New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodón and his wife, Ashley, are hosting the third annual Willow Gala on August 24 to support families navigating infertility and pregnancy loss. This year marks the event's debut in New York City, having previously been held in Greenwich, Connecticut.
The couple founded the gala after their own experiences with pregnancy loss. Their goal for the event is to raise $1 million to help couples afford fertility treatments, including in vitro fertilization (IVF). The gala will be held at Skylight at The Refinery and is anticipated to draw a significant number of baseball stars. Among those expected to attend are teammates Aaron Judge, Gerrit Cole, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Anthony Volpe.
The event will honor advocates Samantha and the late Kyle Busch. Musical performances will be provided by Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, and comedian Casey Balsham is also slated to perform.
In other notable events, a top Pilates instructor reported that many male athletes are secretly investing in private lessons, with some paying up to $25,000 annually. Aly Berger, founder of Mason Pilates, stated that a majority of her private clients are now male athletes who find Pilates to be a rigorous discipline. Berger's new members-only studio in Tribeca, set to open this fall, is designed with a more residential aesthetic and will feature amenities such as a sauna, cold plunge, and lounge area.
Sightings from the past week include Knicks captain Jalen Brunson's wife, Ali, teaching a fitness class in New York City, and actress Annette Bening and musician YOSHIKI attending an event at Cipriani. Attorney Arthur Aidala was seen at Rao's, while Katie Holmes and her boyfriend Jason Bard Yarmosky attended a Ferragamo dinner in Bridgehampton.
Separately, New York City influencer Kate Halley has designed a scrunchie that dispenses dog poop bags. The 25-year-old, who previously gained viral attention after an assault in Manhattan and documented her real estate ventures, is focusing on pet-related products with her brand, Bar Dog. The scrunchies are priced at $15 and were set to drop on July 30.
Comedian Chanel Omari performed at a comedy show in Manhattan's East Village, where fellow comedian Seaton Smith also took the stage. Attendees included Richie Romero and Jonathan “Foodgod” Cheban. Omari referred to herself as "Barbra Streisand on crack" during her set.
Sydney Sadick's Spotlight Magazine celebrated its new issue featuring Alexa Ray Joel, with notable guests including Christie Brinkley, Sailor Brinkley Cook, and Candace Bushnell. Meanwhile, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Steven Ogg, and Anna Delvey were among the attendees at the Watermill Center Benefit.
Actor Phillip James Brannon, who recently garnered acclaim for his role as Abraham Lincoln in "Oh Mary!," was seen grabbing a sandwich from Pret A Manger between matinee and evening performances.
Cruz Beckham, son of Victoria and David Beckham, performed with his band, The Breakers, at a Brooklyn venue. "Friends" star David Schwimmer was reportedly in attendance. Cruz's debut EP, "Wear & Tear," is scheduled for release on August 21. His brother, Romeo Beckham, was recently announced as a model for Tommy Hilfiger.
"Les Miserables: The Arena Concert Experience" held an alumni night featuring original cast members and performers who have played various roles in the production. Patti LuPone, who originated the role of Fantine in the 1985 London production, performed "I Dreamed a Dream" and "On My Own." The concert utilizes the Sphere Immersive Sound system and is scheduled to run until August 9.