New York Social Diary: trading Black Friday for a Miracle on Madison Avenue

Forget the frenzy of Black Friday and the endless scrolling of Cyber Monday. This holiday season, why not embrace a truly joyful and meaningful way to shop: the annual Miracle on Madison Avenue on Saturday, December 6th.



The concept is simple and profoundly impactful: the more you shop, the more you give back.  20% of the day’s sales from participating retailers is donated directly to MSK Kids, the pediatric program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.  68 generous stores will participate in Miracle Saturday, creating a holiday season joie de vivre for all who partake.


MSK Kids

Claudia Overstrom, President of The Society, explains the significance of the day: “The Society of MSK is so grateful that MSK Kids, the largest pediatric cancer program in the world, will once again be the beneficiary of Miracle on Madison this year!  MSK treats over 800 new pediatric patients every year and families from around the country and the world come each year for its cutting edge treatments including its ground breaking clinical trials. No one does it like MSK Kids does it. So let’s all shop on Saturday for MSK Kids!”


Claudia Overstrom
Claudia Overstrom.

Jennifer Creel, Lesley Vescler, Tanya Taylor, Muffie Potter Aston, Matthew Bauer
Jennifer Creel, Lesley Vescler, Tanya Taylor, Muffie Potter Aston, and Matthew Bauer.
Tanya Taylor
Tanya Taylor.
Snacks and sweets at N.Peal.
Snacks and sweets at N.Peal.
The Carlyle holiday snacks.
The Carlyle holiday snacks.

A heartwarming experience every year, shoppers will be greeted with strolling holiday carolers, the beloved MSK Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team, and “Warm-up Cups” at hot beverage stations in front of select stores.


Members of the MSK Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team.
Dedicated members of the MSK Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team.

Members of the MSK Caring Canines Therapy Dog Team.

Left: Kelly Schaeffer with Caring Canines.
Left: Kelly Schaeffer with Caring Canines.
Elizabeth Kurpis, Lesley Vecsler, Alexendra Lind Rose
Elizabeth Kurpis, Lesley Vecsler, and Alex Lind Rose.
Sevda Kleinman, Jean Altier Bohm, Courtney Coleto
Sevda Kleinman, Jean Altier Bohm, and Courtney Coleto.

The Society stalwarts gather at a central location to kick the day off in high gear then spread out up and down the avenue spreading joy and the philanthropic spirit that is central to the mission.


Carlin Smith, Madeline Dolan, Alana Killian, Eleanora Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Robyn Joseph, Claudia Overstrom, Alexandra Lind Rose, Jean Altier Bohm, Charlotte Snyder, Amory McAndrew, Starrett Ringbom, Heather McAuliffe, Lesley Vecsler
Carlin Smith, Madeline Dolan, Alana Killian, Eleanora Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Robyn Joseph, Claudia Overstrom, Alexandra Lind Rose, Jean Altier Bohm, Charlotte Snyder, Amory
McAndrew, Starrett Ringbom, Heather McAuliffe, and Lesley Vecsler. Photographs by Andrew Werner.

Diane Crary, Ruth Fleischmann
Diane Crary and Ruth Fleischmann walk the Avenue.
Ralph Lauren Bear, Muffie Potter Aston
Muffie Potter Aston and he Ralph Lauren Bear embrace.

Founded in 1946 to raise funds for patient care, The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is composed of volunteers dedicated to promoting the well-being of patients, supporting cancer research, and providing public education on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer.


Jennifer Creel
Jennifer Creel.
Meghan with Elizabeth Pyne Singer.
Meghan Klopp with Elizabeth Pyne Singer.

This year, the glamour of Miracle on Madison is elevated by the presence of a dedicated host committee. As one of the esteemed Chairs, my DIL Meghan Klopp will be hosting at some of the Avenue’s most exquisite addresses: Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik, Carolina Herrera, and Boucheron. Anticipating what to wear to the event, and shopping the Avenue’s generous participating stores, is half the fun and truly encapsulates the spirit of the day!


Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, and Courtney Moss in front of Ralph Lauren Baby on Madison Avenue.
Karen Klopp, Hilary Dick, and Courtney Moss in front of Ralph Lauren Baby on Madison Avenue.

Ralph Lauren is one of the longest participants to the day and always our first stop: we marvel at the decor and pick up an elegant belted puffer coat. Then, it’s on to Tanya Taylor for a wrap faux leather skirt, which will be a wear-anywhere piece paired perfectly with boots and a cozy sweater. By evening, we’ll switch to a chic pair of slim black pants, topped with one of Veronica Beard‘s fantastic and festive tops. The enviable shoes and boots are brought to you by Manolo Blahnik and Jimmy Choo. Carolina Herrera‘s rosy clutch is high on my list, and of course, the enviable jewelry is courtesy of Boucheron and De Beers Diamonds. Santa, are you listening?

HoliDays to Night


Hilary has been a long serving member of The Society and Miracle on Madison. “Tis the season and this weekend is one of the best for shopping and giving in NYC. The Miracle on Madison is one of my favorite Holiday events. It is such fun to stroll down the Avenue shopping for loved ones while giving back to MSK kids. This year there are some new additions, some of which I have featured here. Favorite Daughter just opened and I love their jeans, sweaters and of course their hats. Ulla Johnson has always been a favorite of mine for their dresses, and I was happily surprised by their lovely accessories. So many shops to visit, I will have to start early!”

To Gift and Receive


What better way to align your holiday spending with the true message of the season than by making a direct, positive impact on the lives of children battling cancer? By choosing to participate in the Miracle on Madison, your purchase of a cashmere sweater, a stunning piece of jewelry, or a designer handbag becomes a lifeline of support, funding critical research and compassionate care.



Shoppers unable to make the event in person are invited to call participating retailers’ Miracle Personal Shoppers, whose details are listed on the Madison Avenue B.I.D. website. For a complete list of all participating stores, please click Here.


Carlin Smith, Madeline Dolan, Alana Killian, Eleanora Kennedy, Anna Kennedy, Robyn Joseph, Claudia Overstrom, Alexandra Lind Rose, Jean Altier Bohm, Charlotte Snyder, Amory McAndrew, Starrett Ringbom, Heather McAuliffe, Lesley Vecsler, Matt Bauer

Hilary Dick and Karen Klopp of What2WearWhere.com take the guesswork out of dressing, the legwork out of shopping, and the panic out of packing.©

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