The New Yorkers For Children Benefit Kicks Off Spring with Selita Ebanks, Donald Robertson, and More!

Spring was in bloom over at the Mandarin Oriental last night, when The New Yorkers For Children hosted its annual Spring gala—this year dubbed A Fool’s Fete: Enchanted Garden—to benefit youth in foster care. Designers, models, socialites, and beyond came out for the swanky shindig, many in floral ensembles and even flower crowns in light of the evening’s theme. Alina Cho hosted the affair, and artist Donald Robertson was on hand during cocktail hour (and stayed until after dinner) to create custom color portraits of guests. “I know some of you spent a little time, or maybe a lot of time, thinking about what you were going to wear tonight,” said Cho in her opening speech. “And why not? It’s a glamorous evening…but, I think what can get lost sometimes is the reason why we’re here, and that’s to support New York City youth in foster care.”

Laura Kim, Fernando Garcia, Crystal Renn, Wes Gordon, Stacey Bendet, Waris Ahluwalia, Leandra Medine, Heba Abedin, Arden Wohl, and beauty Selita Ebanks were among attendees. “I’m a foster child. I wasn’t a part of the New Yorkers For Children family, but I can sympathize with these young children and their testimonies,” Banks told The Daily. She’s been involved with the organization for the past six years. “I have goosebumps just being here this evening. I’ve had a very successful career by the grace of God, and I’m just so happy to know that there are people in this world who support and provide opportunities for young women.”

Between The New Yorkers For Children benefit, the Time 100 Gala (which took place just next door), and the City Harvest gala, chicsters truly took NYC by storm last night.