ACE’s Dream Gala 2025 Lights Up NYC

A Night of Glamour, Purpose, and Philanthropy

By Norah Bradford

Under the glittering skyline of Manhattan, the ACE Dream Gala 2025 brought together New York’s most compassionate changemakers for an evening of elegance and inspiration. Held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, the event shone a spotlight on the city’s commitment to giving back—celebrating leadership, artistry, and the power of community to uplift lives and create lasting impact.

Jennifer Holliday

An Evening to Remember
The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (ACE) and its founder Henry Buhl welcomed guests to the 2025 annual Dream Gala at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in New York City. The evening raised critical funds to support ACE’s programs that provide job readiness training, work experience, and long-term support services to help New Yorkers overcome homelessness and reclaim independence.

The ACE Mission
The Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE) works alongside New Yorkers who have histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction to provide job training, work experience, and a lifetime support network that helps participants achieve their goals and establish economic independence.

Honoring Leaders of Change
The evening began with cocktails, followed by dinner and a program hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Cynthia McFadden. This year’s Honorees were Henry Hay and Andrew Torrey, recognized for their leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for vulnerable communities. Guests were also treated to a special musical performance by Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Jennifer Holliday, best known as the original “Dream Girl.” The Alex Donner Orchestra provided live music throughout the gala, and celebrated auctioneer Gabriel Butu led a spirited auction to benefit ACE’s programs.

A Star-Studded Celebration
Notable attendees included: Henry Buhl, Cynthia McFadden, Henry Hay, Andrew Torrey, Jennifer Holliday, Alex Donner, Gabriel Butu, Carlos Morrison, Rob Goldston, Jean Shafiroff, Mohammed Misbah, Abby Hamor, Donna Carvalho, Simon Yao, Maribel Lieberman, James Cavello, Margarite Almeida, Donna and Richard Soloway, Jorge Iragorri, and Lauren Imperato.

About ACE Programs  
for the Homeless The Association of Community Employment Programs (ACE) works alongside New Yorkers who have histories of homelessness, incarceration, and addiction to provide job training, work experience, and a lifetime support network that helps participants achieve their goals and establish economic independence.