New York Social Diary - Party Pictures

Linda Fell, Linda Morse, Judith M. Hoffman, Sergey Gordeev, Gary Brandt, Barbara Brandt, Irene Shen, Carla Johnson, Margot London, and Irene Minkoff at Youth America Grand Prix's "The Making of an Artist."

The African Rainforest Conservancy (ARC) hosted its 23rd Annual Artists for Africa Benefit at The Bowery Hotel in New York City this past Wednesday. Executive Director Whitney Larkin welcomed over 200 guests including Cassandra Seidenfeld, Renee Adrienne Smith, Bravo’s ‘Shah’s of Sunset’ star Mercedes “MJ” Javid, Bravo TV star Chanel Omari and model Morgan O’Connor.

Host Carter Coleman kicked off the evening alongside Master of Ceremonies Tom McGrath to honor Thomas Kaplan with the New Species Award and Sarah Collins with the Environmental Award.

This year's African Rainforest Conservancy benefit was dedicated to the late-Advisory Board member James Gandolfini. For the past two decades, over $1 million has been raised to support grassroots community development projects and conservation in East African rainforests.

Highlights of the night included an a cappella song in Zulu by Thuli Dumakude, an African dance by Manekadang African Dance and Drum, with a DJ set and performance by Cary Nokey.

Cary Nokey

The evening was sponsored by The Bowery Hotel, Extraordinary Journeys, Gardenia Organic, Hahn Family Wines, Industry City Distillery, Nihiwatu Resort, Peak Organic, Tirado Distillery, Selous Safari Company, Coastal Aviation, and Paddle8.

For more than 20 years, The African Rainforest Conservancy has worked alongside its field partner the Tanzania Forest Conservation Group (TFCG) to support a network of 140 villages in eight mountain and coastal regions throughout Tanzania that are protecting 3,000 square kilometers of forest – an area 1,000 times the size of New York’s Central Park. For more information on the African Rainforest Conservancy please visit www.africanrainforest.org.

Whitney Larkin and Thomas J McGrath

Suzanne Murphy and Cassandra Siedenfeld

Quentin Jones, Gary Carrion-Murayari, and Joyce Sitterly

Sammy Kingsley and Elizabeth Ernery

Thuli Dumakude

Orianne Kaplan, Thomas Kaplan, and Leonardo Kaplan

Renee Adrienne Smith, Kellen Harrison, Mia Berg, and Noah Becker

Curtis Young and Jenna Landry

Oliver Clegg and Natasha Clegg

Neyiz Cereb, Sangmi Lee, Andrew Heid, Shaokao Cheng, and Niki Cheng

Whitney Larkin, George Haddad, and Lisa Applebaum

Jessica Hodin, Felicity Sargent, Caleb James, and Daniela Ciocca

Laura Hunt, Adam Yarnold, Elizabeth Gordon, Jared Holz, and Samantha Siegel

Renee Adrienne Smith, Carter Coleman, and Cassandra Seidenfeld

Carol Beckwith and Lisa Fox

Allison L Wade, John Dalsheim, and Whitney Larkin

Andrew Heid, Mebrak Tareke, and Thomas Amdemariam

Ruth Katz, Tamae Ishii, Bennett Galef, Marc Mantais, Ashley Dawyot, A Franklin, and Chris Patterson

Sophie Plimpton, Patrick Meagher, and Ann Lee

Mikaela Bradbury and Sarah Collins

Judith Fifield and Jim Lyons

Devon Windsor, Morgan O'Connor, and Olivia Greenfield

Spencer Tunick, Katia Aurora, and Gerald Forster

Beth O'Donnell and Caleb James

On Monday, January 27, Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) presented "The Making of an Artist" moderated by Barbara Brandt at New York City Center Studios, Studio 5 (130 West 56th Street, NYC). American Ballet Theatre's Marcelo Gomes created new choreography on renowned ABT dancers Misty Copeland and James Whiteside live for 145 guests. Through discussion and demonstration, their creative evolution unfolded.

YAGP founding Board Chair, Barbara Brandt, "wanted to give the audience an opportunity to join the dancers and choreographer, in the studio, as we explored the question, "What is an artist?" The evening concluded with an informal reception.

Marcelo Gomes, Misty Copeland, and James Whiteside

James Whiteside, Barbara Brandt, Marcelo Gomes, and Misty Copeland

All proceeds from the event went to YAGP's Scholarship Fund, which provides young talented dancers with scholarship auditions and performance opportunities.

YAGP's 2014 New York City Finals will take place April 3-8. The gala will be held Thursday, April 10 at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. For more information, visit www.yagp.org.

Richard Kielar, Robert Schulman, and Christian Zimmerman

John Sills, Elizabeth Papadopoulos, Sammi Seltzer, Scott Seltzer, and Franco DeVita

Elise Zealand and Leslie Kirschenbaum

Franco DeVita and Stephen Limmer

Skylar Brandt, Gary Brandt, Taylor Brandt, and Barbara Brandt

Victoria Matus, Andrew Martin-Weber, and Larisa Saveliev

Robert Schulman and Hal Witt

Mina Takavol and Terry Zucker

James Whiteside, Kathleen Murtha, and Kathleen Kirchgaessner

Lloyd Williams, Sara Khalifa, and Joel Kaye

The frigid weather didn't keep people from attending An Evening of Cocktails and Dance on Wednesday, January 22, 2014, benefitting The Children's Storefront, a tuition-free private school in Harlem. The annual event was held at The Ailey Studios/The Joan Weill Center for Dance (located at 405 West 55th Street) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm.

More than 100 guests attended the event, which raised nearly $90,000, an unprecedented amount for this annual event. The evening featured a special performance by young artists enrolled in the Ailey/Fordham BFA Program and The Ailey School's Professional Division. The dancers performed Aspects Of A Vibe, choreographed by Darrell Moultrie, Synergy, choreographed by Kirvin Douthit-Boyd, and Passage, choreographed by Jennifer Archibald.

Hiroko Murase, Amanda K. Low, and Saturo Murase

Red Rooster Harlem's signature Yes Chef cocktail was featured thanks to the Storefront's longstanding partnership with this important landmark Harlem restaurant and celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Co-chairs of the evening were Anne-Marie Embiricos, Reby B. Gulcan, Amanda K. Low, Christopher Moore and Maria Vecchiotti, and members of the committee included Jamie Bahar, Jill A. Davis, Amy Hudson, Hiroko Murase, Noreene Storrie, and Cathy Trentalancia. Many generous underwriters made the evening possible, including corporate sponsor Morrison and Forrester, LLP.

Andrea Forbes, John G. Forbes, Jr., and Wendy Reynoso

Joan Ai, Karen Beyer, and Ellen-Jane Moss

Barbara Feldon and friend

Bernie and Elsie V. Aidinoff

John G. Forbes, Jr., Dorian Brown, Lauren Marrus, and Ray A. Cameron

Hassan Turner, James Amodeo, and Candace Cardwell

Jo Taglianetti, Jackie Jones, Maria Vecchiotti, Diane Hanan, and Dr. Anthony LaBruna

This past Wednesday night, at the powerhouse Arena in Brooklyn, more than 300 of New York’s most acclaimed writers, translators, editors, agents, and pubishers gathered at the power/House Arena in Brooklyn under the auspices of the PEN American Center to celebrate new books published in 2013 and the fruits of free expression.

The diversity of PEN’s membership was reflected in the event’s co-hosts: Poet Laureate of Brooklyn Tina Chang, Jezebel founder Anna Holmes, novelists Mitchell Jackson and Dani Shapiro, and author Gary Shteyngart, whose new memoir was published earlier this month. Distinguished and longstanding PEN Members such as Ron Chernow, Elissa Schappell, Roxana Robinson, Lev Grossman, and Elinor Lipman mingled with up-and-coming writers including B.J. Novak, Marie-Helene Bertino, Paul Rome, Patty Chang Anker, Caleb Crain, Mark Binelli, and Dina Nayeri. New PEN Member Lena Dunham, creator of the HBO original series Girls, curated the music for the evening, while Rosie Schaap, author of last year’s memoir Drinking with Men, created literary-themed cocktails courtesy of liquor sponsors Hendrick’s Gin and Zyr Russian Vodka. Brooklyn Brewery donated the beer.

Lev Grossman of Time Magazine with wife Sophie Gee

Co-hosts and new members offered touching and often hilarious testimonials of their experience as PEN members. “I grew up in a totalitarian society where I was not allowed to express myself,” said Shteyngart. “ I’m talking about Hebrew school in Queens!” He continued, “PEN helps writers in all parts of the world, from Vladivostok to Kew Gardens Hills. And that is something that you are helping to support right now. The people who you are helping are forever, forever a part of what you do."

PEN Executive Director Suzanne Nossel ended the night with a call to action, encouraging all in attendance to send a postcard or email to Chinese President Xi Jinping demanding the freedom of PEN member and poet Liu Xia, who has been under house arrest in Beijing since her husband, jailed writer and Independent Chinese PEN Center President Liu Xiaobo, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010.

Madeline Caldwell of Alfred A Knopf, BJ Novak of The Office, Gary Shteyngart, author of Absurdistan, and Annie Eggers of Alfred A Knopf

PEN American Center is a community of 3,500 writers working to bring down barriers to free expression worldwide. Its distinguished members carry on the achievements in literature and advancement of human rights of such past members as Langston Hughes, Arthur Miller, and Susan Sontag. To learn more, visit www.pen.org.

Elissa Schappel of Vanity Fair's Hot Type, Roxanna Robinson, author of Cost, and Dani Shapiro, author of Devotion

Zoe Triska and Maddie Crum

Elinor Lipman, author of Then She Found Me, Avra Wing, author of Angie I Says, and husband Mike Wing

Greeted by the glitter of butterflies, the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts 2014 Gala chairs, committee, and its supporters, were treated to a kickoff event at Neiman Marcus Palm Beach. Gala leadership, including chair Monika Preston and honorary chair Kathryn C. Vecellio, were on site to welcome guests and thank them for their support.

Guests were treated to a fashion show including designs by Stella McCartney, Alexander McQueen, Naeem Khan, Balenciaga, Valentino, Chole, Lavin, Peter Pilotto, Erdem and as a special treat the finale was Oscar de la Renta's Spring 2014 collection. The show highlighted popular spring trends, including pinks, layered bracelets and mint greens.

L. to r.: Stella McCartney Blouse, Alexander McQueen Pants, Marco Bicego Jewelry; Naeem Khan Blouse, Valentino Pant, Estate Jewelry; Lela Rose Blouse, Akris Punto Pant, Manolo Blahnik Pump, Givenchy Handbag, Laura Munder Jewelry.

Prior to the exclusive fashion show, Beth Pine, vice president and general manager of Neiman Marcus Palm Beach welcomed guests and then introduced Mrs. Preston who greeted the crowd and thanked them for their generous support with special mention given to the junior co-chairs Cameron Preston, Angela Vecellio and Tara Vecellio. She shared that their, "youthful energy and spirit has been instrumental in helping to plan the Gala, and I am so appreciative of their time and support."

Mrs. Preston continued by stating, "Alvin Ailey is currently the hot ticket in New York City and we are thrilled that they will be the entertainment for the 2014 Gala. The Kravis Gala is a fun event, with a young group of supporters and everyone is invited to join us at this year's gala, which is predicted to be one of the most enjoyable of the season."

