At the Annual Benefit on November 11, with great pride and shared gratitude, MAS will present its highest honor to our President Kent Barwick who, after almost 40 years of service, steps down as president of MAS at year end.

Kent Barwick has been the soul of the Municipal Art Society for almost four decades, leading the charge to save Grand Central, Radio City Music Hall, Lever House, St. Bartholomew’s Church, to name just a few of his accomplishments. In some of his boldest strokes, Kent stopped the plan for a massive tower that would have cast shadows across Central Park, and prevented a potentially disastrous rezoning of Times Square that would have extinguished its celebrated bright lights. He is an outspoken and passionate advocate for a magnificent new Moynihan Station, for a revitalized waterfront and, most importantly, for engaging citizens in the shaping of their city.

Kent’s achievements spring from a both a profound understanding of what stirs New Yorkers and an impressive record of accomplishment. Kent chaired the Landmarks Preservation Commission, was an early organizer of the South Street Seaport, served on the Mayor’s Advisory Committee on Governor’s Island, was a founder of the Historic Districts Council, the New York Landmark’s Conservancy, the Preservation League of New York State, the Seventh Regiment Armory Conservancy, the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance. In short, New York is the greatest city on earth and Kent Barwick has been its keeper.

The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal is MAS’ highest honor and is given each year to an individual whose work and deeds have made an outstanding contribution to the city of New York. The medal was named for former MAS board member Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis in 1994 for her tireless efforts to preserve and protect New York’s great architecture.

Annual Benefit Dinner & Presentation of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Medal

Dinner Chairs: Agnes Gund, Anna-Maria Kellen, Phyllis Lambert, Julie Menin, Janet C. Ross, Wade F. B. Thompson

Host: Aby Rosen

Date: Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Time: 7:00 p.m. – cocktails at The Four Seasons, 8:00 p.m. – dinner at The Plaza of the Seagram Building

Tables: Chair: $50,000; Vice-Chair: $25,000; Associate Chair: $12,000.
Inquiries: 212-972-2268

Individual Tickets: Patron: $5,000; Sponsor: $2,500; Friend: $1,200.
To purchase tickets, click on one of the ticket titles/prices above or call 212-935-2075.