On November 13th, more than four hundred friends of Nancy Goldberg gathered in the Time Warner Complex to celebrate her 75th birthday. The evening began with ah amazing hour long concert in the stunning Allen Room whose glass windows overlook Columbus Circle. Highlights of the performance included the Kandoo Band of Williams Syndrome musicians, dance by two scholarship campers and the current modern teacher, and the first movement of the” Kreutzer “Sonata by Beethoven played by Laura Goldberg and Diane Goldberg Marcus. The audience was astounded, brought to its feet, by the exciting professionalism of the sisters. The evening performance closed with Allison Charney, a former camper opera star, singing opera selections and a revised Belvoir version of I’ve got Rhythm to Nancy and then happy birthday.
Evening speeches included Diane’s welcome where she talked about Belvoir’s mission, supporting women as they discover themselves through the arts. Diane noted that the turnout and support for the party as proof of the importance and success of this mission. Laura talked about how she came to be a violinist and that camp at shaped her life, a sample of how it shapes other lives. Rob Mckercher, the current theater chair, talked about Nancy’s ability to risk and support both girls and staff in an exciting all arts adventure. Finally, Nancy spoke about how Belvoir started by her Mother, Edna Schwartz, continues to change and educate her as it does campers and staff, and how blessed she is to be working with her daughters, the campers, and the staff in a supportive arts environment.
After the show everyone enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres in the adjoining party space. Alumnae from the fifties to current campers and their families mixed enthusiastically. Slide shows of both early camp pictures and current ones were shown on the wall and the evening ended with birthday cake and gift paperweights for all the guests. For Nancy , for everyone present, this was an evening to remember, the party of a lifetime in a fabulous New York setting. At the same time the event raised $100,000. for Belvoir scholarship. Anyone who wants to honor Nancy or participate in support of scholarship is encouraged to send a check made out to the Edna Y. Scholarship Fund to Belvoir Terrace, 101 W 79th St. New York, NY 10024.
Carey White reflects on the party:
I regret that I didn’t write to you sooner, but I was waiting until I could send in a contribution to the scholarship fund at Belvoir. I will indeed send one, but I wanted to tell you how deeply moving your birthday celebration was a few months ago. The energy was in the audience, the performers, everywhere! I felt SO good watching and listening to everyone in tribute to you. You have indeed changed girls’ lives and your impact knows no bounds. I am proud that I was a Belvoir girl, then Belvoir staff. Hope to visit you this summer–and only 6 more summers until my daughter can go!!
Lots of love,
Carey
Happy Birthday Nancy!