Where Design Meets Purpose – Inside the Philanthropic Power Driving Kips Bay’s Legacy
By Rachel Fasciani
The moment one steps through the doors of the Kips Bay Showhouse—whether in New York, Dallas or Palm Beach—the experience is immediate: immersive, layered and deeply considered. Each room tells a story. But the story behind the showhouse is even more compelling.
Begun in 1973, the showhouses are the organization’s flagship fundraising platform, expanding from New York to Dallas and Palm Beach.
At this year’s New York showhouse, designer Leyden Lewis layered references from French Art Deco to mid-century West African and Brazilian design, grounding his “Salon Analogue” in both cultural narrative and material innovation. Repurposed Tai Ping silk rugs and Nari Ward’s “Oh Freedom”—crafted from cast bronze shoelaces—anchored the space in both history and meaning.
But the real story of Kips Bay isn’t what’s seen—it’s what’s sustained.
Founded in 1915, Kips Bay Boys & Girls Club now serves more than 14,000 children annually—up from 12,000 just one year ago. The organization impacts entire families spanning programs such as performing arts, fine arts, sports, character and leadership, life skills and more.
This year, the President’s Dinner shifted its focus, featuring testimonials from parents rather than children. Nazira Handal, director of special events and corporate sponsorship, shared that testimonials from parents would bring the focus toward “how Kips Bay impacts their lives, not only through their children, but through scholarships, through knowing that they’re in a safe haven, having them know that they’re being guided,” she continued, “ if you have children, there’s nothing more than [having] peace of mind.”
Beyond after-school programming, the organization provides daily hot meals—often the only one a child receives—along with academic support, drug awareness education, on-site therapists and college readiness services. Handal points out that many in the industry and attending the showhouses are unaware that the organization provides these services as part of their commitment to improve outcomes for children in the Bronx.
For an industry often centered on aesthetics, Kips Bay remains a powerful reminder of design’s broader role—and responsibility. Central to that story is long-time industry leader Jim Druckman. Druckman has acted as the president and CEO of the New York Design Center at 200 Lexington since 1995, and serves as an established and deeply committed president of the Kips Bay Board. This year’s Gala honored him with a Lifetime Achievement Award and gave a fun nod to the NYDC’s 100th anniversary with a step-and-repeat featuring the building’s iconic sketch.
Accepting the award to a standing ovation, Druckman stated, “Thank you for this honor, and for continuing to support me in this collective endeavor of our industry. It has become integral to our professional community and more importantly, to the respective communities of children and families that Kips Bay serves.”
This year’s gala raised $1.65M, highlighting that while the showhouses and galas may be what draws the industry in, it’s the impact behind it that defines its value.
To support Kips Bay, explore opportunities here.
