New York Social Diary - Party Pictures

2013 Family Benefit Co-Chairs Beth Kojima, Tina Samii, Katerina Alevizaki-Dracopoulos, Amanda Waldron, Andrea Olshan, and Daisy Prince with Library President Anthony W. Marx

On Sunday, January 27, The New York Public Library welcomed guests to its medieval-themed 2013 Family Benefit, A Quest for Adventure! Library President Anthony W. Marx and the Benefit Co-Chairs Katerina Alevizaki-Dracopoulos, Beth Kojima, Andrea Olshan, Daisy Prince, Tina Samii, and Amanda Waldron oversaw the transformation of the Library's historic Astor Hall, in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building on Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street, into a wonderland for knights, princesses, wizards, and jesters. Families enjoyed live performances by WonderSpark Puppets and musical duo Rowan and the Rose, as well as arts and crafts, festive food, and, of course, animated readings.

The annual Family Benefit raises critical funds to support services and programs for children in the Library's 87 neighborhood branches, which serve millions of children and teens every year.

Astor Hall

Attendees enjoyed musical performances throughout the event

A happy attendee

Alexander, Lauren, and Julian Silverman

One of the festive performers at the event

The Library Shop was transformed into Booklandia, where children listened to stories

The Shields of the Shire craft station

The Hats in the Belfry craft station

Attendees watched puppet shows in the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room

Shira Bressler and Rachel Blumenthal

On Thursday, January 24, 2013, The New York Landmarks Conservancy held a reception to kick off its 40th Anniversary, at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, located within the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House, at Bowling Green. Five hundred guests attended to honor the work of the Conservancy, which has helped to save thousands of homes, nonprofit and religious institutions throughout New York.

In 1973, after the Alexander Hamilton U.S. Custom House was left vacant, the New York Landmarks Conservancy worked with U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan to move the Museum of the American Indian into the building. The Conservancy began with large, single projects like the Custom House--the first building the Conservancy saved--and preventing the demolition of the historic Fraunces Tavern Block in Lower Manhattan.

Conservancy President, Peg Breen, Landmarks Commission Chair, Robert Tierney, Conservancy Chair, Stuart Siegel, and Living Landmark, Liz Smith

Elizabeth Stribling, Guy Robinson, and Peg Breen

Throughout its 40 years, the Conservancy has grown and built an experienced technical staff, focused on financial assistance programs with a total of $40 million in loans and grants to more than 1,500 restoration projects totaling $1 billion. The Conservancy was created to go beyond advocacy and actually help restore historic buildings, and it’s the only group in New York that offers a range of assistance to achieve this restoration.

Most recently it has given emergency grants to landmark non-profits and religious institutions damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

Councilmember Gale Brewer, Kate Daly, Robert Tierney, and Mark Silberman

The Conservancy is a respected advocate for preservation at all levels of government. It helped initiate the stabilization of buildings on the south side of Ellis Island; landmark the great public rooms of The Plaza, and serves as a leading proponent of Moynihan Station. Most recently, the Conservancy is fighting to protect landmark quality buildings near Grand Central that are threatened by the Midtown East Rezoning proposal.

By saving homes, cultural, social and religious sites, and preserving neighborhoods, the Conservancy provides local jobs, promotes tourism and enhances New York’s quality of life. Hailed as a national model of enlightened and effective preservation, the Conservancy goes beyond the expected and sets new standards for the conservation of treasured landmarks, revitalizing architecturally significant structures and contributing to a “greener” City.

For more information, visit www.nylandmarks.org.

Margery Flannigan, Peg Breen, and Anne VanIngen

Liz Smith and Alexa Hampton

Otis Pearsall, Nancy Pearsall, Tom Chittenden, Alex Herrera, and Jane McGroarty

Andrew Dolkart and Carol Willis

Carol Clark, William Bardel, and Susan Henshaw Jones

Bruce Knecht, Ronne Fisher, and George Brandt

Cristabel Gough and Frannie Eberhart

Kathryn Berry and Walter Deane

The Parkinson's Disease Foundation held its annual CARNAVAL at Slate (54 West 21st Stret) this past Wednesday evening. There was live entertainment by DJ Brenda Black, as well as Samba dancing and a silent and live auction and buffet dinner.

They honored Peter Dorn, a longtime member of PDF's board and a creator of CARNAVAL. Co-chairs were Stephanie Goldman-Pittel, Sharon Klein, Amy Sole, Doug Stern and Jeffrey Zygler. The Parkinson's Disease Foundation (PDF) is the first national not-for-profit organization to focus on Parkinson's Disease. It was founded by William Black, founder of Chock Full O'Nuts.

Samba dancing ...

Mark Thompson, Barry Schmitt, Dianne Oplinger, and Travis Sittig

Lori Durakis, Kathy Titakin, Nick Titakin, Tom Durakis, and Joe Fontana

Samantha Pittel, Justin Pittel, Lisa Meyers, and Stephanie Pittel

DJ Brenda Black

PDF works for nearly 1 million people in the US who live with Parkinson's, by funding scientific research while supporting people who live with Parkinson's by providing educational programs and services.

Debbie Janoff, Peter Dorn, and Allan Janoff

Margaux Minutolo and Alexis Cortese

Stacey Schmitt, Robyn Hempel, and Cindy Kavrik

Mary Goldschlager, Ted Goldschlager, and Nancy Ozelli

Doug Stern, Russell Stern, and Jennifer Stern

Jack and Doreen Barry

Eddi Pelto, Alexandra Garreno, and Jeff Zygler

Carole and Al Goldberg

David Blomquist, Christiana Thurton, and James Beck

Shonelle Collins, Sanida Lukovic, and Christiana Thurton

Lauren Hayes and Beth Kroncke

Zac Stern and Doug Stern

Jen and Stephen Cummings

Amy Sawransky and David Weingarten

Jack Borenstein and Dawn Guzzetta

Meaghan Looram, James Looram, and Mary Looram

Mardi Schecter, Amy Sole, and Kathy Younkins

Amy Kos, Jay Kos, and Carole Goldberg

Tina Swierad and Anna Jurgowski

Russell and Jennifer Presgraves

Nancy Ozelli and Vanessa Fontana

On Tuesday January 29th over 40 environmentally-concerned New Yorkers gathered for the dinner launch of Urbangreenwalk, an organization dedicated to educating and inspiring the public on what they can do to have a less harmful impact on the environment. The dinner, at LOI restaurant, was hosted by Jessica Mezzacappa and Ellie Libby. Urbangreenwalk, the brainchild of founder Steven McClure, will create a museum-style video installation in the windows of such high-end fashion retailers such as Ralph Lauren, Burberry and Marc Jacobs and will highlight local not-for-profits making a difference in Green initiatives such as urban farming, solar power, and cleaning our waterways.

Amongst those enjoying the delicious Green and Greek treats from Chef Mary Loi, who has cooked at the White House and won many awards for her fare were: Steven McClure, Jessica Mezzacappa and John Zieman, Melinda Hackett, Cricket Burns, Leslie Stevens, Ellie and Jim Libby, Leslie Barrett , Don Evans, Gene Norden, Susan Singer, Michael Stern, and Joyce Green.

Urbangreenwalk's main event will start on Earth Day, April 20,2013 and be open to the public for the full week. For more information visit www.urbangreenwalk.org.

Steven McClure, Lelsey Schultz, and Michael Stern

Paige Zelinsky, Christine Evans, and Katie Manko

Jessica Mezzacappa

Carmen Rodriguez, Christine Main, Jill Labert, and Sue Orchant

John Zieman and Dana Lowey

Nicole Caltum, Sam Naimiarfa, and Michela Pontin

Jessica Mezzacappa and Ellie Libby

Jim Libby

Leslie Stevens and John Zieman

Dana Lowey and Cricket Burns

Beth Ann Bonanno and Ganon Brosseau

Steve Diamond and Susan Towers

This past Wednesday night at Alice Tully Hall they held the premiere of "House of Cards," a new series especially produced for Netflix customers. The series which is about the behind-the-scenes in Washington social/poltical life, is Netflix's venture into original programming. The series stars Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Michael Gill and Mahershala Ali.

Samantha Mathis

Natasha Lyonne

Sakina Jaffrey

Nathan Darrow

Carla Gugino

Sandrine Holt

Sebastian Arcelus

Victor Garber

Tanner Williams

Joel Schumacher

Michael Dobbs

Kate and Rooney Mara

Carrie MacLemore

Boris McGiver

Michael and Karen Kelly

Beau Willimon

Kevin Kilner

George Stephanopoulos

Mahershala Ali

Constance Zimmer

Wass Stevens

Francie Swift

Josh Lucas

Peter Cincotti

Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey

Brian Zitka

Thomas Roberts and Patrick Abner

Soledad O'Brien

Taylor Schilling

Jane Atkinson

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com;Chris Jorda (The New York Public Library); David Dupuy/www.AnnieWatt.com (urbangreenwalk); Susan Scovill (The Academy of Notre Dame).

Matthew Owens, Kipton Cronkite, Elizabeth Kneiling, Rebecca Regan, Clay Floren, and Melanie Lazenby

Last Thursday night at the Winter Antiques Show at the Park Avenue Armory, they held the Young Collectors Night, hosted by Wendy Goodman and benefiting the East Side House Settlement.

Elizabeth Kurpis and Lily Hoagland

Meaghan Gefaell, Eiseley Tauginas, and Elizabeth Bishop

Jeremiah Brent, Kelly Dehun, Nate Berkus, and Wendy Goodman

Amy Fine Collins and Michael Leva

Becca Bull, Alisa Richter, Mollie Ruprecht, and Kristen Crophy

Todd Henderson, Deborah Canavos, Ryan Lally, and Lindsay Lally

Rachael Robison, Adam Robison, and Valaer Van Roijen

Michael Arguello and David Griffin

Nicole Davis, Michael Davis, Jill Goldberg, and Eddie Ross

Lana Smith and Polina Proshkina

David Usborne, Tony Ingrao, and Juan Carretero

Eyal Arad, Kipton Cronkite, Matthew Owens, and Clay Floren

Emily Israel Pluhar, John Sanchez, and Courtney Booth

Whitney Larkin and Sam Wathen

Beth Holman, Jay Lohmann, Lindsey Harper, Chris Kerr, and Elissa Coughlin

Liliana Cavendish and Courtney Booth

John Call and Jill Goldberg

Stephen Wein and Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

Lisa Yom, Jesper Lannung, and Karen Moreau

Whitney Wolfe, Monica Ferguson, Clay Floren, and Sharon Sharma

Barbara Bispham, Lucinda Ballard, and Morgan Breck

Kate Frank and Norman Rau

Shannon Hale, Dawne Marie Grannum, and Courtney Booth

Tara Tunney and Melissa Epperly

Elena Frampton, Kate Verner, and Carolyn Sollis

Stephanie Pistilli

Mili Narayen

Micaela English and Kate Erickson

Meaghan Gefaell, Jason Gefaell, Nick Kotchoubey, and Eiseley Tauginas

Georgina Schaeffer and Jason Oliver Nixon

Christopher Wolf and Alexandra Pethtel

Rebecca Regan, Clay Floren, and Melanie Lazenby

Victoria Tolembiovskiya, Cameron Shay, and Anastasiya Siro

Lizzy Fraser and Mollie Ruprecht

Montana Timchula, Alisa Wood, Alastair Wood, Monica Ferguson, and Sharon Patel

The Komansky Center for Children’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center’s Third Annual Plates for Pediatrics dinner raised nearly $600,000 to support the center’s children’s programs. The sold-out event, hosted by Max Mara, drew over 300 attendees to the St. Regis Hotel New York on January 31, 2013.

The event, hosted by Dr.Gerald Loughlin, Pediatrician-in-Chief at the Komansky Center for Children’s Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, along with the Pediatric Support Committee and the Children’s Advisory Council, raised funds for several children’s programs: Child Life Services, a program that helps alleviate children’s fears surrounding the hospital experience; Pediatric Simulation Center, a multidisciplinary approach to clinical education, research, and patient safety initiatives; and The Perinatal Center, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to fetal diagnoses, counseling and care.

Ammara Yaqub, Travis Acquavella, Candice Postel, Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Mary Alice Stephenson, Erica Samuels, Thayer Fox, Amie Nuttall, and Maria Giulia Maramotti

In addition to enjoying dinner and cocktails, guests also participated in a silent auction of a series of unique dinner plates curated by Art & Advisory, LLC. The plates weredesigned and painted by artists Luke Stettner, David Shrigley and Matthew Brannon. Two plates painted by patients of the Komansky Center for Children’s Health were also on display.

Guests included Honorary Chair Mary Alice Stephenson; Maria Giulia Maramotti, Max Mara Retail Director for North America; Dr. Steven J. Corwin, CEO of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; Dr. Laura Forese, Chief Operating Officer and Group Senior Vice President at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell; Lisa Perry, Patricia Herrera Lansing, Jeffrey Bilhuber, Alexis Bryan Morgan, Jill Kargman, Allison Aston and event co-chairs Ammara Yaqub and Hussein Malik, Erica and Joseph Samuels, Travis and Nicholas Acquavella, Thayer and Daniel Fox, Amie and Scott Nuttall, Camille Orme and Marc Trevino, and Candice and Geoff Postel.

Camille Orme, Erica Samuels, Travis Acquavella, Candice Postel, Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Ammara Yaqub, Thayer Fox, and Amie Nuttall

Dr. Steven Corwin, Dr. Laura Forese, Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Mary Alice Stephenson, and Maria Giulia Maramotti

Dr. Dix Poppas, Lucas Hyman, Preethi Davis, Dr. Gerald Loughlin, and Dr. Robbyn Sockolow

Blair Clarke and Gretchen Gunlocke

Blair Clarke and Maria Giulia Maramotti

Mary Alice Stephenson and Dr. Gerald Loughlin

Dr. Barry Kosofsky, Dr. Robbyn Sockolow, and Dr. Mark Souweidane

Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Dr. Laura Forese, Barbara Loughlin, and Dr. Steven Corwin

Lydia Marshall, Dolly Bross Geary, Travis Acquavella, and Celia Nichols

Shawna and Preethi Davis

Thayer Fox

Mindy Webster and Valerie Aston

Thomas Ciecierega, Dr. Robbyn Sockolow, Bruce Greenwald, and Dr. Vesta Salehi

Catherine McGuinn, Christine Joyce, Elisa Hampton, and Nicole Kucine

Kate Pickett and Angela Clofine

Celia Nichols and Whitney Chatterjee

Masa Yamado, Masako Yamada, Ammara Yaqub, and Hussein Malik

Sol Kumin, Joyce Cooney, Lois Goodner, and Elizabeth Kumin

Tiffany Moller and Jennifer Pinkos

Travis Acquavella and Carrie Wessel

Dr. Laura Forese, Dr. Jonathan Chen, and Barbara Loughlin

Paul Williams, Leslie Williams, and Andrew Thomas

Kathy Burns and Julie Silbermann

Evette Ferguson and Karen Amen

Sara Dipasquale, Celia Richard, Lydia Marshall, and Dolly Bross Geary

Allison Aston, Harry Kargman, and Jill Kargman

Tara Ryan and Darol Ryan

Spencer and Alexis Bryan Morgan

The Reis Hyman Family, Dr. Vesta Salehi, and the Davis Family

Dr. Vesta Salehi, Dr. Robbyn Sockolow, Kevin Hyman, Lucas Hyman, Pamela Reis, and Chloe Reis

Marcie Pantzer and Jill Kargman

Masako Yamada and Masa Yamado

Heather Sargent and Lisa Perry

Betsy Pick and Shyanne Roeloffs

Dr. Steven Corwin and Dr. Nena Osorio

Dr. Gerald Loughlin and Heather Sargent

Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jonathan Chen

Noel Monsen, Angela Clofine, and Andrea Ranawat

Allison Aston and Camille Orme

Mary Alice Stephenson and Ammara Yaqub

The Ambassadors River View at the United Nations was a hub of activity on January 25 as philanthropists, fashion designers, artists, musicians, fashionistas and other well-heeled guests braved near zero temperatures to celebrate the launch of VERA and the SAVE.LOVE.GIVE campaign, with Validas co-founders Tom Pepe and Todd Dunphy.

A free mobile phone application developed by Validas, VERA is a tool that allows everyone to be a micro-philanthropist by repurposing Wireless Waste (value of the difference between what you pay for on your mobile plan and how much of it you actually use) for philanthropic causes.

Designers and Models at VERA and Save Love Give Launch

Validas has partnered with Seven Bar Foundation, which leverages the power of the fashion industry, to achieve a critical mass of social consciousness and empower women out of poverty and into business through microfinance. Therefore, iconic fashion designers and artists were challenged to “reimagine” the corset form as an expression of empowerment, rather than confinement – creating a paradigm shift in the way we view the world. The Foundation’s leader, Renata Mutis Black, remarked, “the SAVE. LOVE. GIVE. campaign encourages everyone to think about SAVING money on their mobile phone bills, LOVING the VERA app solution and then GIVING those savings or at least, a part of them, to empower a woman through microfinance."

Miguelina Gambaccini, Stacy Engman, and Tana Chung

Hosted by Fabiola Beracasa, Hannah Bronfman (in Vivienne Tam), Jennifer Creel, Jennifer Gilbert, Kelly Rutherford (in Erin Fetherston), Julie Macklowe (in Zang Toi), Susan Shin, Tennessee Thomas and Arden Wohl (in Erin Fetherston), with Mary Alice Stephenson as Master of Ceremonies, the evening featured:

• Two Runway Fashion Presentations styled by Warren-Tricomi, showcasing Agent Provocateur’s “Violet for Vera” silver lace corset, Erin Fetherston’s romantic white corset with chiffon bow, Guy Laroche’s hand-cut crystal “Brilliance” corset, Zang Toi’s “LOVE” corset inspired by Robert Indiana’s LOVE sculpture, eyewear artist Moss Lipow’s futuristic “Looking Further” armored headpiece and artist Mickalene Thomas’ quilted corset-dress inspired by her acclaimed show at the Brooklyn museum.

• An original performance by actress-designer-artist Tara Subkoff who choreographed and co-composed a mini-opera, sung by MET soprano Eve Gigliotti, lamenting mobile phone bills wearing an origami corset dress made entirely of recycled phone bills – an allegory for the death of wireless waste and hope – represented by a flying dove (safely tethered) that delighted the audience.

• Live performance by French pop sensation, YELLE, whose newly released single, L’amour Parfait, was the perfect backdrop to the evening’s theme while models walked to her Safari Disco Club.

Mickalene Thomas. Hannah Bronfman, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Stacey Engman, and Stephanie Newhouse

In addition to all the hosts, guests included: artists Moss Lipow, Mickalene Thomas and Tara Subkoff, fashion designers Erin Fetherston, Marcel Marongiu of Guy Laroche and Zang Toi, and other designers Gemma Kahng, Miguelina Gambaccini, Jake Mueser, and Vivienne Tam, Ungaro’s Asim Abdullah, Derek Anderson, Phillip Bloch, Geoffrey Bradfield, Stefania Bortolami, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Selita Ebanks, curator Stacy Engman, Lise Evans, Gigi Grimstad, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Lucia Hwong-Gordon, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Cory Kennedy, Victor Kubicek, Fern Mallis, artist Jessica Craig-Martin, Darsi Monaco, Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse and Tracy Stern and Edward Tricomi of Warren-Tricomi.

Hannah Brontman and Marcel Moronglu

Tennessee Thomas

Julie Macklowe, Gigi Grimstad, and Countess Luann De Lesseps

Mary Alice Stephenson and Kelly Rutherford

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Frederick Anderson

Liliana Cavendish

Lucia Hwong Gordon

Susan Shin and Cynthia Ott

Arden Wohl and friends

Jennifer Gilbert and Julie Macklowe

Kimberly Guilfoyle

Down in Philadelphia, the 156th Anniversary Concert and Ball ''Celebrating New Beginnings'' took place on Saturday, January 26, 2013. The evening began with the President's Open House Reception at the Academy of Music, followed by the anniversary concert. This spectacular evening of music, dinner and dancing featured special guest artist Hugh Jackman, internationally acclaimed actor of both stage and screen, who just wrapped production on the much-anticipated film adaptation of Les Misérables, as well as The Philadelphia Orchestra's own dynamic new music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin.

As a nod to the very first Academy Anniversary concert during which Eugene Ormandy shared his podium with Danny Kaye, the evening was the ultimate in popular and classical programming which was as dazzling as its guests, with everything from sweeping orchestral works to Broadway favorites. The evening continued at the Hyatt at the Bellevue, Philadelphia Hotel with dinner and dancing. Music for dancing was provided by six musical groups throughout the hotel.

Craig Morgenstern, Brooke Huttner, Nick Krayer, Michelle Dale, Nikki Beden, John Oates, Delia Fransen, and Brad Tatman

Leslie Anne Miller, Binny and Bruce Wietlisbach, and Angela Hudson

Daniel Hilferty and Sarah Coulson greeted guests with the Philadelphia Orchestra President and CEO Allison Vulgamore and The Academy of Music President and CEO, Joanna Lewis

Representing Wells Fargo were Senior Vice-President, Maria Trafton, with her husband Jack and daughter Elisa, Darrell Cronk, Jacqueline Liuzzi, Lisa and Tom Flynn, and Wells Fargo Regional President Vince Liuzzi

G-N Kang, Tina Wells, and Cole and Heidi Hamels

Bob and Terese Casey, and Jacqueline and Vince Liuzzi

Bill and Patricia Riley Mills, and Charles Croce with wife Anne Callahan

Mark Sparrow, Linda Carlozzi, Patrick Baccariello, Matthew DiDomenico, his wife Dolores and Dr. George Avetian and his wife Veronica

Lesley Coulson and her husband Frank Coulson III

Christie Honigman and Brian Johnson

Kevin and Pam Mahoney, Larry and Michele Jameson, Trish Wellenbach, and Larry McMichael

Bob and Carolyn Slota, Sean Rempel, and Kelly Slota

Brian Lipstein, Teresa C. Nino, Chelsea Irwin, and Sam Hamilton

Kelly Lawson, Joe Culley, Samantha Ohrem, and Crawford Hamilton

Suzanne and Charles Valutas, and Bridget and Jay Devine

Jeff Larsen and Natalie Mackey

Dr. Richard Pestell and his wife, Nataliia

Kimmel Center President and CEO, Anne Ewers, attended with Fred Hagen

Rob and Leanne McMenamin, and Topper and Carrie Ray

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com;Susan Scovill (The Academy of Notre Dame).

Carol Sutton Lewis, Jacqueline Bradley, Amelia Ogunlesi, Joyce Haupt, Kathryn Chenault, Teri Trotter, and Joyce Haupt

Monday night the Studio Museum in Harlem held its annual gala. Many feted Thelma Golden, the museum's director and chief curator for how brilliantly she has raised the museum's fundraising as well as the public consciousness of its artists. They honored Agnes Gund, the art collector.

The cocktail reception at Cipriani Wall Street

Thelma Golden, Jennie C. Jones, George Wein, Glory Van Scott, and Duro Olowu

Susan Farber, Diane Moss, Lisa Orlan, and Randi Salinger

Antuan Cannon, Kathleen Adams, Brittany Wunsch, and Calvin Otis

Amelia Ogunlesi, Corice Arman, Teri Trotter, and Carol Sutton Lewis

Clarence Otis, Darrell Gay, Marsha Simms, George Van Amson, and Ken Bacon

Susan Toliver, Stephen Perry, Earl Toliver, and Evelyn Shockley

Dan Bythewood, Sharon Bowen, Andrea DuBois, Alicia Bythewood, and Khephra Burns

Thomas Harris, Darren Walker, Reggie van Lee, Alvin Adell, and Lyle Ashton Harris

Philip Milstein, Cheryl Milstein, Jonathan Bram, and Susan Bram

Gayle King, Nina Cooper, Patricia Price, and Jennifer Baltimore

Adrienne Everett, Eddie Keith, and Erin Williams

Rik Willard, Lauren Haynes, and Thomas Lax

Muna El Fituri, Jason Moran, and Alicia Hall-Moran

Corice Arman, Joyce Haupt, and Jason Wright

Don Bransford, Pat Bransford, and Lloyd Trotter

Rose Kirk and Cheryl Williamson

Megan Abell, Cullen Washington Jr., and Dr. Debra Abell

Agnes Gund and Chuck Close

Stephanie Phillipps, Marilyn Booker, and Debra Chase

Ken Smaltz and Erich Williams

Carol Sutton Lewis, Kathryn Chenault, and Joyce Haupt

Muna El Fituri and Julie Mehretu

Michael Brathwaite and Charlene Nixon

Nina Cooper and Judia Black

Candice Haupt and Michael Haupt

Katrina Dewees and Erin Hylton

Kim Powell and Ava Jaulin

Nina Cooper, George Chinsee, and Hariette Cole

Nina Cooper and Jennifer Baltimore

Victor Jones and Rick Wade

Debbie Eisenberg, Suzanne Eisenberg, and Dana Eisenberg

Lisa Anastos and Marcy McCall

Corynne Corbett and Vicky Free

Janice Williams and Darren Walker

Jessica Kreps and Joey Kuhn

Ondine Abramson, Deborah Ross, and Seth Abramson

Stephanie Phillipps, Joy Simmons, and Rena Wheaton

Chris Williams and Fred Terell

Lise Evans, Gillian Miniter, and Michael Evans

Raymond McGuire and Shanda Gibson

Susan Fales-Hill, Susan Akkad, and Farai Chideya

Jean Shafiroff and B. Michael

Dr. Holly Phillips, Jerry Inzerillo, and Prudence Inzerillo

Gigi Guerra and Eddie Volchko

Amelia Ogunlesi, Carl Ogunlesi, and Sharon Buckley

Keisha Dixon and Troy Dixon

Amsale Aberra, Kathryn Chenault, and Saundra Parks

Kim Hastreiter, Noria Morales, and Glyn Northington

Erana Stennett and Thelma Golden

Michelle Miller, Chloe Drew, and Godfrey Gill

Jeffrey Scruggs and Robbin Mitchell

American Ballet Theatre, officially America’s National Ballet Company, is looking toward the future. On Wednesday night, the company launched its Friends of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School Initiative with a party held at the Vault at Pfaff’s, at 643 Broadway. The JKO School is ABT’s pre-professional ballet training program for students ages 12–20. Under the direction of Franco De Vita, students thrive in an elite atmosphere dedicated to the whole well-being and success of each student. The new Initiative, meant to foster targeted support for the JKO School, is being spearheaded by co-chairs Leslie Ziff and ABT Principal Dancer David Hallberg, himself a onetime student of the School.

