On September 30, FRIENDS of the Upper East Side gathered for a special evening to present the 2025 Ambassador of the Upper East Side Award to Christian Keesee and Larry Keigwin. Honored for their remarkable contributions to the arts, culture, and historic preservation in New York City, the event celebrated their enduring impact on the cultural vitality of our neighborhood. More than 170 guests attended the celebration, which was filled with warmth, appreciation, and community spirit.

FRIENDS extends heartfelt thanks to our Honorary Chairs Amanda Burden, Emily Frick, Alexandra and Philip Howard, and Emily Rafferty for their generous support, as well as our Co-Chairs Jennifer van Beek and Alexander Howard, Catherine Dunn, Jason Herrick, Chase Landow, and Marc Porter for helping bring the evening to life. A highlight of the night was the presentation of the award by Axel Rüger, the Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Director of The Frick Collection, who honored the recipients for their shared vision and commitment to enriching New York’s cultural landscape.

 “We are delighted to honor Chris and Larry as longtime Upper East Siders, preservationists, and important contributors to the arts and culture of the city and beyond,” said Franny Eberhart, FRIENDS' Board President. “Their careful renovation of one of the oldest houses in the Upper East Side Historic District - built in 1862 – offers a perfect example of historically correct building restoration. Returning the building to its original splendor required deep research and vast attention to detail. The result enhances the block and the entire neighborhood.” The house, which they owned until 2023, inspired Mr. Keesee’s involvement with FRIENDS and his subsequent appointment to our Board of Directors in 2011. Over the past 14 years, he has been an engaged and generous supporter of FRIENDS’s work, with particular dedication to our Young FRIENDS educational program, which introduces students to the city’s architecture and history.

 Mr. Keesee in his acceptance speech said: “Having worked to preserve one house on one block in this district, Larry and I learned what goes into respecting and protecting the neighborhood’s historic and cultural treasures. We understand the immense efforts FRIENDS makes to preserve and enhance the Upper East Side and are honored to accept this award. We hope it encourages others to support the important work FRIENDS undertakes on the neighborhood’s behalf.”

ABOUT MR. CHRISTIAN KEESE AND MR. LARRY KEIGWIN

Mr. Keesee, a philanthropist, banker, and art collector, oversees his family office with investments in banking, energy, and philanthropy. He serves as Chairman of his family’s bank and foundations, and holds board positions with the Frick Collection, the Tate Americas Foundation, and the American Ballet Theatre (ex-officio).

Mr. Keigwin is an acclaimed choreographer, artistic director, and educator whose work spans ballet, modern dance, and Broadway. He leads his own dance company and has received commissions from prestigious organizations including the Paul Taylor Dance Company, Royal New Zealand Ballet, and The Martha Graham Dance Company. He also serves as Director of Dance and co-founder of the Green Box Arts Festival, and is Dance Editor at ArtDesk magazine.

Please click here to see the photos of the exciting night.

For more media coverage of the event:
New York Social Diary