Encore Ovation
A Celebration of Aging Through Arts & Community
Date: Monday, March 2, 2026
Location: Edison Ballroom, New York City
Event Chair Robert E. Wankel, Chairman and CEO of The Shubert Organization, and Matthew D. Loeb, International President, IATSE invites you to join us in honoring…
Nicola M. Heryet, Principal, Avison Young
Lauren Reid, President, John Gore Organization
Theatrical Teamsters Local 817, Thomas O’Donnell, President
Event Overview
For nearly five decades, Encore Community Services has championed Manhattan’s older adults—providing housing, serving/cooking over 800,000 meals last year, and nurturing programs to reduce food insecurity and social isolation.
Ovation: A Celebration of Aging Through Arts is our signature gala raising critical funds to support these programs. Since its 2019 debut, the event has grown into an inspiring gala featuring a cocktail reception, three-course dinner, and live performances—showcasing the power of arts, community, and care.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of impact and inspiration.
Host Committee
Joseph P. Benincasa
James J. Claffey, Jr.
Frank Connolly, Jr.
J. Antonio Fernández
Deeksha Gaur
Russell Granet
Tom Harris
Angela Johnson
LaChanze
Frank Lazarto
David Lebenstein
James L. Nederlander
Carol O’Rourke
Lawrence Paone
Laura Penn
Al Vincent, Jr.
Michael "Wex" Wekselblatt
Honoree Bios
Nicola M. Heryet
Principal, Avison Young
A New York City commercial real estate leader with 36+ years’ experience, Nicola has closed over 37 million square feet in lease transactions. Recognized with honors like the 2025 REBNY Louis Smadbeck Award and GlobeSt’s Woman of Influence, she’s known for her integrity and dedication to the industry. She began her career at Colliers ABR and later held roles at Cassidy Turley and Cushman & Wakefield.
Lauren Reid
President, John Gore Organization
Lauren Reid, President of the John Gore Organization (JGO), has channeled her lifelong passion for live entertainment into a storied, three-decade career working at the highest levels of the theater industry to extend the reach of Broadway. Throughout her tenure at JGO, Lauren has helped steer the company to become a leading presenter, distributor, and marketer of commercial theater from coast-to-coast. In addition to its dozens of productions currently on Broadway and around the world, JGO presents and/or operates theater in more than 45 markets across North America. JGO’s family of companies, all of which are under Lauren’s operational oversight, includes Broadway Across America, Broadway.com, The Broadway Channel, BroadwayBox.com, Broadway Brands and Group Sales Box Office.
Prior to JGO Lauren launched BASE Entertainment, a destination entertainment company that developed and created productions and venues worldwide. As COO of BASE, she managed worldwide operations, produced Broadway, live music and comedy acts, and oversaw the construction and operation of multiple venues in Las Vegas and Singapore.
Lauren served as Chair of the Broadway League during a key period from 2020 to 2023. Her leadership was particularly significant as she guided the industry through the unprecedented pandemic shutdown, and then steered the Broadway industry through its successful reopening. Lauren also serves on the Boards of Trustees for The Entertainment Community Fund, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Broadway Green Alliance, Texas Performing Arts in Austin, and The Hobby Center in Houston.
Theatrical Teamsters Local 817,
Thomas O’Donnell, President
Local 817 represents the skilled professionals who make live entertainment possible—from transporting sets and equipment to running logistics behind Broadway productions. Their dedicated work keeps the wheels turning behind the scenes and supports the vibrant cultural fabric of New York City theatre.
Become a Sponsor
Your support powers Encore’s vital work in feeding, housing, and connecting older New Yorkers. Partnering with us at Ovation will showcase your commitment to community impact and the arts.