Cameron Preston, Katie Vecellio, Beth Pine, Monika Preston, Angela Vecellio, and Tara Vecellio

The annual black-tie affair will begin with a reception in the Shapiro Founders' Room at the Kravis Center, followed by the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performance in Dreyfoos Hall and a dinner dance in the Gimelstob Ballroom located in the Cohen Pavilion.

Gala committee members include Michael Bracci, Mark Freitas, Robert Fromer, Irene Karp, John Kessler, Ted Mandes, William Meyer, Laurie Silvers and Dom Telesco.

Irene Karp, Laurie Silvers, Garrison duP. Lickle, and Judy Mitchell

Gala sponsors include Martin Axman, The Breakers, Stephen Brown and Jamie Stern, Alec and Miriam Flamm, Diane and Bruce Halle, Henni and John Kessler, Dorothy and Sidney Kohl, Ingrid and David Kosowsky, Jack and Goldie Wolfe Miller Fund, Jane M. Mitchell, Neiman Marcus, Helen K. Persson, Monika and John Preston, Sabadell Bank & Trust, SBA Communications Corporation, Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein, Kathryn and Leo Vecellio; Tiffany & Co. for special support, and Classical South Florida and Palm Beach Illustrated for media support.

Tickets for this year's Gala are $750 for the Gala Patron, and $375 for the Young Gala Patron (45 years old and younger).

For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.kravis.org or call (561) 651-4320.

Gina and Jeff Sabean with Caroline Harless

Beth Pine, Bill Meyer, and Diane Bergner

Mona Zapper and Hayden Hosford

Margaret M. Damen and Miriam Flamm

Stirling McCracken and Kelly Kirkpatrick

Lizzi Bickford and Caroline Rafferty

Terri Mersentes and Shani Core

Tara Vecellio and Hilary Jordan

Judy Mitchell and Jane Mitchell

Ann Sommer, Elaine North, and Nancy Parker

Marilyn Berman and Zelda Mason

Photographs by Patrick McMullan; Corby Kaye's Studio Palm Beach (Kravis Center)

Wang Boming, Zhang Xin, and friends at China Arts Foundation's Chinese New Year Celebration.

On Thursday, January 30th, The China Arts Foundation, along with Fudan Alumni Association in New York, hosted a fundraising dinner at Le Cirque to celebrate the Chinese New Year with a musical program by YU Long (Artistic Director of the China Philharmonic Orchestra).

Distinguished guests included PAN Shiyi (Co-Founder, Chairman and Co-CEO of Soho China), ZHANG Xin (Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Soho China), YU Yu (Co-founder and CEO of Dangdang Inc.), WANG BoMing (Chairman and CEO of SEEC Media Group, Editor-in-Chief of Caijing Magazine), QIN Xiao (Chairman of Boyuan Foundation), DENG Ning (President of Deutsche Bank China), YAN Lan (Head of Lazard China), Steven Rockefeller, Jr. (Chairman of Rockefeller Group), and Stephen Schwartzman (Chairman, CEO and Co-Founder of Blackstone Group).

The China Arts Foundation was founded by Madam DENG Rong, daughter of DENG Xiaoping. Its mission includes supporting music activities and promoting the exchange of ideas and business relationships between the West and East. For more information, visit: www.chinaartsfoundation.org

Sun Guoxiang, Zhang Xin, and Angela Chen

The Honorable Nicholas Platt, Wash SyCip, Steven Rockefeller, Kimberly Rockefeller, and Christian Rockefeller

Monling Landegger, Angela Chen, Renee Landegger, and Mitzi Perdue

Peng Ning, Thomas Moore, Sun Guoxiang, Robert Lawrence, Angela Chen, and Sasha Grinberg

Steven Rockefeller, Kimberly Rockefeller, and Christian Rockefeller

Wang Boming

Lei Zimmerman and David Shine

Andrew Serwer and Stephen A. Schwarzman

Monling Landegger and Sandy Lee

Kasia Zabawa and David Desrosiers

Steve Zhu, Yifeng Zhang, and Anson Zhang

Jason Carter, Angela Chen, Geoffrey Bradfield, Yu Bai, and Jonathan Mechanic

Didi Pei, Sophia Sheng, and Spence Porter

Elliott Donnelley and Joanna Fu

Joost, Sophia Wu, and Elliott Donnelley

Lei Zimmerman, Zoe Shan, Xiaoning Wang, and Cathy Sun

Scott Walker, Andrea Scalisi, and Wendy Li

Catherine Petree and Nari Narayanan

Leslie Puth, Richard Johnson, Christine Schwarzman, and Andrew Serwer

Merit Janow, Stephen Orlins, and Mable Chan

Yu Long, Steven Rockefeller, and Zhang Xin

Zu Jing and Carl Landegger

George Landegger, Renee Landegger, Monling Landegger, and Paul Yo

Sasha Grinberg and Ashleigh Au

Meifang Chang and Sandy Chen

Melissa Berkelhammer, Wang Boming, and Carrie Lee

On January 30th, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) raised more than $620,000 at its Palm Beach Hot Pink Luncheon & Symposium. Founded by Evelyn H. Lauder in 1993, the New York nonprofit has held the Florida fundraiser for the past 11 years to drive global research efforts to find cures and improve survivorship for millions of patients worldwide.

Held at The Breakers, the benefit drew more than 350 BCRF supporters from Florida as well as New York. Co-chairman of the foundation and Palm Beach resident, Leonard A. Lauder and BCRF President & CEO Myra Biblowit hosted the event with Alina Cho of CNN and ABC News, who stepped in to replace Barbara Walters. Ms. Walters will now host the 2015 luncheon.

Pre-luncheon at The Breakers

L. to r.: Mr. Lauder opens the luncheon; Alina Cho talks about Evelyn Lauder's legacy and BCRF's work ; Roz Goldstein

"Palm Beach has always been extremely generous to BCRF," Mr. Lauder said. "With the community's support, our grantees, who are truly some of the most brilliant minds in science and medicine, can forge ahead to make a discernible difference in the battle against breast cancer and all cancers."

"The world is a better place because of Evelyn Lauder and her commitment to preventing and curing breast cancer," Ms. Cho said as she took the stage. "BCRF is a shining testament to her vision. The money BCRF has raised is having an impact beyond breast cancer as their scientists are furthering our knowledge of all cancers. In that way, BCRF has a reach and relevance far greater than even Evelyn dared dream."

BCRF Scientific Director, Dr. Larry Norton, and Chairman of BCRF's Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Clifford Hudis, both of New York's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, led a discussion about breast cancer risk and preventative measures with grantees, Dr. Nadine Tung, Dr. Kenneth Offit and Joan Marks. Since its founding, BCRF has grown from funding eight grantees in the U.S. to 210 researchers at renowned medical institutions across six continents.

The Panel: Chairman of BCRF's Scientific Advisory Board Dr. Cliffor Hudis, grantees Joan Marks, Dr. Kenneth Offit and Dr. Nadine Tung, and BCRF Scientific Advisor Dr. Larry Norton

The Venetian Room at the Breakers during the fashion show put on by Neiman Marcus

"Our grantees have made tremendous strides in prevention, treatment and understanding the biology of cancer," Biblowit said. "But with cancer's threat growing around the world, BCRF is steadfast in its commitment to fuel the research of tomorrow needed to save lives today."

The Palm Beach fundraiser has brought in $4 million since its inception, helping BCRF to raise more than $475 million for medical research over its 20 years.
Notable guests included Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee, and fundraising co-chairs and prominent Palm Beachers Donna Acquavella, Louise Braver, Betsy Green, Sandra Krakoff, Petra Levin, Hillie Mahoney, Pauline Pitt, Tricia Quick, Hilary Geary Ross, Frances Scaife and Judith Schlager.

Leonard Lauder and Myra Biblowit annouce the winner of the raffle for $30,000 Margot McKinney earrings at close of luncheon

Dr. Larry Norton and Tom Quick

The luncheon also featured a spring fashion show courtesy of Neiman Marcus, an underwriter along with The Braver Philanthropic Fund, Douglas Elliman, J.P. Morgan Private Bank, The Leonard & Evelyn Lauder Foundation, and Petra and Stephen Levin. Sponsors included Mickey Beyer, Raysa Fanjul, Ronnie Heyman, Michele Kessler, Sheila Lambert, Kinga Lampert, Sydell Miller, Pauline Pitt, Tricia Quick, Shirley Small, and Barbara Smith.

Susie Elson and Frances Scaife, Co-chairman of the luncheon

BCRF President & CEO Myra Biblowit and Alina Cho

Beth Pine of Neiman Marcus and designer David Meister

Dee and Tommy Hilfiger

Raysa Fanjul and Petra Levin (both on the event's host committee)

Isabel Furlaud and friend

Kimberly Kosanovich and Pauline Pitt

Judith Schlager and Sandra Krakoff (both co-chairs of the event)

Harry and Laura Slatkin (Laura was on the host committee)

Dee Hilfiger, Tommy Hilfiger, BCRF Co-chairman Kinga Lampert, BCRF Co-chairman Leonard Lauder, Alina Cho, Petra Levin

Grace Meigher and friend

Emilia Fanjul and Pamela Fiori (both on the host committee)

Pauline Pitt, Ronnie Heyman, Michele Kessler and Petra Levin

Beth Rudin DeWoody and Leonard Lauder

Louise Braver and Dr. Larry Norton (Louise was a co-chair of the event)

Dottie Herman and Don Langdon of Douglas Elliman

Donna Stearns and Linda Holliday

Marlene Strauss and Sydell Miller (Sydell was a vice-chairman of the event)

The evening before the Hot Pink Luncheon & Symposium, Mr. Lauder held an intimate dinner for the underwiters of the Palm Beach luncheon.

Stephen and Petra Levin

Alfonso and Raysa Fanjul

Kelly Coffey, Deputy CEO, US Private Bank, JP Morgan, Leonard Lauder, and Alina Cho

Frances Scaife and Tom McCarter

Sheila Lambert and Louise Braver

Dottie Herman, Mr. Lauder, and Betsy Green

Edward and Suzanne Elson

Joyce and Robert Sterling

Diana Ecclestone with Howard and Michele Kessler

Larry and Judith Schlager, Myra Biblowit, and Sandra Krakoff

Carolee Freidlander, Myra Biblowit, Eddie Lampert and wife, Kinga, Co-Chairman of BCRF

Mary Ellen Pappas Sydell Miller

Myra Biblowit and Tom Quick

Harry and Laura Slatkin with Dee and Tommy Hilfiger

Laura and Stephen Lang

Candy and William Hamm

Bill Belichick, coach of the New England Patriots, and Judi Schlager

Linda Holliday and Larry Schlager

Laura Slatkin and Alina Cho

The James Jay Dudley Luce Foundation honored two young leaders making a difference on a global level at its Third annual Luce Leadership Awards Ceremony & Reception at Skadden Arps in Times Square this past Monday evening.

The 2014 theme for the awards ceremony was "It Takes a Team to Support Young Global Leadership" – recognizing the Arts, Education and Orphan Care in India, Indonesia, Haiti, Sri Lanka and the United States. Recipients were chosen on their ability to better humanity, either in the United States or abroad, by displaying characteristics of honor, intelligence, benevolence and integrity.

This year's awards recipients were Jesse Pollans (Motivated to Make a Change) and Joey Lowenstein (Breaking the Barriers of Autism). Music was provided by the Arts Global Foundation. Jitin Hingorani, a J. Luce Foundation global advisor and CEO of JINGO Media, emceed the evening and the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the United Nations, His Excellence Dr. Palitha Kohona, delivered the keynote address.

