Jun. 4: André De Shields and Anne Maffei to be Honored at The Moth’s Annual Gala

The Moth is holding their annual fundraising gala, Making Waves: The 2024 Moth Ball. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of The Lighthouse at Pier 61 at Chelsea Piers, on Tuesday, June 4th. This year’s gala will pay tribute to the incomparable actor, singer, dancer, director, and choreographer André De Shields, as well as the steadfast Moth supporter, Anne Maffei. Tickets, starting at $1,000, are currently available for purchase.

André De Shields. Photo by Lia Chang

The Moth Ball is more than a standard fundraiser; it’s also a celebration of storytelling at its finest. Dubbed “the hippest literary gala going” by BizBash and hailed as “New York’s best gala” by Gothamist, the evening promises a delightful blend of elegance and entertainment. Attendees can anticipate a captivating cocktail party, a festive seated dinner, and a stellar showcase featuring beloved Moth storytellers. In addition, the event will spotlight the presentation of The Moth’s prestigious Storyteller of the Year Award to André De Shields. This year, The Moth will also introduce a new accolade, the Legacy Award, honoring Anne Maffei for her remarkable 19 years of service on the Board and her decade-long dedication as Co-Chair of The Moth Board of Directors.

Sarah Haberman, Executive Director of The Moth, expressed her excitement about this year’s theme and honorees, emphasizing the profound impact of storytelling in navigating life’s highs and lows. She remarked, “We’re delighted to pay tribute to the venerable André De Shields, whose illustrious legacy and trailblazing career of bringing stories to life through music, television, film and dance has inspired so many. Additionally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Anne Maffei for her unwavering support, leadership and contributions to The Moth over the years. We simply wouldn’t be where we are today without Anne!”

André De Shields joins an impressive list of past Moth “Storyteller of the Year” award-winners including David Byrne, Regina King, Kemp Powers, Padma Lakshmi, Roxane Gay, Martin Scorsese, Zadie Smith, Roz Chast, Calvin Trillin, Salman Rushdie, Carrie Brownstein, and Anna Deavere Smith.

6:30pm – 11:30pm

Tickets: Tables of 10 start at $10,000; single tickets start at $1,000.

Info: themoth.org/mothball

Lia Chang. Photo by Kalin Ivanov

Lia Chang is an actor, a multi-media content producer, activist, documentarian and an Award winning filmmaker and co-founder of Bev’s Girl Films making films that foster inclusion and diversity on both sides of the camera. Lia is also the host and Executive Producer of BACKSTAGE PASS WITH LIA CHANG, an Arts and Entertainment and Lifestyle program that airs on Sundays at 6:30pm on FIOS 34, RCN 83, Spectrum 56/1996 and streams on MNN2. Lia was recently profiled on Asian American Life. BGF collaborates with and produces multi-media content for artists, actors, designers, theatrical productions, composers, musicians and corporations. www.liachang.com www.liachangphotography.com

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