The scene at The Vault at Pfaffs

As the School continues to grow, additional resources are essential. Increased financial support is needed for programming, certified teachers, tuition and living expenses, transportation, tutoring, physical therapy, rehearsal tutus, pointe shoes, uniforms, and emergency funding. Support garnered through the Friends of the JKO School Initiative will help to ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach his or her highest potential. For more information about the Friends of JKO Initiative, you can visit ABT’s website at www.abt.org or call 212-477-3030.

Donald Kramer and JKO Student

Andrew Martin

Ann Hicks and Weston Hicks

Catherine Hurlin and Sterling Baca

Kevin McKenzie, Julie Kent, and Franco DeVita

Catherine Hurlin and Katerina Eng

Fred Shen, Irene Shen, and Rachel Moore

Christian Keesee and Misty Copeland

David Hallberg and Leslie Ziff

Sterling Baca, Gabe Stone Shayer, Calvin Royal III, Roddy Doble, and Sean Stewart

Day Bowidas and JKO Student

Sharon Patrick, Mary Jo Ziesel, and Franco DeVita

Dan Strone and Carol Strone

James Whiteside and Carmer Barth

Harold Newman, Ann Hicks, and Ruth Newman

Don Cugini, Kim Cugini, and JKO student

Jean Zolpe and Teresa Khawly

Donald Kramer, Sharon Patrick, Franco DeVita, and Leslie Ziff

Judith Hoffman and Leslie Ziff

Christian Siriano and Rachel Moore

Heidi Guenther, Franco DeVita, and Mary Jo Ziesel

Julian Donahue and David Hallberg

Katerina Eng and Roslyn Eng

Julie Kent and Leslie Ziff

Ray Hagg and JKO Students

Students from the JKO School

Leslie Ziff and David Hallberg

Marcelo Gomes and Daniel Cappello

Last Saturday night at The Out, Beth Rudin DeWoody and Bob Colacello hosted the opening reception of "R'evolution: The New Beginning," paintings by Kevin Baker.

Bob Colacello, Beth Rudin DeWoody, Kevin Baker, and Patrick Duffy

Patrick Murphy, Zach McMillan, Chris Kittrell, and Robert Phillips

Baby Alpaca

Behati Prinsloo

Patrick Murphy, Zach McMillan, Chris Kittrell, and Robert Phillips

Leilani Ching, Bill Cunningham, and Julia Dunstall

Zach McMillan and Kevin Baker

Francisco Torres and Carmine DeSena

Jessica Trujillo, Ashley Cole, and Michelle Banzer

Gerry Visco and Johnny Sagan

Jason Bartnett and Alex Ghinger

Ted Loos and Eric Aho

Jillian Mercado and Patrick Murphy

Baby Alpaca

Ricky Clifton and Chris Kittrell

Christos Mountzouros and Amy Ashford

Kenny Sullivan, Patrick Duffy, and Kristen Boyce

Mitch Baker and Jonathan Black

Rajan Mamtani and Ross Bleckner

Jarrett Edwards and Zac Weiss

Colin Shanley and Bob Colacello

Sandra Gilman, Elizabeth Stribling, and Guy Robinson

Beth Rudin DeWoody, Lisa Ryder, and Randy Polumbo

Yael Greenberg

Will Cotton and Rose Dergan

Karline Moeller and Bernadette Murray

Lucy Stamper, Eva Fakatselis, and Michael Fiorvanti

Kate Sewart and Christina Green

Alcibiades Languasco

Judson Harmon

Colette and Gerry Visco

Steven Grimler and Joe Coppolo

Stephen Boyd and Shannon Durrette

Two pieces by Kevin Baker

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com;Joe Schildhorn/BFAnyc.com (JKO Launch Party)

The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's 5th Annual Associates Luncheon at Saks Fifth Avenue.

On Tuesday, February 5, 2013, Saks Fifth Avenue and The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center hosted the 5th Annual Associates Luncheon at Saks Fifth Avenue’s New York flagship, Café SFA on Eight. The event was co-chaired by Veronica Swanson Beard, Kate Doerge, Shabnam Henry and Bara Tisch. The Associates Committee Chairman is Shoshanna Gruss, with Kate Allen, Dara O’Hara and Eleanor Ylvisaker as Vice Chairmen.

Over 140 guests attended, with over $110,000 raised from the lunch to benefit the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment, which The Associates Committee has pledged to raise $2 million for over five years. This fund pays for overnight stays when children and their families come from out of town for treatment at MSKCC’s renowned Pediatric Department and are unable to afford this expense themselves.

The luncheon guests

In continuation of this charitable partnership, Saks Fifth Avenue will be donating 5% of all SaksFirst Card purchases in February to one of three charities of the shopper’s choice, including The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Guests Included: Ivanka Trump, Suzanne Johnson, Rebecca Jobo, Kate Doerge, Shabnam Henry, Bara Tisch, Dr. Annette U. Rickel, Shoshanna Gruss, Maria Giulia Maramotti, Arriana Boardman, Kate Allen, Allison Aston, Annelise Peterson, Amy Griffin, Veronica Swanson Beard, Eugenie Niven Goodman, Veronica Miele Beard, Kimberly Kravis Schulhof, Dara O’Hara, Marcie Pantzer, Charlotte Ronson, Lauren Santo Domingo, Ferebee Taube, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler, and many more.

Suzy Johnson, Bara Tisch, Kate Doerge, Shoshanna Gruss, Veronica Swanson Beard, and Shabnam Henry

Ivanka Trump

Allison Aston and Arianna Boardman

Dr. Annette Rickel, Suzy Johnson, and Rebecca Jobo

Christina Potter and Meriel Lari

Lesley Schulhof and Ferebee Taube

Leslie Coleman, Maria Giulia Maramotti, Celia Nichols, and Katie Colgate

Kate Allen, Eleanor Ylvisaker, and Dara O'Hara

Shoshanna Gruss

Shabnam Henry and Emily Boshart

Kate Allen and Angela Clofine

Dr. Annette Rickel

Jenny Galluzzo, Jennifer Oken, and Courtney Corleto

Lisa Blau, Melissa Meister, and Erica Silverman

Elizabeth Kurpis and Melanie Lazenby

Eleanor Ylvisaker and Charlotte Ronson

Nina Davidson and Lauren Santo Domingo

Suzie Aijala, Angela Clofine, and Shannon Henderson

Lauren Santo Domingo

On the first Friday in February, in the Grand Ballroom of the Waldorf, guests were transported back to Vienna’s imperial heyday at the 58th Annual Viennese Opera Ball – which benefits Carnegie Hall.

The beautiful evening celebrated those days of grandeur and tradition, complete with a prancing horse and carriage along with a procession of Diplomats, Dignitaries, and white-gloved Debutantes. Guests indulged in Austria’s culinary delights and the music of Peter Duchin’s 22-piece Orchestra.

Deb and Escort dancing formation

This year’s theme revolved around Joseph Haydn's marionette opera, "Die Feuersbrunst" ("The Burning House"). For the first time, wooden marionettes (courtesy of the New York Parks Foundation's Swedish Marionette Theatre) descended from the second tier to perform as "Cat" and "Ghost" during the opera, dissolving seamlessly from view and emerging on the dance floor as identical-looking ballet dancers from the Vienna State Ballet.

Swedish Marionette Theatre's master puppeteer, Bruce Cannon and Vienna City Ballet's choreographer, Heinz Heidenreich, spent weeks "rehearsing" via e-mails until dress rehearsal the night before the Ball.

Dignitary procession led by Renate Brauner and Hans Peter Manz

Soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra's clever adaptation of Haydn's opera gave baritone Jeff Mattsey and tenors Scott Scully and Mark Showalter (all courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera) a light-hearted "singspiel" that engaged the audience.

Nearly 700 guests – including the celebrated baritone, Sherrill Milnes and ABC-TV’s “Dancing with the Stars” Tony Dovolani, Maks Chmerkovskiy and Val Chmerkovskiy– participated in the famed Midnight Quadrille.

Midnight Quadrille

Post-midnight dancing

When the clock chimed 1 a.m., guests filed out of the Grand Ballroom and continued the festivities at the Tanz Bar across the hall. There, guests could choose their music: enjoy a buffet supper and wines with a DJ in the Astor room or Jazz Band in the Jade room; and the Vienna Coffee House with crepe chefs and sweets in Basildon.

As the last notes were being played at 4 a.m., the 2013 Viennese Opera Ball officially came to an end and the promise of "next year at the Viennese Opera Ball" was heard echoing down the corridor.

Heinz Heidenreich, Choreographer and Artistic Director of the Vienna City Ballet

Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves

Ambassador of Belgium to the UN and Mrs. Jan Grauls with Ms. Chiu Ti Jansen

Tony and Lina Dovolani, Val Chmerkovskiy, Logan West, and Maks Chmerkovskiy

Chiu Ti Jansen, EU Head of Delegation to the UN, Thomas Mayr-Harting, Dr. and Mrs. Miklos Toth, Debbi Hardik

Dr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Sturman

Maria Zouves and Sherrill Milnes

Dr. Omar and Cheryl Almallah

Gregory and Margaret Hedberg, Head of the International Ball

Ludmila Komissarova with friend

Howard Horowitz, Barbara Duerrer, and Ambassador Hans Peter Manz

Austrian Ambasador to the UN, Martin Sajdik

Jane and John Sullivan

Logan West and escort

Marquelon Ingram with her escort, Tony Hernandez

Michele Heidt

Sherrill Milnes, Maria Zouves, Penny and Clive Gillinson

Miss Teen USA, Logan West

Val and Maks Chmerkovskiy

Stephanie Nass and Cassius Clay

Two weeks ago in Palm Beach, on the evening of January 18th, they celebrated the importance of wildlife conservation and education and the Palm Beach Zoo which drew a capacity crowd to its “Wild Thing” Blacktie Dinner Dance at Mar-a-Lago. They also raised $1.2 million for the Zoo.

The annual gala, one of the most anticipated events of the season, was chaired this year by Michele Kessler, and co-chaired by Jennifer Kessler. Honorary Chairs were Lillian Fernandez,Karin Luter, and Carol Mack, who were joined by Event Committee Chairmen, Whitney Bylin and Thomas C. Quick.

The evening began with a poolside cocktail reception that featured live zoo animals such as New Guinea Singing Dogs, a Hoffman’s two-toed sloth, and an African crested porcupine, to name a few.

Guests enjoyed up close encounters and photographs with the special creatures. Entertainment provided by the popular dance band, Soul Survivors, kept a constant crowd on the dance floor. Among the evening’s highlights was the live auction, chaired by Samantha Storkerson and conducted by Jamie Niven, Chairman of Sotheby’s America.

Panthers, cougars, tigers and the like inspired the event’s visual components from the invitation to the ballroom walls – stunning reproductions and images of wildlife paintings by well-know Palm Beach-based artist, Helmut Koller.

The Zoological Society of the Palm Beaches, Inc. exists to protect wildlife and wildlife habitat, and to inspire others to value and conserve the natural world. They advance their conservation mission through endangered species propagation, education, health and wellness, field research, and conservation medicine. They promote sustainable and responsible business practices and foster local, national and global partnerships which enable the Palm Beach Zoo to support national and international conservation, species survival, and habitat preservation. The Zoo houses over 1,400 animals within 23 acres of lush tropical habitat. Its mission is to provide an open-air classroom of living creatures to foster awareness, appreciation and respect for the natural world. For more information, visit www.palmbeachzoo.org.

Frank Laversin, Helga Wagner, and Helmut Koller

William and Candy Hamm

Chris and Kim Havlicek

Frances Scaife and Tom McCarter

Kate McCoy, Kelly Rooney, and Tracy Smith

Patrick Park and Lois Pope

Ray Dech, Tiffany Raborn, JoAnna Ballarini, and Steve Myers

Donald and Melania Trump, and Wilbur Ross

Pat and Sandy Rooney

Sam Storkerson and Whitney Bylin

Maura Ziska and Eric Cristu

Jamie Niven, and Lillian and Luis Fernandez

Pauline Pitt and Gerry Seay

Nancy Brinker and Howard Bernick

Kate Khosrovani, Tom Quick, Hashem Khosrovani, and Eddy Taylor

William Condie and Kim Campbell

Don Burns, Karin Luter, and Greg Connors

Kim Campbell and Lavina Baker

Dan Ponton and Darlene Jordan

Marietta and Dale McNulty

Mark and Mary Freitas

Julie and Michael Connors

James Berwind and Kevin Clark

Wyatt Koch and Liz Davoll

Kristi and Tim Gannon

Zac Potter and Bettina Anderson

Carol Mack and Hillary Ross

Michele and Howard Kessler

Jennifer and Brian Kessler

Khooshe and Andrew Aiken

The Tycher Family Foundation hosted a real estate industry reception benefiting UJA-Federation of New York on Thursday, January 31, 2013, at The Plaza Hotel. The Tycher Family Foundation is dedicated to inspiring action and giving through raising awareness of the needs of the global community.

More than 200 real estate industry professionals joined special guest speaker Richard J. Mack, CEO of AREA Property Partners, Marshall Tycher, Co-President of Roseland, A Mack-Cali Company, and Tycher’s family, to celebrate the meaningful work of UJA-Federation of New York. The reception included a silent auction. Each year, the Tycher Family hosts an exciting and memorable evening in which all contributions go directly to benefit UJA-Federation of New York.

Sally Tycher, Richard J. Mack, and Marshall Tycher

Edmond Levy, David Milgram, David Robinov, Gabriel F. Wasserman, and Jonathan More

Cindy Feinberg and Laura Greenfield

Emanuel Stern and Marshall Tycher

Michael Schonbraun and Alfonso Kimche

Mitchell Moinian and Joseph Moinian

Michael Vickers and Marc Fells

Dana Tycher (center) and friends

Stanley Oppenheim, Matthew Kasindorf, and Daniel Oppenheim

Robert Arzanipour, Bram D. Weber, Vladimir Shneyder, and Shane Neuringer

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com;Lucien Capehart Photography (Zoo Ball); Michael Priest (UJA).

Stella Abrera and Alexandre Hammoudi at "Creating the Dance with Marcelo Gomes.”

American Ballet Theatre’s principal dancer Marcelo Gomes gave a rare look into how choreography is created with the help of ABT dancers Stella Abrera and Alexandre Hammoudi, on Monday February 4th in the studios of City Center at an evening called “Creating the Dance with Marcelo Gomes”, a benefit for Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP).

Over 200 guests, including Lisa Airan, Connor Whitney, Jennifer Chaitman, Arlene Cooper, Stephanie Foster, Heather Georges, Judith Hoffman, Karen Lefrak, Peter Lyden, Kamie Lightburn, and Libba Stribling, were among the delighted audience. This rare and fascinating peak into the collaborative process was moderated by Barbara Brandt and including composer Ian Ng, and musicians Dimitri Dover and Charles Yang. A spirited informal cocktail party with all the performers followed.

Alexa Wolman, Judith M. Hoffman, Heather Georges, and Kamie Lightburn

Marcelo Gomes will soon be premiering a new piece of his choreography with music by Karen LeFrak art The Mariinsky Theater in St. Petersburg in March. This will have it’s American premier at the Youth America Grand Prix’s 2013 “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater. The gala co-chairs of that evening are Heather Georges, Kamie Lightburn, Jennifer Chaitman, and Stephanie Foster.

Scheduled for Thursday, April 18, 2013 at Lincoln Center’s David H. Koch Theater, “Stars of Today Meet the Stars of Tomorrow” Gala is always sold-out and highly acclaimed by critics worldwide. YAGP Galas featuring the world’s most promising young dance students and the stars of today’s leading international dance companies have been thrilling New York City audiences since the inception of YAGP in 1999.

Sheldon Hirshon, Jutta Sayles, Alexa Wolman, Irene Shen, and Robert Schulman

YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX (YAGP) is the world’s largest student ballet scholarship competition, awarding over $250,000 annually to leading dance schools worldwide. Since being founded in 1999 by two former Bolshoi Ballet dancers, Larissa and Gennadi Saveliev, YAGP has awarded over $2 million in scholarships to the leading dance schools worldwide. The competition is conducted annually throughout the U.S. and abroad (Brazil, Mexico, Japan, and Italy). YAGP is the “internet of the dance world,” a global network of opportunity connecting dancers, teachers, schools and companies all over the globe. Over 25,000 dancers worldwide have participated in YAGP’s international workshops, competitions, and audition classes. Over 300 YAGP alumni are now dancing with 50 companies around the world, including American Ballet Theatre, New York City Ballet, Paris Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet, among others. For more information, visit www.yagp.org.

Alexandre Hammoudi, Dr. Jennifer Chaitman, and Charles Chaitman

Stephanie and John Foster

Evelyn Tompkins

Heather Georges

Marcelo Gomes and Karen LeFrak

Guy Robinson and Elizabeth Stribling

Marcelo Gomes and Ian Ng

Sue Chalom, Whitney Connor, and Stephanie Foster

On Saturday, February 2nd, over 300 guests – children and their parents – attended The Horticultural Society of New York's 1st annual Green Bean Bash at Temple Israel. The festive educational activities included Jack and the Beanstalk pumpkin seed planting, terracotta pot decorating, wind chime and pinecone bird feeder making, and exploring worm bins. And every child got to take home their very own Venus Flytrap to care for and feed!

Kamie Lightburn and Mary Van Pelt co-chaired the event in support of the organization's educational programs.

Kamie Lightburn and Mary Van Pelt

Christina and Alejandra Gill

Morganne and Alger Boyer

Kingsley Koch

Miles and Rebekah McCabe

Alden and Stephen Worth

450 guests dressed in white tie and tails, including ambassadors representing Iceland, Indonesia, Morocco, The Netherlands, Portugal, and Singapore, packed the Venetian Ballroom of The Breakers in Palm Beach on Friday night for the 56th Annual International Red Cross Ball.

The event honored the iconic American actress Dina Merrill for her many years of dedication to the ball which supports the American Red Cross. Merrill's mother, the late Marjorie Merriweather Post, whose legendary home Mar-a-Lago is now a private club, founded the ball in 1956, and was fondly remembered for having sent 2,000 hospital beds and tents to France via the Red Cross, and when the cargo ship sank, she just sent another 2,000 more!

The U.S. Marine Corps color guard

Ambassador Mary Ourisman, chairman of the ball, invited Dina Merrill's 22-year-old grandson, Cole Rumbough (pronounced rum-bow), to perform a special tribute to her with the Peter Duchin Band. Among those gathered to hear the up and coming jazz singer's selection from the "Great American Song Book" were both Dina's current husband, Ted Hartley, and former husband, Stan Rumbough, Jr.; Stan's current wife, Janna; Dina and Stan's son Stanley Hutton Rumbough and his beautiful wife, Leah; and their daughters Allegra, Siena and Kiera (Cole's sisters), all fashionably dressed in Zang Toi.

Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal and Ambassador Dr. Dino Patti Djalal

Gail McGovern

Rhonda Wilkins

Other New Yorkers who braved the winter storm to attend the festive gala included Felicia Taylor, Elizabeth Meigher, Kate Pickett; Tatiana and Campion Platt; Mai Harrison; Jean and Martin Shafiroff; Joan and Amir Cohen; Michele-Marie and Jon Heinemann; PierPaolo Seguso (who donated lovely red Murano glass paperweights for the gift bags); and Audrey and Martin Gruss (who hosted the Ambassador from Singapore and his wife, Mr. & Mrs. Ashok Mirpuri, for the weekend at their exquisitely decorated home).

"We were heartened to see so many community leaders coming together from across the nation with a shared goal; helping the American Red Cross fulfill its vital humanitarian mission in Palm Beach County and beyond " said Red Cross Regional Executive Rob Levine.

Peter Duchin and Cole Rumbough

Nash Schott, Aniko Gaal Schott, and Cole Rumbough

Rumbough family

Dina Merrill Hartley and Rumbough family

Stanley Rumbough and Dina Merrill

Audrey Gruss, Ambassador from Singapore, and Ashok Mirpuri

Wilbur Ross and Martin Gruss

Stuart Bernstein, Mary Ourisman and Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, and Gail McGovern

Bess Ames and Dean Gamanos

Howard Barry Vernick and Nancy Bricker

Tom Shaffer and Christine Schott

Dan Hall, Nancy Reynolds, Madame Gouri and Ashok Mirpuri

Jon and Michele Marie Heinemann

Mai Harrison and Giosetta Capriati

Regine and Commissioner William J. Diamond

Tweed McElveen Bogache, Madeline McElveen, and Rob Levine

Ambassador Dr. Dino Patti Djalal, Dr. Rosa Rai Djalal, Marie Royce, and US Rep Ed Royce

Lois Pope and Dr. Robert Mackler

Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff

Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary Ross

Jean Shafiroff and Stanley Rumbough

Felicia Taylor and Tom D'Agostino

Elizabeth Meigher, Tom Shaffer, and Kate Pickett

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) hosted its tenth annual Hot Pink Luncheon and Symposium in Palm Beach at The Breakers on February 5, 2013. Approximately 240 guests attended the event that raised over $500,000. Each year, BCRF—founded by the late Palm Beach resident and passionate champion in the fight against breast cancer, Evelyn Lauder—brings together a panel of world-renowned BCRF grantees to Palm Beach.

At the heart of this year's Symposium, titled Preventing Cancer, was a dynamic discussion by BCRF experts on the latest advances in breast cancer research and treatment.

Drs. Larry Norton, Robert Weinberg, Myra Biblowit, Walter Willett, Peg Mastrianni, Susan Domchek, and Clifford Hudis

Panel participants included BCRF-funded researchers Susan M. Domchek, MD (Abramson Cancer Center/University of Pennsylvania, Robert A. Weinberg, PhD (Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research), and Walter C. Willett, MD, DrPH (Harvard School of Public Health). Leading the discussion were BCRF Scientific Director Larry Norton, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) and BCRF Scientific Advisory Board Chairman Clifford Hudis, MD (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center). Discussion topics included the importance of mammograms as a diagnostic tool and the roles that health and nutrition can play in preventing breast cancer.

At the onset of the Luncheon, event Honorary Chair and Acting Chairman of the Foundation, Leonard Lauder, welcomed guests and was followed by remarks by BCRF President, Myra Biblowit, who thanked a number of the prominent supporters present, including BCRF Hot Pink Luncheon co-chairs Donna Acquavella, Louise Lambert Braver, Betsy Green, Joanne de Guardiola, Sandra Krakoff, Hillie Mahoney, Pauline Pitt, Tricia Quick, Hilary Geary Ross, Frances Scaife, and Judith Schlager.

Many of the dedicated attendees sported the signature color of breast cancer awareness, creating a veritable sea of pink amidst the sunlit Circle Ballroom. In his closing remarks, Leonard Lauder took the opportunity to announce that Palm Beach resident Judith Schlager will receive the Foundation's Unsung Hero Award at their upcoming New York Hot Pink Party on April 17, 2013 (tickets can be purchased online at: www.hotpinkparty.com). In addition to the engaging panel discussion, the event featured an informal fashion presentation and preview of Neiman Marcus's Spring 2013 Collections.

Judie Schlager, Sandy Krakoff, and Myra Biblowit

Sally Phelps and Cynthia Gibbons

Jackie Duberstein and Carol Mack

Leonard Lauder and Raysa Fanjul

Ronnie Heyman, Mickey Beyer, and Ginger Feuer

Gina Borman and John Reid

Nancy Shaw and Beth Pine

Joyce Sterling, Frances Scaife, Candy Hamm, and Suzanne Elson

Andi Stark and Mary Boykin

Jean Sharf and Judie Schlager

Wendy Holmes, Tony DeChellis, Erin McGould, and Richard Ziegelasch

Isabel Furlaud, Hillie Mahoney, and Mary Alice Pappas

Joanne de Guardiola

Louise Braver and Sheila Lambert

Allie Hanley and Emilia Fanjul

Sydell Miller, Leonard Lauder, and Frances Scaife

Neiman Marcus fashion show models

Photographs by www.AnnieWatt.com (Red Cross).

The Drama League's Board at its 2013 Musical Celebration of Broadway.

Last Monday night, the Drama League's 2013 Musical Celebration of Broadway was held at The Pierre. This year's honoree was five time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald.

The Drama League’s annual black tie Benefit Gala is a night where the greatest stars of Broadway and Hollywood come together for a unique, one-time-only musical revue celebrating the career of the Honoree.

Funds raised are for the vital education programs of The Drama League Directors Project. Since 1984, the Benefit Gala has honored exceptional artists whose talent and passion have served as a benchmark for others. Each year, an audience of several hundred theatre lovers come out to support the Drama League Directors Project.

Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, Lauren Pizza, Joseph Pizza, Airelle Pizza, and Gabrielle Shanks

The leads of Priscilla Queen on the Desert, Tony Sheldon, Will Swenson and Nick Adams announced the new Drama League Theater Center, a new, state-of-the-art facility that will bring world-class theater artists, emerging talents, and New York theatergoers together under one roof. The Center, located on the lobby level of the historic former AT&T Building at 32 Avenue of the Americas, in the heart of TriBeCa’s arts district, is scheduled to open in April 2013 and will be named in honor of Tony Award Winning producers, Stewart F. Lane and Bonnie Comley.

Among the evening's guests and performers and were: Zoe Caldwell, Patti Lupone, Taye Diggs, Phylicia Rashad, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Tyne Daly, Victor Garber, Norm Lewis, Mary Testa, Anthony Crivello, Seth Rudetsky, Tony Sheldon, Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, Judith Light, Julie White, and Senator Tom Duane, Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, Judith Light, Julie White and Senator Tom Duane.

Grace Capeless

Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, and Leah Lane

Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Eddie Korbich

Anthony Crivello

Phillip Boykin

Steve Rosen

Audra McDonald and Zoe Caldwell

Rocco Dispirito

Tony Sheldon, Will Swenson, and Nick Adams

Stewart Lane

Shakina Mayfack

Nick Adams

Tyne Daly

Norm Lewis

Mary Testa

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Julie White

Bonnie Comley

Caissie Levy

On Monday February 11, 2013, Chef Andre Soltner & Chef Jacques Torres hosted a champagne reception to announce plans for University Settlement's 9th Annual Fine Wine Dinner & Auction. The soirée was held at the home of board member on the Upper East Side.