Christopher Rim, Roberta Lowenstein, Jim Luce, Jill Pollans, and Jeremy Hu

Alfred Gryszkiewicz, Jim Luce, Matthew Kennedy, Joey Lowenstein, and Roberta Lowenstein

H.E. Dr. Palitha Kohona, Sri Lankan Ambassador to the U.N.

Roberta Lowenstein and Anna Castillo

Jim Luce, John Lee, and Foundation Board Member Adi Habbu, Esq.

Bridget Henn, Andraya Guttzeit, Joey Lowenstein, and Ashley Eisenstadt

Jill Pollans, Karen Wenderoff, Melinda Iverson, and Ruth Antrich

Luce Leader Christopher Rim and Ikenna Nzeley

Virginia Breen and Jim Zucco

Ashwani Agrawal and Shan Navaratnam

Loretta Wu and Maria Sierra with Dr. Judy Kuriansky

Madhav Tadikynda Angela Patel Tracy Pregean, Natalie Miller, and Erin Wied

Tad Sudol AIA and Jim Luce

Jim Luce and Deborah Pierre

Doris Cramer

Vishu Grover, Legacy H.S. Director

Flo and Julie Tupler

Sara Herbert Galloway, Jeremy Hu, and Daniela Zahradnikova

Jordan, Holly, Avery, and Howard Levinson

Jim Luce with Kate Baker

Alex Antoine, Ekua Musumba, Meera Kajendrakumar, Deepti Shukla, and Ashwani Agrawal

Stephane Duret, Dr. Danielle Duret, Jim Luce, and Evens Anozine

Photographs by Patrick McMullan(China Arts);Lucien Capehart Photography (BCRF);AnnieWatt (Luce)

Executive Director Matthew VanBesien, Rosie Jowitt, Gala Co Chairs Angela Chen, Shirley Young, Agnes Tsu Tang, and Oscar L. Tang, and Karen LeFrak, Special Events Chair at New York Philharmonic's third-annual Chinese New Year Gala.

On Saturday, February 1, the New York Philharmonic held its third-annual Chinese New Year Gala. Over 300 guests attended and $1 million was raised for the Philharmonic.

The celebratory evening ushered in the Year of the Horse with a Gala concert highlighting the cultural heritage of China and America and honoring the Chinese-American community. The concert program featured Beijing-born pianist Yuja Wang performing Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini; Taiwanese-American violinist Cho-Liang Lin performing Dvořák's Romance for Violin and Orchestra; and Chinese-born cellist Jian Wang performing Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme. The three soloists together performed Tan Dun's The Triple Resurrection, which includes music from the composer's scores for the Martial Arts Trilogy, comprising Hero; Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon; and The Banquet.Song Zuying, the renowned folk and pop singer who hails from the Hunan province, joined the Orchestra for several Chinese folk songs, wearing traditional attire.

A traditional Dragon Dance was performed by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company on Lincoln Center's Josie Robertson Plaza

For the third-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. The dancers were joined on the plaza by 40 American children from the National Dance Institute performing Chinese New Year: The Year of the Horse, inspired by Mongolian folk dances.

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.

Yuja Wang, Jian Wang, Cho Liang Lin, and Long Yu, and the New York Philharmonic

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

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, Agnes Tsu-Tang and Oscar L. Tang, and Shirley Young.

Vocalist Song Zuying in traditional attire

Conductor Long Yu, Gala Co Chairmen Agnes Tsu Tang, and Oscar Tang

H.E. Ambassador Guoziang Sun (Honorary Gala Chairman) and Chairman Gary Parr

Anne and Christopher Flowers, Rosie Jowitt, and Executive Director Matthew VanBesien

Ron Ulrich and Christian Lange

Steven Heyer and Margaret Holmes

Cellist Jian Wang

Elizabeth and Frank Newman

Oscar Tang and Agnes Tsu Tang

Chairman Gary Parr, Shirley Young, and Zhang Mei Fang

Kenneth and Noreen Buckfire

Ming Liu and Guoqing Chen (Gala Co Chairs)

Long Yu, vocalist Song Zuying, Chairman Gary Parr, and H.E. Ambassador Guoziang Sun (Honorary Gala Chairman)

Oscar Tang and Agnes Tsu Tang (Gala Co Chairmen), Rosie Jowitt, and Executive Director Matthew VanBesien

H.E. Ambassador Guoxiang Sun (Honorary Gala Chairman) and Executive Director Matthew VanBesien

Pianist Yuja Wang and Guoqing Chen

Angela Chen, Conductor Long Yu, and vocalist Song Zuying

Sandy Warshawsky and Stan Warshawsky

Shirley Young (Gala Co Chair) and Zhang Xin

Karen and Richard LeFrak

Kimberly Strauss

NY Philharmonic Chairman Gary Parr and Wang Boming

Phoebe and Bobby Tudor

Long Yu and Angela Chen

On January 30, 2014, The Komansky Center for Children's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell's 4th annual Plates for Pediatrics benefit raised a record amount, over $650,000 to support the center's children's programs. Maggie Gyllenhaal attended the sold-out event as the Honorary Chair. Sponsored by Max Mara, the benefit drew over 300 attendees to the St. Regis New York.

The event included a silent auction of a series of unique dinner plates curated by Art & Advisory, LLC. The plates were designed and painted by artists Jonathan Adler, Todd Norsten, Jim Shaw, and Rob Fischer.

Dr. Gerald Loughlin, Dr. Laura Forese, Maria Giulia Maramotti, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Dr. Herbert Pardes

Gretchen Englander, Leslie Finerman, Ritu Sahai-Mittal, Anjli Bhandari, Vaughn Dorrian, Marcie Pantzer, and Angela Clofine

The benefit, 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; The Pediatric Simulation Center, a multidisciplinary approach to clinical education, research, and patient safety initiatives; The Perinatal Center, which provides a multidisciplinary approach to fetal diagnoses, counseling and care; and the Residency Education Program, a three-year pediatric residency program designed to provide residents with the basic tools for the practice of pediatrics.

Guests included; Andrew Ross Sorkin, Maria Giulia Maramotti, Max Mara Retail Director for North America; Dr. Laura Forese, Group Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell and President of the NewYork-Presbyterian Healthcare System; Dr. Herbert Pardes, Executive Vice Chair, Board of Trustees, NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital; Allison Aston, Marcie Pantzer, Veronica Beard, Vaughn Dorrian, Ammara Yaqub, Alex and Bara Tisch, and Aviva Drescher. Donny Deutsch served as the event's Honorary Auctioneer.

The Komansky Center for Children's Health at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell's 4th annual Plates for Pediatrics benefit at the St. Regis

NewYork-Presbyterian Komansky Center for Children's Health, which is affiliated with Weill Cornell Medical College, provides the best available care in every area of pediatrics in a family-friendly and technologically advanced setting. NewYork-Presbyterian is the #1 hospital in the New York metropolitan area and is consistently ranked among the best academic medical institutions in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit http://nyp.org/komansky/.

Michael Clofine, Angela Clofine, Michael Dorrian, and Vaughn Dorrian

Allison Aston

Dr. Gerald Loughlin and Dr. Laura Forese

Manish Mittal and Ritu Sahai-Mittal

Marcie and Jordan Pantzer

Jill Kargman and Aviva Drescher

Veronica Beard

Maggie Gyllenhaal and Maria Giulia Maramotti

Jennifer Oken, Kathy Thomas, and Angela Clofine

Erica Samuels

Kristin Urrano, Erik Oken, and Jennifer MacLear

Monday night at the Pierre, the Drama League hosted its 30th annual benefit gala — A Musical Celebration of Broadway — and honored Neil Patrick Harris. Among those performing or speaking of the honoree were Judith Light, Kal Penn, Norm Lewis, Audra McDonald, Tim Gunn, Stephen Colbert, Tyrone Jackson, Zachary Levi, Patrick O'Neill, Anthony Rapp, Malcolm Gets, Kate Jennings Grant.

The Drama League galas are not "roasts" but rather tributes to the talents they honor. The performances are affectionate as well. But Neil Patrick Harris evokes something more than that. He's had a long career in what is still a short life, and he's participated and performed ably, successfully. He's admired and respected for his work as well as his openness about his private life and his family. And judging from the audience's response to it all, I'd say he's even beloved by a lot of people. A good evening, and fun.

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

Stewart Lane and Bonnie Comley

Zachary Levi and Kal Penn

Adam Shankman

Violinist Christian Hebel and Rachael Harris

Judith Light and Tim Gunn

Erin Davie

Christy Whitehead

Becky Ann Baker

Michael Mayer

Norm Lewis

Cady Huffman, Eddie Korbich, Brandi Burkhardt, James Barbour, and Marc Kudisch

Krysta Rodriguez

Samuel Barnett, Jano Herbosch, and Joseph Timms

This past Monday night, Second Stage Theatre celebrated its 27th annual All-Star Bowling Classic at Lucky Strike Lanes. For over 25 years, stars of stage and screen have come out to bowl in support of Second Stage's award-winning seasons and to assist the theatre in its fund-raising efforts.

The following celebs turned out to captain a lane and show support for Second Stage: Zach Braff, Anika Noni Rose, Julie White, Constantine Maroulis, Perez Hilton, Aida Turturro, Ben Rappaport, Dylan Baker, John Carroll Lynch, Kevin Chapman, Sasha Cohen, Halley Feiffer, Tom Murro, Tim Blake Nelson, Patricia Richardson, Ben Shenkman, Usman Ally, Betty Gilpin, Vinny Guadagnino, Richard Kind, Lauren Molina, and Sonja Morgan.

Zach Braff

Richard Kind

Winners were:
1st Place - Bloomberg with Celebrity Team Captains, Julie White & Tim Blake Nelson
2nd Place - Select Equity with Celebrity Team Captain, Constantine Maroulis
3rd Place - Kirkland & Ellis with Celebrity Team Captain, Tom Murro

Silly Second Stage Honors:
Team Spirit Award - Barbara Whitman Lane with Celebrity Team Captain, Ben Rappaport
Looking Good While Doing Nothing - Phillip Sanchez from Time Warner Inc.
Lifetime Achievement - Celebrity Team Captain, Dylan Baker
Best Coach - Celebrity Team Captain Aida Tutoro from Deloitte's
Lane Most Stylish Male - Celebrity Team Captain Zach Braff from Lexington Partners
Lane Most Stylish Female - Andrea Taylor from Lindsay Goldberg's Lane

Perez Hilton

Anika Noni Rose

All proceeds benefit Second Stage Theatre's award-winning artistic and educational programming. Recent shows include Little Miss Sunshine, The Last Five Years, By The Way, Meet Vera Stark, Anna Deavere Smith's Let Me Down Easy, Next to Normal, Edward Albee's Peter and Jerry, The Little Dog Laughed, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Becky Shaw and Paul Weitz's Trust.

Ben Rappaport

Annie Parisse

Aida Turturro, Tom Murro, and Sasha Cohen

Sonja Morgan

Lauren Molina

Constantine Maroulis

Halley Feiffer

Patricia Richardson and Betty Gilpin

John Carroll Lynch

Photographs by Chris Lee & Linsley Lindekins (NY Philharmonic); Patrick McMullan (Drama League & Second Stage); BFA (Plates for Pediatrics).

