Gillian Hearst Engaged, Social Set Celebrates Diwali and Charity Events
From a society wedding engagement to modern Diwali celebrations and a charity gala, the social scene was active.
Gillian Hearst and her music executive boyfriend, Ryan Jansen, are engaged. Jansen proposed in front of their children at Patsy’s restaurant before the couple celebrated at the Nexus Foundation kickoff party in Tribeca.
A source told Page Six that both Hearst and Jansen were "over the moon" and shared that their children were emotional when the proposal occurred. The celebration at Nexus Club included Nexus CEO Christopher Anand, Alex Hamer, Timo Wiland, Lara Meiland-Shaw, and venue directors Scott Bucheitt and Naeem Delbridge, who toasted the couple with a rare bottle of Dom Perignon. Hearst's childhood friend, Laura Kornhauser, attended despite being nine months pregnant.
The Nexus Foundation event marked the kickoff for their fall charity initiative, "Broadway and Bowties," scheduled for November 9. The event aims to support Broadway for Arts Education and will feature performances by Questlove, Chris Hardwick, and Billy Porter.
Elsewhere, actress Avantika Vandanapu hosted a modern Diwali celebration at Maxwell Social in Tribeca. Vandanapu, 21, known for her role in Mindy Kaling's series “Not Suitable for Work,” offered a contemporary take on the Hindu festival of lights. The event featured "Chai-tinis," sweets from Flutter Butter Bakery, and adornments from Maalicious Jewelry. DJ Nava provided music blending Bollywood and modern sounds, while guests included digital personality Apoorva Mukhija, singer Sheena Melwani, beauty entrepreneur Arshia Moorjani, comedian Kanan Gill, and publicist Neerja Patel.
In other social news, humorist Gary Janetti was fined $500 at the God’s Love We Deliver Golden Heart Awards held at St. John the Divine. Auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla implemented a rule fining attendees whose cardboard bid paddles were found on the floor. Janetti, present with his husband, stylist Brad Goreski, reportedly paid the fine and more. The gala honored Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Andrew Scott, and Misty Copeland, and raised $4 million to support feeding New Yorkers with illnesses.
Singer Sheryl Lee Ralph was honored with the International Humanitarian Award at the American Friends of Jamaica’s Hummingbird Gala at the Plaza Hotel. Ralph performed Jamaica's national anthem, "Jamaica, Land We Love," describing it as a childhood prayer. The gala was among the last events held at the Plaza before its scheduled renovation in January.
Power lawyer David Hryck celebrated his birthday at Zero Bond with a party featuring Fugees producer Jerry “Wonda” Duplessis on guitar. Attendees included Sandra Lee, Nikki Haskell, and violinist Miri Ben-Ari. Publicist Kelly Cutrone toasted Hryck, thanking him for his discretion and legal services. Also present were ballerina Christine Shevchenko and David Hryck.
At another event, Gale Brophy launched her caviar brand, Strike the Gold Caviar, at Zoi Nomad. Rapper 50 Cent was also in attendance, promoting his Champagne and a new "Street Fighter" character. A source reported that Brophy was asked to leave after spending an extended period talking with 50 Cent. Guests at the launch event were reportedly served 3 kilograms of caviar. Notable attendees included A Boogie Wit da Hoodie, Candace Bushnell, and former Mayor Eric Adams. 50 Cent later continued the festivities at club Ten11.