University Settlement's 9th Annual Fine Wine Dinner & Auction, an evening at Lutece with Chef Andre Soltner, will be held on Tuesday, April 16 at 82Mercer. A Champagne Henroit Reception will start at 6PM with the dinner and auction following at 7PM. The benefit’s co chairs are Gary J. Baumann, Sharon R. Egilinsky, and James K. Finkel. For one night only, celebrated Master Chef André Soltner will re-create the legendary menu and incomparable dining experience that was Lutèce. Savor an unforgettable selection of wines expertly paired with his award-winning cuisine, and enjoy dessert by Master Pastry Chef Jacques Torres and a live auction conducted by Lydia Fenet of Christie’s.

James Finkel, Scott Carney, Marco Maccioni, Sharon Egilin, Sirio Maccioni, Andre Soltner, Jacques Torres, and Gary J. Baumann

Guests included: Marjorie and Ellery Gordon, Judith and Laura Hoffman, Sharon Hoge, Sirio Maccioni, Mario Maccioni, Arlene Feltman and Alain Sailhac, Andre Soltner, and Jacques Torres.

Since 1886, University Settlement has helped low-income families and immigrants improve their lives through quality education, decent housing, physical and emotional well being, and opportunities to prosper economically in pursuing the American dream. Every year, the organization supports over 25,000 New Yorkers with programs at 21 locations throughout New York City. University Settlement is among New York’s most highly regarded non-profits, with programs that are nationally-recognized and set industry and city-wide standards.

Andre Soltner, Marjorie R. Gordon, and Jacques Torres

Ellery Gordon and Marjorie R. Gordon

Judith Hoffman and Laura Hoffman

James Finkel and Andre Soltner

Gary J. Baumann

Sirio Maccioni

Hether Goldman and Sharon Egilin

Master Sommelier Scott Carney with Jacques Torres

On Wednesday evening Lost and Found: The Pinajian Discovery, an exhibition of 50 paintings by the late abstract artist Arthur Pinajian had its New York debut with a benefit preview for the Fund for Armenian Relief at the Antiquorum Gallery.

The genesis of this exhibition is a fascinating one, and starts when Lawrence E. Joseph, the best-selling author of “Apocolypse 2012” and Thomas Schultz, were looking for house in Bellport, Long Island, and came upon a charming cottage where Pinajian’s once resided with his sister. While walking the property he entered the garage and lo and behold there were thousands of paintings, sketches, drawings, tucked into every nook and cranny and piled from floor to ceiling.

Overlook Mountain Woodstock, 1954

Pinajiian had instructed his sister to destroy everything, but a cousin intervened and halted the dump truck as it was pulling into the driveway. Mr. Joseph contacted Professor William Innes Homer, then dean of American art historians, who in turn reached out to Peter Hastings Falk, another prominent art historian, whose website RediscoverdMasters.com is devoted to the work of late-career and deceased artists whose work may have been overlooked. He and his team came to the conclusion that Pinajian is indeed an important artist on the caliber of some of the great abstract expressionists of our time. The exhibitions runs through March 10. www.pinajianart.com/

Overlook Mountain Woodstock, 1961

Among the guests: Gary Moomjian, Lawrence E. Joseph, Peter Hastings Falk and Laurie Rosenfield Falk, Vicki and Dr. Raffy Hovanesian, Sahun Arzuni, Arto Vorperian, Sirouhi Mushegian, Gail Wernick, Charles Theofan, Taleen and Robert Setrakian, Jeanie Amerkanian, Richard Goulian, Antraniq Gharibian, Geoffrey Moss, Christine Mayer, Sirouhi Mushigian, Betsy Berg, Dana Conroy, Mary Schultz, Tim Hoffman, Lisa Keim, Diana Arakelyan, Yelena Nersesyan, Joan Thorne, Larry Kaye, Joseph Basralian, Denise Darmanian, Katya Griveva, Frances Lawrence, Dick McEvoy, Ben Blatt, Meg Wendy, Carol Ardman, Vyna St. Phard, Amy Hertz, Rose Hartman, Gary Steele, Tamar Gasparian, and Raffy Hovsepian.

Gail Wernick, Charles Theofan, Katya Grineva, Lawrence E. Joseph, Amy Hertz, and Carol Ardman

Meg Wendy and Peter Hastings Falk

Dana Conroy, Gary Steele, Laurie Rosenfield Falk, and Betsy Berg

Lawrence E. Joseph, Arto Vorperian, and Peter Hastings Falk

John Perrault, Thomas Schultz, Lawrence E. Joseph, and Peter Hastings Falk

Devon Mehring and Karen Hayward

Joseph Basralian and Denise Darmanian

Mary Schultz, Tim Hoffman, and Lisa Keim

Peter Hastings Falk, Tamar Gasparian, and Rafi Hovsepian

Diana Arakelyan, Gary Moomjian, Lawrence E. Joseph, and Yelena Nersesyan

Sharon Hoge

John Meade

Peter Hastings Falk and Larry Kaye

Vicki Hovanessian and Dr. Raffy Hovanessian

Louise Levin and Terri Thielen

Taleen and Robert Setrakian

Jeanie Amerkanian and Richard Goulian

Katya Griveva and Frances Lawrence

Geoffrey Moss and Peter Hastings Falk

Joan Thorne

Vyna St. Phard and Rose Hartman

Sahan Arzuni

Antraniq Gharibian and Christine Mayer

The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation’s Eighth Annual Dinner Dance, “An Evening of Palm Beach Casual,” held at Club Colette on Sunday, January 27, 2012, drew a Palm Beach-casually dressed, capacity crowd comprised of stalwart supporters and friends of the Foundation. Liza PulitzerCalhoun and Sheila Fine were the Honorary Chairmen of the Dinner Dance, and were joined by Junior Chairmen Micah and Rob Ford, Bobby Leidy and Kristen and Brian Ray. The inaugural Shining Star Award honorees were Lori Gendelman and Denise Hanley.

The annual fundraiser began with a moonlit cocktail reception, followed by dinner and dancing to music played by the band Street Talk. The Palm Beach Casual theme was reflected throughout from the colorful, whimsical décor by Tom Mathieu to the Pucci and Lily Pulitzer prints worn by some of the guests to the Palm Beach Casual and Palm Beach Breeze cocktails created especially for the occasion by Club Colette. Loro Piano supported the event with a raffle prize donation of four $1,000 gift certificates.

Dusty and Joyce Sang

Liza Pulitzer Calhoun and Sheila Fine

During dinner, Dusty Sang, Ryan’s father, thanked the Foundation’s friends and supporters and spoke about the Foundation’s progress over the past eight years. He recounted how the Foundation’s funding of three important scientific or educational projects had blossomed into larger Federal support grants. He also announced that this Bipolar Dinner Dance would be the Foundation’s last one and that a Medical Briefing Luncheon on Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder, presented by world-renown clinicians and researchers and chaired by Frances Fisher and Sally Soter, would take its place in early 2014.

The podium was then turned over to Joyce Sang who presented Lori Gendelman and Denise Hanley with Foundation’s Shining Star Award, its highest honor, in recognition of their unwavering support, leadership and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and goals. Each recipient gave an acceptance speech that expressed their feelings about the Foundation, its work and the cause.

Gary Lickle and Michelle Henry

Kristen and Brian Ray

The Sangs also recounted that because of the support of the Palm Beach community and the Young Friends events, the Foundation has been able to underwrite the costs of bringing the Adolescent Depression Awareness Program (ADAP) from Johns Hopkins to Palm Beach County public and private high schools for two successive years. The most recent program was hosted by the Benjamin School, whose Head of School, Robert Goldberg, was in attendance at the Dinner Dance. The ADAP program trains high school faculty, parents and students how to recognize Bipolar Disorder and depression.

The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) public charitable organization whose mission is to foster awareness, understanding and research for early-onset Bipolar Disorder. The Foundation is a member of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Alliance for Research Progress and a National Partner of the NIMH Outreach Program.

Proceeds from the Eight Annual Dinner Dance will help fund the Foundation’s mission. For further information, visit the Foundation’s informative website at: www.questforthetest.org

Bobby Leidy and Ashley Cherowitzo, Chris Leidy and Kendall Fabian

Lori Gendelman and Denise Hanley

Cobey Rapaport and Tina Bilotti

Chad Renfro, Ross Meltzer and Beau Breckenridge

Micah and Rob Ford

Jane Cummings and Sandy Heine

Sidney and Dorothy Kohl

Frances Fisher and Sally Soter

Photographs by Rob Rich (Drama League); David Dupuy/www.AnnieWatt.com (Fund for Armenia); Lucien Capehart Photography (Bipolar Foundation).

The Egyptian Wing, Penn Museum at CommonBond's launch gala to benefit KIPP Philadelphia Schools.

The Women’s Board of The Boys’ Club of New York hosted its fourth annual Winter Luncheon on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at the Metropolitan Club. This year, the Women’s Board was thrilled to welcome special guest Mayor of Newark Cory Booker. Mayor Booker was interviewed by John Griffin, founder and president of Blue Ridge Capital and founder of iMentor, which uses technology to create a new, powerful mentoring model.

The conversation between Mayor Booker and Mr. Griffin touched on issues such as education, voter responsibility, and the political challenges he has faced, as well as the importance of what Mayor Booker calls "the Conspiracy of Love," the caring and compassion that enables children to grow up safe, strong, and ennobled. He closed the conversation with the lines of the Langston Hughes poem Let America be America Again:"O, let America be America again— / The land that never has been yet— / And yet must be—the land where every man is free."

John Griffin, Mayor Cory Booker, and Amy Griffin

John Griffin and Mayor Cory Booker

Now serving his second term, Mayor Booker has declared his commitment to urban transformation within Newark, and has proven himself several times over: his administration has more than doubled the rate of affordable housing production, brought over $1 billion of new economic development to Newark, expanded high quality public education options, created a support system for those leaving the prison system, and embraced technology as a crime-fighting tool. His passion for his citizens and their city has earned him great recognition, including selection in 2011 as one of the TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world.

The Winter Luncheon raised support for and awareness of the Boys’ Club’s many recreational, educational and cultural programs that give all boys, no matter their circumstances, opportunities for enrichment and success.

Mayor Cory Booker, Amy Griffin, and John Griffin

Chairing the luncheon were Kristin Allen, Amy Griffin, Celerie Kemble, and Alexandra Robertson. Guests included Women’s Board President Sara Ayres, BCNY Board of Trustees President Edward Rappa, Karen Klopp, Claudia Overstrom, Anjali Melwani, Elizabeth Krimendahl, Stephanie Coleman, Jamee Gregory, Cynthia van Eck, Merrill Curtis, Betsy Pitts, Brooke Harlow, Tiffany Moller, Shabnam Henry, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Ritchey Howe, Diane van Amerongen, Travis Acquavella, Ali Edwards, Moira Forbes, Eugenie Goodman, Eliza Nordeman, Elizabeth Pyne, Sarah Saint-Amand, Carter Simonds, Caroline Curry, Carol Mack, Marcia Mishaan, Gigi Mortimer, Emilia Pfeifler, Renee Rockefeller, Claude Wasserstein, Liz Anderson, Claire Capello, Mary Carlisle Gambill, Lisa Manice, Nicole Mellon, Lesley Schulhof, Ferebee Taube, Lilly Weekes, Muffie Potter Aston, Audrey Gruss, Mariana Kaufman, Linda Lambert, Karen LeFrak, Kitty McKnight, Hilary Geary Ross, Adrienne Vittadini, Rachel Cook, Eleanor Dejoux, Debbie Druker, Nathalie Kaplan, Dara O'Hara, Tim O'Hara, KK Schulhof, Maryellen Cundey, Lisa Elson, Lauren Holden, Kathy Irwin, Stephanie Sirota, Mary Van Pelt, Isobel Coleman, Ide Dangoor, Catherine De Barros, Libby Fitzgerald, Sallie Giordano, Serena Lese, Lisa McCarthy, Elizabeth Bonner, Lindsey Coleman, Catherine Fraise, Camilla Loveid, Sarah Robertson, Tyler Schiff, Samantha Boardman Rosen, Serena Boardman, Caroline Dean, Lisa Errico, Tania Higgins, Mary Kathryn Navab, Mary Snow, Maria Villalba, Silvia Zoullas, Patricia Brett, Hope Eiseman, Karen Shaffer, Nancy Phelan, Calvert Moore, Cosby George, Sonnet McKinnon, and many others.

Suzanne Cochran, Jamee Gregory, Alexia Hamm Ryan, and Sara Ayres

The Boys’ Club of New York is committed to nurturing, mentoring, and guiding boys and young men to prepare them to reach their fullest potential.

Throughout its 137-year history of youth development, The Boys’ Club of New York has combined a single-minded focus on boys and young men with a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that prepares them for a fulfilling and meaningful adulthood. The Boys’ Club of New York accomplishes this through an approach that includes music and arts programs, social and recreational activities, academic support and athletics.

By introducing boys to new ideas, expanding their interests, developing their hobbies, providing a safe and nurturing environment and offering ongoing counseling and mentorship, The Boys’ Club of New York helps shape boys and young men into the best adults they can be.

Alexia Hamm Ryan, Richie Howe, and Anjali Melwani

Betsy Pitts, Karen Klopp, and Claudia Overstrom

Karen Klopp, Andrea de Cholnoky, and Gabrielle Bacon

Kalliope Karella and Christine Schwarzman

Jamee Gregory, Adrienne Vittadini, and Karen LeFrak

Patricia Brett, Cynthia van Eck, Hope Eisman, and Jo Merlau

Dara O'Hara and Jackie Williams

Carol Mack and Deborah Norville

On February 6th, at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building of the New York Public Library, in the Edna Barnes Solomon Gallery, Jo Carole Lauder, Eden Rafshoon, and Darren Walker hosted a reception in honor of David Rubenstein, the 2013 recipient of the Foundation for Art and Preservation in Embassies’ (FAPE) Lenore and Walter Annenberg Award for Diplomacy through the Arts. Afterwards there was a Conversation with David Rubenstein and author/historian Jon Meacham

David Rubenstein and Jon Meacham

Jon Meacham, David Rubenstein, FAPE President Eden Rafshoon, and FAPE Chairman Jo Carole Lauder.

FAPE Chairman Jo Carole Lauder, Sandi Pei, and FAPE President Eden Rafshoon.

FAPE Chairman Jo Carole Lauder with Carmel and Babette Cohen

Laura and Dick Parsons, member of FAPE's Annenberg Award Jury, with Dylan Glen

Gwen and Peter Norton, FAPE Board member

Lally Weymouth and The Honorable Boyden Gray

FAPE Vice President Darren Walker and FAPE Board member Agnes Gund

Commissioner Kate Levin and artist Ursula von Rydingsvard

The Honorable Bill Luers and Wendy W. Luers, FAPE Founder and President Emerita

Jill Sackler and artist Joel Shapiro

Renée Flemming, Heather Watts, and Damian Woetzel

Art Wynwood, Miami’s international contemporary art fair during President’s Day Weekend brought a crowd of 6,200 into the Wynwood Arts District - 1,100 more guests than last year. The VIP Preview honored the late Tony Goldman, a major force in the development of the Wynwood Arts District and the inaugural edition of Art Wynwood. An intimate gathering including Art Wynwood director Nick Korniloff and members of the Goldman family participated in a dove-releasing ceremony in Goldman’s honor just before teems of prominent art collectors, designers, curators and art enthusiasts from around the world lined up outside the Art Miami Pavilion to get the first look and acquire new contemporary works.

The opening of the fair featuring 70 international galleries presenting emerging and cutting-edge works had exhibitors buzzing about the outstanding turnout, strong interest in their programs and considerable sales. Art Wynwood has proven to be a marketplace to collect important contemporary art.

VIP lounge

“There was incredible energy at the VIP opening, a great turnout with serious collectors. The timing with the Yacht & Brokerage Show and Valentine’s Day couldn’t have been better,” said Carole Hochman, director of New York-based Barry Friedman Ltd.

With models strutting the aisles wearing world-renowned designer Luis Valenzuela’s “Queen of Hearts” collection, a luxury EcoArtFashion line themed especially for Valentine’s Day; and with hors d'oeuvres and cocktails sponsored by Le Grand Saint Sparkling Vodka, SHELLBACK Rum and Heineken beer bustling in of the VIP Lounge and throughout the fair; the ambiance was certainly an energetic one that encouraged collectors to quickly acquire important works on the opening night.

Retna Gallery

Cynthia Corbett Gallery

Hollis Taggart Galleries

Art Wynwood’s opening was highlighted by two special projects commissioned by Jessica Goldman, CEO of Goldman Properties. The highlights include a stunning wraparound installation suspended above the VIP Lounge by famed artist Jesse Geller. Additionally Wynwood Walls commissioned a curated exhibit by Meghan Coleman featuring specially commissioned lenticulars with original paintings by selected artists installed in the pass-through areas of the fair. Artists participating include: Retna, Aiko, Ron English, Logan Hicks, Futura, Swoon, Kenny Scharf and How & Nosm.

The natural overlay of fine art and luxury real estate was on display as Christie’s International Real Estate (CIRE) showcased as the “Official Luxury Real Estate Partner” of Art Wynwood. CIRE welcomed a select group of international collectors, art patrons and members of their annual global conference for a private reception in the VIP Lounge.

VIP lounge area wtih commissioned artwork by Jesse Geller

Mark Borghi Fine Art, Inc

Gathering of Queens of Hearts

Black and White Gallery

Little boy and sculpture

Galerie Mark Hachem

Among the guests of honor, host committee members and esteemed collectors were sculptor John Henry, street artist Jesse Geller, Marvin Ross Friedman and Adrienne Bon Haes, street artist Jona Cerwinske, chairman and CEO of Verizon Lowell McAdam, the Pocas, Susie and Walid Wahab, Marcella and Daniel Novela, the Buttermans, artist Shimon Okshteyn, President of Espíritu Santo Bank Jorge Espíritu Santo, photographer Cheryl Maeder, Leann Standish and Timothy Walker of Miami Art Museum, director of The Frost Museum Carol Damian and representatives of Tate Modern in London among others.

Art Wynwood was generously sponsored by its Official Luxury Real Estate Partner Christie’s International Real Estate as well as Superyachts.com, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Hotel Beaux Arts Miami, Turon Travel, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau; and supported by Miami Art Dealers Association, Wynwood Art Dealers Association, Goldman Properties, The Wynwood Walls, db Bistro Moderne, Joey’s, Wynwood Kitchen and Bar, Bakehouse Art Complex, Le Grand Saint Sparkling Vodka, SHELLBACK Rum, Heineken, The Miami Herald, MutualArt.com, Hyperallergic, WLRN, IRREVERSIBLE, Balthazar, Art Circuits, Haute Living, Art Nexus, The Art Newspaper, Artinfo, Arte Al Dia and Midtown Miami.

Ricardo J Gonzales III and Joyce Lowry

Artist Jona Cerwinske

Hector Garcia Rojas and Catherine Smithers

Federico Uribe

Ritch Holben and Ken Deloreto

Designer Luis Valenzuela, curator Bernice Steinbaum, and the Queens of Hearts

Artist Victoria Kovalenchikova

Mary Rife, Gabrielle Hatchuel Becker Abada, Pamela Cohen, and Wulf Treu

Daniella Alvarez, Sherry Porter, Jackie Correa, and Kristin Brophe

Justin Rubin and Catalina Martinez

Teddy Willoughby and Christine Hinson

Federico Uribe, Andrea Gill, and Powel Borzym

Tina Tollefson, and Raiza and Brian Perrault

Nick Korniloff, Pamela Cohen, and Bernice Steinbaum

Cony La Greca, Daniel Bottero, and Liliana Pensavalle

Alan and Sharon Koslow

Pamela Cohen, Jennifer, Sophie and MikeTansey, and Nick Korniloff

Christine Cooper, Monica Ampiscka, Emanolo Lopez, and Eric Ilastonza

Wulf Treu and Mary Rife

Rene Delaplaine, Charles McCaffrey, and Sophie Delaplaine

Marcelo Del Posso and Ensully Engelhart

On Thursday, January 31, CommonBond celebrated the launch of its student loan financing platform at Wharton Business School with a gala at The Penn Museum in Philadelphia benefiting KIPP Philadelphia Schools. The company, founded in 2011 by David Klein, Michael Taormina and Jessup Shean, has disbursed $2.5 million in lower-cost student loans to MBAs for the current semester and plans to lend up to $100 million to MBAs at 20 schools by the end of 2013.

More than 400 guests from the Wharton community attended the event. In addition to enjoying cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment, guests participated in a silent auction featuring specially-donated products and experiences from a mix of Wharton start-ups including Dagne Dover, Adornia, Stone & Strand, White + Wong, and ZenKars as well as other young start-ups, including Uber, Jack Robie, and Tuckernuck.

Ramiro Del Valle, Michael Taormina (Co-Founder & CFO, CommonBond), Camila Penazzo, David Klein (Co-Founder & CEO, CommonBond), and Alia Avidan

Nanki Marwah, Mayuri Shah, Will Morel, Ashley Marie Bittner, and Stephanie Wu

Carter Leggett and Meghan Perley Leggett

Pablo Pedrejón García, Margaret Davidson, Roxana Canales, Alberto Alcaraz, Diego Mariño, Christopher Porras, Neha Singhania, Shruti Malik, Paula Martinelli and Deepa Gandhi

Katie Goldsmith and Moran Amir

Ian Martinez and Ana Lucia Morales

Amy Daschle and Mike Daschle

Kush Patel

Jenny X. Zhang and George Xian Zeng

KIPP Philadelphia friends, Lydia Alice, Kendra-Lee Rosatim Lindsey Pittas, and Reina Wilkes Prowler

Stefanie Williams, Etzerson Philitas, Kizzy Maitland, and Don Makumbe

Molly Dince, Jeremy Cook, Nathan Howard, Etzerson Philitas, Natasha Ketabchi, Mariana Lever, and Ramiro Del Valle

Sarah Gomez

Christopher Porras, Kizzy Maitland, Andrew Towne, George Xiang Zeng and Kenny X. Zhang

Derek Kleinow, Grace Song, Valdis Lenss, Amy Peppers, Ashley Beckner, Katherine Healy, and Kimberly J. Wong

Toby Clarence-Smith and Thomas Baldwin

Ashley Beckner, Chuck Nouras, Pia Kristina Schafer, and Fernando Gomez Arriola

Rahim Kurji

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com (BCNY); Mary Hilliard (FAPE); Annie Watt (Art Wynwood)

Cocktails at the Museum of the City of New York's annual Winter Ball at the Pierre.

This past Wednesday night (2/20) the Director’s Council of the Museum of the City of New York held its annual Winter Ball at the Pierre. The black tie benefit gala brought out a crowd of almost 500. Under the aegis of Mark Gilbertson who, with a lot of devoted committee members, has been running this annual event for several years, said they raised $500,000 for the museum programs to benefit New York City schoolchildren.

This is a dinner dance that possesses some of the qualities of a club dance. Many guests know each other and have been coming to this party annually for years. They’ve grown up with it and it’s grown up with them. Now the core crowd is in its prime in New York. Along with them come their newer friends, so there are people who know each other and others who are meeting for the first time. An ideal mix. After the briefest of speeches, guests wined and dined and then danced to the music of DJ David Chang. A little after eleven, the crowd dispersed. A work night. A good party.

On Tuesday, February 12, the New York Philharmonic held its second annual Chinese New Year Gala. Over 300 guests attended and approximately $850,000 was raised for the Philharmonic.

The celebratory evening ushered in the Year of the Snake with a Gala concert that highlighted the contrasts and connections between Chinese and Western music. The concert, conducted by Long Yu, featured performances by Grammy Award–winning jazz pianist Herbie Hancock; Peking Opera star Yan Wang; the Snow Lotus Trio, a folk ensemble from the mountains of China; mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano; soprano Ying Huang; and Hsin-Mei Agnes Hsu, who recited selected readings of poems that inspired works on the program.

Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company Dragon Dance on Josie Robetson Plaza

Long Yu conducts the Snow Lotus Trio with the NY Philharmonic

For the second consecutive year, a traditional Dragon Dance was performed by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza preceding the concert and inside Avery Fisher Hall throughout the evening. This year's dance featured a special appearance by Lady White from the Legend of the White Serpent.

Guests of the Chinese New Year Gala arrived at Avery Fisher Hall beginning at 6:00 p.m. for an hour-long cocktail reception on the Grand Promenade. The concert began at 7:30 p.m., followed by a traditional Chinese attire/black-tie dinner, also on the Grand Promenade.

The evening's event was catered by Restaurant Associates, and the décor was provided by Van Vliet & Trap.

Herbie Hancock and the NY Philharmonic

Honorary Chairmen for the Gala were Mr. and Mrs. Maurice R. Greenberg, and H.E. Ambassador Sun Guoxiang and Madam Wang Min. The Gala Co-Chairmen were Angela Chen, Guoqing Chen and Ming Liu, Gary W. Parr, Oscar L. Tang, and Shirley Young. Among those in attendance were Music Director Alan Gilbert and Kajsa William-Olsson, Executive Director Matthew VanBesien and Rosie Jowitt, Richard and Karen LeFrak, Kenneth and Noreen Buckfire, Christian and Heidi Lange, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Lizabeth Newman, John and Jenny Paulson, and Barbara and Donald Tober.