Dinner guests at The Explorers Club for Empowers Africa's annual gala dinner.

Sponsored by its Women’s Board, The Boys’ Club of New York played host to over 450 supporters at its sold-out Winter Luncheon on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at 583 Park Avenue. The luncheon raised over a half-a-million dollars, breaking all previous Winter Luncheon records. All proceeds from the luncheon will benefit the Club’s recreational, educational and social programs which annually serve over 4,000 disadvantaged New York City boys and young men via three clubhouses and a summer camp. The BCNY was founded in 1876, making it the nation’s oldest boys’ club.

A committee of twenty BCNY supporters were gathered to host the event and was comprising Women’s Board members Sara Ayres, Danielle Ganek, Amy Griffin, Brooke Harlow, Elaine Langone, Tiffany Moller, Calvert Moore, and Claudia Overstrom, joined by Kristin Allen and Tracey Huff, and BCNY Trustees Zack Bacon, Doug Band, Dick Cashin, Harry LeFrak, Alex Robertson, and Bill Tyree joined by Lee Ainslie, Tim O’Hara, Rob Pitts, and Stephen Sherrill.

Dahomy Agrippa, Brooke Harlow, Will Irwin, Kathy Irwin, Claudius Agrippa, Amy Griffin, John Griffin, and Malcolm Swisher

After a warm welcoming from Women’s Board President, Sara Ayres, the guests enjoyed a heartfelt violin rendition courtesy of Claudius Agrippa, a promising young student of BCNY’s own Josie Robertson School of Music and Art. After lunch, D. Brooke Harlow introduced the guest speaker, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, and guests were privy to a lively and informative discussion between Governor Christie and BCNY supporter and founder of Blue Ridge Capital, John Griffin. Mr. Griffin and the Governor spoke on a wide range of political as well as personal topics including one close to both of their hearts; educational reform. As a proponent for learning in a safe and secure environment for over 138 years, the BCNY and its supporters were fully engaged in the dialogue.

Governor Christie and John Griffin

Guests joining the Host Committee on Tuesday included BCNY Women’s Board members Merrill Curtis, Nathalie Kaplan, Cynthia van Eck, Victoria D’Agostino, Louise Grosvenor, Gabrielle Bacon, Mai Hallingby Harrison, Ros L’Esperance, Diane van Amerongen, Elizabeth Pyne, Dara O’Hara, Anjali Melwani, Burwell Schorr and husband Chip, Thorunn Wathne, Alexia Hamm Ryan and husband Baird, Kathy Irwin, Cosby George and husband Tim, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Jackie and Gene Williams, Shabnam Henry and husband Tom, Barbara Robnson and husband John, Kathryn Miller and husband Corbin, and Betsy Pitts. BCNY Trustees in attendance included its President Edward Rappa and Chairman Si Anthony, Dwin, Scott Wilson, Dave Rappa, Bob Ireland, Jeff Moslow, and Executive Director Stephen Tosh.

William McLanahan and Gabrielle Bacon

Amy Griffin, Sara Ayres, and Brooke Harlow

Among the many guests were Kelly Gaines, Parker Gilbert, David Howe, Julia Koch, Simone and Chris Mailman, David Tyree, Eliza Nordeman, Kathryn Tyree, Alexandra Robertson, Travis Acquavalla, Alison Brokaw, Tory Burch, Mariana Kaufman, Karen and Richard LeFrak, Serena Boardman, Diana DiMenna, Sarah and Spencer Robertson, Fiona Rudin, Carter and Talbott Simonds, Mark Gilbertson, Ferebee and Brook Taube, Craig Huff, Anne Smithers, CeCe Black, Jill Roosevelt, Carolyn Reece, Peggy and Paul Bitler, David Ganek, George Braniff Moore, Gunnar Overstrom, Sloan Overstrom, Maria Villalba, Elizabeth Ainslie, Sharon Jacob, Nancy Sambuco, Liz Peek, and many, many others.

Christina Dedona and Eleanor Ylvisaker

Nathalie Kaplan and Coralie Charriol Paul

Julia Koch and Diana DiMenna

Icy Frantz and Nicole Hanley Mellon

Dara O'Hara, Cathy Price, Tiffany Moller, Amy Griffin, and Peggy Bitler

Blaire Husain, Sara Ayres, and Peggy Bitler

Lara McLanahan and Sallie Giordano

Danielle and David Ganek with Tory Burch

Simone Mailman and Jill Roosevelt

Frances Beatty Adler and Jamee Gregory

Larry and Sarahmay Robbins, Amy Griffin, and Brooke Harlow

Empowers Africa, a non-profit foundation based in the United States that supports programs on the ground in Sub Sahara Africa, held its annual gala dinner at The Explorers Club in New York City on February 6th, 2014. The event raised over $130,000 for human empowerment and wildlife protection in Africa.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Richard Wiese, Host and Producer of ABC series “Born to Explore”. The Auctioneer was Eliza Osborne, Vice President, Sotheby’s.

Cocktails at The Explorers Club

Guest included: Beth Rudin DeWoody, Nina Griscom, Chris Mack, Jenny Kennedy, Donna and Mike Corbat, Jennifer Creel, Zack Bacon and Flo Fulton. The auction consisted of prints by Nick Brandt and exotic trips to Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

Nick Brandt prints

Empowers Africa is a 501(c)(3) that focuses on funding programs in communities that surround protected conservation and wildlife areas or World Heritage sites; programs in urban communities where tourism is a strong source of development; and programs that support the protection of wildlife and land conservation. Visit the organization’s website at www.empowersafrica.org.

Nina Griscom, Jenny Kennedy, Hillary Scurtis, Lydia Touzet, Donna Corbat, and Zita deZagon

David Croland and Beth Rudin DeWoody

Dr Karl Krieger and Krista Krieger

Donna Corbat and Bonnie Pfiefer Evans

Catherine Yelberton and Laura Traphagen

Carrie Mantha

Flo Miller, Lindsay Fox, and Marisa Brown

Yesim Philip, Nada Navab, and Kami Lightburn

Brad Livingstone Black and Taylor Gildersleeve

Wayne and Pat Isom

Laura Welch and Kathleen Histon

Ted Henderson and Zack Bacon

Paola and Arnold Rosenshein

Roy and Mary Judelson

Jenny Kennedy, Chris Mack, and Michele Gradin

Jon Cummings and Holly Hegener

Keith Langham

Michael and Donna Corbat with Krista Krieger

Molly Sims, Lisa Lewis, Zita de Zagon, and Donnat Corbat

Nina Griscom and Nicci Young Wiese

Patrica Price and Laurie Rising

On February 4, 2014, The Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of Central Park hosted its inaugural Playground Partners Winter Luncheon at the Loeb Boathouse in Central Park. More than 200 guests attended the event. The event began with a festive reception followed by a luncheon, which included a special conversation between designer and New York City mother Lela Rose and hergood friend and Contributing Correspondent for NBC News’ TodayJenna Bush Hager. They spoke about Lela’s life, work, and love of New York.

The Loeb Boathouse

The Lake at the Loeb Boathouse

The event raised over $100,000 for the preservation, care, and daily inspection of Central Park’s 21 Playgrounds.

Anne Harrison, President of the Women’s Committee, was joined by luncheon Co-Chairmen Clarita Fodor, Cena Jackson, Nancy McCormick, Amy Tarr, and Amanda Waldron. The luncheon event was generously supported by Goldman Sachs Gives.

Lela Rose and Jenna Bush Hager

Guests included Douglas Blonsky, President & CEO, Central Park Conservancy and Central Park Administrator, Sarah Kurita, Paige Hardy, and Sharon Teles, Co-Chairmen of the Playground Partners Committee, Suzie Aijala, Jill Bikoff, Samantha Topping Gellert, Tracey Huff, Nyssa Kourakos, Kamie Lightburn, Michelle Marra, Gillian Miniter, Dara O’Hara, Valerie Ohrstrom, Coralie Charriol Paul, Yesim Philip, and Jenny Price.

Sharon Teles, Amanda Waldron, Clarita Fodor, Cena Jackson, Doug Blonsky, Amy Tarr, Nancy McCormick, Paige Hardy, Sarah Kurita, and Anne Harrison

Amanda Waldron, Cena Jackson, Nancy McCormick, Lela Rose, Clarita Fodor, and Amy Tarr

Gillian Miniter, Paige Hardy, Coralie Charriol Paul, and Helene Comfort

Diane Chachas, Suzie Aijala, and Tracey Huff

Maggan Daileader, Cecily Denny, and Stacy St. Rose

Yesim Philip, Anne Harrison, and Vicki Foley

Kamie Lightburn and Jenny Price

Michelle Marra, Jane McGarry, and Kimberly Klimczak

Gillian Miniter and Lela Rose

Shannon Henderson, Angela Clofine, and Paige Rustum

NBC’s TODAY co-host, journalist, personality, author and breast cancer survivor Hoda Kotb joined the Young Professionals Committee (YPC) of Susan G. Komen® Greater New York City for the sixth annual Painting Wall Street Pink event on Thursday, February 6, 2014. Painting Wall Street Pink began with a reception on the Trading Floor of the New York Stock Exchange and was followed by an after-party at Cipriani Wall Street. The evening raised well over $120,000.

The goal of Painting Wall Street Pink is to introduce the greater New York City Gen X and Y community of professionals to the life-saving work of Susan G. Komen, Komen Greater NYC and the YPC. The evening began at 7:00 p.m. on the Trading Floor of the New York Stock Exchange with a cocktail reception and short program, which featured Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda McNeil Tantawi, Komen Greater NYC Board president and YPC founder and chair Sandra L. Kozlowski, and Ms. Kotb.

Special guest Hoda Kotb and Komen Greater NYC CEO Linda McNeil Tantawi

Komen Ambassador Eric Brinker, Komen Greater NYC Board President and Young Professionals' Chair Sandra Kozlowski, and Congressman Aaron Schock

An after-party followed immediately at 9:00 p.m. at Cipriani Wall Street, featuring cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a light supper, a silent auction and dancing to DJ Jason Fioto.

Komen Greater NYC’s Young Professionals Committee consists of rising young executives and professionals whose goal is to engage a new generation in the culture of philanthropy — inspiring them to help Komen for the Cure and Komen Greater NYC achieve their vision of a world without breast cancer.

Special guest Hoda Kotb (fourth from right) with Komen Greater NYC Young Professionals Executive Committee (L-R) Steve Simmons, John Petzold, Pablo Ogarrio, Sandra Kozlowski, Dawn Reinholtz, Nicole Sebastian and Bobby Waldele

The YPC is dedicated to finding new ways to raise awareness and monies to fund innovative grassroots breast health programs that provide services to underserved residents in New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland Counties.

“As a breast cancer survivor, I am thrilled to support the Komen Greater NYC Young Professionals at their annual Painting Wall Street Pink event,” said Ms. Kotb. “ I was diagnosed in my early 40s and now it seems like I keep meeting more and more young people who are battling the disease – people in their 30s, even 20s. What I like about this event is that it helps create awareness and support and does it in a fun way – with music and dancing. Right up my alley!”

Guests on the Trading Floor listen to the program

The event was made possible through the generous support of Patrick Crosetto (Mid Cap Sponsor); Sonia Anand, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, The Waldele Family Foundation, The Wall Street Journal, and WTAS (Small Cap Sponsors); Alternative Investment Management and Korn/Ferry International (Supporters).

