kicked-off the holiday season and was a night filled with special performances by GRAMMY Award nominated artist Maggie Rogers and GRAMMY Award winner Sara Bareilles. The event was hosted by Actor, Singer, Producer and UNICEF Ambassador Sofia Carson and featured a one night only performance by some of Broadway’s brightest stars.

In a brief conversation with the beautiful and talented Sofia with LCAHouston International Society News it was revealed that she and Sippi opted for a black and white ensemble to pay homage to the legendary actress and UNICEF supporter Audrey Hepburn. She also stated “There is no greater force in the world than a girl with a dream and an education – equipped with both, she is unstoppable.” says Sofia Carson.

The evening celebrated the bold impact UNICEF makes for children around the world and shined a light on the great strength of women and girls. Sofia Carson spoke about her commitment to educational equity for girls as well as highlighted UNICEF colleagues from Tanzania who hosted her on a recent visit where she learned more about UNICEF’s work firsthand.

The night also featured moving words from Actor, Activist and UNICEF Supporter, Aria Mia Loberti (All the Light We Cannot See), UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis, UNICEF USA Chief Philanthropy Officer V. Renée Cutting, and UNICEF USA National Board Chairman Ewout Steenbergen.

UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis stated that UNICEF’s work is without question the most important, most far-reaching and most impactful on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable children…” the rights of children matter and UNICEF is at the forefront of ensuring those rights.” She explained.

Amongst the other notable guests included Laurie Hernandez (Olympic Gold Medalist and UNICEF Ambassador), Rad Lopez (Peloton Instructor), Kirsten Ferguson (Peloton Instructor), Christian Siriano (Designer) and influencers Doctor Mike, Sophia Kianni and more.

The tone of the evening was set through thoughtful touches, reflecting the important work that UNICEF carries out to support and empower children around the world. From lanterns with each panel featuring a different young woman from around the globe to let the girls shine, to inspired gifts such as vaccine carriers and first aid kits, the unique ambiance and décor stayed true to the organization’s mission.

With about 700 people in attendance a lively paddle-raising participation from the entire audience of guests donating to break the cycle of gender inequality and help realize the rights of ALL children. These donations support UNICEF’s work globally, including the acceleration of gender programming, advancing the empowerment of women and girls and charting a path towards a more just, equitable and inclusive world.

This annual celebration reinforced that UNICEF won’t stop relentlessly pursuing a more equitable world for every child. The inspiring evening also underscored that the organization’s biggest supporters won’t stop either, raising over $3.6 million for children around the world.

In attendance Gala Co-Chairs: Sippi and Ajay Khurana, Jen Rubio and Stewart Butterfield, Daniella Vitale and David Biro; NextGen Chair: Lisle Richards and Mathew Shurka.

Additional Attendees: Alioune Badara Fall, Amy Kuehner, Aweng Chuol, Christine M.J. Oliver, Gillian Hearst, Marjolein and Ewout Steenbergen, Mindy Grossman, Purvi Padia, Sterling McDavid, Victoria Edwards, and Ugo Mozi.

Photo Credit: Getty Images for UNICEF USA

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: (L-R) Sara Bareilles and Maggie Rogers perform onstage during The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

Ruchi Mukherjee – Ron Antonelli Photography

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: (L-R) Sofia Carson and Aria Mia Loberti attend The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: (L-R) Stephanie Torns, Nasia Thomas, Emiko Dunn, Arwen Monzon-Sanders, Wren Rivera, and Shoba Narayan perform onstage during The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Kirsten Ferguson attends The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Sippi Khurana and Ajay Khurana attend The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Rad Lopez attends The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: V. Renée Cutting attends The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Aria Mia Loberti attends The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 28: Sofia Carson attends The UNICEF Gala at Cipriani Wall St. on November 28, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Noam Galai/Getty Images for UNICEF USA)