New York, NY The James Lenox House Association (JLHA), comprised of James Lenox House and Carnegie East House, New York City’s not-for-profit independent and enriched living communities for older adults, will honor three New Yorkers at its Spring Blossoms Gala on June 6, 2022 at the Ziegfeld Ballroom (141 West 54th Street) in New York City.
For the first time in the organization’s 156-year history, the co-recipients of the Mary Lenox Sheafe Award will be a couple, the husband-and-wife team of Thomas Z. Scarangello, P.E., executive chairman at Thornton Tomasetti, and Roxanne Donovan, president of Great Ink Communications. JLHA board member Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols, senior vice president, external affairs at Interpublic Group, will receive the Lifetime Service Award. Sandy Kenyon of ABC Eyewitness News will once again serve as Master of Ceremonies for the evening.
The Spring Blossoms Gala raises funds needed to support the more than 175 residents of James Lenox House and its sister residence, Carnegie East House, enabling vital health and wellness programs, including innovative exercise classes and a calendar of daily activities, social work counselors, robust libraries, as well as cultural opportunities, spanning concerts, dance, guest speakers and ample opportunities to socialize, which is critical given that a major enemy of older adults is social isolation
“We welcome the opportunity to celebrate and honor these three extraordinary New Yorkers who have long supported James Lenox House Association’s mission of providing our diverse community of older adults with comfortable, secure and affordable housing,” said Joseph Girven, executive director of James Lenox House Association. “Especially during these difficult and confusing times, we rely on the commitment of friends like Roxanne, Tom and Nancy to ensure supportive and safe housing for older adults.”
Mary Lenox Sheafe Award recipients Roxanne Donovan and Thomas Z. Scarangello have been married for 27 years and are longtime supporters of JLHA. Roxanne is president of Great Ink Communications, a public relations firm she founded in 1992, which focuses exclusively on the commercial real estate industry and built environment. Great Ink is often recognized as one of the top boutique PR firms in the nation. Roxanne is also a member of many professional, civic, and philanthropic organizations. She is the current International President of Delta Phi Epsilon sorority and a Trustee on the Board of PEN America. Roxanne is a graduate of Syracuse University’s S.I Newhouse School of Public Communications.
During his 40 years with Thornton Tomasetti, an international professional practice of engineers, scientists, designers and software developers, Thomas Z. Scarangello, P.E. led structural engineering of buildings worldwide, spanning high-rise commercial buildings, sports, and entertainment venues – including Yankee Stadium. As executive chairman, he drives the firm’s growth and diversification, and is passionate about developing innovative AEC technology. Tom is a member of AEC Angels, which drives investment in and adoption of cutting-edge technology. His philanthropic commitments include serving as a trustee of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Tom received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Manhattan College, and his Ph.D. from Columbia University.
The Lifetime Service Award will be given to Nancy Rabstejnek Nichols, a JLHA Board member for three decades, who has made invaluable contributions to the organization. As Senior VP, External Affairs of Interpublic Group, Nancy counsels corporate leaders on effective relationships with business, community, governmental and charitable organizations, and serves as a liaison with key influencer bodies, spanning advertising industry associations and the World Economic Forum. Her Board memberships include the Advertising Educational Foundation, the American Advertising Federation and the New York Pops. She is President of the Board of Trustees of the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church, Chairman of the Baruch College Marketing Advisory Board, and on the Advisory Board of Naomi Berrie Center at Columbia University. A graduate of Hunter College, Nancy also completed graduate work in Psychology at Columbia University.
“Nancy has always been an active board member, pivotal in advancing our organization,” Girven said. “She has done so much for JLHA, from serving as Chair of the Nominating Committee to introducing new board members and colleagues to our mission. Nancy personally knows many residents and staff at James Lenox House because she takes the time to participate in resident activities and gatherings. We are so proud to present her with the Lifetime Service Award.”
Emcee Sandy Kenyon is the entertainment reporter and movie critic for Channel 7 Eyewitness News. His popular entertainment reports can be seen weekdays on Eyewitness News This Morning and frequently on other Eyewitness News broadcasts. In addition, his reviews and feature reports appear each week in more than 6,000 NYC taxicabs as part of WABC-TV's Taxi TV. In addition to his own starring role in the Spring Blossoms Gala, Sandy is a special friend and advisor to JLHA.
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