For further information about Komen Greater NYC’s Young Professionals Committee, please visit www.komennyc.org/YPC.

Komen Greater NYC Board President and Young Professionals Chair Sandra Kozlowski (top, center) surrounded by (clockwise from left) guest, YPC Executive Committee member Dawn Reinholtz, Lisa Garfinkel, and Sarah DeSantis

Komen Greater NYC Board member and his fiancée Amy Tremonti

Guests enjoy the after-party

Dancing to DJ Jason Fioto

With paddles shaped like wine goblets, guests found it easy to raise a glass for the spirited bidding during the Seventh Annual Palm Beach Wine Auction on Thursday, January 30 at The Mar-a-Lago Club. Nearly 200 arts patrons and oenophiles toasted to record-breaking funds for the award-winning education programs at the Kravis Center for the Performing Arts as they indulged in an evening of fine wines and a star-studded menu.

Chefs Zach Bell, Douglas Katz, Andrew Carmellini, Lindsay Autry, Aaron Fuller, Joshua Hasho, Graham Randall, and Conor Hanlon

Under the direction of Michael Troise, retired Auction Director for NY Wines/Christie's Fine and Rare Wine Department, the live auction segment of the evening nearly doubled funds raised from last year. Vintner participants included Beau Vigne, Buccella, Carte Blanche, Colgin Cellars, Domaine Serene, Krug, Rémy Martin, Rudd Oakville Estate, The Stag’s Leap division of Chateau Ste. Michelle, and Antinori's Antica Winery among others.

While the catalogue listed 42 rare and coveted auction lots that would rival the finest wine auctions throughout the country, there were two unlisted lots which drew the evening’s highest bids. Generously donated on the spot by House of Krug President and CEO, Margareth Henriquez, the “Dinner of the Century” was snapped up by a lucky bidder at $65,000. Featuring a magnificent eight-course meal prepared by a chef in the bidder’s home and paired with Krug’s finest vintages, the item set the bar for an evening of high bidding.

Lindsay Autry and Zach Bell

Chef Aaron Fuller

Rivaling the record-setting Krug “Dinner of the Century” lot was an unlisted chance for guests to “bid” on underwriting opportunities to send area youth to the Kravis Center’s popular camps and other education programs. More than $55,000 in heart-felt donations came as guests waived their goblet paddles all in the name of “the kids.”

The Kravis Center’s education programs have served nearly 2 million children of all ages over the past 21 years. In its seventh year, the Palm Beach Wine Auction event has uncorked more than $2 million to provide children in our region with an introduction to the arts, which they might not otherwise have had an opportunity to experience.

Charcuterie, Joshua Hasho

Amuse Bouche, Chef Douglas Katz

First Course, Andrew Carmellini

Second Course, Lindsay Autry, and Zach Bell

Dessert, Graham Randall

Entree, Aaron Fuller

Following a reception featuring Krug Grande Cuvée champagne and charcuterie by the Chicago Omni Hotel’s Joshua Hasho, five delicious courses gave guests an opportunity to peruse the auction catalogue and strategize bidding on their favorite lots.

Palm Beach Wine Auction sponsors included Madeline and Roderic Fink, Barbara and Jerome Golden, Steven M. Gottlieb and Laurie Raber-Gottlieb, Chris N. Kritikos, Stacey and Mark Levy, Rochelle and Craig Menin with Menin Development, Inc., Jane M. Mitchell, Park Foundation, PNC Wealth Management, Lewis M. Schott, Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein, Tiffany & Co. (Gina and Jeff Sabean), Classical South Florida Radio and Gulfstream Media publications.

Peter and Stephaine Lamelas, Mercedes Lamelas, and Shay and Joe Lamelas

Gerard Boudry and Margareth Henriquez, and Cindy and Ted Mandes

Madeline and Rod Fink, and Lindsay Chiarella

Rick Stone and Tracy Hanlon

Rusty Staub and Jeff Simms

Thalia White, and Bruce and Lesley Zafran

Christine Rivard, Alicia Deem, Martin Rivard, and Rebekah Wineburg

Shelley and Craig Menin

Jeff Bland and Jane Mitchell

Jeff and Gina Sabean with Carolyn and Richard Sloane

Steven Gottlieb and Laurie Raber Gottlieb

Aggie and Jeff Stoops

Lesley and Brad Dubner

Jen and Ed Dudnyk

Jim Peppelman and Cressman Bronson

Tim Sheridan and Nancy Zelaya

Andy Fox and Beth Pine

Michael and Hanni Troise

Judy Mitchell, Lisa Beers, and Susan Esson

Steve Colanero and Mariann Tenaglia

Mark and Stacey Levy

John and Monika Preston

Don Hintz and Sandy Cofer

Jill and Bill Wachter

Howard and Kerrie Lance

Jerry and Barbara Golden

Hali Utstein and David Silvers

Pamela and Brian McIver

Jeff and Gina and Sabean

Henni and John Kessler

Ted and Cindy Mandes

Auctioineer, Michael Troise

Maria Marchetti and Amos Dare

Photographs by AnnieWatt.com (Empowers Africa); Corby Kaye’s Studio Palm Beach (Kravis Center)

Cocktails at The Breakers in Palm Beach for Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers “Glow” Gala.

On Monday, February 3rd, Kamie Lightburn, Heather Georges, and Stephanie Foster hosted a elegant luncheon at Le Cirque to announce the Spring YAGP Gala that they will chair.

Guests of honor included NYCB's former principal dancer, Charles Askegard and ABT's principal dancer, James Whiteside.

Guests that bared the cold weather in support of YAGP included: Suzie Aijala, Dr. Lisa Airan, Kate Allen, Charles Askegard, Paige Betz, Dr. Tevor Born, Phil Chen, Herman Cornejo, Jenny Frank, Melissa Gibbons, Paige Hardy, Judith Hoffman, Sharon Hoge, Sharon Hurowitz, Tracey Huff, Nathalie Kaplan, Lisa Klein, Nyssa Kourakos, Pam Ludwick, Jonathan Marder, Lisa Morse (Chair, YAGP), Elyse Newhouse, Ramona Norton, Kate Peck, Kathy Prounis, Larissa Saveliev (Founder of YAGP), Dana Sciff, Jean Shafiroff, Margot Tarkian, Evelyn TAmanda Tapiero, Kari Tiedemann, Evelyn Tompkins, Alexis Waller, and James Whiteside.

Herman Cornejo, Heather Georges, Kami Lightburn, Stephanie Foster, and James Whhiteside

Guests enjoyed a three-course lunch that included: the Twice Baked Goat Cheese Souffle, Salad 'Le Cirque', and Dark Chocolate Mousse.

YAGP's 2014 New York City Finals will take place April 3-8. The gala will be held Thursday, April 10 at Lincoln Center's David H. Koch Theater. For more information, visit www.yagp.org.

YOUTH AMERICA GRAND PRIX (YAGP) is the world's largest student ballet scholarship competition, awarding over $250,000 annually to leading dance schools worldwide ensuring the future of dance. Since its finding 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.

Dana Sciff, Margot Takian, Evelyn Tompkins, and Kathy Prounis

Heather Georges, Dr Lisa Airan, and Dr Trevor Born

James Whiteside, Herman Cornejo, and Charles Askegard

Sharon Hoge

Judith Hoffman, Linda Morris, Kari Tiedemann, and Herman Cornejo

The New York City Mission Society's Board of Directors and Champions for Children Gala Chairs, Lloyd W. Brown, II, John U. Moorehead, and Stanley H. Rumbough hosted a kick-off party for their annual Champions for Children Gala, which will be held at The Plaza Hotel on March 12th. This year's honorees include Valentino Carlotti of Goldman Sachs; Founders of the Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem, the first charter school in New York State; and Jean Shafiroff.

The event took place at The Forbes Galleries on Wednesday evening, February 5th. Despite the snow which closed schools and businesses around the city, many dedicated supporters braved the cold to attend including: Sharon Bush, Geoffrey Bradfield, Martin Shafiroff, Maureen Klinsky, William Allen, Leah Rumbough, Siena Rumbough, Brooke Laing, Michele Gerber Klein, Margo Langenberg, Rose Hartman, Leesa Rowland, Larry Wohl, Nicole Noonan, Maggie Norris, Ike Ude, Joy Marks, Cassandra Seidenfeld, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Montgomery Frazier, and Anait Bian.

Cole Rumbough and Brooke Laing

Founded in 1812, the New York City Mission Society is the oldest and one of the most vital human service agencies in New York, providing support for children and adults who live in the city's most underserved communities. The Rumbough family has made it a tradition of supporting The Mission Society for more than four generations --ever since Dina Merrill's mother-in-law, Elizabeth Colgate Rumbough, wisely told her, "Every bride needs a charity," and she chose Mission. For more information or tickets, visit www.nycmissionsociety.org, or call (212) 674-3500.

Alix Astir and Charles Edward Catherine

Stanley Rumbough, Leah Rumbough, and Cole Rumbough

Gunner Overstrom and Jay Moorehead

Maria Orengo, Jay Moorehead, Valentino Carlotti, Stanley Rumbough, Jean Shafiroff, Maureen Klinsky, William Allen, and Lloyd Brown

Curtis Young, Rosemary Ponzo, and Phaon Spurlock

Joseph Fichera and Jennifer Neidig

Sharon Bush and Christine Schott

Maria Orengo, Jay Moorehead, Valentino Carlotti, Stanley Rumbough, Jean Shafiroff, Maureen Klinsky, William Allen, and Lloyd Brown

Montgomery Frazier, Anait Bian, James Hester, and Ben Mindich

Roric Tobin, Geoffrey Bradfield, Margo Langenberg, and Edgar Batist

Arnie Rosenshein and Paola Rosenshein

Maggie Norris and Montgomery Frazier

Richard Farley and Chele Chiavacci

Leah Rumbough, Siena Rumbough, and Lauren Lawrence

Roy Kean and Nicole Noonan

Leah Rabinowitz and Martin Shafiroff

Vance Gleton, Karl Allen Griggs, and Flo Kennedy

Down in Palm Beach Gala attendees at the recent Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers “Glow” Gala at The Breakers had more than a million reasons to shine.

There was the attendance of nearly 500 supporters of the annual event which raises awareness and scholarship funds for substance abuse treatment at Caron Renaissance and Hanley Center. There was the rocking band that kept the floor jumping as the relaxed “Palm Beach Chic” dress code translated into creative moves on the jam-packed dance floor.

There was the “addiction is a disease; we are not ashamed” message from Gala co-chairmen Liza Pulitzer and Nellie Benoit which hit home with so many in the Gala audience. There was the mouthwatering menu featuring a braised short rib on top of creamy gorgonzola polenta with a side of parmesan truffle fries which gave guests the strength to jump back onto the dance floor. And there was the magical deep sea décor for the event – with graceful floating jellyfish, evocative of Chris Leidy’s beautiful glowing photography selected for the invitation and evening’s program.

Bob Calhoun and Liza Pulitzer Calhoun

Julie and Howard Rudolph

Sarah Alsofrom, Giovanni Feroce, and Dee Fraser

Paul Leone and Drew Rothermel

Mike and Mary Jane Hanley

But it was the announcement by Caron’s Florida market president, Andrew Rothermel, which drew million-watt smiles and million decibel applause from the crowd. Rothermel announced a $1 million pledge from Rhode Island-based lifestyle brand, Alex and Ani and their Charity by Design division for Caron and Hanley’s Lifesaver Scholarship Fund.