Angela Chen (Gala Co-chair), Karen LeFrak (Board Member and Chair, Special Events Committee), Ghislaine Maxwell, and Gillian Miniter

Audrey Gruss, Richard LeFrak, and Christine Schwarzman

Cathy Wu, H.E. Ambassador SUN Guoxiang (Honorary Gala Chairman), and Curtis Kohlhaas

Charles Niemeth (Board Member), Anne Niemeth, Ronald Ulrich (Board Member), and Christian Samper

Daria Foster (Board Member)

Guoqing Chen and Ming Liu (Gala Co-chairs)

Donald Tober, Barbara Tober, Shirley Young (Gala Co-chair), and Sandra Warshawsky (Board Member)

Gary Parr (Chairman and Gala Co-chair) and Long Yu (conductor)

Helen Levy, Sharon Hite, Stan Warshawsky, and Sandra Warshawsky (Board Member)

Hilary Ross, Wilbur Ross, Karen LeFrak (Board Member and Chair, Special Events Committee), Richard LeFrak, and Gary Parr (Chairman and Gala Co-chair)

Hsin-Mei Agnes Hsu (speaker), Younghee Kim-Wait, Karen LeFrak (Board Member and Chair, Special Events Committee), and Shirley Young (Gala Co-chair)

Huari LI, Christina MacDonald, and Madam Sujuan HE

Kathy Mele and Music Director Alan Gilbert

Kathy Mele, Ying Huang (soprano) and Shirley Young (Gala Co-chair)

Li Jing, Jason Hirsch, and Jeanne Lawrence

Lizabeth Newman (Board Member)

WEN Na, H.E. Ambassador SUN Guoxiang (Honorary Gala Chairman)

Mark Baumgartner and Bei Saville

Noel Patton and Beatrice Pei

Matthew VanBesien (Exectuive Director), Rosie Jowitt, Madam WEN Na, and Angela Chen (Gala Co-chair)

New York Philharmonic leadership and philanthropists behind the Chinese New Year Gala, with their families and the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company

Noreen Buckfire

Shirley Young (Gala Co-chair), Matthew VanBesien (Executive Director), and Rosie Jowitt

Oscar Tang (Gala Co-chair), Hsin-Mei Agnes Hsu (speaker), and Gary Parr (Chairman and Gala Co-chair)

Roy Keen, Guy Fiennes, Lady Susannah Fiennes, Yue-Sai Kan, Angela Chen (Gala Co-chair), and Ghislaine Maxwell

Roy Keen, Ida Liu, Jason Hirsch, Li Jing, Jeanne Lawrence, Patricia Shiah, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Robert Willis, and Angela Chen (Gala Co-Chair)

Shirley Young (Gala Co-chair), Matthew VanBesien (Executive Director), Rosie Jowitt, LI Zi Jiang, Mrs. LI Zi Jiang, and Lizzy Li

Snow Lotus Trio and H.E. Ambassador SUN Guoxiang (Honorary Gala Chairman)

Snow Lotus Trio with Sanford Prater and Shirley Bacot Shamel (Board Member)

Wilson Ling, Angela Chen (Gala Co-chair), and Gary Parr (Chairman and Gala Co-chair)

Yue-Sai Kan, H.E. Ambassador SUN Guoxiang (Honorary Gala Chairman), Madam WANG Min (Honorary Gala Chairman), and SUN Hao

UJA-Federation of New York’s annual Generosity Signature Event brought together more than 700 philanthropists in their 20s and 30s for an evening of philanthropy, dancing, and fundraising through Text-to-Pledge technology, on Thursday, February 7, 2013 at Ajna Bar in New York City. The event raised nearly $220,000, garnering $80,000 in donations via text message.

UJA-Federation’s Generosity division, chaired by Lee Brodsky and Kyle Koeppel and vice chaired by Jackie Friedman, engages New York’s community-involved, socially conscious young leaders in their 20s and 30s. Through exclusive events, programs, and trips, Generosity inspires future philanthropists who will create positive, meaningful, and lasting changes in the lives of those most in need.

Generosity Leadership Board and Host Committee

Grace Bronstein, Jon Jesselson, and Tammy Schlosberg

The event featured Text-to-Pledge, a donor pledge technology that enables attendees to text message their gifts from their cell phones or PDAs and broadcast the results in real time on multiple screens in the event space. The technology is also designed to reach beyond the event space. Attendees’ friends and families and those unable to attend can also e-mail, phone, or text their gift during the event.

Grace Bronstein, Jonathan Jesselson, and Tammy Schlosberg chaired the Generosity Signature Event.

Funds raised support UJA-Federation of New York’s annual campaign, which sustains the activity of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies.

Peter Stern, Kyle Koeppel, Lee Brodsky, Jackie Friedman, and Aaron Zises

Jonathan Glass, Ben Okin, and David Nathan

Erica Sutton and Joshua Friedman

Jenny Halis and Erica Seidel

Courtney Grabel, Zachary Garber, and Melanie Baevsky

Blake Kohn Sonnenshein, Samantha Elfland, and Jaclyn Elfland

Jeff Stern, Amanda Schwartz, and Peter Stern

Lisa Richenstein

The candy table

Raising funds earmarked for Hanley Center's research-based prevention programs in local schools, the 18th Annual Family Picnic was held on February 10 during Wellington's Winter Equestrian Festival. The afternoon treated nearly 250 guests to world-class horse jumping competition, animal encounters, a magic show, kids' crafts and a silent auction geared just for children.

Sheriff Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw, Noah, Kelly, and Dr. Peter LoFaso

Located in West Palm Beach for more than 25 years, Hanley Center recently joined the Caron Treatment Centers network. As a result of this alliance of industry leaders, Caron and Hanley Center together became the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addiction treatment provider in the country, focused on a 12-Step recovery program with a powerful clinical component.

Hanley Center's Prevention efforts aim to spare individuals the pain, loneliness and despair of alcoholism and chemical dependency. Prevention works – and our Substance Abuse Prevention efforts are another way for Hanley Center to help the people and communities that have embraced us since the day we opened our doors."

Nancy Hooker and Dr. Rachel Docekal

Led by event chairmen Lisa and Dan Thomas and son Jack, along with honorary chairmen, Dorothy and Sheriff Ric Bradshaw and grandson, Noah LoFaso; the Family Picnic event committee included: Lyanne Azqueta, Robin Wheeler Azqueta and Norberto Azqueta, Krista Basore, Sally D. Chester, R.N., Kimmie and Steve Cury, Lindsay Del Campo, Lauren and Brett Elam, E. Mike Gelin, Suzanne Holmes, Monte Lambert, Lauren and Daniel Lieberman, Fran Marcone, Jennifer Marcone, Cinde and Craig Martin, Michelle McGovern, Mary Katherine Morales, Elizabeth Parker, Esq.; Kelly Ring, John Riordan, Esq.; Kellen Smith, Linda and Jared Soper, Cassidy and Jim Sullivan, and Ian B. Zinn.

Molly Rooney Smith and Scott Smith

Robin, Teo, Noberto, and Bertie Azqueta

Alexandra and Danielle Moore, and Betsy Turner

Dr. Rachel Docekal and Tom Quick

Krista and Juliet Basore

Lesly Smith, Lesly Gray Moore, Danielle Moore, Alexandra Moore, and Dr. James Walsh

Avery Keller and Kim Coleman with Reese, Coleman, and Jack

Avery, Cassidy, Evan, and Jim Sullivan

Clark Appleby and Yardley Manfuso

Aime Dunstan and Lauren Lieberman

Laura and Barbara Creech

Nellie Benoit, and Drew and Amy Rothermel

Suzanne Holmes and Darian Ozment

Mike and Shaheewa Gelin

Piper Cook, Jan Marie Coniglio Cook, Chris Cook, Calvitt Cook, and Topher Cook

Michelle, Victoria, John, and Emilia McGovern

Lyanna and Lian Azqueta

Photographs by DPC (MCNY); Michael Priest (UJA)

William Randolph Hearst, Winston Churchill and Louis B. Mayer on the MGM studio lot in 1930.

After the Oscars are over, the stars and their friends – agents, producers, director, other stars who weren’t nominated, their wives, husbands, lovers, friends, shrinks, hairdressers – go to a party.

This isn’t news. Elton John has one every year now that begins when the ceremonies begin. The most famous one is the Vanity Fair party that was held this year at Sunset Tower Hotel, although for years and years, it was held at Morton’s.

The Academy Awards was the creation of Louis B. Mayer and his associates in the late 1920s when Mayer’s studio – Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer – was new. Indeed the entire American film industry was barely a couple decades old. The intention was political and motivational, and ultimately economic. They weren’t called moguls for nothing.

In the early days, it was like a family banquet. The first was held in 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. They sold tickets to it – five bucks per. The studios sent their people – stars, directors, executives, etc. – everyone had their tables. The actual awards were handed out in fifteen minutes. No entertainment, just the cheerleaders (the budding moguls).

Louis B. Mayer presenting Helen Hayes her 1932 Oscar for Best Actress in The Sin of Madelon Claudet.

Irving Thalberg and his wife Norma Shearer and Louis B. Mayer on the MGM lot in Culver City.

The following year, 1930, it was broadcast for an hour on the radio. I’m not sure if that was “coast-to-coast” because that was also a new phenomenon. Attendance was becoming de rigueur. This was in the days of the studios when the stars were owned by the studios and did as they were told, at least when it came to business. Radio and the newspapers gave the Academy its first real public recognition. The film industry was off to the races.

In 1930, almost 80 million Americans – 65% of the population, went to the movies every week. A much much greater percentage than today. By the 1940s, the Oscars show was famous and broadcast coast-to-coast. The ceremonies grew in length and production and was held in the Pantages Theater. There was still an Academy dinner afterwards. Black tie. Attendance expected.

Swifty with Elizabeth Taylor at his party.

In 1964, an little tyke of an impeccably dressed – bespoke suit, shirt, tie and shoes – agent named Irving Lazar, with a little round bald head and great big black horned rimmed specs, had his own party, which he hosted with his beautiful young wife Mary (he married her because she looked like Audrey Wilder).

Their first venue was the Bistro restaurant in Beverly Hills – owned by Kurt Niklaus and a bevy of Hollywood names who backed him.

Clockwise from left: Lazar with Joan Collins; Diana Ross; and Candice and Frances Bergen.

Lazar, Taylor, and Nicholson.

I don’t know where Irving Lazar got the idea to give this party but it was very good for business. His business as well as the business of others. It was also known to be a lot of fun – not something that can be said about a lot of “famous parties.”

Known far and wide as “Swifty” – a name given to him as a left handed compliment by Frank Sinatra– Lazar decided to use the night as a social source. It was a natural for him and his pursuits but it was also brilliant. Rich, famous, important people made up the guestlist. Titled Euros, tycoons, New York society people, New York fashion people and no press.


	Michael Jackson and Madonna arriving.

No press except Aileen Mehle as “Suzy” and someone from John Fairchild’sWomen’s Wear Daily.

Those last two names made the most important contribution to the success of Irving and Mary Lazar’s Oscar party. That was the official stamp of approval. All media picked up on it. Everybody who was anybody in the whole wide world wanted to be there. Knowing everybody who was anybody was Irving Lazar’s ultimate destination. He had arrived. The party became famous but more importantly, famous among the famous.

Invitations were hard to get. The restaurant held only a few hundred, and there were fire laws. That gave the party more heft. And there had to be room for the really big stars who just might show up when they felt like it. The Lazars became social arbiters, too.

It became the most sought after destination for people going to the Oscars and their friends. The Lazars’ guests came from far and wide for the big night at Spago. Paparazzi appeared. Real royalty, Hollywood royalty, huckster royalty, rock stars, European aristos, bankers, fashion designers and tycoons rubbing elbows and blowing air kisses (and god knows what else) while dining on Wolfgang Puck’s then newest-hippest California cuisine.

Wolfgang Puck in his restaurant with some of the menu for the Lazar party.

Irving Lazar died in 1993 at the age of 86. His beautiful young wife Mary had died the same year tragically of spinal meningitis at 61. Their deaths marked a sudden transition in Hollywood life. The newly self-annointed had arrived overnight. Hooray for Hollywood.

Vanity Fair picked up the torch of celebrity, 21st Century American style, retaining some of the “social prestige” of the Lazar party, and in a popular upscale hip restaurant. But under Graydon Carter’s aegis, it retains a kind of exclusivity – you have to be invited – but media is everywhere, because, after all, media is everywhere, and for some people everything. They all came out. And the indefatigable Patrick McMullan captured them all.

I wasn’t there, have never been, but I am certain it was a great party, if for no other reason than people never get tired of people watching; and if you wanna people-watch Hollywood, this is most definitely the last word and the best chance of the year. And that’s fun. — DPC

Irina Shayk

Vanessa Hudgens and Selena Gomez

Emmy Rossum

Livia Firth

Carol Scwartz and Scott Glenn

Jeremy Renner

Molly Sims

Juliette Lewis

Rosemary DeWitt and Ron Livingston

Brad Grey and Cassandra Huysentruyt Grey

Adam Shulman and Anne Hathaway

Maria Sharapova

Karolina Kurkova

Allyson Felix

Mary Elizabeth Winstead

Malik Bendjelloul

Adrian Brody

Daniel Day-Lewis

Dennis Haysbert

Dame Shirley Bassey

Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness

Julie Yaeger and Paul Rudd

Jason Statham and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Amanda Seyfried and Samantha Barks

Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict

Tom Hooper

Marilyn and Jeffrey Katzenberg

Sally Field and Samuel Greisman

Jon Voight and Tommy Lee Jones

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum

Stephen Spielberg and Kate Capshaw

Haley Bennett

Jessica Lowndes

Juno Temple

Portia Rebecca and Peter Fonda

Steven Tyler

Josh Hartnett

Fan Bing Bing

Lily Rabe

Li Bing Bing

Donna Karen

Summer Phoenix and Casey Affleck

John Travolta and Kelly Preston

Olivia Munn

Paz Vega

Carolyn Murphy

Ginnifer Goodwin

Jacki Weaver

Jean Dujardin

Ben Affleck

Cristoph Waltz

Jane Lynch

Gabby Douglas

Sandra Bullock

Kristin Chenowith

Corrine Bishop and Jamie Foxx

Chrissy Teigen and John Legend

Len Weisman and Kate Beckinsale

Marisa Tomei

Kerry Washington

Chanel Iman

Mamie Gummer

Alessandra Ambrosio

Halle Berry

Bo Derek

Naomi Campbell

Bradley Cooper and Gloria Cooper

Sunrise Coigney and Mark Ruffalo

Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber

Jennifer Lawrence

Zoe Saldana

Minnie Driver

Hannah Bagshawe and Eddie Redmayne

Vera Wang and Hilary Swank

Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy

Franois-Henri Pinault and Salma Hayek

Nancy O'Dell

Chelsea Handler

Jennifer Hudson

Amy Adams

Philip Seymour Hoffman

Lucila Sola and Eli Roth

Martin Landau and Barbara Bain

Miranda Kerr

Greta Gerwig

Amy Poehler

Rashida Jones

Zooey Deschanel and Jamie Linden

Miranda Kerr and Orlando Bloom

Jerry Jones and Gene Jones

Julie Bowen

Rupert and Wendi Murdoch

Rose Byrne

Jennifer Garner

Diane von Furstenberg and Barry Diller

George Hamilton

David Steinberg and Robyn Steinberg

Leslie Mann

Kelly Lynch

Patricia Clarkson

Joan Collins

Robert Daly and Carole Bayer Sager

Justin Mikita and Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Julie Chen and Leslie Moonves

Mavis Leno and Jay Leno

Judd Apatow

George Schlatter and Jolene Schlatter

Tom Ford

Martin Short

Catherine O'Hara

Fran Lebowitz

Lauren Miller and Seth Rogen

Danna Ruscha and Edward Ruscha

Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams

Jackie Collins

Tory Burch

Anna Carter

Reese Witherspoon

Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt

Kirk Douglas and Anne Douglas

Cheryl Howard and Ron Howard

Jimmy Buffett and Janie Buffett

Brett Ratner, Bruce Weber, and Nan Bush

Amanda Santos and Rick Ruben

Lily Collins

Isla Fisher

Alina Cho

Elizabeth Banks

Lydia Andrich and Robbie Robertson

Alison Hewson and Bono

Jason Bateman and Amanda Anka

Emily Mortimer and Alessandro Nivola

Courtney Crangi and Jenna Lyons

Natalie Portman and Benjamin Millepied

Allison Williams

Jane Fonda

Danny Huston

Rosamund Pike

Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson

John Leguizamo and Justine Maurer

Paula Patton and Robin Thicke

Photographs by Patrick McMullan.

Post-concert at the Russian Team Room for Carnegie Hall's Golden Ticket event.

The Host Committee of Central Park Conservancy's Central to Spring– Cocktails on the Park event gathered at Le Cirque last Wednesday night for festive cocktails and hors d'oeuvres to plan the inaugural spring celebration on April 10. On this special evening in April, more than 100 residents of buildings surrounding Central Park will simultaneously host cocktail parties in their homes to toast the Park's gorgeous blooms and green meadows, highlighting the important work of the Conservancy. The event will culminate with a fireworks presentation in Central Park and The Empire State Building lighting up in green.

Only 15 percent of households in buildings along the Park are current donors to the Conservancy. Central to Spring will encourage friends in buildings on all sides of the Park to increase annual support to at least 50% among the Park's neighbors.

Le Cirque's Stella Room

Le Cirque's Central to Spring Cake

With a current annual budget of $45.8 million required for the Conservancy's care of the Park's 843 acres – 85 percent of which is raised from private sources – the Conservancy's continued success in maintaining this historic, green treasure will depend upon galvanizing those who benefit from the Park every day.

Among the attendees at Le Cirque were Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Douglas Blonsky, New York City Parks Commissioner Veronica White, Suzie Aijala, Susan Calhoun, Conservancy Trustees Judy Hart Angelo, Jay Mandelbaum, Didi Schafer, Donna Schwartz, and Suzanne Cochran, who is also serving as Chairman of Central to Spring. Central to Spring event partners and sponsors include Le Cirque and the Empire State Building.

Carmen Rodriguez, Donna Daniels, Veronica White, and Nina Chertoff

Didi Schafer, Linda Silverman, Suzanne Cochran, and Judy Hart Angelo

Marco Maccioni, Suzanne Cochran, Veronica White, Douglas Blonsky, and Terri Coppersmith

Marco Maccioni, Laurie Mandelbaum, and Jay Mandelbaum

Richard and Pam Scurry

Steve Bensinger and Carol Staab

Susan Calhoun and Melanie Shorin

Suzie Aijala and Lynn Wright

On Saturday, February 16, Rob Shmalo, recipient of Carnegie Hall's Golden Ticket, hosted 150 guests to a gala at Carnegie Hall to hear Grammy winning star Dianne Reeves, widely regarded as the foremost female jazz vocalist in the world today, perform alongside other jazz legends, including Esperanza Spalding.

Following the performance in Carnegie Hall's Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage, all guests, each encouraged to wear bow-ties and rhinestones, attended an after-party fete' at the Russian Tea Room and danced the night away to the sounds of DJ JonJon Battles.

Lauren Shmalo and Matt Anctil

Guests included Broadway star Daniel Reichard, Village People Cowboy Randy Jones, Carson Griffith, David Lipke, Darren Bettencourt, Arquisite Perfumer Carlos Huber, and Olympic figure skating champions Nicole Bobek, Tim Goebel, Sarah Hughes and Jeremy Abbott.

Tania Bass, Mary Lynn Gelderman, Inese Bucevica, and Marlene Shmalo

Nicole Bobek, Tim Goebel, Sarah Hughes, Jeremy Abbott, and Michael Solonoski

Deborah DiIorio, Ken Silva, Rosalie Joseph, and Patsy Polatchek

Bob Thorson, Jameson Bui, Adrien Henriet, Paul Winkler, and Joshua Bankhead

Ken Silva, Dario Timotic, Linda Penoyer, and Matt Anctil

Rob Shmalo and Victor Rodrigues

Jon Jon Battles

Bobby Cooper and Mylik Ganey

Adrien Henriet, Josh Machiz, Brian Chen, Eric Shoemaker, Cameron Steward, and Daniel Kempton

Randy Jones and Rob Shmalo

Randy Jones and Christopher Spaulding

Anthony Nehra and Eric Morriss

Joey Dudding, Ben Becton, and Victor Rodrigues

Andrew Brandt and Bob Tortora

Kristian Laliberte, Emerson Barth, and Justin Belmont

Will Grega, Randy Jones, and Ben Gettinger

Robbyne Kaamil, Andrews Balduino, Kristin Balduino, Dario Timotic, Joshua Bankhead, Mark MacKillop, and John Stevens

Michael SanGiovanni and Jason Shaw

Ken Silva and Robbyne Kaamil

Rick Slusher, Breanne Heldman, Marlene Shmalo, Albert Shmalo, and Lauren Shmalo

Bill Haberthur, B.J. Foreman, and Patrick Sheldon

Inese Bucevica, Sophie Bensamou, and Mary Lynn Gelderman

Wally Findlay Galleries in Palm Beach celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Quest magazine with a reception and retrospective.

Ashton de Peyster, Jean Van Sinderen-Law, Margo de Peyster, Talbott Maxey, and Mr. Ruddy

Moira Benjamin, Jeremy Wiesen, and Cindi Witter

Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma, Moira Benjamin, Leslie Smith, and Grace Meigher

Elizabeth Meigher, Chris Meigher, Princess Maria Pia of Savoy, and Prince Michel of Bourbon-Parma

John Terwilliger and Charlie Krusen

Ali Hanley, Matthew Mellon, and Nicole Hanley Mellon

Bill Bartholomay and Mai Hallingby Harrison

Adolfo Zaralegui, Crystal Totterman, and Lars Totterman

Bob Hardwick and Ali Hanley

Suebelle Robbins, Kim Dryer, Geoffrey Thomas, and Countess Sharon Sondes

Christopher Walling and Judy Schrafft

Marquesa de San Damian and Joanna Kendall

Page Kjellstrom

Douglas Jencks, Leslie Slatkin, and Larry Laslow

Pamela Tombari, Erik Walden, and Kari Talley

Caroline Freney, Jim Freney, and Pamela O'Connor

Maurice Amiel and Cynthia Van Buren

Judith Murat Grubman, Grace Meigher, and Candy Hamm

Fred Clark, Jim Apostolakis, and Bob Hardwick

Laura Codman and Christopher Castro Viejo

Evelyn Harrison and Jenny Garrigues

Stephanie Clark, Fred Clark, and friend

Cindi Witter and Jeremy Wiesen

Gregory Dryer and Kim Dryer

Lauriston Segerson, Chase Dreyfous, Rachel K. Ward, and Daniela Gross

The Child Mind Institute joined author and journalist Stephanie LaCava to host the launch party for its Creativity Workshops February 19 at 7pm at The Journal Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Designed and led by established artists with guidance from experts from the Child Mind Institute's Center for Learning and Development, Creativity Workshops provide teens with an opportunity to use art to test their strengths and explore their feelings in a lively and encouraging environment.

"The arts encourage children and teens to express their point of view and examine issues and experiences," said Child Mind Institute president Harold S. Koplewicz, MD. "We are thrilled to partner with Stephanie in launching Creativity Workshops because the arts are integral to child development and foster positive growth."

Harold Koplewcz and Stephanie LaCava

The evening features "The Art of Possibility," twenty-five works of written art by participants in the inaugural Workshop, where teens from local New York City high schools joined LaCava in the creative process. The 2-hour workshop began with each participant authoring a fictional story about transformation inspired by the prompt: Write about a situation that seemed to be the end of the world, where things turned out good in the end. Building on the theme of transformation, the teens then choose two sentences or 10 words to illustrate using colored pencils, charcoals, markers, and oil pastels.

"Transformation really means a change in the way you see the world – and a shift in how you see yourself. It is not simply a change in your point of view, but rather a whole different perception of what is possible," said LaCava. "Through the workshops we use art to shift teens' awareness to encompass more possibilities."

The Feb 19th Opening Reception for Creativity Workshops, a new program that invites teens to engage in a creative project designed with an artist showcased 25 local students art designed at this month's premier 2 hour workshop at the Child Mind Institute.

Guests of the Child Mind Institute gathered at the Journal Gallery in Williamsburg, Brooklyn for the Feb 19th Opening Reception for Creativity Workshops, a new program that invites teens to engage in a creative project designed with an artist.

Goodie bags were provided by Marc Jacobs. LaCava collaborated with Marc Jacobs on an accessories line inspired by her book with proceeds benefiting the Child Mind Institute.

Photographs by Patrick McMullan (Quest); Michael Dubin (Child Mind); Sarah Cedar Miller (CPC).

Over 100 garden lovers came to look at the Jay Estate to learn how they can help at its 1st Annual Hort Lunch.

On Thursday, February 7, just 1 day before historic blizzard Nemo hit New York, almost 120 landscape lovers attended the 1st Annual Hort Lunch at the historic Jay Estate in Rye. Bundled in scarves and many wearing gardening "wellies," they braved temperatures in the low 30s to take a good look at New York State's oldest man managed meadow and imagine its future.

After sips of hot chocolate outside on the Jay veranda, the crowd walked back to the 1907 Carriage House for a cozy box lunch and iced tea in mason jars. They heard opening remarks by Charles Birnbaum, Founder and President of The Cultural Landscape Foundation who commended the Jay Heritage Center and local garden clubs for their vision to preserve the landmark park.

John Jay wellies!

Wellies decorated by Luncheon Co-Organizer Chris Duncan

We love our new Hort Lunch logo created by Pete Thomas

Next, well recognized meadow expert and landscape designer, Larry Weaner described his own ideology about fitting the right plants to a site's natural soil conditions over force-fitting the wrong species. Among the guests who came out from Manhattan to lend their expertise were landscape historian and author Mac Griswold whose latest book "The Manor: Three Centuries at a Slave Plantation on Long Island" will be out this summer; Warrie Price, President of the Battery Conservancy; Barbara Dixon, Vice Chairman of New Yorkers for Parks and landscape architect Mark Streiter, of Nelson Byrd Woltz.

Brilliant additions to the pre-blizzard program included a display of boots decorated with everything from faux fur to ladybugs and filled with bunches of calla lilies, daisies etc. as well as a bike raffle and 3 prizes for most creative wellies worn by a guest. One of the winners? A pair of tan hunter boots with NY Founding Father John Jay's portrait emblazoned on them! After signing up for upcoming volunteer days at Jay, everyone went home with a notebook full of midwinter garden dreams and rustic wood pencils to record them!

