(Long Island, NY) Activists, celebrities, and organizations dedicated to fostering peace came together recently at the Manes-American Peace Prize Gala at the home of Peace Prize Founder Dr. Harvey Manes in Westhampton Beach.
A renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Manes created the multi-million dollar foundation as a U.S. alternative to the Nobel Prize and has awarded Peace Prizes to numerous groups and individuals that promote peace and good will. The Gala recognized two of the latest Peace Prize recipients: Curtis Sliwa of the Guardian Angels and Crime Stoppers of Suffolk for their efforts to create peaceful solutions to community issues.
Also celebrated were the Peace Prize’s newest “Ambassadors for Peace,” including Lloyd Harbor businessman George Schwertl and Kim DePaola of the hit Bravo show The Real Housewives of New Jersey.
Ambassador Award” Recipient Kim DePaola, star of the Bravo hit series, “The Housewives of New Jersey” poses for a photo-op holding up her award at First Annual Peace Prize Gala in Westhampton Beach
The Peace Prize Gala had no shortage of sponsors and attendees joining the peace effort and celebrating those dedicated to helping others. From Long Island wineries to jewelry designers to doctors, lawyers, and architects, to bakeries and even a car wash and florist generously donated Gala prizes and services.
Many Hamptons and New York glitterati made the scene including jewelry designer to the stars Kelly Gerber, celebs Jane Pontarelli and Leesa Rowland, and Realtor Larry Wohl with other Manhattan philanthropists.
Harvey Manes Peace Prize Ambassador George Schwertl and guest pose for a photo-op at First Annual Peace Prize Gala in Westhampton Beach
CC Carr, Peace Prize COO and a celebrity in her own right, served as a gracious co-host of the event, which raised money through a silent auction and raffle of signed Peter Max prints and other items from the private collection of Dr. Manes.
“I’m amazed at the response from those who did not hesitate when asked to help promote and foster peace in America,” Dr. Manes said. “This was our first annual Gala and we hope next year will be a bigger event to take our message of good will to an even wider audience.”
Peace Prize applicants are welcome at www.ManesAmericanPeacePrize.com