Alex and Ani CEO Giovanni Feroce, along with Charity by Design team members Dee Fraser and Theresa Block traveled from their corporate headquarters in Rhode Island to Palm Beach paradise to celebrate the milestone gift.

Designer Carolyn Rafaelian, Founder and Creative Director, created the Butterfly charm for Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers as a symbol of transition and the rebirth that comes with recovery.

Dinner ...

Together, Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers comprise one of the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addiction treatment providers in the country, focused on a 12-Step recovery program with a powerful clinical component. In South Florida, Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers operate lifesaving addiction treatment centers at Hanley Center, Caron Ocean Drive and Caron Renaissance in Palm Beach County; and Gate Lodge in Vero Beach.

In another highlight of the evening, guests were inspired by a “call from the heart “ by Bobby Leidy -- Chris Leidy’s brother and son of Gala co-chairman Liza Pulitzer, to donate more than $110,000 to treatment scholarships on the spot during the evening’s remarks.

... and Dancing

In addition to Gala chairs and Caron and Hanley Center leadership, as well as representatives from Alex and Ani, guests attending the Gala included: Barbara and Clark Appleby, Mark and Pam Begelman, Amanda Boalt, Bob Calhoun, Alex Coleman, Gala honorary chairman Mary Davidson and her husband Marvin, Sean Ferreira, Mary and Mark Freitas, Rick Grow, Amber Hopkins, Mary Jane and Mike Hanley, Susan Kirkpatrick, Lilly Leas, Kathy and Paul Leone, Molly and Frank Maguire, Yardley Manfuso, Danielle Moore, Renny Reynolds, Julie and Howard Rudolph, Jane and Larry Scheinfeld, Jack Staub; Cherie Toufanian, and Joanie and Paul Van der Grift.

For more information on Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers, or future local events, please call (561) 841-1048, visit www.hanleycenter.org.

Dr. Rachel Docekal and Nellie Benoit

Mary and Marvin Davidson

Dick and Sally Robinson with Mark and Mary Freitas

Joanie and Paul Van der Grift

Ivey Day and Bobby Leidy

Sean Ferrara, Lilly Leas, Chris Leidy, and Kendal and Mary Britain Cheatham

Frank and Molly McGuire

Denise and Dan Hanley

Robin Azqueta, Jorie Kent, Rick Holton, and Reute Butler

John McGreevy and Lavinia Baker

Janet and Larry Scheinfeld

Pam and Mark Begelman

Clark Appleby, Yardley Manfuso, and Barbara Appleby

CJ and Turner Benoit

Whitmore Benoit and Quinn Johnson

Jim and Becky Myers

Cathleen and Dale Hedrick

On January 28th, down in West Palm Beach, the inaugural "Circus at the Center" event was a three-ring success attracting more than 200 Center for Creative Education supporters, both old friends and new, to the newly opened Center adorned in "circus-chic." Many guests got into the spirit by donning their own wigs, red noses and feathered headdresses – giving the evening's entertainers a run for their money.

"We are so pleased with the turnout for this inaugural event," shared Bruce Helander, ringmaster and event co-chairman along with Donna Long and Wendy Fritz. "The Center for Creative Education served nearly 13,000 children last year, and they could not have done it without the support of the community. It is fundraisers such as this that allow us to call attention to the importance of our programming and to raise the funds and awareness to give even more kids our arts integrated instruction."

The Center for Creative Education works with children from low income neighborhoods, using art as a gateway to help them understand science, math, literacy and other areas of learning. CCE merges art with academics to bring learning to life, by engaging children in hands on, project-based education.

Wendy Fritz, Bruce Helander, and Donna Long

Guests entered through CCE's art gallery filled with beauties in feather head-dresses and clowns embellished with over-sized bows, funny hats and crazy hair. Once on the "midway" they were welcomed by an enchanting stilt walker and offered circus-themed drinks and appetizers. Mio the Magician entertained the crowd with his sleight of hand. When the CCE circus doors swung open, the crowd then moved into the center ring, in an unfinished phase of the new building. The area had been transformed by Bruce Sutka into a fully decorated big top – complete with zany entertainment with aerial-acrobats performing on rings and silks hung from the ceiling, clowns in full costume and a band playing rock and roll favorites.

Robert Hamon, CEO, then introduced a noteworthy treat, the Broadway-bound cast of NERDS, a musical satire about the competition between Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Guests clapped and cheered with excitement as the cast humorously sang about the competitive nature of the computer industry gurus -- knowing they were among the first to see the sure-to-be Tony Award nominee! The performance was generously underwritten by co-producer and CCE board member, Vicki Halmos, who brought the cast in from New York.

Cast of "NERDS" performs

Guests watching the performance

Sponsors for Circus at the Center include: Donna Long and Paula Butler, Palm Beach Illustrated, Wilmington Trust, RAR Architects, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Mark Borghi Fine Arts and Onli Beverages. In addition, Bruce Helander created an original piece of artwork for the event called "Circus". Prints of the original collage are still available and can be purchased for $500 with all proceeds benefiting the Center for Creative Education. The giclees will be signed, dated and embellished by the artist. Contact CCE for more information.

The Center for Creative Education is a not-for-profit 501(C) (3) organization, relying on grants and donations from private individuals and community organizations to support its work with children.

For more information about the CCE, or how to get involved, call 561.805.9927 or visit www.cceflorida.org.

Loy Anderson, Hilary Jordan, Kenn Karakul, and Bettina Anderson

Kenn Karakul and Bruce Sutka

Janet Levy, Lauri Welteroth, and Rose Carpenter

Wyatt Koch and Kristen Alyce

Cheryl Gowdy and circus performer

Carole Phillips and Bob Eigelberger

Anthony Miller and Pamela O'Connor

Edwina Sandys and Richard Kaplan

Richard Kaplan, Edwina Sandys, and Bruce Helander

More clowning around

Paul and Irina Fisher, Claudia Helander, and Cheryl Gowdy

India Paull, Robert Matheson, and Jackie Breckenridge

Kristina McPherson, Bettina Anderson, and Hillary Jordon

Matthew and Helene Lorentzen

Talbott Maxey and Robby Kahle

Carol Anne and John Steigelmeier

George Palladino and Vicki Kellogg

Stilt walker

Ross Meltzer and Victor Figueredo

Mary and Dan Stanton

Abigail Trenk with Butch and Melinda Trucks

Norm Gitzen and Kat Fox

Jim Diack and Laura Evans

Bob Eigelberger and Bruce Sutka

The equestrian community and South Florida locals came together on Friday, January 31, 2014 for the fourth annual Equestrian Aid Foundation Who Reins Supreme?, supported by MeadowView Farm. The Old West themed event centered around a reining competition with hunter, jumper and dressage riders. Other highlights of the evening included a cocktail hour, delicious dinner, awards ceremony, and live and silent auctions, all to raise money for equestrians and equine-related professionals suffering from injury and chronic illness.

World-class riders Susie Dutta, Nick Dello Joio, Louise Serio and Nicole Shahinian Simpson showed off their newfound reining skills as they took the ring for the main event of the evening, a uniquely formatted reining competition. Accomplished reiner and trainer Mark Rafacz and one of the all time leaders in the sport of reining, Tim McQuay, captained each team and joined their fellow riders in the competition. After fierce competition, Nick Dello Joio, Nicole Shahinian Simpson and Tim McQuay were the winning team.

Winners Nick Dello Joio, Tim McQuay, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson

Louise Serio

Nick Dello Joio

Susie Dutta

The 2014 EAF Luminary Award was presented to three Equestrian Aid Foundation founders, past presidents Robert Dover and Mason Phelps, Jr. and the current president, R. Scot Evans.

Guests donned their best Western wear for the event, which kicked off with a cocktail hour featuring mixed drinks from Tito's Homemade Vodka. A delicious dinner was provided by Aaron's Catering for guests to enjoy while bidding on packages such as a week's stay at a Tuscan villa and a cooking lesson with Top Chef Masters winner and world-renowned chef Marcus Samuelsson. The top item was an ultimate New York experience donated by the Goutal family, which went for $5,200 and included dinner for four at Le Colonial and Saturday Night Live tickets.

Mason Phelps, Jr, Robert Dover, and R. Scot Evans with Luminary Awards

For 17 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has delivered financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses - such as food and housing - enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. The EAF is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org.

EAF Board Member Jacquie McCutchan, Hunter Judge Linda Andrisani, EAF Board Member Janise Gray, EAF Board Member Patricia Tucker-Brennan, and EAF Board Member Robert Ross

Louise and Leonard Riggio and Stephanie Riggio Bulger of MeadowView Farm

EAF President R. Scot Evans, Phillip Richter, EAF Board Member Sarah Willeman Richter, EAF Board Member and 2013 Luminary Award Winner R. Bruce Duchossois

George Tauber, USEF President Chrystine Tauber, Christopher Vance, and Karin Offield

Photographs by Annie Watt (YAGP & Mission Society); LILA PHOTO (Caron); Jack Mancini (EAF)

Apollo Theater's Fourth Annual Dining with the Divas Luncheon.

On Friday, February 14th, the world famous Apollo Theater celebrated Valentine's Day by hosting its fourth annual Dining with the Divas luncheon, a fundraiser celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments of women in the arts and in business. Hosted by Tamara Tunie, Dining with the Divas benefits the Theater’s education and community programs. Held on the Theater’s iconic stage, where legendary Divas such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Aretha Franklin and Gladys Knight have enchanted audiences, Divas offered participants an opportunity to connect with some of the country’s most powerful, accomplished, and influential women.

Attendees included: Michelle Adkins, Adrienne Johnson, Jacqueline Nickelberry, Rita Jammet, Yolanda Ferrell-Brown, Michelle Gadsden-Williams, and Carolyn Minick Mason. Additional guests included: Jennifer Jones Austin, Jean Shafiroff, Daniella Vitale, Loida Lewis,Josie Thomas, Mercedes Cotchery, Debra Shriver, Lisa Garcia Quiroz, Lisa Price, Shawn Outler, Lesley Goldwasser, Carla Harris, Thelma Golden, Jennifer Scully-Lerner, Dr. Lisa Coico, Dawne Marie Grannum, Deborah Roberts, Regina Moore, Agnes Hassell, Maria Cornejo, Marva Smalls and Nina Garcia.

Dining with the Divas raised over $250,000, which will support the non-profit theater’s education and community programs, which include career day panels, in-school enrichment programs, a summer internship program, a Saturday workshop series, and the Apollo’s Oral History program. Sponsors for Divas include American Airlines, Barneys New York, Citi, Credit Suisse, Duane Reade Charitable Foundation, Estee Lauder, JP Morgan Chase & Co. and Morgan Stanley. Dining with the Divas was catered by Great Performances with champagne provided by La Caravelle and wines from Frederick Wildman Wines.

“Dining with the Divas is a moment for the Apollo to spotlight women impacting the world through their work, and to acknowledge their role as mentors for the next generation,” said Apollo president and CEO, Jonelle Procope. “The Apollo is all about paying it forward. Our education programs are training the next generation of theatrical professionals and arts audiences. Our students and young people will stand on our shoulders as we have all stood on shoulders of others.”