Cynthia McClintock, Warrie Price, Suzanne Clary, Shaun Duncan, and Barbara Dixon

Mac Griswold, Suzanne Clary, and Charles Birnbaum

Meghan Kelly, Elisabeth Casey, and Liz Garrett

Michael Kovner and Jean Doyen de Montaillou

Stephanie Hoover, Rita Schubert, and Elisabeth Moyer

Mark Streiter, Sascha Greenberg, Kathleen Kirschgaessner, and Shaun Duncan

Jane Canning, Melanie Smith, and Jannie Gerrish

Karen Thomas talks with Mark Streiter, Charles Birnbaum and Shaun Duncan on the Jay veranda

Shaun Duncan and Larry Weaner

Elisabeth Casey

Karen Thomas with her brother Jim Kelsey

Suzanne Clary and landscape designer Larry Weaner

GiGi's Playhouse, an organization consisting of local awareness and educational centers which provide resources and support to individuals with Down syndrome and their families, hosted a cocktail fundraiser on February 23rd 2013 at 48 Lounge. This annual event, themed "I Have a Voice," took place in 15 cities nationwide. New York City is the newest location to join the network and one that serves families throughout New York City and the tri-state area.

"Our organization has really had a positive impact on so many lives", says Debbie Morris, President of the board of managers for GiGi's Playhouse NYC. "To see all of our efforts appreciated and the community come together at our fundraiser is incredibly rewarding."

Guests Included: Tom and Jo Ann Fogarty, Tracy Nixon, Benno and Evelyn Ansbacher, Andrew and Debbie Morris, Heather and Gaurang Trivedi, Jean Sullivan and Richard Crane, Matthew and Lauren Fogarty, Eric and Becky Fogarty, Kevin and Sarah Brakstad, Amber Collins, Josh and Laura Blau, Tim Driscoll, Lisa Denby and Rob Orland, Gretchen Hayes, Julie and Tucker Siler and Marc and Sue Caruso.

Board Member Lauren Fogarty with June Price and Julie and Tucker Siler

Executive Director Britt Sady and Playhouse Volunteer and Physical Therapist Lisa Yoon

Richard Reilly, Richard Cane, and Jean Sullivan

Tracy Nixon and Debbie Morris

Evelyn and Benno Ansbacher

Josh Blau, Laura Blau, and Jennifer Patterson

John Ansbacher and Andrew Morris

Nicki Pombier Berger and Jed Berger

Gaurang Trividi, Heather Trividi, and Kate Gibbs

Kirsten DeBear, Stacey Calcano, and Alison Nixon

Rich and Gina Chute

Michael Kulma and Luella Adan

Lou Craco Sr., Betty Craco, and Lou Craco Jr.

Holly Horn and Alex Lamis

Duncan Montero, Amber Collins, and Amanda Mason

Sarah and Aaron Steinberg

Melanie and John Romolo

Kristen Jensen and Mina Valtas

Playhouse Volunteer Liza Tichenor and Zack Galler

Adam Arthurs and Siran Cao

Eva Douglas

Playhouse Volunteers Alyssa, Kiri and Karolina

Darya Cheban-Katz, Michael Hornbuckle, and David Mazzullo

Frank Sawyer, Sandra Sena, Peter Loftis, and Britt Sady

Kevin Brakstad and Becky Fogarty

Michael Johnson and Kenya Johnson

I Have A Voice at 48 Lounge

Down in Palm Beach: Lighthouse International held its sixth annual dinner dance at Club Colette on February 20th, honoring the POSH Palm Beach chairs and committee.

Arlene Dahl served as the Honorary Chairwoman of the sixth annual POSH Palm Beach Gala and Sale, and was joined by co-Chairwomen Iris Apfel, Kathy Bleznak, Kim Campbell, Trisha Cole, Jackie Weld Drake, Katherine Ford, Linda Hickox, Michele Kessler, Carla Mann, Grace Meigher, Lucia N. Musso, Margo MacNabb Nederlander, Kit Pannill, Nancy Paul and Norma Tiefel. Elisabeth Munder and Tara Vecellio were the Junior Co-chairmen.

Marc Rosen and Arlene Dahl

Fern Tailer and Tracy Hritz

The sold out evening honored Kit Pannill and Talbot Maxey, and included a special presentation by artist Sacha Newley, who presented a beautiful mother/daughter pastel portrait.

Those attending the black-tie event were treated to an exclusive preview of POSH Palm Beach, a highly anticipated clothing and accessories sales event featuring gently worn and even brand new items donated by socialites, celebrities, designers and fashionable retailers. The highly anticipate sale opened to the public on February 21 and 22.

Kit Pannill, Mark Ackerman, and Talbott Maxey

Guests included Lighthouse CEO Mark Ackermann, Arlene Dahl, Marc Rosen, Talbot Maxey, Kit Pannill, Mary Lou Whitney, Kim Campbell, Bill Condi, Grace Meigher, Beth de Woody and Firooz Zahedi, Carla and George Mann, Sasha Newley, Somers Farkas, Tom Quick, Lore Dodge, Tara and Christopher Vecellio, Francine LeFrak, Rick Friedberg, Travis Howe, Grace Meigher, Adam and Elizabeth Munder and Fern Tailer.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is dedicated to preserving vision and providing critically needed health care services to help people of all ages overcome the challenges of vision loss and blindness and enjoy safe, independent lives.

Barbara Rogoff and Bob Hoak

Somers Farkas and Sacha Newley

Lucy Musso, Tom Quick, and Grace Meigher

Carla and George Mann

Harvey and Myrna Daniels

Julie and Mike Connors, and Lore Dodge

Sally Ann Howes and Douglas Rae

Sharon Sondes and Geoffrey Thomas

Sacha Newley, Kit Pannill, Mark Ackerman, and Talbott Maxey

Jimmy Tigani and Else Gillet

Marylou Whitney and John Henderickson

Marc Rosen and Marylou Whitney

Tara and Chris Vecellio

Susan Malloy and Eva Bodnar

Ann Downey and Mona De Sayve

Sacha Newley and Susie Elson

Elisabeth and Adam Munder

Beth Rudin DeWoody and Firooz Zahedi

Else Gillet and Arlene Dahl

Kim Campbell and Bill Condie

More baubles from Palm Beach:Quest hosted the annual luncheon for its coveted A-list of Palm Beach ladies. Club Colette was again the venue, serving up their classic cheese souffles for 50 of PB's top women. Also on table were some stunning gems and baubles from the Geneva jeweler, de Grisogono. The buzz around the room was especially upbeat, with several pals toasting the birthday of their fellow Aquarian, Grace Meigher.

Sabrina Forsyth, Grace Meigher, and Emilia Saint Amand

Emilia Fanjul and Susie Elson

Britty Bardes, Emilia Saint-Amand, and Sabrina Forsyth

Joyce Sterling, Frances Scaife and Kit Pannill

Sabrina Forsyth and Dan Ponton

Annette Tapert and Kate Khosrovani

Chris Meigher, Hillie Mahoney and Britty Bardes, Kate Khosrovani

Gracie Meigher, Muffy Miller and Pauline Pitt

Lore Dodge and Kit Pannill

Mila Mulroney and Linda Olson

Denise De Luca and Paulette Koch

Kate Khosrovani and Muffy Miller

Kate Khosrovani, Hillie Mahoney and Michele Heary from de Grisogono

Lore Dodge and Kit Pannill

Mila Mulroney and Kate Khosrovani

Emilia Saint-Amand and Sabrina Forsyth

Candy Hamm and Jessie Araskog

Frances Scaife, Emilia Saint-Amand, and Jackie Drake

Margo dePeyster, Mai Harrison

Karin Luter and Britty Bardes

Mai Harrison and Margo dePeyster

Margo dePeyster and Inge Anderson

Lesly Smith, Mila Mulroney, and Jackie Drake

Mai Harrison and Maria Pia Savoia

Kate Khosrovani and Eileen Burns

Paulette Koch and Anka Palitz

Hillie Mahoney and Margo dePeyster

Joyce Sterling

Giovanni Mattera and Mai Harrison

Kit Pannill and Helena Martinez

Anka Palitz and Frances Scaife

Photographs by Cutty McGill (Jay Estate); www.AnnieWatt.com (GiGi's Playhouse); Lucien Capehart Photography (Posh & Quest).

The ninth annual Adults in Toyland: Casino Gaming for a Cause at The Plaza Hotel.

The ninth annual Adults in Toyland Casino Night: Casino Gaming for a Cause attracted over 600 philanthropically minded New York City professionals from finance, fashion, entertainment and real estate, among other leading industries. This festive and worthy night out featured casino games, a DJ, an exclusive silent auction, and cocktails and buffet, all while raising important funds for the Hassenfeld Center at the NYU Cancer Institute and the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center.

Since its founding in 1856 as the nation's first pediatric service, NYU Langone has been a leader in advancing children's health through patient care, research and education. Its pediatric specialties– including hematology-oncology, neonatology, orthopedics, emergency medicine, neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery – are world renowned for the skilled and compassionate care they provide.

The Hassenfeld Center is a national leader in outpatient treatment of childhood cancers and blood disorders. It offers a unique approach to treatment for life-threatening diseases, combining world-class medical care in a state-of-the-art facility, with critical psychosocial support services for young patients and their families. These services greatly reduce stress and anxiety in patients and families and help address and mitigate the long-term impact of these illnesses. While these services are not covered by health insurance, at the Hassenfeld Center they are offered to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

Proceeds from the 2013 Adults in Toyland Casino Night event will raise vital funds to support the unique programs at the Hassenfeld Center and in the Department of Pediatrics. These programs include interim patient/family housing, bilingual child life therapy, and music and recreational therapy. Funds for the Department of Pediatrics will also be used to help support staff recruitment and the creation of child-friendly facilities.

Morgan Hertzan, Susie Block Casdin, Kelly Kennedy Mack, Harlan Fabrikant Saroken, Patti Kim, Kimberly Goodwin, and Steven Jaffe

Jill Kargman, Susie Block Casdin, and Karen McLaughlin

Patti Kim, Catherine Manno, Susie Block Casdin, and David Schulhof

Kerry Kennedy, Sarah Bupp, and Brian Kennedy

Dasha Varbarina and Marie Macshane

Carol Alt

Robin Dolch, Liz Stern, and Amy Palmer

Daniel Flax and Lindsey Kupferman

Catherine Manno and Kelly Mack

Brian Kennedy, Jenna Jaffe, Stephen Jeffe, and Mike Weaver

Tally Russell and Andy Russell

Patti Kim and Noah Sanders

Chandra Darice, Micha Hughes, and Betty Leu

Jamie Tisch and Patti Kim

Justin Quaglia and Brigette Barlett

Melissa Meister, Kat Cohen, and Abigail Klem

Craig Hayman and Kelly Mack

Nana Wolf and Robert Wolf

Harlan Fabrikant Saroken and Catherine Manno

John Borell, Emily Borell, and Josh Beckerman

Susi Wunsch, Peter Wunsch, Eric Wunsch, and Roisin McElroy

Jennifer Rosenthal and Adam Bailey

Samantha Daniels and Karin Klein

Rochelle Jacobs

Jesse Spain and Craig Spain

Jay Galluzzo and Jennny Galluzzo

Katherine Arbuckle, Kimberly Goodwyn, Stephanie Sladkus, and Stephen Sladkus

Kathy Lewis and Melissa Longo

Holly Croft and Vanessa Cornell

Chandra Darice and Micha Hughes

Emily Trafford and Blake Vasquez

Andy Russell and Karin Klein

Eric Wunsch, Susi Wunsch, Peter Wunsch, and Roisin McElroy

Samantha Daniels and Caroline Greenwald

Abigail Scheuer and Susie Block Casdin

The Children's Storefront, an independent, tuition-free school in Harlem hosted An Evening of Cocktails and Dance on Thursday, January 31. The event was held at The Ailey Studios/The Joan Weill Center for Dance to benefit the Storefront, and featured a special performance by the Ailey/Fordham Student Dancers.

The benefit was chaired by Anne-Marie Embiricos, Amanda Low and Maria Vecchiotti. Morrison and Forrester, LLP generously supported the event as well.

The Children's Storefront is located at 70 E. 129th Street. Founded in 1966, the school is committed to providing a comprehensive education to children with varied academic strengths from preschool through eighth grade. Core to their mission is the belief that all children deserve a quality education regardless of academic ability or financial means. Key to their success is the strong belief in teaching the whole child – empowering every student to reach his or her potential. More than a tuition-free school, the Storefront is a community, a safe haven and a leader in the field of urban education.

Event Co-chairs Anne-Marie Embiricos and Amanda Low with friends

The Moore family

Storefront Teacher Candace Cardwell, Head of School Wendy Reynoso, and Assistant Head of School Michael Williams

Jan Berger and Dorian Brown

Michael and Lauren Marrus

Steve Logan and John Forbes

Ray Cameron, Molly Paul, and Toni Cameron

Holly Peterson, daughter Eliza Kimball and friend

Co-chair Amanda Low and Ann Rivers

Crown, the elegant Upper East Side restaurant at 24 East 81st Street hosted a royal luncheon on Thursday, February 21 in honor of Muffie Potter Aston, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Gillian Miniter, the ladies who give so much of their time and effort to New York's philanthropic community. Crown owners Sean Largotta, Mark Amadei and proprietor-chef John DeLucie feted 34 of the honored ladies' equally dedicated friends in celebration of the upcoming spring charity galas.

Among those joining the festivities were: Coco Kopelman, Lady Lilliana Cavendish, Alexandra Lebenthal, Daisy Soros, Anne Hearst Mc Innerney, Claudia Overstrom, Betsey Pitts, Charlotte Assaf, Fay Wattleton, Dana Hammond, Elyse Newhouse and Lydia Fenet.

John DeLucie debuted two new Crown signature salads for the occasion: Lobster and King Crab and Roasted Organic Chicken with a tempting Tart Au Citron. The two-story windowed atelier designed by Meg Sharpe was filled with a cacophony of friendly conversation and champagne prior to the seated luncheon.

Honorees Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, MuffiePotter Aston, and Gillian Miniter

Liz Peek and Noreen Buckfire

Dana Hammond

Coco Kopelman and Gillian Miniter

Charlotte Assaf

Lady Lilliana Cavendish and Anne Hearst McInerney

Mary Snow, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Muffie Potter Aston, Becca Zilkha Halpin, and Tea Previn

Alexis Clark, Lydia Fenet, and Elyse Newhouse

Crown Royal Luncheon

The 24th Annual Gala of Heart & Soul Charitable Fund was held on Thursday February 21st at Christie's Auction House in Rockefeller Center. The mission of Heat & Soul is to provide aid to segments of the New York City community who are living in marginalized situations. The Fund acts as the principal source of funding, support and advice for its selected grantees, including such programs as Girl Scout Troops in East Harlem, Health Advocates for Older People, Everybody Wins! and Fast Break Mobile Mental Health Clinic for Children.

Carolyn Buck Luce and Gail McGovern

Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross was presented with the Forrest Church Award for Humanitarian Service by Carolyn Buck Luce in honor of her late husband, Rev. Dr. Forrest Church. The award is given to an individual who demonstrates a capacity for moral courage and selflessness while working towards the betterment of our world. Former recipients include Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of the international health and social justice organization Partners In Health; former U.S. President Bill Clinton; Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; and the Hon. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York.

Lydia Fenet starts the auction with a Red Cross Backpack

Judy Chang, Jordan Coughtry, Nisi Sturgis, Marilynn Scott Murphy, and George Dorsey

In the spirit of having fun while doing good work, the event featured great food and drinks from Sant Ambroeus Special Events, and raised money through both Live and Silent Auctions featuring Judith Ripka Jewelry, with an online auction managed by CharityBuzz.com.

The Live auction was led by Lydia Fenet of Christie's and featured unique items and experiences mixed with Paddle Raises, encouraging guests to make donations to specific outreach services. It was an entertaining and inspiring evening, benefiting over a dozen community-based programs in New York City.

Carolyn Buck Luce, Don McGovern, Rob Evans, and Gail McGovern

Jeff Friedlander, Board Treasurer and Bill Bechman, Board President

Dalia and Sharon Brodian

Michele Jawin, Heather Floyd, Renee Berliner Rush, and Francesca Thompson

Kirkley Strand, Steven Richardson, and April Griswold

Stuart Hillman and Elizabeth Brown, Executive Director

Erica Yount and David Yount

Stephen Lash, David Andrews, and Mimi Andrews

Al Jackson, Deborah Jackson, and Elizabeth Brown

Jason Rivera and Josh Lockwood

Rev. Galen Guengerich, Jo Champa, Susan Rockefeller, and David Rockefeller, Jr

Miles Chapin and Victor Fidel

Lisa Yeh and Warren Yeh

Jo Champa, Victor Fidel, and David Rockefeller, Jr

Maria and Larry Reina

Heli Blum with her winning bid for Judith Ripka necklace

Miles Chapin, Dennis Cusack, Robin Bossert, George Dorsey, Shilpa Iyengar, Victor Fidel, and Maryah Converse

Photographs by www.AnnieWatt.com (Heart & Soul); Andrew Werner (Crown).

Tina Swartz, Deborah Royce, Whitney Clay, Gregory Long, Fernanda Kellogg, Dara Caponigro, and Carolyn Englefield

Last Wednesday night, February 27th, The New York Botanical Garden held its annual Orchid Dinner at the Mandarin Oriental. The Dinner is one of New York City’s premier winter social events. Each table was adorned by a dramatic centerpiece and table setting created and donated by more than 25 of New York’s top designers.

This year’s theme, “Exotic Inspirations,” was the creative source for the imaginative centerpieces. This stunning orchid display, along with the Mandarin Oriental’s glorious views overlooking Central Park, makes it one of the most beautiful events in New York City.

The evening also featured its annual sale of rare and exotic orchids carefully selected by the Garden’s curators.

Gala Chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan C. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Royce, and Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Swartz. Chairs were Dara Caponigro, Editor-in-Chief, VERANDA, and Fernanda M. Kellogg, Chair of the Board of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation. Carolyn Englefield, Director of Decoration and Special Projects, VERANDA, served as Decorations Chair. Honorary Chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Davidson and Mr. and Mrs. John M. Sullivan, Jr. The evening’s sponsors were BNY Mellon, Tiffany & Co., Hearst Corporation, and VERANDA.

This evening raised nearly $600,000 to benefit the Garden’s world renowned and highly celebrated orchid collection and research program. The ongoing generosity of loyal friends is so crucial, and helps the Garden continue its mission of public education, scientific research, and the stewardship of our 250-acre site.

In addition, The New York Botanical Garden presents the 11th annual Orchid Show this year, the nation’s largest exhibition of its kind, running through April 22, 2013. Elaborate and kaleidoscopic displays throughout the galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory explode with orchids in an amazing array of colors, shapes, sizes, and texture.

Gregory Long and Sigourney Weaver

Sharon Jacob and Leslie Weiss

Whitney Clay, Gregory Long, and Katie Ridder

DeWayne Phillips and Caroline Wamsler

R. Couri Hay and Jessica Clarke

Serniqua Dougherty, Geoffrey Bradfield, Jaime Jimenez, Roric Tobin, and Katharina Plath

Richard Mishaan, Stephen Elrod, and Joseph Merrill

Kate Kelly Smith and Charlotte Barnes

Marisa Marcantonio

Sigourney Weaver and Jim Simpson

Rick Kurnit, Patricia Fernandez, and Ricardo Fernandez

Linda Buckley, Craig Callen, and Fernanda Kellog

Lauren McGrath and Suzanne McGrath

Samantha Conlin, Terry Skoda, and Gale Brooks

Marisa Marcantonio and Peter Pennoyer

Claire Ratliff and Lee Cavanaugh

Coco Kopelman, Arie L. Kopelman, John Schumacher, and Barbara Schumacher

Kate Kelly Smith, John Knott, and Charlotte Barnes

Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff

Dawne Marie Grannum and James François-Pijuan

Alexandra Lebenthal, David Mishaan, and Gillian Miniter

On February 27, The Jewish Museum held its much-anticipated annual gala, Purim Ball 2013: Who Wears the Crown? at the Park Avenue Armory in Manhattan.

The evening of celebration honored Robert H. Benmosche, President and CEO of American International Group, Inc. (AIG), and renowned American artist James Rosenquist, whose iconic, career-defining painting F-111 made its museum debut at The Jewish Museum in 1965. Filmmaker and actress Lena Dunham, creator and star of HBO's Golden Globe Award-winning series "Girls," headlined the gala's program as Purimspieler. The event set an exciting new record, raising over $1.8 million and attracting 1,312 guests including those who attended the After-Party.

The Park Avenue Armory during Purim Ball 2013: Who Wears the Crown? Décor by David Stark Design and Production

Lena Dunham performing the Purimspiel

Yvonne Force Villareal, Kiki Smith, Lisa Yuskavage, and Izhar Patkin

Purim Ball 2013 Honoree James Rosenquist

Tracey Pruzan and Robert Pruzan

Ajit Jain, Brian Schreiber, Morris Offit, and Susan and Leonard Feinstein

Dakota Jackson and RoseLee Goldberg

Pattie Cronin and Deborah Kass

Mimi Thompson and James Rosenquist

Laurie Simmons and Lena Dunham

Yvonne Force Villareal

Gabi Asfour and Ange Donhauser

Steven and Debi Wisch

Jeff and Shari Aronson

Robert Pruzan, Robert H. Benmosche, and Morris Offit

Claudia Gould, Ben Schott, and Pavia Rosati

Lisa Perry

Hilarie Reinsberg, Stephanie Roach, Jared Effron, and Melanie Baevsky

Wes Gordon, Jody Arnhold, and Paul Arnhold

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP of NYC) hosted its 12th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon Kickoff Reception at the home of Women Who Care Founder & Chair Loreen Arbus in New York City on Wednesday, February 20th.

The star-studded 12th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon Benefitting United Cerebral Palsy of New York City will take place on Monday, May 6th at Cipriani 42nd Street.

The luncheon celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of women as professionals, caregivers and philanthropists.

Mark Klebanov, Lauren Carpenter, Loreen Arus, David Carpenter, and Sean Carpenter

It was announced that for the first time, Natalie Morales, News Anchor & Co-Host of the Third Hour on NBC’S TODAY Show will Host the luncheon. Ellen Levine, Editorial Director, Hearst Magazines, will be Honorary Chair, Donna Hanover, former first Lady of New York City, will be Honorary Co-Chair. Robin Givens, star of “90210,” and Paula Zahn will return as Co-Chairs of the luncheon. In addition, a new Women Who Care Co-Chair was announced, Ali Stroker, star of "The Glee Project" and "Glee."

This year’s dynamic honorees include multi-award winning Cyndi Lauper, beloved music icon and current composer for this spring’s much-anticipated Kinky Bootson Broadway, Sharon Greenberger, Senior Vice President, Facilities Development and Engineering for New York Presbyterian Hospital and New York City leader in urban planning and development, design, construction and operations management, and Maysoon Zayid, multi-talented writer, actor, comedian,humanitarian andco-founder of the New York Arab-American Comedy Festival.

Previous Women Who Care honorees include Robin Roberts, Diane Sawyer, Gayle King, Lauren Bush Lauren, Susan Lucci, singer Amy Lee, and Ms. Morales’ former colleague Ann Curry.

Peter Thomas Roth, Noreen Roth, Timothy Morehouse, Rachael Kun Morehouse, and Wendy Diamond

United Cerebral Palsy (UCP) is the fifth largest U.S. health organization. In New York City, we are a leading provider of programs, services, information, and care to over 14,000 children and adults with disabilities and their families. The mission of United Cerebral Palsy of New York City is to create opportunities for people with disabilities to lead independent and fulfilling lives.

VIPS in attendance for the Kick Off reception included Loreen Arbus, Founder/Chair of Women Who Care; new Women Who Care Co-Chair Ali Stroker, star of "The Glee Project" and "Glee;" Donna Hanover, Honorary Co-Chair and former First Lady of New York City; 2013 Women Who Care honoree Maysoon Zayid; former Women Who Care Honoree Terrie Williams, President, Terrie Williams Agency; Tamsen Fadal, Anchor, WPIX News; Mike Woods of "Good Day New York;" Wendy Diamond, Publisher, AnimalFair Media; Maurice DuBois, Anchor, KCBS News; Megan Meany, television personality and lifestyles expert; Margot Bingham, star of "In Between Men;" Jennifer Gelfer, director & Co-Executive Producer of "In Between Men;" U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist and E! News Correspondent Tim Morehouse and Rachael Kun Morehouse of "60 Minutes;" Diana Hoadley, Managing Director J.P. Morgan Chase; Lori Sokol, Founder of Sokol Media; Dr. Danielle Sheypuk, media commentator & disability rights advocate; Camilla Barungi, model/entrepreneur of “Project Runway” fame; television star Isiah Whitlock Jr. of “The Wire” and “Cedar Rapids” fame; actress Lauren LoGiudice; Sheila Lennon, Senior Vice President of Development & Marketing, UCP of NYC; Peter and Noreen Roth; and Nicole Sexton, Director of Administration, Central Park Conservancy.

Danielle Sheypuk, Jennifer Gelfer, and Donna Hanover

Past Women Who Care celebrity presenters include: Cynthia McFadden, Diane Von Furstenberg, Jimmy Smits, Cynthia Nixon, Ivanka Trump, Danny Glover, Meredith Vieira, Alan Rickman, Deborah Norville, Dr. Oz, CBS News Anchor Maurice DuBois,“Mad Men” star Cara Buono, Good Day New York’s Mike Woods, Regis Philbin, Martha Stewart, Maria Cuomo Cole, Alan Rickman, Diane Sawyer, and CEO of the Hearst Corporation Frank Bennack, Jr.

For more information about Women Who Care or the important ongoing programs of UCP of NYC, which helps thousands of people annually, go to: www.ucpnyc.org.

Lori Sokol, Amy Bittinger, Diana Hoadley, and Lauren LoGiudice

Donna Hanover, Maysoon Zayid, Loreen Arbus, and Ali Stroker

Loreen Arbus, Maurice DuBois, Megan Meaney, and James Grant

Margot Bingham and Tamsen Fadal

Lauren LoGiudice, Isiah Whitlock, Jr., and Camilla Barungi

Loreen Arbus, Megan Meaney, Sheila Lennon, and Nicole Sexton

David Hryrck, Tami Kesselman, and Lori Sokol

Roderick Allen, Lori Sokol, Camilla Barungi, and Niiamar Felder

Danielle Sheypuk, Haley Lesavoy, Xiam Horn, and Amy Bittinger

Danielle Sheypuk and Ali Stroker

Terrie Williams, Loreen Arbus, Mike Woods, and Tamsen Fadal

Jean Shafiroff and Loreen Arbus

Matt Flynn and Haley Lesavoy

Analisa Balares and Tami Kesselman

The American Cancer Society, Island of Palm Beach Unit hosted the 45th Annual 19th Hole Club Reception and Golf Event at The Breakers Ocean Golf Course on Monday, February 25, 2013.

