The Museum of Modern Art New York, NY

In 2024, we are excited to once again be hosting the Gala on Thursday, January 18, 2024 at The Museum of Modern Art, often identified as one of the largest and most influential museums of modern art in the world. Along with live entertainment and an auction facilitated by the New York Bar Foundation, the spotlight of this BLACK-TIE OPTIONAL EVENT will be the presentation of the Gold Medal Award, the highest honor bestowed by the association, to Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security and partner at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP.

Cocktail Reception: 7:30pm-8:30pm
Dinner: 8:30pm-11:30pm

All guests should enter via the 53rd St entrance to MoMA which is a 2-minute walk from the Hilton Midtown. Guests will only need to provide their name during the check in process. 

We are excited to share that the 1880s – 1940s Gallery located on the 5th Floor of the museum will be open to Presidential Gala guests during the evening.

Jeh Johnson is a 2021 recipient of The American Lawyer’s Lifetime Achievement Award, as “[a]n American statesman [who] has devoted his career to the public interest.” In public life, he served as Secretary of Homeland Security (2013-2017), General Counsel of the Department of Defense (2009-2012), General Counsel of the Department of the Air Force (1998-2001) and as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York (1989-1991). In private law practice Secretary Johnson has been an experienced litigator and trial lawyer, and a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers. Since returning to Paul, Weiss in 2017, Secretary Johnson is co-chair of the firm’s Cybersecurity & Data Protection practice, and advises high-tech companies, private equity firms and government contractors on the legal aspects of cybersecurity, national security, data privacy, government relations, crisis management, high-stakes litigation and regulatory matters.

Join us for a silent and live auction hosted by the New York Bar Foundation. The silent auction will open online on January 8, 2024, and the live auction will take place during the Presidential Gala. Both auctions will feature amazing items and priceless experiences. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate through our online catalogue or in-person at the Gala. Your contributions will help us raise life-changing funds for the benefit of the New York Bar Foundation grant program and help fund access to legal services programs and other initiatives throughout New York State.  Help us fulfill our mission to serve vulnerable people throughout New York who need us.

A sneak preview and further details will be provided on this page, through social media and by email closer to the date of the event.

Anyone who would like to contribute an auction item should contact Deborah Auspelmyer, Foundation Executive, at [email protected]. We appreciate your support and assistance.

Danny Jonokuchi & The Revisionists are “today’s premier swing band” (Broadway World) from New York City. Fueled by a love of dancing, their music has been described as “smile-inducing” (DownBeat) as well as “crisp, clean, and refreshingly joyful” (Syncopated Times). Their new album, “Together Again” (2022), was released following their headlining performance at Lincoln Center’s Summer For The City Festival. In 2020, they were unanimously named the WINNERS of the inaugural Count Basie Great American Swing Contest for their virtual performance of “One O’Clock Jump”. Their inspired recording will be included in the upcoming Late Night Basie album, alongside a star-studded roster of artists paying tribute to the great Count Basie.