Haute Scene NYC: The American Turkish Society Honors Chobani Founder & More

Muhtar Kent, Hamdi Ulukaya at the 2015 American Turkish Society Gala. ©Patrick McMullan== photo - Owen Hoffmann/PatrickMcMullan.com== ==
Muhtar Kent, Hamdi Ulukaya at the 2015 American Turkish Society Gala.
©Patrick McMullan==
photo – Owen Hoffmann/PatrickMcMullan.com

Last week, the American Turkish Society (ATS) honored Hüsnü Özyeğin, founder and Chairman of FIBA Holding as well as Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani, at their 2015 Gala. The posh event took place at The Pierre in New York City.

Honorary Gala Chair Mica Ertegun, ATS Chairman Murat Köprülü, Vice Chairman Lawrence Kaye and Executive Director Marie Stewart welcomed over 350 guests including Dr. Oz and his wife, Turkish Ambassador Halit Çevik and OIC Permanent Observer to the United Nations Ufuk Gökçen to the benefit evening.

The Coca-Cola Company Chairman & CEO and Dinner Chair Muhtar Kent presented Hamdi Ulukaya with The American Turkish Society’s Humanitarian Award and Hüsnü Özyeğin with the ATS Philanthropy Award for their significant contributions and moral commitment to improving the lives of so many throughout the world.

The atmosphere at The Pierre’s Grand Ballroom was completely transformed. The tables were decorated to reflect Ottoman inspired Turkish delights by the country’s leading designers including Guillaume Gentet, Dennis Rolland & L’OBJET, Edward D. Lobrano, Jack Levy, Tracy Stern and Randy Polumbo, Lukas Design Group and Robert Passal, Maggie Norris, Tümay Günaydın, DeBare Saunders and Ronald Mayne’s Stingray Hornsby Interiors.  Supporters including Abigail Rockwell, Susan White, Dan Weiss and Joan Kaye took in live performances by Joey Morant and the Lucky Chops during the night, which also included a delicious three-course dinner, silent and live auction, dancing and an after-party at Beautique.

In addition, the gala raised over $400,000.

ATS, which was founded in 1949, mission is to enhance business, economic and cultural ties between Turkey and the United States. For more information regarding one of the oldest, independent organizations visit AmericanTurkishSociety.org.

See photos from the event below.