More than 75 attendees enjoyed dinner by the bite, cocktails, and a presentation by Guest of Honor Golf Professional Davis Love III, and one lucky couple won the live auction trip to the Masters Tournament at Augusta National, with private jet service provided by NetJets, Inc. James D. Zahringer served as Chairman of the event.

The Breakers practice green laid out with the five hole putting contest

The event began at 4:30, on the practice green just off the Flagler Steakhouse veranda, where guests were served dinner by the bite and cocktails, and mingled with Davis Love III. Those who wanted to also participated in a five-hole putting contest laid out on the practice green. There was a silent auction for guests to browse as well, which featured golf memorabilia such as a 2005 Masters pin flag signed by Tiger Woods, a 1986 Masters Anniversary Edition putter autographed by Jack Nicklaus, and a Paloma Picasso Amazonite Bead Necklace from Tiffany & Co.

Davis Love, Sam Lehrman and Katherine Wood

Davis Love, III is one of the greatest players of his generation. Recently awarded the 2013 Bob Jones Award, the United States Golf Association’s (USGA) highest honor, Love has won 20 PGA TOUR events over the span of his nearly thirty year professional golf career. Love captained the 2012 U.S. Ryder Cup team and has played in six Ryder Cups and six Presidents Cups. Love also received the USGA International Book Award for Every Shot I Take, a tribute to his late father, in 1997. A resident of Sea Island, Georgia, Love began hosting the McGladrey Classic, an official PGA TOUR golf tournament, at the Sea Island Golf Club in 2010, which raises funds for the Davis Love Foundation. Love and his wife Robin have a daughter Alexia and a son Davis IV; Davis and his son recently beat Jack Nicklaus and son Gary in the Father-Son Challenge in Orlando, Florida.

Mac Zahringer, Kress Zahringer, Davis Love III, and Jamie Zahringer

Committee members for the 19th Hole Club Luncheon and Golf Event include: Roy Apple, Reid Boren, Ray Celedinas, Vince Cerone, Richard Connaughton, Mark Cook, Tim Hanlon, Chris Hubman, Ken Kennerly, Chris Larmoyeux, Robert Leidy, Homer Marshman, Buddy Marucci, Kevin McCluskey, Dani Moore, Rob Reveley, Josh Skivington and George Weston.

Proceeds of the American Cancer Society’s 19th Hole Club Event, and the support of generous donors, further the organization’s mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.

John Daniello and Joe Marchese

Mark Cook and Jack Flag

Danielle Moore with Wally and Betsy Turner

Richard and Penny Fierstein

Robert and Carol Garvy

Michel Cox Witmer and Tom Quick

Diana and Cory Valentine

Arlette Gordon and Donald Scott

Sean Bresnan and Reid Boren

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com (Orchid); Matthew Carasella (The Jewish Museum).

The scene at FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue for The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's 22nd Annual Bunny Hop.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2013, The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center hosted the 22nd Annual Bunny Hop at FAO Schwarz Fifth Avenue, New York’s legendary toy store. A Society tradition and the most high-profile family event of the year, the Bunny Hop is a thrilling and magical evening for families and children of all ages.

Sponsored by Tiffany & Co., almost 900 guests attended including The Society’s members, celebrity guests and New York families. The Event Co-Chairs were Alexandra D. Edwards, Nina Garcia Conrad, Melissa Meister and Marcie Pantzer, with Debra Messing serving as Honorary Chairman.

Guests enjoyed a variety of hands-on activities including: games by Kids In Sports; face painting by BongarBiz and Faces by Derrick; cookie decorating by The Cookie Party; Freeze Frame Giant Piano Photos; costume dress-up areas provided by Let’s Dress Up!; sand art by Craft Studio; live animal presentation by A Touch of Nature; entertainment by Magic Al the magician; Sammie and Tudie; Miss Pinkie’s Playhouse; Todd Neufeld’s Twisted Balloon Company; musical entertainment by MME Entertainment; Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady; and a live musical performance by Broadway Babies.

The event raised over $311,000 to benefit the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment. The fund pays for overnight stays at special nearby accommodations when children and their families come from out of town for treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s renowned Pediatric Department and are unable to afford this expense.

Guests included: Rachel Roy, Shoshanna and Josh Gruss, Alexandra Edwards, Melissa Meister, Marcie Pantzer, Dr. Annette U. Rickel, Muffie Potter Aston and Dr. Sherrell Aston, Eleanora Kennedy, Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton, Shabnam Henry, Dara O’Hara, Kate Pickett, Anna Safir, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Ferebee Taube, Allison Aston, Kate Allen, Jennifer Oken, Jill Kargman, Kate Doerge, Leslie Heaney, plus many more.

Jill Kargman and family

Kate Doerge, Henry, Penny, and Frankie

Ali Edwards, Melissa Miester, and Marci Pantzer

Natalie, Gretchen Gunlocke Fenton, and Charlie

Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes and family

Ferebee Taube, Clarke Taube, and Bishop Taube

Claudia Overstrom and family

Shoshanna Gruss and Marci Pantzer

Patrick Thomas

Martha Sharp

Lise Evans and Natasha De Mallmann

Rachel and Tallulah Roy

Ferebee Taube and Kim Rueger

Alicia Bona and Anya Schiva

Josh Gruss, Shoshanna Gruss, and Siena Gruss

Kate Allen and Jennifer Oken

Dr. Annette U. Rickel and Eleanora Kennedy

Eleanor Ylvisaker

Sarah Meikle and Amy Zwek

Melissa and Alexander Miester

Zinnia Edwards, Ali Edwards, and Justin Waterman

Joanna De Neuscille

Gigi Coley and Devon Lesperance

Dr. Sherrell Aston, Muffie Potter Aston, Bracie Aston, and Ashleigh Aston

Allison Aston

Kathy Thomas and Leslie Heaney

Eugenie Niven, Mary Katherine Niven, and Amanda Waldron

On the last night of February, Fountain Gallery welcomed nearly 500 guests at Skylight West for Mad About Art, the Gallery’s Annual Art Auction and Benefit. Fountain Gallery is the premier venue in New York City representing artists living with mental illness.

The evening was New York City-themed in décor, food – and art. The art, strikingly arrayed on two floors dubbed “Uptown” and “Downtown,” included representations of city landmarks, streets and scenes, and more than 30 Fountain Gallery artists were on hand to discuss their work with guests. The atmosphere was electric and bidding was electronic, facilitated by a stylish squad of “bidding valets” sporting illuminated hats and iPads. Auction participants tracked bids on large screens, and art sales topped those of any Fountain Gallery event since 2001, when this annual benefit launched as Celebration of Life.

WABC-TV’s Lucy Yang introduced William Wegman, the recipient of the Esther Montanez Award, established in memory of Fountain Gallery’s founding director. Mr. Wegman was recognized for his inclusive artwork and his support of artists living with mental illness. Mr. Wegman –who is probably best known for the endearing photographs of his Weimaraner dogs Man Ray, Fay Ray and Fay’s progeny – has created work for Sesame Street on PBS and has appeared on Saturday Night Live. The author of numerous children’s books (Penguin will publish his next in the fall), he has exhibited his photographs, videos, paintings and drawings in museums and galleries throughout Europe, Asia and the U.S. His art is inclusive, full of humor, generous of spirit and broad in its appeal. Mr. Wegman donated a piece to the auction, as did legendary entertainer Tony Bennett, Paul Davis, Bentley Meeker, Jason Rohlf, Harriet Sawyer, Ungano & Agriodimas, and The Walther Collection.

The dedicated Chairs who worked tirelessly to ensure the evening’s success were: John P. Casaly, Peter L. DiCapua, Rick Froio, Carmel and Brett Fromson, Dario Gristina, Leslie Harwood, Mary Pontillo, Bonnie and Frank Pratt, Jerry Schumm, and Gabriel Stefania.

Among the notable attendees were:Tommy Agriodimas, Lorraine and John Ambrosini, Pauline Anderson and Kenn Dudek, Elena Brower, Ines Elskop and Christopher Scholz, Danielle Fennoy, Elizabeth Fiore, Richard Greene, Agnes Gund, Rich Hiler, Susan and Peter Hinrichs, Jevaun Howell, Guinevere Johnson and Jason Rohlf, Suzanne and Emmanuel Lemakis, Jim Luce, Bentley Meeker, Asia Mernissi, Lynn Nicholas, Sasha Nicholas and Steven Caputo, JuneAnn Patrick, Pam Perkins, Dawn Reinholtz, Harriet Sawyer and Richard Demato, Susan and David Schwartz, Betsy Seidman, Fern Senior, Sue Stoffel, Kristin Thomas, and Julian Ungano.

Rich Hiler, Carmel Fromson, Kenn Dudek, John Ambrosini, Rick Froio, Dario Gristina, and Gabe Stefania

Founded by parent organization Fountain House in 2000 as a not-for-profit exhibition space for artists living and working with mental illness, Fountain Gallery sells original artworks and collaborates with a wide network of artists, curators and cultural institutions. Embracing artists who are emerging or established, trained or self-taught, Fountain Gallery cultivates artistic growth and makes a vital contribution to the New York arts community.

For more information, please visit: www.fountaingallerynyc.com.

Fountain Gallery Artist Leonard Aschenbrand and Barry Shapiro

Fountain Gallery Artist Gail Shamchenko with Margaret Baker

Fountain Gallery Artist Anthony Newton, Norman Schwartz, and Lee Bryant

Emmanuel and Suzanne Lemakis with Richard Greene

Leslie Harwood and Betsy Seidman

Robyn Marks and Rick Froio

Guinevere Johnson and Ulrike Ludlam

Tara O'Grady and the Black Velvet Band

Kenn Dudek, Fountain Gallery Artist Azure Bourne, William Wegman,and Lucy Yang

Jason Bowman, Christine Burgin, Agnes Gund, and William Wegman

Kathryn and Tom Farrell, Andrew Fichte, and SooMi Thompson

David Schwartz, Fountain Gallery Artists Robin Taylor, and Susan Schwartz

Val Scaramella, Mike DiBugnara, and Dawn Reinholtz

Emcee Lucy Yang, Reporter, Eyewitness News, WABC

Contributing artist Jason Rohlf

Azeema Hartley, Danielle Fennoy, and Guinevere Johnson

Elena Bower bidding on art

Julie Weiswasser, Fountain Gallery Artist Osvaldo Cruz

On Tuesday, March 5th, the National Committee on American Foreign Policy (NCAFP) hosted its annual Gala Awards Dinner. Held at The Plaza Hotel, more than 250 of the country’s foremost scholars, government officials, diplomats, business leaders, and philanthropists gathered in support of the NCAFP’s initiatives.

In addition, the evening honored former President of Finland, Nobel Laureate and Chairman of the Board, Crisis Management Initiative, The Honorable Martti Ahtisaari and Chairman, President and CEO of The H.J. Heinz Company, William R. Johnson.

Recipients of the 21st Century Leader Award were Rhodes Scholar, human rights and global youth advocate, Ronan Farrow, and esteemed writer and editor, Nicholas Thompson who were recognized for their commitment to furthering the United States’ strategic policy interests. Proceeds from the evening benefitted the National Committee’s educational programs and Track 1 ½ and Track 2 diplomatic meetings that address security challenges facing the United States.

National Committee Co-Chair, The Hon. Paul A. Volcker kicked off the night with a few opening remarks and passed the torch to Mr. Warren Hoge, Senior Adviser for External Relations at the International Peace Institute who led the evening as Master of Ceremonies. The 2013 Hans J. Morgenthau Award was awarded to The Hon. Martti Ahtisaari for his impressive accomplishments in preventative diplomacy, peacemaking and conflict resolution, particularly with conflicts in Namibia, Kosovo, Indonesia, and Northern Ireland.

As a former Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Ahtisaari is one of the world’s preeminent leaders in the promotion of peaceful dialogue and conflict resolution. American diplomat, President of the Council on Foreign Relations, and previous Hans J. Morgenthau Award recipient The Hon. Richard N. Haass, presented the award to Ahtisaari.

Following the presentation of the Hans J. Morgenthau Award, William R. Johnson was honored with the Global Business Leadership Award, presented in part by the 2012 honoree Muhtar Kent, Chairman of the Board and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, via an inspirational video message Kent prepared for him. Johnson received this award for his leadership at the H.J. Heinz Company, overseeing innovative business initiatives that set an impeccable standard for globally oriented corporate citizenship and serve to promote U.S. national interests around the globe.

William R. Johnson, Ronan Farrow, Nicholas Thompson, and Martti Ahtisaari

The evening also honored the achievements of two individuals under the age of 40 with the 21st Century Leader Award. Ronan Farrow, Rhodes Scholar, and human rights and global youth advocate, served as the State Department’s Special Adviser for Humanitarian and NGO Affairs in the Office of the Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan. Nicholas Thompson is the current Senior Editor of The New Yorker.com and, as an acclaimed journalist and author, has penned some of the most celebrated political biographies and articles of this decade.

Notable attendees included: The Hon. Martti Ahtisaari, William R. Johnson, Ronan Farrow, The Hon. Paul A. Volcker, The Hon. Richard N. Haass, Jon Lovett, Brendan McGuire, Nicholas Thompson, Warren Hoge and many more.

William R. Johnson, George D. Schwab, and Paul A. Volcker

Susie Johnson, William R. Johnson, and Richard Haas

Brendan McGuire and Nicholas Thompson

Ronan Farrow, Edythe M. Holbrook, and Nicholas Thompson

Grace Kennan Warnecke, Carter Booth, and Edythe M. Holbrook

Susie Johnson, William R. Johnson, Martti Ahtisaari, George D. Schwab, and Hatice U. Morrissey

William Rudolf, Edith Rudolf, and Warren Hoge

John Loveitt and Ronan Farrow

Nina Moriarty, Marshall Moriarity, Hatice U. Morrissey, Nicholas Thompson, and Edythe M. Holbrook

Sheila Johnson Robbins and George D. Schwab

Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City's (BBBS of NYC) Young Professionals Committee recently hosted "BIG Night Out" – an annual black tie optional casino night that transformed Cipriani Wall Street into a one-night only casino.

In its eight year, BIG Night Out attracted over 800 successful, young workings professionals who enjoyed a top-shelf open bar, dancing, casino games, live music by DJ Mode, a poker tournament, gourmet tasting stations and a silent auction.

Proceeds from the event benefitted the mentoring programs of BBBS of NYC, the nation's first and New York City's largest youth mentoring organization.

BIG Night Out was held on Saturday, February 23rd at Cipriani Wall Street, former site of New York Stock Exchange

BBBS of NYC's Young Professionals Committee Executive Board and Sub-Committee members

Waiters greeted guests with Bellinis, Cipriani's signature drink

Guests had the chance to bid on nearly 70 silent auction packages

YPC President, Karla Esleeck is joined by Skeery Jones from Elvis Duran and the Z100 Morning Show to welcome guests and promote a text to pledge campaign

Former YPC President, Jennifer Hoppe with YPC Sub-Committee members Frank Pena, Ashley Williams and Paul Yi

DJ Mode spun while guests danced the night away

YPC members Christie Connick, Dana Ferguson and Stephanie Dzioba

BBBS of NYC Trustee, James Rapp with YPC members Lindsey Bornstein and Balki Aydin

Ellen Leikind, founder of POKERprimaDIVAS, and Shelley and Ken Goldwasser

YPC BIG Night Out event chairs, Matthew Zerbo and Amanda DiLauro

Charity casino games included craps, black jack and roulette, where guests could play to win amazing raffle prizes

Guests place their bets at one of event's blackjack tables

In addition to a Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament, guests could learn how to play poker at the POKERprimaDIVAS tutorial table

Photographs by Frank Rocco (Big Brothers); Saskia Kahn & Arnold Brower (MAD); BFAnyc.com (Buuny Hop); Angela Pham/BFAnyc.com (NCAPF).

Marilyn Gauthier, John Demsey, and Alina Cho celebrating a birthday party for all their Pisces friends (and themselves too).

Last Monday night, down at Three Sixty on 10 Desbrosses Street, the Bronx Museum of the Arts hosted its Spring Gala and Auction – "The Bronx in Venice" – chaired by Claire Danes and Hugh Dancy, and Laura Blanco and Robert Shainheit. Tim Rollins and Dahn Vo were Artist Chairs.

They honored artist Sarah Sze, Wallace Edgecombe, former Director of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture, and Shelley and Donald Rubin, the co-founders of the Rubin Museum of Art.

Sarah Sze, Donald Rubin, Shelley Rubin, Wallace Edgecombe, and Holly Block

Doug Rice, Joe Mizzi, Joshua Stein, and Nathan Newman

Fred Wilson and Agnes Gund

John Ahearn and Juanita Lanzo

Cathy Pavlick, Bill Aguado, Holly Block, and Alessandra Digiusto

Blake Grossman, Alexandre Arrechea, Laura Blanco, and Michelle Richards

Darren Walker

Laurie Tisch

Donald Rubin and Shelley Rubin

Jessica Bibliowiecz, Natan Bibliowiecz, Don Savelson, Doug Rice, and friend

Ellen and Bill Dinneen

Melanie Rhodes and Cynthia Perthuis

Bobbie Foshay, Tom Turney, Chus Martinez, and Mary Sabatino

Petah Coyne and Carey Lovelace

Joan Krevlin and Alexandra Kendall

Joanne Cohen, Marty Eisenberg, and Janine Cirincione

Grimanesa Amoros and William Fleischer

Liz Klein and Amanda Benchley

Elisa Port, Duhirwe Rushemeza, and Derek Fordjour

Stella, Kim Manocherian, Carey Lovelace, and Michelle Stuart

Betsy Kilmartin, John Plotkin, Lesley Plotkin, and Jeff Ganz

David Gordon and Maggie Gordon

Siddhartha Mukherjee and Carey Lovelace

Idelsa Mendez, Amillie Coster, Wallace Edgecombe, Nydia Edgecombe, and Lisanka Soto

Charlotte Ford and Martin Boyce

Jill Monda, Chelsea Monda, and Joell Monda

Claire Pauley, Gregory Miller, and Michelle Stuart

Supporters of the Playground Partners of the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy gathered at the home of Michael Bassett and Darren Henault for a cocktail party in honor of the Playground Patrons. The essential mission of Central Park Playground Partners is to improve the 21 playgrounds in the Park, and maintain their overall quality.

Guests – including Playground Partners Committee Co-Chairmen Nyssa Kourakos and Yesim Philip, Hosts Michael Bassett and Darren Henault, Central Park Conservancy President & CEO Douglas Blonsky, Women's Committee President Anne Harrison, Sheri Babbio, Sam and John Gellert, Berry Bloomingdale, Ranika Cohen, Shana Gary, Paige and Evan Malik, Gillian and Sylvester Miniter, Meagan and Jerry Ouderkirk, Nancy and Dan Paduano, Jenna Segal, Betsy Messerschmitt, Vicki Foley, and Sharon Teles – enjoyed cocktails in Michael and Darren's artfully curated home designed by Darren.

The scene at Darren Henault's

The Playground Partners will also host its popular Annual Family Party in Heckscher Playground on May 22, 2013. For more information, visit www.centralparknyc.org/playgroundparty or call 212-310-6642.

Aileen Bruner and Eby McKay

Amy Schrader and Sarah Kurita

Betsy Messerschmitt, Nyssa Kourakos, Yesim Philip, Sheri Babbio, and Anne Harrison

Sarah McGee and Ranika Cohen

Yesim Philip and Vicky Foley

Dan Paduano, Nancy Paduano, and Doug Blonsky

Anne Harrison and Gillian Miniter

Michael Bassett and Jill Ross

Jenna Segal, Sharon Teles, and Michelle Marra

Meagan Ouderkirk and Jerry Ouderkirk

Michael Bassett and Darren Henault

Suzy Biszantz, Nyssa Kourakos, Katie Boes, and Berry Bloomingdale

Katie Ryser, Paige Boller Malik, and Shana Gary

Last Thursday night at John Demsey's Upper East Side townhouse, he and Alina Cho and Marilyn Gaultier hosted a birthday party for all their Pisces friends (and themselves too). Everyone had oceans of good times talking to their friends, old and new ...

Marilyn Gauthier, John Demsey, and Alina Cho

Julie Macklowe, Bettina Zilkha, and Alexandra Lind Rose

Mary Ann Browning

Yoni Ben-Yosef and Jeremy O'shea

Oscar Cragwell, Victoria Monjo, Pierre Wulff, and Mirinha Halpern

Jasmine Panotas, Vanessa Panotas, and Jakob Panotas

Ian Woods and Gigi Stone Woods

Elizabeth Suarez and Nicole Abate

Charles Masson

Christian Leone, Kelly Rutherford, and Matthew Settle

R. Couri Hay, and Janna Bullock

Pierre Levai and Marcia Levine

Cynthia Frank and Michael Boodro

George Farias and Bettina Zilkha

Caroline Geerling and Beverly Durham

Andrew Roosevelt, Kelly Bensimon, and Tim Schifter

Jennifer Bernich and Chris Salyer

Jean Yves Legrand, Susie Hayes, and James Signorelli

Annelise Peterson

Marcus Henderson and Julie Nelson

Marilyn Minter and Matt Jackson

Nessia Pope

Lisa Bytner and George Ledes

Chris Gay, Fern Mallis, Ivan Bart, Melissa Batsel, Teke Busk, and Chris Kiely

Lola Rykiel and Pierre Orlowski

Brian and Faith Stengel

Ken Wolf and Lauren Reddington

Anthony Bourgois and Liliana Cavendish

John Demsey and Julie Nelson

Betsy Gootrad, Bob Weintraub, and Helen Gootrad

Roxanne Lowit and Walter Imparato

Amy Gagnon, Tony Brand, and Eva Quirrenbach

Yana Balan and Lionel George

Jakob Panotas and Barrie Moskowitz

Alina Cho and James Kaliardos

Milena Milicevac

Mark Gilbertson, John Demsey, and Dr. Douglas Steinbrech

Hartman Benson, Milly de Cabrol, and Stephen Benson

John Demsey and Marie Helene Demsey

Alina Cho, Kara Young, and Deborah Roberts

Daniel Benedict and Andrew Saffir

Avis Richards, Alina Cho, Coralie Charriol Paul, and Brooke Garber Neidich

Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg

Karen Buglisi, Aaron Rovner, and Isabelle Rovner

Theresa Catena, Jason Binn, and Jordyn Taylor

John Demsey and Faye Wattleton

Celine Oh, John Katzenmeyer, and Lauren Chung

Dr. Lisa Arian

Emily Smith and Clive D'Farley

Melissa Batsel and Leslie Klotz

Colin Strandley and Susie Hayes

Jeff Kepnes and Liz Claman

Robin Canter and Peter Lichtenthal

Robert Fomon, Kata de Solis, Mirinha Halpern, and John Halpern

Meryl and Adam Reiss

Liz Claman, Ana Rosales-Boujnah, Quynh Mai, and Kata de Solis

Emily Davis and Andy Gershon

Heidi Mout, Gregg Christenson, and Julia Dunstall

Alexandra Lind Rose, Andrew Roosevelt, and Adelina Wong Ettelson

Ana Rosales-Boujnah, Quynh Mai, and Annemarie Iverson

Bettina Zilkha and Caryn Zucker

Ronen Shapiro and Bee-Shyuan Chang

Susan Silver

Cindi Leive

Jennifer Zuccarini, Edward Menicheschi, and Kelly Bensimon

Deborah Krulewitch, Bobbi Brown, and Steven Plofker

Jonathan Farkas, Somers Farkas, Leslie Stevens, Robert Zimmerman, and Debbie Bancroft

Thursday, February 28, Luvocracy.com hosted a preview night hosted by Sloan and Roger Barnett, Eva Lorenzotti, Kate Betts, Nathan Stoll, Dawn Ostroff and Colin Cowie.

Kate Betts and Dawn Ostroff

Andrew Roosevelt and Jill Roosevelt

Carlos Mota and Kelly Rutherford

Lottie Oakley and Julie Macklowe

Roger Barnett, Jennifer Nilles, Danielle Ganick, Lisa Jackson, and Averell Mortimer

Nathalie Kaplan and Nathan Stoll

Richard Farley and Felicia Taylor

Chris Shore and Alix Toub

Liz Kaplow and Lesley Jane Seymour

Gil Lamphere and Martha O'Brien

Wednesday Martin, Simone Levinson, and Valesca Guerrand Hermes

Amy Hoadley and Amanda Taylor

Debbie Bancroft

Lottie Oakley and Marc Berger

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Michael Dubilier and Elizabeth Callender

Caroline Berthet and Jennifer Creel

Ashley Wick and Mary Grace

BJ Topol, Carmen Torruella, and Christina de Marval

Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Sloan Barnett

Jill Fairchild and Gigi Mortimer

Maud Cabot and Stephanie Hirsch

Eva Lorenzotti

Tory Burch

Lisa Anastos, Felicia Taylor, and Jocelyn Greenkey

Natasha Schlesinger and Jennifer Argenti

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com (Bronx Museum, Pisces & Luvocracy)

Boys' Club Women's Board President Sara Ayres (4th from left) with Luncheon Co-Chairs Alexia Hamm Ryan, Binkie Orthwein, Muffy Miller, Christine Schwarzman, and Lourdes Fanjul at the Brazilian Court in Palm Beach.

Salvatore Ferragamo celebrated Creative Director Massimiliano Giornetti's women's Spring/Summer 2013 runway collection on Friday, March 8, 2013, at the beautiful Brazilian Court in Palm Beach.

The intimate presentation and charity luncheon was hosted by Lourdes Fanjul, Muffy Miller, Binkie Orthwein, Alexia Hamm Ryan and Christine Schwarzman to raise support for The Boys' Club of New York, the nation's oldest youth development organization serving boys and young men.

