The award, which will also be presented to Offit Hall Capital Management CEO Morris W. Offit, is presented annually to "individuals in recognition and appreciation of their abiding interest in the development, enrichment and support of the arts." The Town Hall Friend of the Arts Award was established in 1981. Since that time it has been given to actors, business leaders and legislators. Among its previous recipients are Tony Bennett, Andrea Marcovicci, Dizzy Gillespie, Jane Alexander, Eli Wallach, Beverly Sills, Jacques D’Amboise, Joseph Papp, Muriel Siebert, Vincent Sardi Jr., Bobby Short and Wendy Wasserstein.

The Oct. 24 gala will feature cocktails, dinner, the awards presentation and a concert featuring performers from the world of cabaret. Cocktails and dinner will be served at the Princeton Club.

Sheldon Harnick is best known for his award-winning lyrics to such musicals as Fiddler on the Roof, She Loves Me, The Apple Tree, Fiorello! and The Rothschilds. He also penned book, music and lyrics for Dragons. She Loves Me, his musical with frequent collaborator Jerry Bock, will be presented this season at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse.

Tickets for the event are priced at $500 per pair. Town Hall is located in Manhattan at 123 West 43rd Street. Visit www.the-townhall-nyc.org for more information.