All photos by Reuvain Leider.
The annual Sensi6 Gala was held last week in New York on June 2 at 23 Wall Street. The event included a silent auction with works by Israeli artists like Yigal Ozeri, Miriam Cabessa, and Elinor Milchan. The auction, orchestrated by Christie’s’ Adrien Meyer, raised approximately $250,000 for Leket Israel, Israel’s largest National food bank. Sensi was founded in 2004, with the impetus of bringing together a younger generation of givers at an annual for a different beneficiary each year. Whitewall was the media sponsor of the gala and spoke with one of Sensi’s founders, Daniella Kahane to find out more.
WHITEWALL: Leket Israel is the beneficiary of the Sensi6 Gala this year, which took place on June 2. How did you find out about Leket Israel and why did you want to have funds raised from this year's annual gala go to Leket Israel?
DANIELLA KAHANE: We found out about Leket Israel through one of our long time Sensi committee members but like all other interest charities, they had to fill out a questionnaire and go through our selection process, which allows us to assess in addition to what a charity does, how efficiently they do it, what their overhead:output ratio is, and whether or not they have the infrastructure to be able to support our event. We like to work with organizations that really stand to benefit from a one off event, both in terms of awareness and funds raised. After carefully reviewing Leket's history, annual budget, and operations, we felt very excited by what they were accomplishing in Israel and how they have grown into such a thriving and visionary organization in such a short period of time. Through employing thousands of volunteers, as well as through taking a pre-existing resource, rather than spending money on creating a new resource, they are able to rescue thousands of tons of food from going to waste and feed thousands of people all throughout Israel.
WW: Sensi’s past galas have always engaged its guests through the five senses - what is in store at this year's event? Do you have a favorite sense to engage?
DK: Every year we create an event that appeals to the five senses through an art auction, a wine tasting, dinner, music, and a luxury raffle, representing touch. The sixth sense is the sense to give, thus comes the aspect of charity. This year we featured contemporary Israeli artists, as well as Israeli wines, some of which came from boutique wineries that we imported specially from Israel, as well as a market fresh, farm fresh dinner from Scoop & Co., and a luxury raffle including over ten packages valued at $1000 or higher. Because our ultimate goal is to raise as much money as possible for the beneficiary organization and keep the costs of our event down as low as we can, our favorite sense to engage is definitely the sixth: the sense to give.
WW: The auction this year, conducted by Vice President and Specialist at Christie's Adrien Meyer, includes artworks donated by Israeli artists. Why was it important to focus on Israeli artists this year?
DK: The Sensi6 event is set up to show off the organization we have chosen, and what it represents. We therefore build the event around the beneficiary organization. Since this year's beneficiary is an Israeli organization, we decided to feature contemporary Israeli artists. Despite Israel's tiny size (roughly the size of New Jersey), and the turmoil that it deals with on a political, defensive, and military front, it is remarkable how much art and culture has grown out of its existence. We hope to honor that creation and expression of art through our auction tonight.
WW: Sensi6 was founded in 2004. What were you hoping to create?
DK: When we founded the organization we wanted to create charity events that were hip and fun, but that also gave people what to engage with, and connected people with the organization that they came out to support. We did not want to simply be another young leadership group that asked people for their $100 and gave them a reason to socialize and get drunk. We wanted to create an event that people could walk away from and say that they experienced something different. We wanted to cater an event that would awaken their senses and compel people to want to give.
WW: How has Sensi6 evolved since then?
DK: Since 2004 Sensi6 has grown into itself as a cause and a recognizable name. The concept of the six senses was something that we came to in 2007, when we officially branded ourselves as Sensi6. But we have also grown in our ability to distinguish ourselves as a group of individuals who share an affinity towards the arts and culture, and a desire to give.
WW: You work with organizations that need help strengthening their presence in the US. How do you hear about these organizations and what makes them a good fit for Sensi6?
DK: In the beginning we approached the charity to pitch them our event, but since that first event in 2004, charities have been approaching us. There are so many worthy causes and of course very limited funds so it’s no surprise that we have charities lining up. All we require from them is the willingness to partner with us in creating the most successful event we possibly can for them. If they are small enough that they do not already have a lay-leadership or internal, professional group planning events for them, but large enough that they have a website, 501c3 status, and a back office infrastructure we will consider them as a beneficiary. After that, its about determining what our audience will connect with and also what organizations are really serving primary needs.
WW: Where did your "sixth" sense for giving come from?
DK: My mother, who is a child psychologist, often says, the gifts that you are given are easiest to give. For me, the sense to give comes from the home, from a value system deeply imbedded within the Jewish tradition and I believe within the human spirit. When you have been given to, you want to give back. That is what we are calling the sixth sense... it is that inexplicable drive to want to do for others, to want to reach out and help another person in need, to give of oneself, and to open one's heart to another.
