NEWS - The English Ball 2008

    Martin Sullivan, OBE     Barbara Taylor Bradford, OBE           Vicki Downey

Martin J. Sullivan, OBE, the British-born President and CEO of AIG, the world's leading international insurance and financial services organization, and Barbara Taylor Bradford, OBE, the best-selling British novelist, were the honorees at the Society’s 2008 English Ball of the Roses on Friday, April 25, 2008 at the Rainbow Room in New York.

A member of the Society since 2001, Mr. Sullivan is also a member of the Advisory Council. Born in 1955, he was educated at Sydney Russell School in Dagenham, Essex, England, and joined American International Underwriters, a predecessor company of AIG, in 1971. In 2005 he was elected CEO of the global company.

Ms. Taylor Bradford, a native of Leeds, came to the US in 1964. After a career as a reporter and a syndicated columnist, she embarked on another as a highly successful novelist. She has published 23 books and received numerous awards and honorary degrees. She was an Ambassador for The March of Dimes in 1999.

The theme of the 2008 gala was the English Rose – an emblematic flower with subtle allusions not only to horticulture but also English history and literature. The effort was chaired by Vicki Downey. The Rainbow Room is an iconic Manhattan interior space with a maximum seating capacity of 350.

British television presenter Tim Vincent was the Master of Ceremonies. The Knights of Spamalot made a guest appearance during the cocktail reception. Dr. Henry Kissinger, statesman and former US Secretary of State, introduced Martin Sullivan, OBE.

Be sure to return to this page presently for updated news of this year's successful event, and for news of the 2009 English Ball!

AUCTION VIEW The Live and Silent Auctions During the English Ball of the Roses, there were silent and live auctions, offering incredible items at competitive prices.  Click here to see some of the highlights of the evening