The 2025 Quadrille Ball: A White-Tie Celebration of Transatlantic Tradition and Philanthropy
The 64th Annual Quadrille Ball returned to the historic Plaza Hotel in New York City, continuing its legacy as one of the most prestigious white-tie events dedicated to fostering German-American relations and supporting academic exchange. With an evening of ballroom elegance, fine dining, and a dazzling Quadrille performance, the event celebrated its enduring mission of cultural and educational philanthropy.
A Night of Elegance and Tradition
Held in the iconic Grand Ballroom, the Quadrille Ball showcased the traditional Quadrille dance, performed by young debutantes and their partners, symbolizing harmony and cultural unity. The evening commenced with an exclusive cocktail reception in the Terrace Room, followed by a gourmet dinner and live orchestra-led dancing. Guests later continued celebrations at the Küka Night Club, with late-night supper service and music by Central Park Orchestra.
Among the distinguished guests was Guest of Honor Ms. Lya Friedrich Pfeifer, President of the Max Kade Foundation, alongside His Excellency Till Knorn, Consul General of Germany in New York. The evening was directed by Gordon A. Cooper and Brian D. Hutchinson, ensuring a flawless presentation of the Quadrille tradition.
Philanthropy at the Core: The German-American Scholarship Fund
Proceeds from the Quadrille Ball directly benefit the German-American Scholarship Association (GASA) Scholarship Fund, which has provided over 700 scholarships since its inception. These stipends enable outstanding students to study or conduct research in the United States or Germany, fostering academic excellence and strengthening transatlantic partnerships.
With the support of corporate sponsors, private donors, and esteemed patrons, the 2025 Quadrille Ball awarded scholarships to 26 outstanding students.
2025 Key Sponsors & Benefactors:
Full Scholarship Sponsors: The Family of Dr. Karl Elling and The Mejean Family Foundation
Platinum Sponsors: The Bye Family, The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Foundation, and The Max Kade Foundation
Diamond Sponsors: The Max Kade Foundation, Mrs. Lya F. and Mr. Joseph Pfeifer, Dr. William Radin, and Dr. and Mrs. Andrew Shiva
Benefactors: Mr. Andrew Bevan, Mr. David Detjen, Dr. Barbara Elling, Ms. Bettina Elling, Mrs. Heide Herz, and Freiherr und Freifrau von Arnim
Notable Attendees
The 2025 Quadrille Ball welcomed a distinguished roster of guests, including Ms. Irmintraud J. Jost, Mr. Jean-Baptiste Kresser, Mr. Mark Bye, Mrs. Simone Bey, Dr. Corinne de Cholnoky, Prof. Jasmin Cowin, and Mr. Matthew Yokobosky, among many others from the realms of academia, philanthropy, and diplomacy.
A Timeless Celebration of German-American Friendship
For over six decades, the Quadrille Ball has been a symbol of unity between the United States and Germany, ensuring that future generations of scholars continue to build upon this rich transatlantic heritage.
For more information and to support the scholarship fund, visit www.quadrilleball.org.
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