Discover Kazakhstan Gala

Patrick McMullan

On February 16, 2012, Academy Award nominated actress Sigourney Weaver hosted the Discover Kazakhstan Gala at the iconic New York Public Library. The event aimed to celebrate Kazakhstan's rich cultural heritage, treating guests to an evening of traditional Kazakh entertainers while also hosting a live chairty auction for "The Alem Program," of the Saby Charitable Foundation—an initiative that provides children and adults the opportunity to realize their full potential, both intellectually and creatively, regardless of where they live. President of the Saby Charitable Foundation, Aselle Tasmagambetova, must have been pleased as proceeds from the gala's live auction raised over $1 million that evening.

The live auction included five one-of-a-kind Kazakh-inspired jewelry pieces created specifically for the event by the some of the world's most renowned jewelry houses: Chopard, Chatila, De Grisogono, Avakian and Jacob & Co.

Highlights from the event included recording artist Robin Thicke turning an intimate performance into an impromptu dance floor while Raquel Castro of NBC's The Voice performed with two Kazakh singers. Caroline Kennedy inspired the crowd with moving words about a recent family trip to the region and spoke about this being a big year for celebration: Kazakhstan’s 20th year of independence, the 50th anniversary of her father’s presidency, and her 25th wedding anniversary. Avatar co-stars Sigourney Weaver and Michelle Rodriguez were also a big draw.

The Discover Kazakhstan Gala was produced by celebrity event planner Colin Cowie to great success.