A presentation of Salvatore Ferragamo's women's Spring/Summer 2013

Boys' Club Women's Board President Sara Ayres welcomed over 140 guests, including Allie Hanley, Nicole Hanley Mellon, Elaine Langone, Deborah Royce, Barbara Cates, Caroline Dean, Pauline Pitt, Lillian Fernandez, Nicola Marcus, Kalliope Karella, Jennifer Coleman Creel, Mary Baker, Olexa Celine Mandelbaum, Louise Stephaich, Suzette Smith, Leezy Sculley, Annette Rickel, Mary Davidson, Linda Hickox, Virginia Burke, Jay Keith, Pandy McDonough, Nancy Lesher Whaley, Karin Luter, Hillie Mahoney, Joan Johnson, Emilia Fanjul, Anne Harrison, Jackie Browne, Kate Khosrovani, Grace Meigher, Carol Rohrig, Hilary Geary Ross, Barbara Stovall Smith, Annette Tapert, Jessie Araskog, Jackie Weld Drake, Candy Hamm, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Melinda Hassen, Ann Johnson, Annabelle Mariaca, Sallie Phillips, Carol Browne, Robin Gerstner, Benigna Kirsten, Helena Martinez, Kay Morton, Alice Ross, Susan Burke, Nanette Ross, Virginia Morgan, Ellen Niven Deery, Eileen Araskog, Christina Araskog, Chesie Breen, Katy Dew Amling, Whitney Douglass, Christie Gannon, Alice Holbrook, Susan Bodnar Malloy, Ashley Miller, Sallie Giordano, Kate Pickett, Allison Bishop, Wilder Regalbuto, Anne Byers, Jill Roosevelt, Betsy Pitts, Claudia Overstrom, Mary Snow, Nancy Sambuco, along with Ferragamo special guests including Bettina Anderson, Luigi Votano, Gabriele Manca, and Nancy Argott.

Dining Room with Salvatore Ferragamo gift bags

The Boys' Club of New York is committed to nurturing, mentoring, and guiding boys and young men to prepare them to reach their fullest potential.

Throughout its 137-year history of youth development, The Boys' Club of New York has combined a single-minded focus on boys and young men with a unique, multi-disciplinary approach that prepares them for a fulfilling and meaningful adulthood. The Boys' Club of New York accomplishes this through music and arts programs, social and recreational activities, academic support and athletics.

By introducing boys to new ideas, expanding their interests, developing their hobbies, providing a safe and nurturing environment and offering ongoing counseling and mentorship, The Boys' Club of New York helps shape boys and young men into the best adults they can be.

Allie Hanley and Carol Rohrig

Binkie Orthwein, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Muffy Miller, and Lourdes Fanjul

Christine Schwarzman and Sara Ayres

Claudia Overstrom, Mary Snow, and Jill Roosevelt

Elaine Langone

Kate Khosrovani and Mai Hallingby Harrison

Emilia and Lourdes Fanjul

Hilary Geary Ross and Dame Diane Halle

Mary Baker and Jennifer Creel

Hillie Mahoney, Jessie Araskog, and Leezy Sculley

Hilary Geary Ross and Talbott Maxey

Mary Tobin and Bettina Anderson

Muffy Miller and Pauline Pitt

Susan Barker and Virginia Morgan

Jessie Araskog, Hilary Geary Ross, and Candy Hamm

Muffy and Ashley Miller

Nancy Argott, Gabriele Manca, and Alexia Hamm Ryan

Nicole Hanley Mellon

Shannon McLean, Caroline Dean, and Chesie Breen

Karin Luter and Pauline Pitt

Whitney Douglass and Alexia Hamm Ryan

Wilder Regalbuto and Allison Bishop

Kamie Lightburn, Heather Georges, and Stephanie Foster gathered 50 friends for a luncheon in Swifty's back room announcing the Spring Youth America Grand Prix Gala that they will chair. Guests of honor were ABT stars Jose Manuel Carreño, David Hallberg, and Gennadi Saveliev. YAGP Board Member Linda Morse made a toast. The New York City Finals will take place April 12-16. The gala will be held Thursday, April 18 at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. For more information, please visit www.yagp.org.

Heather Georges, Kamie Lightburn, and Stephanie Foster

Donya Bommer and David Hallberg

Linda Morse

Kamie Lightburn, Jill Ross, and Wendy Sarasohn

Victoria Kepner and Stephanie Foster

Gennadi Saveliev and Ali Schley Landegger

Kamie Lightburn and Emily Leonard

Judith M Hoffman, Heather Georges, and Fiona Rudin

Eleanora Kennedy, Gennadi Saveliev, Melanie Holland, and Anna Safir

On Thursday, February 21, evening, Eva Longoria hosted an intimate gathering of film enthusiasts and human rights activists at the stately Park Avenue home of Craig and Deborah Cogut in support of her upcoming film, Food Chains. This documentary on farm labor in the United States stars a bevy of noted advocates including Eric Schlosser, Dolores Huerta, Kerry Kennedy and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The son of Deborah and Craig Cogut, Jonathan, who is also a senior at Brown, served as an Associate Producer on this project.

Craig Cogut, Eva Longoria, and Deborah Cogut

Friends, new and old, braved the blustery New York winter weather to learn about the suffering of the millions of people at the core of our agricultural system, namely the farmworkers, and to donate toward the completion of this film.

"Farmworkers are amongst the most poorly paid and most poorly treated workers in this country," shared Ms. Longoria. "They provide an abundance of food to our tables yet many go to bed hungry at night. This is not an immigration issue. This is a human rights issue."

The film's director, Sanjay Rawal, added "With all the interest in food right now, we need to have more interest in the hands that pick our food."

Sanjay Rawal

Ms. Longoria's film Food Chains exposes the current and historic exploitation of farmworkers including stunning revelations that currently thousands of laborers in our nation's fields are estimated to be held in bondage as modern-day slaves. The film also exposes the forces behind these abuses as well as the pathway to change. The film is currently in post-production with an expected 2013 release date.

Farmworkers profiled in the film came from as far away as Florida to participate in the evening. The Coalition of Immokalee Workers, some of the most heralded farm laborers in the country and winners of the RFK Human Rights Award, told the audience that just a penny more per pound would take Florida's tomato pickers out of abject poverty.

The evening marked perhaps the first time that this topic was discussed at an event on Park Avenue since the days of the United Farmworker grape boycotts. Guests left inspired, motivated and encouraged that a solution to end the suffering of millions within our borders was possible.

Missy Owen, Eva Longoria, and Jenni Lecompte

Those present also included Avis Richards, Vice President Biden's niece Missy Owens, Myrna Blyth and Gabriela Goddard of AARP, Thomas Saenz, President of MALDEF, Heather Tierney, Cynthia Ryan, Executive Producers Alfonso Montiel and Jennifer Hickman, Stephanie Hunt, Mayra Hernandez of Banorte, Dan Gluck, Stacey and Josh Cohen, Christy McLear, Hector Sanchez, Chris Canavan, Les Cooney, Penny Abeywardena, Abigail Disney, Annie Griffith, Judge Laura Safer Espinoza, Mallika Dutt and Jenni LeCompte of the US Treasury. Executive Producer Bob Leary, Producers Hamilton Fish and Smriti Keshari, Co-producer David Damian Figueroa and Associate Producers Katie Leary were also on hand.

http://www.foodchainsfilm.com

Lester Cooney and William Hickman

Sam Jansen, Bebe Winans, and Alfonso Montiel

Judge Laura Safer Espinoza, and Mallika Dutt

Myrna Blyth and Bob Leary

Phil Dear, Eva Longoria, and Matthew Gaboury

Mais Hriesh, Craig Cogut, and Sarah Wilbanks

Nina Lederman and David Damian Figueroa

Gaby Goddard

David Damian Figueroa

Stephanie Cordes and Marty Cordes

William Hickman

Charlene Aguilar and Thomas Saenz

Mallika Dutt and Christina Vilupti Barrieneau

Abigail Disney and Avis Richards

Stuart Rich, Esq

Hamilton Fish and Joan Hornig

Paul Sapiro and Catherine Mollica

Christy MacClear and Steven Haft

On March 6th, Services for the UnderServed (SUS) hosted the Inaugural Dinner for a Better New York for the food, business and entertainment industries at Riverpark Restaurant in Manhattan. Celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern presented international dishes from a collection of 10 respected celebrity chefs who donated their time to cook and prepare on site at the event.  The event celebrated the efforts of SUS' human service programs and services in helping to make New York a better city for all who live in, work in and enjoy it. At the event, Zimmern, host of the Travel Channel's Bizarre Foods and host of MSN's web series Appetite for Life, sponsored by Toyota, presented the 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in used in the MSN show to Donna Colonna, CEO of SUS, to use as part of SUS' fleet.

"There is much to celebrate tonight," said Colonna. "Over the past 35 years, SUS has served New Yorkers with special needs who live with a wide range of challenges, and who often did not have opportunities for full citizenship, and I am happy to see partnerships form tonight in support of our efforts to serve these individuals." 

In addition to remarks by Colonna, Zimmern and Andrew Hurwitz, partner at the Entertainment Group at Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz, the event featured a cocktail hour, a five-course culinary dinner and a performance by Amanda Green, award-winning composer-lyricist whose show "Hands on Hardbody" is currently on Broadway.

SUS CEO Donna Colonna giving remarks

Andrew Zimmern and Donna Colonna holding keys to 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-in

Andrew Zimmern holding hors d'oeuvres

Chef Jamie Bissonnette preparing hors d'oeuvres while Chef Marc Forgione looks on

Chef Masaharu Morimoto preparing food

Chef Johnny Iuzzini preparing dessert for guests

Hors d'oeuvres were prepared by Marc Forgione of Restaurant Marc Forgione, Alex Guarnaschelli of Butter and The Darby, Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu, and Ken Oringer and Jamie Bissonnette of Toro NYC. Dishes served at the table were prepared by Floyd Cardoz of North End Grill, Andrew Carmellini of The Dutch, Gavin Kaysen of Café Boulud, Masaharu Morimoto of Morimoto, Andrew Zimmern of AZ Canteen, and Michael White of Marea, Osteria Morini and Ai Fiori.

Dessert was prepared by Johnny Iuzzini. Wines were provided by Lee Schrager and Palm Bay International and coffee and tea were provided by Grace Hightower De Niro and Coffees of Rwanda. "I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to help pull together such a successful event. It speaks to the commitment of the amazing cast of chefs and all who attended to learn more about and support SUS' work with people in vulnerable conditions who need it most," said Zimmern.

Donna Colonna, CEO of SUS, with SUS Board of Directors

Donna Colonna with SUS executive staff

Other chefs, who were unable to attend the event, donated their talent by offering auction items. Auction items included a seasonal chef's tasting menu prepared by chefs Scott Conant and Zimmern at SCM Culinary Suite in SoHo for a group of up to 20 guests; and dinner for four at the NoMad Restaurant curated by chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara and two deluxe rooms at the NoMad Hotel. Among the more than 150 guests were leaders in the food, business and entertainment industries, including Maggie Norris, designer for Maggie Norris Couture; Drew Nieporent of Myriad Restaurant Group; and Pat LaFrieda of Meat Purveyors.

The event raised funds to support SUS' mission to provide support services for Veterans and individuals and families faced with a wide range of challenges—developmental disabilities, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS, often compounded by unemployment and homelessness.

Grace Hightower De Niro toasting with other attendees

Donna Colonna, CEO of SUS, and Andrew Hurwitz, Chairman of the SUS Board of Directors

Penny Grant and Maggie Norris

Amanda Green and pianist

SUS CEO Donna Colonna enjoying dinner with fellow guests

Photographs by David Dupuy/Anniewatt.com (Food Chains)

Nate Maaske, Katerina Kazresic, Courtney Hejl, Rebecca Holliday, Nicolas Luchsinger, Minhee Greene, Emilia Grabowska, Jenny Toth, and Drew Perry at The School of American Ballet's 2013 WINTER BALL, sponsored by Van Cleef & Arpels.

Last Monday night at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center, the School of American Ballet held its annual Winter Ball and a performance by the school's students. They raised more than $1.1 million for the SAB's programs and scholarships.

David Blank, Kim Blank, David Venderbush, Joanna Delson, Burt Damsky, and Jennifer Damsky

Meredith Whitney, Benan Ellis, Tom Ellis, Elizabeth Ellis, Peter Kagan, and Susannah Kagan

Peter Lyden, Carolina Herrera, and Reinaldo Herrera

Diana DiMenna and Brie Bythewood

Peter Martins, Caitlin Gilliland, and Silas Farley

William Zeckendorf and Laura Zeckendorf

Kelly Rutherford and Nicolas Luchsinger

John Paulson and Jenny Paulson

Chiu-Ti Jansen

Kellie Abreu and Marjorie Van Dercook

David Blank, Kim Blank, William Zeckendorf, and Laura Zeckendorf

Joan Jedell and Dr. Neil Sadick

Jay Diamond, Donya Bommer, and Darren Henault

David Venderbush and Joanna Delson

Jonathan Millstein, Lindsay Good, and Chris Good

Alexandra Lebenthal

Erin Baiano and Kevin Dhaniram

Matt Semino and Linette Semino

Patricia Lizarraga

Tom Murro and Alana Sholomon

Arie Kopelman and John Galantic

Rebecca Nicholson and Ken Nicholson

Jennifer Argenti and John Argenti

Josh Brodman, Sarah Lyras, Brie Bythewood, and Jared Angle

Whitney Murphy and Mark Murphy

Frederick Koch and Margo Langenberg

R. Couri Hay, Janna Bullock, Dana Hammond Stubgen, and Dr. Patrick Stubgen

Carla Martinez, Annabel Tollman, and Alvina Patel

Jonathan Whitton and Sara Mearns

Annabel Tollman, Cobi Levy, and Carrie Baker

Lana Tran and P.D. Shah

Charles Selden, Patricia Selden, Barbara Vogelstein, and John Vogelstein

Brad Collins and Amy Fine Collins

Kate Peck and Brad Peck

Dr. Michelle Giuffrida, Rachel McGregor, and Angelina Leis

Julia Flynn and Sudha Chinniah

Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff

Muriel Brunken, Jodie McLoughlin, Paul McLoughlin, and Erica Brunken

Lisa Evans, Clifford Press, and Elizabeth Press

Alexandra Murray and Matt Murray

Whitney Murphy, Betsy Pitts, and Fe Fendi

John Paulson and Matthew Bronfman

Deborah Roberts and Daniel Ulbricht

Gillian Miniter and Sylvester Miniter

Deborah Meijer and Briana Cabral

Stefan Reyniak and Pauline Golbin

David Kabiller and Laura Platt

Arie Kopelman, Coco Kopelman, Jill Kargman, and Harry Kargman

Patricia Shiah and Jock Soto

Last Thursday night at the Four Seasons Restaurant, they celebrated the 25th anniversary of the New York Observer with an all-star New York crowd.

Katie Holmes, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Melania Trump, and Donald Trump

Katherine Gage, Daniel Boulud, Chuck Close, and Emma McCormick-Goodheart

Patrick McMullan and Chuck Close with the New York Observer group

Jacqueline Curley, Shaina, Salud Reyes, Jessica Lucas, and Taylor Grant

Hampton Carney, Stacey Bendet, Simon Doonan, and Peggy Siegal

Ashleigh Banfield, Kimberly Guilfoyle, Cory Booker, and Jamie Colby

Padma Lakshmi and Carolina Herrera

Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Katie Holmes

Jodie Snyder and Danielle Snyder

Alexa Ray Joel

Kelly Rutherford and Ray Kelly

Hilary Rhoda and Jennifer Creel

Thelma Golden

Deborra-Lee Furness and Kate Couric

Chris Meigher

Wendi Murdoch and Rupert Murdoch

Joe Zee

Hannah Bronfman

Tina Lundgren and Terry Lundgren

Genevieve Loomis and Julia Loomis

Harvey Weinstein and Vivi Nevo

Ronald Perelman and George Pataki

Dan Abrams

Lauren Remington Platt

Carey Lowell

Merin Rogers and Barbara Ginsberg Shapiro

Patrick McMullan and Michael Shannon

Naza Aduba, Ellen Louis, and Darren Sands

Stacey Bendet

Chelsea Leyland

Peter Cincotti

Matthew Rich and Nana Meriwether

Katie Holmes, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Melania Trump, and Donald Trump

Fern Mallis

Adam Lindemann and Larry Gagosian

Susan Gutfreund, Peggy Siegal, and Jean Doumanian

Zani Gugelmann

Noam Cohen, Matthew Kassel, and Thomas Leveritt

Rex Reed and Billy Norwich

Lara Yunaska, Eric Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Vanessa Haydon

Natlie Obradavich and Kristian Laliberte

Desiree Gruber, Jamie Tisch, and Tamara Mellon

Julian Niccolini and Ruth Rosenberg

George Gurley, Kara Smoke, and Ken Kurson

Ashley Murphy, Dottie Herman, and Julie Dannenberg

Tom Hooper

Spike Lee and Tonya Lewis Lee

Peter Davis

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com (SAB, Observer).

A dusting of snow. Photo: JH.

The Party Scene. Last Wednesday night, the Writing Center at Hunter College celebrated its 3rd Anniversary with a dinner at Doubles, the private club in the Sherry Netherland.

The Writing Center is the baby of a guy named Lewis Frumkes, a writer, editor and promoter of the art of writing. The Center is a “school.” It’s the kind of thing you might expect to find at a great university but no university is great enough to compare with the University of Little Ole New York – and in Lewis Frumkes’ case, with a landing strip called Hunter College.

Lewis Frumkes and Honoree Linda Fairstein

Lewis has also been an acknowledger of and encourager to this writer. I was invited to this party and even got a call from Lewis about attending or attending the cocktail. I said I’d come no matter what my sked was like, partly because they were honoring Linda Fairstein, another esteemed friend I’ve made in these canyons of Manhattan. Linda is a hardworking writer – turns out a crime novel once a year – and does everything with good cheer and all around hail-fellow-well-met.

On the night of the party, I skipped the cocktail hour since I can put that time to other use (like putting tomorrow’s together).

So, I got out of the house just minutes before dinner was supposed to start at 8:30. Friends aside, I look at this sort of evening as an assignment. There is something to tell about. Get pictures, get the message to convey.

The Glad Girls: Joan Jakobson, Helen Handley Houghton, Barbara Ascher, Anne Wazelle, and Jeannette Watson. The Glad Girls are the Park Avenue version of the Supremes goes The Chordettes (you had to be there); and they can rock!

As it happened I arrived about 8:50, and naturally the evening had begun, as well as the dinner itself. However. The young woman at the receptionist desk had the Guest List and it didn’t have my name on it. Nor was there a place card awaiting my arrival.

There was something missing in all of this. It could well have been my acceptance. It could well have been that I never actually made it but just thought I’d made it. This happens frequently with me. I tend to analyze these inactions about myself. With this I came up with two possibilities: I’d rather lie down and take a nap; or, I’m losing my mind. Lets hope it's the former.

However, I knew I’d have a good time at this dinner. Jennifer Raab the President of Hunter always brings out the kid in me. I like to kid her. She has a big sense of humor and she’s one of those Indefatigables that you can often meet in New York. We met several years ago in Abu Dhabi, along with her husband Michael Goodwin who writes for the New York Post. A Postian political commentary. The only reason we aren’t best of friends (as far as I’m concerned) is because: Who has time?

Tina Flaherty, and Malachy McCourt, and Jennifer Raab

Another guest, Daphne Merkin is a new acquaintance but one of those acquaintances where you could become lifelong friends if you had another life to go with the one you’ve got (at this age). Daphne is a distinguished writer in the New York literary community besides her audience in the New Yorker and other current periodicals. She’s effortlessly fascinating to talk to. For me anyway. She also teaches a Writing Workshop at the Writing Center. It’s an “intensive Master Class in the art of writing a memoir.” Intensive, Master, Art and Writing are all you need to know about Dahpne. (*The class is four sessions, 7- 9 , $300 – when it’s occurring.) www.hunter.cuny.edu/thewritingcenterce

Not finding anything, the woman at the reception desk said she'd just seat me. There were a few unclaimed name cards on the desk and obviously an extra plate. But it was too late and frankly, I would have been embarrassed walking in at that hour, even though I’m sure I would have felt welcome; that is the nature of the hosts.

So I went home. And that was good too.

Alana Frumkes, Lewis Frumkes, and Nabila Khashoggi

Dr. John Rodman and Dr. Herman Rosen

Denise LeFrak and Randy Schatz

Alex Sanger and Jeannette Watson

Ben Cheever, Judith Greenburg, and Dan Greenburg

Sidney Offit, Norman Straker, and Elinor Tatum

Alana Frumkes with Michelle and Sabrina Kleier

Lewis Frumkes and Lee Child

Lewis Frumkes and Kitty Pilgrim

Lisa Schiff and Linda Fairstein

Judith Kelman, Dr. Peter Scardino, and Jennifer Raab

Rochelle Ohrstrom and Lewis Lapham

Nabila Khashoggi

Dr. Harold Bornstein, Melissa Bornstein, and Amber Daspin

Jerry McCallion, Regina Peruggi, and John Calicchio

John and Joan Jakobson

Dan Rose

Timothy Frumkes, Grace Chang, and Stuart Venner

Last Week was St. Patrick’s, as everyone in New York knows unless they’d left town. There were numerous parties, and of course the parade and what me mither always referred to as the “folderol” that happens afterwards at bars and bars and bars across town. My father was a Brooklyn born Irishman transplanted to New England around his fortieth year – a matter of great misfortune in many ways to a Brooklyn born Irishman. You can take the boy out of, etc., but ...

He was born at the very beginning of the last century and his parents had come over in the early to mid-'80s, so there was a bit of a brogue in his Brooklyn accent (which is unlike the common Brooklynese today). He did not drink – never touched the stuff/one lesson learned early in his life – but he had an Irish temper also. Horrible. Violent. Noisy. I have sort of one, but not like his (thank God). However, I don’t have the issues he had. That was his gift to me. Also thank God. Nevertheless, it’s true about the Apple Falling From the Tree.

St. Patrick’s Day. Back up in New England growing up, people wore something green. End of Story. I don’t ever recall my Irish father getting into it – even the wearing of the green. You didn’t have to wear anything to show you were Irish. You just were. Irish was serious; always would be. It’s the poetry remember.

But those were the days when Americans lived differently (at least in a small New England town). And there was a different attitude in the land. These days, in New York, in the post-Modern Age, in the Land of the Kardashia and Hedge Fund Billionaires, it’s another chance to party like there’s no tomorrow, or at least tomorrow morning. It is funny to see ... sometimes ... but otherwise I’d rather be home with a good book.

That said, there are other ways of approaching this very Irish holiday in New York (noise, maestro please). Some people have civilized St. Paddy’s Day parties and they do it for the fun of it. In the crowd I’m referring to in these pictures below, they do it so people can enjoy the chance to get together at a good old fashioned cocktail party on Park Avenue seeing old friends, familiar faces, neighbors, New York nightlife compatriots. I didn’t make this party although the host and hostess were kind enough to invite me. After hearing my rap on what I think of St. Patrick’s Day, you get the picture; I’m a seasoned grouch.

Nevertheless, palaver aside, last Thursday night, Jean and Martin Shafiroff hosted a party at their New York home to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. You know Jean, don’t you? If you don’t, you haven't been looking at NYSD Party Pictures (that’s okay, there will be more). Martin is her congenial investment banker husband who can almost keep up with his wife.

Antonino Buzzetta, Shannon Hales, Viktor Luna, Dr. Penny Grant, Cole Rumbough, Dawne Marie Grannum, Victor de Souza, Michael Conlon, and Kathleen Giordano

Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and shamrock-shaped treats. Guests wearing the green included Sharon Bush, Felicia Taylor, Kathryn Chenault, Erik Bottcher, Flo Anthony, Randi Schatz, Dr. Amelia Ogunlesi, Alex Donner, Dr. Frank Weiser, Maggie Norris, Marc Rosen, George Gurley, Ike Ude, Chiu Ti Jansen, Roy Kean, Madame Mayhem, Victoria Wyman, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Michele Gerber Klein, Bill Sclight, Cheri Kaufman, Ann Rapp, Michael Gross, Amy Hoadley, Campion Platt, Dawne Marie Grannum, Margo Langenberg, R. Couri Hay, Tia Walker, Cornelia Bregman, Spencer Morgan and Alexis Bryan Morgan, Gail Karr, Marcia Levine, Nicole Noonan, Steven Knobel, Dr. Robert Grant, Debra Halpert, Gregory Speck, Leesa Rowland, Brendan Lyle, Benjamin Le Hay and Bill Cunningham. And their friends, lovers, partners, mistresses (just kidding). All thanks to St. Patrick himself, Martin Shafiroff’s wife Jean.

I’ve just shared the magic ingredients for a good cocktail party in New York. All too rare, and gives you something to talk about, or someone to talk to about it. Talk talk talk. Buzz buzz buzz. That’s the natural state of the New York beast.

Jean and Martin Shafiroff

Madame Mayhem and Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin

Kathy Reilly, Randu Schatz, and Liliana Cavendish

Sandra Long

Lauren Day Roberts, Patricia Shiah, and Lucia Hwong Gordon

Victoria Wyman, Sharon Bush, and Gail Karr

Amy Hoadley and Paola Rosenshein

Margo Langenberg and Alexis Bryan Morgan

Anita Sarko

Arnold and Anne Jurdem

Liliana Cavendish and Felicia Taylor

Ann Rapp and Roy Kean

Randi Schatz and Kathy Reilly

Suzanne Murphy and Ike Ude

Dr. Robert Grant and Alison Minton

Campion Platt and Cassandra Seidenfeld

Michele Gerber Klein and Chiu Ti Jansen

Bill Sclight and Cheri Kaufman

On this past snowy, slippery late Monday afternoon down at Swifty's, on East 73rd Street and Lexington, a group of friends celebrated the Art opening of an exhibition of paintings by Cuban born artist Ana Guerra. Guerra's painterly expressions of glazed color and layered surfaces on panel brought warmth to a drab winter dusk. So did the mouthwatering Cuban hors d'oeuvres.

