The anticipated charity gala for the organization Angels Helpers, co-founded by Bernard Adams and Alisa Roever, faced significant controversy when it was abruptly canceled just hours before its scheduled start. With ticket prices soaring to $11,000, the gala promised an engaging evening featuring speeches from notable figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams. However, confusion reigned as some ticket holders reported a lack of communication regarding the cancellation, raising questions about the organization’s logistical management and customer service.
On the morning of the event, guests arrived at the originally planned venue, the Harmonie Club on the Upper East Side, only to discover that the gala had been called off weeks earlier. While Angels Helpers maintained that all prospective guests had been notified, reports suggested that at least one attendee only learned of the cancellation upon arriving in the city. Additionally, it was claimed that ticket purchasers were given the option of receiving a refund or holding their seats for a future date. Yet, the absence of a new schedule left many feeling blindsided and frustrated.
Furthermore, the charity’s website was still promoting ticket sales on the day of the cancellation, which only fueled discontent among prospective attendees. The website’s message indicated postponement due to “unforeseen circumstances” but lacked clarity regarding a rescheduled date or venue, leaving many to wonder about the transparency and reliability of the organization.
In the aftermath of the canceled gala, both Bernard Adams and Alisa Roever attempted to clarify the situation. Roever noted that attendance was low, which may have influenced the decision to cancel the gala. She asserted that notifications were sent through personal channels, such as WhatsApp, to close acquaintances who had bought tickets. However, differing accounts of how and when people were informed about the cancellation painted a picture of miscommunication and disorganization.
Legal representatives for the charity argued that efforts were made to reach out to all potential attendees through calls rather than simply relying on email notifications. The organization’s insistence that “everyone has been refunded” contrasts with the stories of confused attendees, creating a dissonance that highlights a troubling disconnect in the charity’s operational practices.
Adding another layer to the unfolding drama, Roever’s social media activity raised eyebrows. Just the night before the gala was set to occur, she shared posts celebrating Italian heritage month at Gracie Mansion alongside Mayor Adams—a familiar sight, as the mayor often features prominently on her social media accounts. The juxtaposition of Roever’s celebratory posts and the chaos surrounding the gala cancellation elicited questions about priorities and commitment to the charity’s cause.
While Roever was mingling in high-profile circles, many saw a lack of attention or seriousness towards the gala that was meant to uplift the arts and culture among New York City’s youth. Instead of focusing on the commitments made to donors and patrons, social media feeds celebrated social connections, which some found disconcerting.
Angels Helpers’ journey is turbulent, marked by complications and ethical questions stemming from Bernard Adams’ previous role as the mayor’s head of security. A prior investigation into nepotism and potential conflicts of interest led to a scaled-back role for Adams in the administration, which undoubtedly casts a shadow over this new charity endeavor. Having stepped down from city duties in February 2023 and establishing Angels Helpers in March 2024, the organization now faces a test of credibility.
This incident serves as a crucial moment for the charity; it must navigate the backlash while demonstrating its commitment to transparency and genuine service to its cause. With its mission focused on providing children with access to the arts, the expectation is that Angels Helpers will prioritize effective organization and communication moving forward.
As the charity prepares for an eventual rescheduling of the gala, it faces the challenge of restoring faith among past supporters and potential patrons. Whether the Angels Helpers can turn this debacle into a learning opportunity will be a testament to their capacity for growth and enduring dedication to their stated mission.