One Mann's Opinion

Spring has finally sprung! What wonderful weather we’ve been having! From a less-than-snowy winter to beautiful rays of sunshine in spring. It’s a great time to be in New York City!

This month for our cover feature we’re profiling the wonderful people over at the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for food allergies. To represent FAI, we have some of its chairpeople: Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Abbey Braverman, and Roxanne Palin. As stated in the article, “Loyal donors and friends have made FAI the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research. To date, FAI has committed more than $75 million to research, clinical programs that improve diagnosis and treatment, public policy initiatives, and education programs.” As you know, there are many people who suffer from food allergies, especially young children, and the great advances FAI has made will surely bring about a cure. Turn to page 40 to learn more about FAI.

In addition to FAI, we also have profiles on fashion entrepreneur Ashley Turen, jack of all trades Cassandra Seidenfeld, dermatologist Dr. Bobby Buka, model Marcel Goodman, rabbi Mark Wildes, and restaurateurs Sabina and Lorraine Belkin.

Finally, I’d like to talk to you about a great show that’s appearing this month in New York. After its run of sold-out shows in January, Shen Yun Performing Arts returns to Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater with an unparalleled blend of energy, grace, and originality.

The New York-based Shen Yun is the first company to present classical Chinese dance on a global scale and has taken the world by storm, performing in over 100 cities. In a collection of vignettes, audiences journey from ancient legends to contemporary tales of courage, from the highest heavens to the dusty plateaus of the Middle Kingdom.

Shen Yun is traditional Chinese culture as it was meant to be experienced. Dozens of dancers in dazzling costumes move in seamless, flowing patterns. China’s ethnic and folk dance styles fill the stage with color and energy. A full, live orchestra blends East and West like no other. Thunderous battle drums, masterful vocalists, and spectacular backdrops transport you to another world. “Fantastic!” says Joy Behar, of ABC’s The View. “If you ever get a chance to see it, you should.”

Shen Yun will perform at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, April 18-22. Evening performances at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. For tickets and more information visit ShenYun2012.com/NYC or 1-800-818-2393 and see page 13.

Have a great spring! Enjoy the beautiful weather and make sure you hit the green for a great game of golf, you know I will!

Regards,
Jeff Mann

“Spring is when life’s alive in everything.”
—Christina Rossetti (1830–1894)