The Junior League of New York honors Ms. Mary J. Blige

By Laura Medina

Lisa Hathaway Stella (NYJL President), left. Honoree Mary J. Blige, middle. Mistress of ceremonies Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), right.

As winter loosens its grip on the Big Apple, New York Junior League awarded Ms. Mary J. Blige with Award for Leadership and Excellence at the organization’s 59^th Annual Winter Ball, to be held at the historic Plaza Hotel on Saturday, March 5, 2011.

They recognized Ms. Blige's work for her The Mary J. Blige and Steve Stoute Foundation For the Advancement of Women Now (FFAWN), which she founded with music and branding impresario Steve Stoute in 2007. FFAWN (www.ffawn.org) is an organization dedicated to helping women overcome their personal difficulties and reach their full potential in life. FFAWN assists women through a range of programs that encourage women to realize their dreams and pursue their individual goals.

Five hundred guests showed to witness the nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter, record producer and actress being presented with her award. The Winter-themed ball, "Elegance Throughout Time," at the Plaza, celebrated the last hurrah of what was a bone-chilling season.

The sponsors included Van Cleef & Arpels and Moet Hennessy. Auction items include a Prada bag from the Spring 2011 Collection, a diamond pendant designed by Patricia Daughn, an exclusive golf outing for four at one of Trump Golf’s world-renowned courses, a seven-night stay at the Leading Hotels of the World’s Royal Myconian or Myconia Imperial Hotel in Greece, and a two-night stay for two at the Montage Deer Valley Hotel and Resort.