Dining with the Divas Committee members Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Jacqueline Nickelberry and Yolanda Ferrell-Brown with Divas host Tamara Tunie, Jonelle Procope and Committee members Carolyn Mason and Michelle Adkins

The Apollo is a national treasure that has had significant impact on the development of American culture and its popularity around the world. Since introducing the first Amateur Night contests in 1934, the Apollo Theater has played a major role in cultivating artists and in the emergence of innovative musical genres including jazz, swing, bebop, R&B, gospel, blues, soul, and hip-hop. Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday, Sammy Davis, Jr., James Brown, Michael Jackson, Bill Cosby, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross, D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, and countless others began their road to stardom on the Apollo’s stage.

Dining with the Divas ...

The Apollo Theater’s new artistic vision builds on its legacy. New Apollo programming has music as its core, driving large scale and more intimate music, dance and theater presentations. The Apollo will continue to present historically relevant presentations, as well as more forward-looking, contemporary work.

Based on its cultural significance and architecture, the Apollo Theater received state and city landmark designation in 1983 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org.

Apollo president and CEO, Jonelle Procope and Tamara Tunie

Carolyn Mason and Lisa-Renee Dumas with a friend

Dining with the Divas co-chairs Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director, Talent, Branding & Communications Credit Suisse, Carolyn Mason, Owner & Creative Director Love Notes and Jacqueline Nickelberry, Owner JHowell Holdings LLC

Karen Chaplin and Lucy Ferrell-Scott

Yolanda Ferrell-Brown, president Ferrell-Brown Design, Inc., Georgia Garinois, senior vice president of Corporate marketing Estee Lauder, Tracey Travis, executive vice president and CFO Estee Lauder, Kathleen Longo, director of corporate programs Esteee Lauder, and Dorian Woodruf

Carolyn Mason, Rita Jammet, Yolanda Ferrell-Brown, and Michelle Gadsden-Williams

Diva Committee Member Shawn Outler (Right) and friends

Jonelle Procope and Josie Thomas

Dawne Marie Grannum and Maggie Norris

Jonelle Procope, Josie Thomas, Joan Jakobson, Jennifer Scully-Lerner, and Carolyn Mason

Jennifer Jones Austin, Jonelle Procope, Josie Thomas, Lisa S. Coico, and Lauren Maillian-Bias

Adrienne Johnson and friend

Jonelle Procope with Divas committee members Rita Jammet, Michelle Adkins and Divas co-chair, Jacqueline Nickelberry

Debra Shriver, with Joyce Newman and Wendi Newman

Jonelle Procope and Lisa Quiroz

Jonelle Procope with Joan Haffenreffer

Crystal McCrary, Thelma Golden, Debra Martin Chase, and friend

Eric Sorlie and friends

Jonelle Procope, Emil Wilbekin, Jacqueline Nickelberry, Debra Shriver, Judith Hill, and Rev. Dr. Jacqueline J. Lewis

Lucy Ferrell-Scott (left) and guests

Lisa Simonson, Amber Patton, and Dr. Holly Phillips

Tai Beauchamp (center), Judith Hill (right) and friend (left)

This Valentine’s Day, LongHouse Reserve—a not-for-profit arboretum, art museum, sculpture garden, and educational organization based in East Hampton—hosted its 2014 Winter Benefit in Manhattan. Founded by legendary textile designer Jack Lenor Larsen, LongHouse strives to awaken the senses and inspire a creative life. Guests of the benefit enjoyed a romantic evening at the Museum of Arts and Design theater with a seductive performance by Bill T. Jones and Dancers followed by an intimate dinner at a private residence.

Jack Lenor Larsen, Adelaide de Menil, and Bill T Jones

The evening began with a cocktail reception in the lobby of the Theater at the Museum of Arts and Design in Columbus Circle. Two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer and contemporary dance icon Bill T. Jones created a special performance that enlightened, charmed and seduced: Ballads and Stories. Jones read from Dylan Thomas. The fashionable crowd included LongHouse Reserve President Dianne B, Executive Director Matko Tomicic, Michael Halsband, Katie Baldwin, Jeffrey Podolsky, Edda Gundmundsdottir, Joan Hershey, Amy Schichtel, Olivia Shandora, Hilda Longinotti, John Stacom, Hala and James Salomon, John Driscoll, Marcia Riklis and Michael Kessler, JoAnn and Lee Skolnick, and William Sofield.

The evening was a rare opportunity to see Jones dance himself. The night continued with an intimate dinner that celebrated Bill T. Jones’ birthday and was graciously hosted by Adelaide de Menil at her fabled Gainsborough duplex overlooking Central Park. Distinguished guests included Bjorn Amelan, Lys Marigold, Elizabeth and Mark Levine, Marylyn Dintefass, Dr. Andre Goy, Jeffrey Ornstein, Frederick Johnston, Patrick Planeta, Alison Mazzola, Ulrikevon Lehsten, Dieter von Lehsten, Annaliese Soros, and Peter Olsen.

Lys Marigold, Dianne B, and MatkoTomicic

LongHouse Reserve is a not-for-profit organization with close-to-16 beautiful acres in East Hampton, New York. Through its art collections, arboretum, sculpture gardens, and educational programs, LongHouse Reserve brings together art and nature, aesthetics and spirit, with the strong conviction that living with art in all its forms is central to living fully and living creatively. It seeks to expand the imaginations of all its visitors, no matter what age or level of appreciation. Each year the LongHouse Reserve presents major exhibitions in the pavilion and the gardens.

Dancers Talli Jackson, Shayla-Vie Jenkins, and Lamichael Leonard Jr

Hala and James Solomon

Lowery Sims, Helen Drutt, and Jackie Brody

Annaliese Soros and Dieter von Lehsten

Eugene Shekhzer and Olivia Shandora

Amy Schichtel

Jeffrey Podolsky and Edda Gudmundsdottir

John Stacom, Hilda Longinotti, Mary Blake, Robert Blake, and Elizabeth Lear

Andre Goy and Jeffrey Ornstein

Dianne B and Bjorn Amelan

Michael Halsband and Katie Baldwin

Michael Kessler and Marcia Riklis

Sharjeel and Margaret Kashmiv

Sheila Cobb and Eve Suter

Ulrike von Lehsten

William Sofield

On Thursday, January 30th, 2014, East Side House Settlement hosted the annual Young Collectors Night at the Winter Antiques Show, held at the Park Avenue Armory. Sponsored by Brooks Brothers, this high-energy evening attracted more than 800 new collectors, emerging philanthropists, and art and design enthusiasts who enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, and a private viewing of the sensational art and antiques on display. This year, the show celebrated its 60th Year Diamond Jubilee with a special exhibition of extraordinary diamonds from the world’s most renowned jewelry firms, which set the perfect backdrop for this glittering occasion.

The evening was co-chaired by Emily Israel Pluhar, Stephanie Clark and Courtney Booth and included a high-profile Interior Design Committee, led by Chairwoman Wendy Goodman, Design Editor of New York magazine. This prestigious group lists more than 80 of the country’s most illustrious interior designers, including Nate Berkus, Celerie Kemble, Alexa Hampton, Darren Henault, Lauren Rottet, Miles Redd, and many more.

Young collectors ...

Proceeds from the night will support East Side House Settlement’s highly successful college preparation programs, which are crucial in promoting education and employment for the residents of the South Bronx and surrounding communities.

Guests included: Isaac Mizrahi, Charles Rockefeller, Linda Fargo, Juan Montoya, Geoffrey Bradfield, Lacary Sharpe, Lisa Yom, Lucinda Ballard, Shawn Henderson, Tony Ingrao, Roric Tobin, Clay Floren, Georgina Schaeffer, Arthur Wayne, Catherine Sweeney Singer & William Singer, Claudio Del Vecchio & Debra Del Vecchio, Caroline Pastel, Dana Schiller, Miller Gaffney, Jon Call, Amy Fine Collins, James Andrew, Amy Hoadley, Lydia Tower, Lacary Sharpe, Sam Dangremond, Jesse Carrier, and many others.

Emily Israel Pluhar, Wendy Goodman, Isaac Mizrahi, Courtney Booth, and Stephanie Clark

Robin Lawson and Keita Turner

Arthur Wayne and Courtney Booth

Alexa Hampton

Catherine Sweeney Singer, Stephanie Clark, Emily Israel Pluhar, Courtney Booth, and Lucinda Ballard

Ashley Rettenmaier, Chelsea Dean, and Margaret Boyle

Caroline Pastel and Callie Belser

Evelyn Salvarinas

Virginia Sterling

Lindsey Harper

Stephanie Clark, Emily Israel Pluhar, Debra Del Vecchio, Claudio Del Vecchio, and Courtney Booth

Barbara Israel and Emily Israel Pluhar

Wendy Goodman and John Sanchez

Jesse Carrier and Julia Kadioglu

Geoffrey Bradfield

Paul Sadowski and friend

On February 16th, the New York City Mission Society hosted a VIP presentation of Sintessi Fine Jewelry at the Mary Mahoney Store to raise money for the New York City Mission Society. Michel Piranesi from Sintessi Jewelry donated a $15,000 diamond and sapphire pin to the New York City Mission Society that will be auctioned at the charity's forthcoming Champions for Children Gala.

Attendees included: Stanley. H Rumbough, Cole Rumbough, Jean Shafiroff, Mary Mahoney, Michel Piranesi, Maribel Alvarez, Leah Rumbough, Kiera Rumbough, Anka Palitz, Ava Roosevelt, Bill Bone, Cesare Barro, Diane de La Begassiere, Greg Joye, Laura Codman, Morgan O'Connor, Pamela O' Connor, Suzanne Stoll, Yelitza Karolyi, Adrianna Mschioa, Annette Ross, Claudia Wagner, Cynthia Cohen, Eileen Louissaint, Gertie Kleikamp, Jane Stillman, Julia Burns, John Terwilliger, Dr. John Terwillenger, Lisa Warch, Matt Parent, Michael Price, Morton and Judy Shimkus Nick Ryan, Lou and Nicole Dicocco, Dr. Perrin Blank, Dr. Phillip and Marion Piro, Shannon Porthault, Tom Shaffer, and Victoria Murphy.

Michel Piranesi, Shannon Porthault, Mary Mahoney, Jean Shafiroff, Leah Rumbough, Cole Rumbough, Kiera Rumbough, Morgan O' Connor, Pamela O'Connor, Scott Moses, and Nick Ryan

On March 12, 2014, New York City Mission Society will host the 2014 Champions for Children Gala. Proceeds from Champions for Children will help NYC Mission Society continue its programs of education, prevention services, and youth development for 14,000 of New York City's children, youth and families. Programs help participants achieve personal growth and self-sufficiency in a safe and loving environment.

Laura Codman and Leah Rumbough

Maribel Alvarez and Michel Piranesi

Jean Shafiroff and Mary Mahoney

Cesare Barro and Shannon Porthault

Gerti Kleikamp, Dr. Perrin Blank, and Diane de la Begassiere

Victoria Murphy

Laura Codman and Dr. John Terwilleger

Anka Palitz and Michel Piranesi

Julia Burns and Stanley Rumbough

Eileen Louissant

Cynthia Cohen and Bill Bone

Lou and Nicole DiCocco

Morton and Judy Shimkus

Morgan O'Connor, Trey Send, Lizzi Bickford, Kiera Rumbough, and Cole Rumbough

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com (Apollo & Mission Society); BFA (Young Collectors Night).

Chairmen of the Director's Council with Susan Henshaw Jones, Director of MCNY, at Museum of the City of New York's Winter Ball.