Dinning room at Swifty's art opening

In attendance: Evelyn Tompkins, Alyce Cleese, Karen Tompkins, Sarah Woolworth, Mrs. Nancy Baker, Michael and Rebecca Silver braved the gloomy weather to celebrate Ana's art and chat with others of like mind. Cade Tompkins of Cade Tompkins Project and Patricia Attoe curated the show which will be on view through the month of April.

I saw the paintings at dinner there Monday night. They’re very affecting and add another dimension of interest to the atmosphere of the room. That last sentence sounds like some pompous, supercilious would-be ham art critic. Well, if the shoes fits ...

Patricia Attoe with artist Ana Guerra

Amy Kuhnert, Ana Guerra, and Sarah Woolworth

Cade Tompkins, John Molloy, and Melinda Hackett

Evelyn Tompkins and Jessica Mezzacappa

Michael and Rebecca Silver

Ana Guerra and Chris Damaskos

Karen Tompkins,Teril Smith, Melanie Rhodes, and Ana Guerra

Photographs by Cutty McGill (Writing Center); PatrickMcMullan.com (Shafiroff).

The Randall's Island Park Alliance hosted its Fielding Dreams NYC Gala at the American Museum of Natural History

The Randall's Island Park Alliance hosted its Fielding Dreams NYC Gala on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the American Museum of Natural History to honor two influential community leaders and celebrate the continued success of Randall's Island Park, a world‐class destination for sports, recreation and environmental exploration dedicated to championing healthy lifestyles for New York City Children. The event raised a record‐breaking $1 million for RIPA. This year, the Alliance honored Stacy Bash‐Polley, Partner at Goldman Sachs, and New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz for their commitment to Randall's Island Park and bettering children's lives in New York City.

Notable attendees included: Elaina Watley, Jonathan and Lizzie Tisch, Eric Rudin, Fiona Rudin, Richard and Chris Mack, Phyllis Mack, Justin and Jenny Green, Brad and Kate Peck, Dean Landis, Stephanie Wolkoff, Jill Yablon and more.

Victor Cruz with a group of children and staff from the Casita Maria Center and M.S. 223

The evening hosted a high‐profile crowd of nearly 600 philanthropists, City officials, and leaders in sports, health, and finance industries, all of whom are passionate about Randall's Island as the key to providing New York City's children with innovative and comprehensive opportunities for outdoor sports and recreation. The evening was co‐Chaired by RIPA Trustees Michael Boxer, Mark Greene and Richard Mack.

The dinner concluded with an auction with renowned auctioneer Sara Friedlander, of Christie's. The most coveted item sold was a Giants/Victor Cruz Experience package that includes a meet-and-greet with the wide receiver and tickets to the game.

Founded in 1992, RIPA, formerly Randall's Island Sports Foundation, Inc., provides free programs to thousands of children annually, working in close partnership with more than 120 local public schools and community‐based organizations in Harlem and the South Bronx – communities with some of the nation's highest rates of obesity, asthma, and diabetes.

Gala cocktail reception inside the American Museum of Natural History

The sports fields project on Randall's Island Park began in 2007 to address the enormous demand for outdoor athletic facilities in New York City, a need that led RIPA, in partnership with the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, to reconfigure and reconstruct deteriorating ball fields. The fields were a final component of a larger island-wide plan to revitalize the park, which also has led to the construction of Icahn Stadium track & field complex in 2005, the Sportime tennis center in 2009, wetlands restoration and miles of waterfront pathways. Based on its 2012 Strategic Plan, the Alliance is now working to complete final renovations at the Park and to provide increasingly innovative and comprehensive public programming of the Island's remarkable new resources.

The Randall's Island Park Alliance, Inc. (RIPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that works with the City of New York and local communities to provide an innovative and exciting destination through a wide range of sports venues, cultural events and environmental exploration. As the dedicated steward of Randall's Island Park, the Alliance sustains, maintains, develops and programs the Park to support the wellbeing of all New Yorkers. For more information, visit: www.randallsisland.org.

Jerome L. Goldman, Stacy Bash-Polley, Nancy F. Neff, and Victor Cruz

Michael Boxer and Pinky Keehner

Betsy Cohen, Andrew Cohen, Elaina Watley, Karen Cohen, Victor Cruz, Lauren Starr, and Christopher Starr

Michael Boxer, Stacy Bash-Polley, and Victor Cruz

Brad Bernstein, Beth Stettner, and Jon May

Kate Peck, Bradford R. Peck, and Fiona Rudin

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and Erica Karsch

Harvey Schwartz

Richard Mack

Dean Landis, Victor Cruz, Harry Landis, and Jamie Landis

Victor Cruz and Richard B. Gross

Chris Mack and Phyllis Mack

Claudio Reyna, Chris Mack, and Danielle Reyna

Elaina Watley, Victor Cruz, Justin H. Green, and Jenny Green

Elisa Newman and Jennifer Rich

Stacy Bash-Polley, Lauren Muss, Melissa Boxer, and Pamela Liebman

Eric Rudin, Lisa Cole, and Gustavo Szulansky

Bimla Picot

Jonathan Tisch, Chris Mack, Lizzie Tisch, and Jason Boxer

Victor Cruz and Harry Carson

Debra Wattenberg and Michelle Swarzman

Lauren Starr, Betsy Cohen, and Erin Silvers

Dan Panitz with Guest

Jill Yablon and Nisa Amoils

Cathy Bern, Ramy Sharp, Leah Swarzman, and Chris Mack

Michael Boxer and Jason Boxer

Lucille Martir-Hoffman and Janice Meyer

Ramy Saad, Stacy Bash-Polley, and Tim Barefield

FACES (Finding A Cure For Epilepsy and Seizures) at NYU Langone Medical Center held its annual gala on Tuesday, March 5th, at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers, honoring prominent lawyer, author, broadcaster and philanthropist Leon Charney, raising over $4.5 million. Leon and his wife Tzili Charney also served as the evening's Chairs. Seth Meyers of Saturday Night Live fame lent his incredible talent as emcee. Journalist, author and public speaker, Susannah Cahalan was guest speaker. Sotheby's was represented by auction chair, Roger Erickson and Jamie Ritchie, who pounded the gavel as auctioneer.

Auction tables

Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Founder of FACES and Director of the NYU Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, welcomed Dr. Robert I. Grossman, Dean and CEO and over 750 guests such as generous and loyal supporters and members of the FACES family, including Leah and Michael Weisberg, Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Kate Cooney Picco, Katie and Todd Boehly, Angela Howard, Alice Thorpe, Amy Pollner Moritz, Ginny and Steven Spiegel, Randi and Jeff Levine, Mary Pedersen, Melissa Mathison, and her lovely daughter Georgia Ford, Carolyn and Steven Kotler, Claudia and Harry Falk, Susan and David Swinghamer, Veronica Mainetti, Warren Lammert, Anna and Jim Fantaci, an elite corps of NYU's doctors and medical professionals, among others.

Jamie Ritchie and Seth Meyers

The evening started with cocktails and a silent auction of legendary proportion (350 items), followed by the program. Dean Grossman spoke of the medical center's triumph over the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. Dr. Devinsky kept the FACES community abreast of on-going significant research work, and spoke of Leon Charney's remarkable achievements followed by a presentation of a special memento personally selected by Dr. Devinsky.

Funds raised will provide for life-enhancing programs in cutting-edge research, clinical care, education and awareness programs, and community building events.

Dr. Glenn Fishman, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, and Leon Charney

Jay Neveloff, Benjamin Levine, and Jeffrey Levine

Joey Lowenstein and Roberta Lowenstein

Amy Pollner Mortiz and Peter Schnall

Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Janna Devinsky, and Deborah Devinsky

Kate Cooney Picco, Loretta Glucksman, Rob Moss, and Lisa Moss

Steven Spiegel and Ginny Spiegel

Marc Mayer and David Swinghamer

Peter Manno and Dr. Catherine Manno

Lorri Shackelford and Veronica Mainetti

Seth Meyers and Randi Levine

Katie Boehly, Todd Boehly, Rose Garrett, and John Garrett

Dr. Ruben Kuzniecky and Zianka Fallil

Carolyn Kotler

Dr. Jacqueline French and Dan Freidman

Michael Weisberg and Leah Weisberg

Kristina Pae and Anna Fantaci

Seth Meyers, Dean Robert Grossman, Dr. Orrin Devinsky, Leon Charney, and Tzili Charney

Georgia Ford, Seth Meyers, and Melissa Mathison

Barbara Walsh and Joseph Walsh

Tanya Zagzag, Dr. David Zagzag, Susannah Cahalan, and Stephen Gruwalski

Pamela Mohr and Seth Meyers

Dr. Souhel Najjar and Susannah Cahalan

Harry Falk and Claudia Falk

Bob Nolan and Mary Pedersen

Seth Meyers, Angela Stone, and Bill Lambert

UJA-Federation of New York brought together more than 400 industry executives at its Real Estate & Allied Trades Division’s Real Estate Executives (REX) Gala to honor Alfonso Kimche, founding principal at North Hill Capital Management LLC, with the Larry A. Silverstein REX Award on March 13, 2013 at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City.

Brian Neilinger, Bram Weber, Lloyd Goldman, David Valger, Alfonso Kimche, Simon Ziff, William Friedland, and Justin Green

The Real Estate & Allied Trades Division created the Larry A. Silverstein REX Award to honor Larry’s legendary professional and philanthropic achievements. Presented annually, the award recognizes an exceptional young real estate professional who emulates Larry’s commitment to the real estate community and to improving the lives of others in New York, in Israel, and around the world. The recipient of this award is seen by peers as a leader in the community who exemplifies Larry’s inspiring standards of communal leadership, carrying the torch of philanthropy for the next generation.

Alfonso Kimche is a founding principal at North Hill Capital Management LLC, a private lender established in 2005 that provides commercial real estate bridge loans nationwide. During his real estate career, which began in 1990, Kimche has been involved with transactions in a wide range of asset classes, including mid-rise condominium, multifamily, industrial, office, and residential single family. A long time donor to UJA-Federation of New York, he has served on many event committees, including the REX Steering Committee, has joined several UJA-Federation missions abroad, and has recruited new members to the REX group.

Vladimir Shneyder, Alfonso Kimche, and Michael Schonbraun

Mitchell Moinian and Alfonso Kimche

Alfonso Kimche and Micah Goodman

Lloyd Goldman, Larry Silverstein, Alfonso Kimche, Lee Deutsch, and Jeffrey Stern

Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management Co., Inc. and Larry A. Silverstein of Silverstein Properties, Inc. were part of the event’s program. Larry spoke about the importance of the next generation of philanthropists before presenting the award to Kimche. Michael Schonbraun of Square Mile Capital Management LLC opened and closed the program.

In attendance at the event were Michael’s co-chair, Vladimir Shneyder of North Hill Capital Management LLC, REX Steering Committee Chair Lee Deutsch of National Granite Title Insurance Agency, Inc. and Vice Chair William Friedland of Friedland Properties. UJA-Federation’s Real Estate & Allied Trades Division is chaired by Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Management Co., Inc. and vice chaired by Richard S. Lane of The Olnick Organization, Inc. and Andrew J. Singer of The Singer & Bassuk Organization LLC.

Larry Silverstein and Alfonso Kimche

The Real Estate Executives (REX) Division offers a wide range of opportunities to interact with leading professionals from real estate, construction, and allied trades industries, including developers, owners, financiers, attorneys, and investment strategists. Through involvement with REX, professionals make an impact on the real estate social landscape, help people in need, build strong relationships with colleagues in the field, develop leadership skills, and explore issues that delve beyond the New York real estate community.

This year, the REX Division raised more than $600,000 for UJA-Federation’s annual campaign to sustain a network of nearly 100 health, human-service, educational, and community-building agencies that touch the lives of more than 4 million people annually.

Scott Singer, Harriet Singer, and Andrew Singer

Adam Sanders and Jason Merker

Steve Stowers, Jeffrey Moroch, and Laura Greenfield

Blair Parsont and Benjamin Haghani

Bessie Castagnello and Dina Silberstein

Cindy Feinberg and Michael Vickers

Jonathan More, Jonathan Banayan, Gregory Kalikow, and David Kessler

Matthew Kasindorf, Lee Deutsch, and Mark Kaplan

Jonas Katzoff, Mark Kaplan, Jonathan Falik, Bram Weber, and Michael May

William Friedland, Alfonso Kimche, and Lee Deutsch

Jarett Fein, Alfonso Kimche, and Steven Friedlander

Brian Lichter, Michael Schonbraun, and Matthew Snyder

Last week at Doubles, Peter Cotton Tail greeted each child giving them pink, yellow and lilac bunny ears. Tables were decorated with Easter baskets, coloring books and crayons, and a white picket fence 'guarded' the 1,300 candy-filled plastic eggs covering the astro turf carpeting. The Club's guiding light Wendy Carduner made sure every child was entertained with three face painters, a balloon artist, DJ, two MCs, and three dancers.

Some of the mommies and daddies taking a brief 'time out' to enjoy their grilled cheese squares, chicken McDoubles and home-made potato chip swirls included: Mary Van Pelt, Mary Beth Adelson, Margo and Randy Takian, Doug Steinbrech, Emily O'Sullivan, Courtney Rae, Amanda Espy, Lisa Simonson, Nancy McCormick Vella, Jennifer Rolfe, Blair Stewart, Lisa Elson, Christina and Marisa Rose, Kemp Steib, Kara McCutcheon Fic and many, many more.

Photographs by Cutty McGill (Doubles); Anniewatt.com (Faces)

The MAD scene for the opening of the "After the Museum" exhibition.

The Museum of Arts and Design held an opening gala on the evening of Monday, March 18 at 2 Columbus Circle, to celebrate three new exhibitions: After the Museum: The Home Front 2013, Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft and Design, and Wear It or Not: Recent Jewelry Acquisitions. Curators, artists, and many eminent members of the art and design world, gathered in the galleries to celebrate the artists and curators involved in these exhibitions.

Chairman Emerita Barbara Tober, Lesley Stahl, and Interim Director David Gordon in the Barbara Tober Grand Atrium of the Museum of Arts & Design

On view through June 9, After the Museum stages and presents a series of installations and public programs, which explores the role of the 21st century art and design museum in shaping and echoing contemporary design practices. More than 30 designers and collaboratives are brought together for this exhibition to examine the interplay between cultural institutions and the design community.

Featuring nearly 90 installations, sculptures, furniture, and vessels, Against the Grain: Wood in Contemporary Art, Craft and Design explores the latest conceptual and technical trends in woodworking today. The exhibition examines the ways in which artists, craftspeople and designers have incorporated modernist approaches and strategies into woodworking. Against the Grain is on view through September 15.

Curator Lowery Stokes Sims with Silas Kopf and MAD's Interim Director David Gordon (Inset: Silas Kopf's shoes)

Wendell Castle

From iconic mid-20th century works to computer-designed and manufactured jewelry, the Wear It or Not exhibition showcases the depth and variety of the new additions to the museum's renowned permanent collection featuring objects by artists such as Kiff Slemmons, Melanie Bilenker, Otto Künzli, and Tone Vigeland. This exhibition is on view through June 2.

Notable attendees included: Lesley Stahl, Lewis Kruger, Holly Hotchner, Damon Crain, JohnEason, Barbara Tober, David Gordon, Beverly & Jerome Siegel, Nanette L. Laitman, Lowery Stokes Sims, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Alexandre Arrechea, Silas Kopf, Sandy Starkman, Barry Friedman, Patricia Pastor, Todd Merrill, Cristina Grajales, Sebastian Errazuriz, Wendell Castle.

Joseph Walsh, Patricia Pastor, and Barry Friedman

Earl Dax, Cameron Cooper, Zach Cole, and curator Jake Yuzna

Bud Latven

Sandy Starkman and Silas Kopf

Garreth Neal, Wendell Castle, Todd Merrill, and Joseph Walsh

Armando and Andria Morales, Vivien Chiu, and Ursula Von Rydingsvard

Sebastian Errazuriz and Cristina Grajales

Nanette L. Laitman, MAD Trustee

MAD's Interim Director David Gordon with Beverly and Jerome Siegel

Jake Yuzna and Dan Rubinstein

Todd Merrill and Gareth Neal

Marc Andre Robinson

Judith Belzer

Last Monday night the Asia Society held its fifty annual Celebration of Asia Week benefit gala and honored designer Jason Wu.

The evening which was held at the Pierre, drew over 350 guests from the worlds of art, design and fashion. Ermenegildo Zegna was a Co-Chair for the evening and his fashion house was a lead corporate underwriter.

Guest Chefs Pichet Ong and Simpson Wong created a unique menu for the occasion. A live and spirited auction by Sotheby’s Vice Chairman, North America, Henry Howard-Sneyd, saw guests bidding on a number of items such as a made-to measure suit by Ermenegildo Zegna, and luxury travel and exclusive experiences.

Elizabeth Gilpin, Hilary Rhoda, Michelle Harper, and Jenny Shimizu

Yung Hee Kim, Kyle Blackmon, and Lorry Newhouse

Following dinner, guests danced to music by Peter Duchin and his Orchestra.

Those in attendance included: ChairsStephanie Foster and Charles Rockefeller; Co-Chairs Betsy and Edward Cohen; and Vice Chairs Henrietta and Richard Fore, Ruth and Harold Newman, Cynthia Hazen Polsky and Leon Polsky, Denise and Andrew Saul, and Lulu and Anthony Wang.

Additional guests included Ralph Appelbaum and Madelynn Gingold, Kyle Blackmon, Eddie Borgo, Veronica Bulgari, Drake Burnette, Alexis Dahan, Qin Feng, Tom Freston, Carolyn Hsu-Balcer and Rene Balcer, Sharon Bush, Michael Joo, Cathy Hardwick, Michelle Harper, Martha Hunt, Chiu-Ti Jansen and Geoffrey Bradfield, Liya Kebede, Patrick Li, Terresa Liu and Richard Snyder, Nate Lowman, Siddhartha Mukherjee, Lorry Newhouse, Maggie Norris and Andrew LePera, Mariko Mori, Hanne Gaby Odiele, Shu Pei, Amanda Ross, Cynthia Rowley and Bill Powers, Hilary Rhoda, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Jenny Shimizu, Susan Shin, Keegan Singh, Susan and Dirk Standen, Anna Sui, Patricia Tang, Barbara and Donald Tober, Richard Tsao, and Marie-Hélène Weill.

Siddhartha Mukherjee and Melissa Chiu

Amy Hoadley and Tom Freston

Richard Fore

Hal and Ruth Newman

Lindsey Boylan and Mei Mei Tuan

Charles Rockefeller and Henry Howard Sneyd

Stephanie and John Foster

Chiu ti Jansen and Geoffrey Bradfield

Sharon Bush and Oscar Plotkin

Tom Nagorski, Exec VP of AS

Jason Wu

Henrietta H. Fore and Trevor Potter

Diana Burke and Shayne Doty

Franco Salhi and Jory Wood Syed

Cesar Oborero

Betsy Z. Cohen and Barbaralee Diamondstein Spielvogel

Dana Westring

Daniel and Leslie Ziff

R. Balcer and Carolyn Hsu Balcer

On Thursday, March 21th, DIFFA: Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS 16th annual DINING BY DESIGN tour kicked-off with their annual GALA DINNER. This year, DIFFA honored two of their greatest supporters in Isabel & Ruben Toledo, famed designers and artists, as well as long time board member Rick Wolf. In a ceremony co-chaired by Geoffrey Zakarian and Tracy Resse, Isbael & Ruben Toldeo were awarded the annual Rockwell Service award by Rick Wolf and thanked everyone for bestowing them such a great honor. Rick Wolf received the Unsung Hero Award, presented by Cindy Allen, for raising 1.5 million for the organization. Cindy Allen went on to introduce and welcome DIFFA's new Executive Director, Felecia Webb.

Ralph Lauren table/entrance

Guests dined in the awe-inspiring installations while sipping on Patron Cocktails and La Crema wine. The elegantly seated VIP dinner was accompanied by dancing and a silent auction loaded with hospitality experiences and luxury items. Notable tables included Ralph Lauren's classic all-American design, Interior Design Magazine's abstract and conceptual patterns as well as David Rockwell's "Kinky Boots" inspired installation. DIFFA's DINING BY DESIGN brings together some of the most talented and celebrated individuals in the worlds of fashion, interior design, art, and architecture to create spectacular, over-the-top dining environments.

Executive Director of DIFFA Felecia Web and Isabel and Ruben Toldeo

DIFFA is one of the largest funders of HIV/AIDS service and education programs in the United States. Since being founded in 1984, DIFFA has mobilized the immense resources of the design communities to provide over $40 million to hundreds of AIDS service organizations nationwide. For more than 28 years, DIFFA has been one of the country's largest supporters of both direct care for people living with AIDS and preventative education for those at risk.

Arpad Baksa

Architectural Digest

Vern Yip

Cyndi Lauper, Margaret Russell, and David Rockwell

Thom Filicia

Rottet

Ralph Lauren

Evette Rios

Scott Mirkin and Susan Blond

Rachel Laxer

Arteriors

Rachel Ashwell-Shabby Chic Couture

Pratt Insitute

Alfredo Paredes and Margaret Russell

Geoffrey Zakarian

Patron display

Parsons The New School for Design

NYU

New York School of Interior Design

Michael Aram

Rick Wolf

Felecia Webb and Cindy Allen

Michael Amani

Marimekko

Marc Blackwell and Evette Rios

Lady Tina Green & Pietro Mingarelli

Keogh Design

Kenneth Cobonpue

Stellish

James Magni for Profile

Interior Design Magazine-design by Ali Taylor

Goli and Tom (AM/MOR Architecture), & Justin Huxol (HUXHUX Design)

Gensler/Herman Miller

Frette Design

FIT

Fendi

Federico Delrosso

Eric Warner for Tracy Reese

Elizabeth Bolognino

EDG- The Roger Thomas Collection

Echo

Design Within Reach

David Rockwell

Croscill

Benjamin Moore

Beacon Hill

Aerin Lauder

On Saturday, March 16, 2013, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) held its sixth annual concert and dinner at Kristy and Jim Clark’s beautiful Palm Beach home. Co-hosted by Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, and with over 150 Palm Beach arts lovers and philanthropists in attendance, the event honored Toby and Itzhak Perlman’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of classical music artists.

This special annual event is made possible through the Clarks’ profound generosity and dedication to The Perlman Music Program. “Something really special is happening at Toby and Itzhak’s camp,” said Jim Clark. “To help establish the new Arts Center and to host this event each year is truly an honor for us.”

Members of The Perlman Music Program with Kristy and Jim Clark

The evening began with cocktails and champagne on the veranda, followed by a performance in the Clarks’ elegant living room featuring several outstanding PMP students and alumni. The concert included chamber music by Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms, presented by violinists Randall Goosby, Alice Ivy-Pemberton, Sean Lee, and Doori Na; violists Caitlin Lynch, Bella Markham, and Cong Wu; cellists Gabriel Beigel, Jia Kim, and SuJin Lee; and pianist Kwan Yi. The talented and poised young performers introduced each piece with a spirited tale, bringing each composer to life in their own words.

Kristy and Jim Clark introduce Dyan to the guests

After the exceptional concert, Jim Clark spoke about the transformational experience of hearing Toby and Itzhak’s young artists flourish over his and Kristy’s years of involvement. He urged the guests to join him and Kristy in the campaign to fully fund a beautiful new performing arts center on PMP’s Shelter Island, NY campus. Opened in 2012, the landmark Kristy and James H. Clark Arts Center provides an essential year-round resource for PMP’s students and alumni. Jim announced that he and Kristy would personally match any of their guests’ donations towards the $3.5 million Clark Arts Center campaign, to a stirring round of applause. After Jim spoke, Toby Perlman thanked him and Kristy, Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, and PMP Board President, Morgan Stark, for helping PMP create the ideal environment to nurture gifted young musicians towards their full potential. To bring the evening to a rousing close, the guests toasted the incredible music and beautiful weather at a festive dinner under the stars.

Musicians perform for a rapt audience

Guests included: Sharon Amluxen, Irma L. Anapol, Doreen and Gilbert Bassin, Claire and Lawrence A. Benenson, Gigi Benson, Virginia Consuelo Smith Burke, Don Burns and Greg Connors, Julie and Michael M. Connors, Maude Cook, Howard E. Cox, Countess Christina de Caraman, Elijah Duckworth-Schachter, Jay Dweck and Christine Kim, Diana and Llwyd Ecclestone, Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, Carol and David H. Feinberg, Michael Finn, Kathleen Ford, Arlene and Irwin Firsh, Lola Goldring, C. Gerald Goldsmith, Mei Sze and Jeff Greene, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Sylvia Hassenfeld, Barbara and Murray Hazan, Marsha and Carl Hewitt, Robin and Michael Jay, Ann and Thomas S. Johnson, Vicki and Christopher Kellogg, Eleanora and Michael Kennedy, Kate and Hashem Khosrovani, J. Stuart Kirwan III and Mrs. Phyllis Kirwan, Bridget Koch, Lynne Kramer, Kathy Deane and Richard Krantz, Gregory and Sandy Kriser and Ryan Kriser, Charlie Krusen and Kristen Maltese, Ellen Liman and Walter Liebman, Susan Lloyd, Karin F. Luter, The Honorable and Mrs. Earle I. Mack, Hildegarde Mahoney, Susan and Tim Malloy, Anna and William Mann, Suzanne and Bill McDonough, Diahn and Thomas J. McGrath, Grace and S. Christopher Meigher III, James H. Mitchell and Rosita Spencer-Churchill, Katherine Mondadori, Robert E. Nederlander and Patricia Cook, Christina and Tad O'Donnell, Ann Paton, Anka K. Palitz, Nancy and Jay Parker, Mr. Thomas Peterffy and Ms. Lynne Wheat, John and Beverlee Raymond and Allison Raymond, Vicky and Paul S. Reynolds, Annette U. Rickel, Nestor A. Rodriguez, Ava Roosevelt and Christopher M. Twardy, Leslie Rose and Denise McCann, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Mitchell Rubin, Monica Starkman Schteingart and David E. Schteingart, Morgan B. Stark, Betty Lee and Aaron Stern, Judy and Alfred A. Taubman, Gail and Harry Theodoracopulos, Angelika and Andrews Walker, Jean Weiner, Karen Wing, Percy Wu, Ken Wyse, and Georgiana H. Yang.