(Photos by Andrew Werner)

French American Aid for Children (FAAFC) honored Philippe Oddou, co-founder and executive director of Sport dans la Ville, with the Simone Alibert Smith Award at its Fête de l’Opéra Comique gala at the Metropolitan Club in New York on Oct. 20, 2026.

The black-tie masquerade benefit supports underserved children and young people in France and the United States. It brought together Myriam Gil, the Deputy Consul General of France in New York, along with FAAFC grantees, sponsors, and members of the philanthropic community. The evening included a reception, dinner, opera performances, a live auction, and a pledge drive.

Soprano Alyson Cambridge, who has performed at The Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and Broadway, hosted the program and later performed the “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.” Gil opened the program with remarks on French-American friendship and FAAFC’s work since 1939, followed by a short film on the organization’s grantees.

Mezzo-soprano Tivoli Treloar, who is pursuing her Artist Diploma in Opera Studies at The Juilliard School, also performed, accompanied by pianist Giancarlo Llerena.

FAAFC co-presidents Jeri L. Sape and Wendy C. Weiler presented the award, which is named for the organization’s founder and first president. The award recognizes individuals whose work transforms a cause and whose legacy will uplift future generations. The previous recipient, Katherine Gage Boulud, vice president of the board of Spoons Across America, attended.

FAAFC was established in 1939 and began by assisting World War II efforts. It now provides grants addressing healthcare, nutrition, education, wellness, and physical and mental health.