Congratulatory ad for Cooney in the 1988 event program, illustrated by Michael K. Frith
Graham's Annual Gala Benefit is a yearly benefit event for the Graham-Windham foundation, a charity directed at helping children. In addition to raising funds, the event honors notable individuals with the Isabella Graham Award.
Jim Henson was the inaugural recipient of the award at the gala held on April 21, 1986.[1] The event took place at Sotheby's in New York City, and featured live performances from Madeline Kahn and Big Bird, as well as Dan Rather and Miss Piggy. Pieces from Miss Piggy's Art Masterpiece Calendar were displayed in the lobby and additionally auctioned off as a part of the fundraiser.[2]
Joan Ganz Cooney would be bestowed with the award two years later at the gala on May 26, 1988. To honor his longtime collaborator, Henson returned with Kermit the Frog to sing "Bein' Green" at the ceremony.[3]
Other receipts of the Isabella Graham Award have included Arthur Ashe (1987), Wynton Marsalis (1989), and Maurice Sendak (1992).[4]
Sources[]
- ↑ Jim Henson's Red Book: 4/21/1986 – ‘Graham Windham Dinner – auctioned Bronze Piggy.’
- ↑ The New York Times "The Evening Hours" April 25, 1986
- ↑ Jim Henson's Red Book: 5/26/1988 – ‘Graham Windham honors Joan Cooney. Kermit sings Green.’
- ↑ Graham-Windham 2006 Newsletter