The Director's Council of the Museum of the City of New York hosted the annual Winter Ball gala last Wednesday night at the Pierre. Sponsored by Dennis Basso, this was the 29th and most financially successful, raising more than $575,000 for the museum programs, with 470 attending the black-tie evening.

Scott and Leah Soltas

Tantivy Gubelmann and Peter Allatt

Renee Rockefeller and Jill Roosevelt

Helena Lehane and Eric Javits

Sloan and Alexander Overstrom

Whitney and Henry Topping

Clifford and Lea Carpenter Brokaw with Tara and Michael Rockefeller

The Brokaws and Marina Rust and Ian Connor

Pamela Fielder and David Ford

Lea Carpenter Brokaw, Mark Gilbertson, and Marina Rust Connor

Tolomy Erpf and Danielle Tosi

Dennis Basso, Michael Cominotto, and Alexandra Lebenthal

Simone Elliott and Barton Bland

Jennifer Creel

Casey Sills

Burwell and Paul Schorr

Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia and Stephanie Foster

Webb Egerton and Lee Robinson

Polina Proshkina

Alex Lind and Louis Rose

Chiu-Ti Jansen

Annabelle and Gregory Fowkes

Yana Balan and Yung Hee Kim

Eric Villency and Caroline Fare

Evelyn Tompkins and Robert Buxton

Charlie and Sara Ayres with Christine and Steve Schwarzman

Randy Kemper and Tony Ingrao

Dr. Doug Steinbrech, Polly Onet, and Martha and John Glass

Chris and Amanda Meigher

Barbara Regna and Kristyna Halouzkova

George and Anne Baker with Tatiana and Thorne Perkin

Nina Junot and Martha Glass

Kathy and Orthon Prounis

Ara and Rachel Hovnanian

Mary Kathryn Navab and Alex Navab

Victor Geraci and Amy Hoadley

Anjali and Prakash Melwani

Dr. Steven Butensky, Di Petroff, and Marshall Heyman

Karen Klopp, Chappy Morris, and Debbie Bancroft

Jill and Andrew Roosevelt

Frederick Anderson, Valesca Guerrand-Hermes, and Marisa Noel Brown and Matthew Brown

Brian and Lisa McCarthy

Helen Lee Shifter with Fran and Ros L'Esperance

Liliana Cavendish and Di Mondo

Angela Stump, Nicole Miller, and Stephanie Clark

Amy Fine Collins

Julian Gratry and Jamie Tisch

Natalie Leeds Leventhal and Christopher Spitzmiller

Meg and Doug Braff

Kristen and Charles Krusen

Allison and Peter Rockefeller

Dr. Patrick Stubgen and Dana Stubgen

Leonel Piraino and Nina Griscom

Julia Weld and Kamie Lightburn

Mark Gilbertson, Trevor Traina, and George Farias

Merrill Curtis, Nicole Hanley Mellon, and Lesley Schulhof

Yana Balan, Yan Assoun, and Polina Proshkina

Frederick Anderson and Valesca Guerrand-Hermes

Annabel Vartanian Jeffries

Kalioppe Karella

Ashley McDermott

Mary and Guy Van Pelt

Lacary Sharpe and Linda Pratka

Julia Koch, William Astor, and Peggy Siegal

Chris and Kate Allen

Libby Fitzgerald, Tara Rockefeller, and Lisa McCarthy

Chele Chiavacci and Richard Farley

Christine and Steve Schwarzman

Tory Burch and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Alex Rose, Nathalie Kaplan, and friend

Deborah Norville and Karl Wellner

Nancy Sambuco and Kristen Clark

Jennifer Cacioppo with Philip and Lisa Gorrivan

Jared Goss and Susan Henshaw Jones, Director of MCNY

Averell Mortimer and Bruce Colley

Mary and Ian Snow

John and Jackie Santos, Peeka and Art Tildesley, Evelyn Tomkins, Robert Buxton, Tracey and Bob Boyle, and Tolomy Erpf

Alexandra Porter and her table

Last Thursday afternoon designer Reem Acra hosted an exclusive afternoon of champagne and beautiful dresses at her fifth avenue boutique to benefit The Smithsonian’s Freer|Sackler Galleries. Guests enjoyed a private viewing of the designer's personal collection of traditional Arab world garments, and guests were able to see first hand Ms. Acra’s pre-fall 2014 collection.

The Host Committee for the event included: Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Jacqueline Weld Drake, Patricia Kluge, Ann Nitze, Susan Pillsbury, Sana Sabbagh, Dame Jillian Sackler DBE, Barbara Tober and Smithsonian’s Freer|Sackler Galleries.

Reem Acra, Pilar wearing Reem Acra, and Montgomery Frazier

Modeling Reem Acra ...

Guests included: Mona Aboelnaga, Reem Acra, Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Judy Auchincloss, Mariam Azarm, Anait Bian, Catherine Petree-Biron, Noreen Buckfire, Karen Burke, Alyson Cafiero, Melba Ruffo di Calabria, Giosetta Capriati, Isabel Carden, Lila Castellaneta, Joan Hardy Clarke, Samia Faroukl, Montgomery Frazier, Nawel Gergi, Susan Gutfreund, Cathy Hardwick, Ingie Hassan, Kathleen Hearst, Marlene Herring, Ranya Idilby, Irene Moscahlaidis, Maxine Janes, Jaime Jimenez, Nina Junot, Michèle Gerber Klein, Meriel Lari, Benjamin Le Hay, Jonathan Marder, Sylvia and John Mazzola, Clara Menaldino, Ben Mindich, Katy Mundell, Ann Nitze, Pam Owens, Corinne Plumhoff, Lee Robinson, Kathryn Rotella, Joanna Roth, Sana Sabbagh, Judith Schlosser, Stephanie Stokes, Barbara Tober, Evelyn Tompkins, Diana Tsao, Susan Zaro, and Katie Ziglar.

A percentage of everything that was sold during the event was generously donated to The Smithsonian’s Freer|Sackler Galleries.

Alyson Cafiero, Montgomery Frazier, Nawel Gergi, Ben Mindich, Ingie Hassan, and Katy Mundell

Barbara Tober and Meriel Lari

Ben Mindich and Anait Bian

Cathy Hardwick

Irene Moscahlaidis, Joan Hardy Clarke, and Kathleen Hearst

Irene Moscahlaidis

Judy Auchincloss and Stephanie Stokes

Kathryn Rotella and Catherine Petree-Biron

Nina Junot and Ann Nitze

Katie Ziglar and Reem Acra

Lee Robinson, Evelyn Tompkins, and Marlene Herring

Mariam Azarm, Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, and Noreen Buckfire

Melba Ruffo di Calabria

Michele Gerber Klein

Mona Aboelnaga, Shiva Farouki, Ranya Idilby, and Ann Nitze

Montgomery Frazier, Reem Acra, and Ben Mindich

Motgomery Frazier and Anait Bian

Muna Rihani Al-Nasser, Stephanie Stokes, and Katie Ziglar

Shiva Farouki, Ranya Idilby, and Mona Aboelnaga

Susan Gutfreund and Ann Nitze

Photographs by Cutty McGill (MCNY); PatrickMcMullan.com (Freer| Sackler).

The dinner scene at The New York Botanical Garden's annual Orchid Dinner.

One of the most anticipated evenings of the New York winter social schedule is The New York Botanical Garden's annual Orchid Dinner. This favorite event took place on Monday, February 24, 2014 at the Mandarin Oriental at Columbus Circle, overlooking Central Park with its glorious views of Manhattan. The Hearst Corporation, VERANDA, and BNY Mellon served as underwriters for the evening.

The Orchid Dinner began at 7 p.m. with cocktails served during a sale of rare and exceptional orchids. Some of the world's leading orchid specialists were on hand to assist guests with their purchases. Followed at 8 p.m., dinner and dancing took place in the Grand Ballroom.

"Key West Contemporary," the theme of the 12th Annual Orchid Show at the Garden, served as the creative source for each of the imaginative centerpieces.

The evening raised $600,000 which will underwrite the development of the Garden's orchid research collection, which helps maintain the highest horticultural standards of orchid conservation. The Garden has been designated a Plant Rescue Center through the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Improperly documented shipments of endangered wild orchids are seized at international borders and sent to these Centers. Through careful research and the application of appropriate horticultural techniques, Garden staff members have been successful in bringing a majority of these ailing specimens back to health. Many are on view year-round in orchid displays at the Botanical Garden.

Gala Chairs included Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan C. Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Royce, and Mr. and Mrs. Steven R. Swartz.Clinton Smith, Editor in Chief, VERANDA, served as Chair. Decorations Chair was Carolyn Englefield, Director of Decoration and Special Projects, VERANDA. And Honorary Chairs were Mr. and Mrs. Marvin H. Davidson and Mr. and Mrs. John M. Sullivan, Jr.

The Garden was thrilled to continue its collaboration with VERANDA in assembling an illustrious roster of over 25 of New York's leading designers from the worlds of fashion, architecture, horticulture and literature, who each created and donated a dramatic orchid centerpiece and table setting for the event. "Key West Contemporary," the theme of the 12th Annual Orchid Show at the Garden, served as the creative source for each of the imaginative centerpieces. The evening was stunning.

In addition, The New York Botanical Garden presents the annual Orchid Show March 1 through April 21, 2014, the nation's largest exhibition of its kind. A mosaic of classic and exotic orchids will be displayed throughout the galleries of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory – a living design inspiration taking its cues from a modernist Key West estate garden.

Caroline Englefield, Tina Swartz, Gregory Long, Deborah Royce, and Whitney Clay

Kevin Sharkey and Martha Stewart

Deborah Royce and Mark Gilbertson

Susan Johnson, Martha Stewart, and Henry Johnson

Roric Tobin

Alison Spear and Alex Reese

Loni Ludlow and Laura Bohn

Ilene Johnson

Francesca Vuillemin and Megan Zilis with friends

Danielle Rollins and Marilyn Kirschner

Dotty Goldfrank and Lionel Goldfrank

Susanna Salk, David Scott, Sherrill Canet, and Doug Roach

Whitney Clay and Tina Swartz

Alexandra Lebenthal and Jay Diamond

David Thiergartner, Carolyn Gregg, and Steven Delatorre

Phillip Gorrivan and Caroline Englefield

David Easton and Katharina Plath

Marilyn Kirschner and Daniel LaGuardia

Grace Matelich and Susan Matelich

Martha Stewart, Gregory Long, and Elliot Nolen

Carl Weatherly-White, Allison Sampson, and Tripp Sampson

Allison Sampson and Whitney Clay

Barbara Tober, Gregory Long, and Barbara Cirkva

Last Thursday evening, J.McLaughlin launched an exclusive Pop-Up Shop at The Society Boutique-The MSK Thrift Shop to support The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's leading-edge patient care, education, and research programs. Filled to the brim with J.McLaughlin's iconic pastels, prints, and must-have accessories, this is a not-to-be-missed shopping event just in time for resort and spring styles.

For four days The Society Boutique on the Upper East Side at 1440 Third Avenue (between 81st and 82nd Streets) was transformed into a preppy-chic oasis filled with J.McLaughlin's distinctive clothing and accessories for women and men at 30% to 60% off with J.McLaughlin contributing 30% of all sales at this event to The Society of MSK. If you missed it, keep your eyes peeled for next year's Pop-Up Shop.

The Pop-Up Shop marks J.McLaughlin's first collaboration with The Society and its Boutique, which has been a fixture on the Upper East Side for more than 25 years and plays an integral role in The Society's fundraising programs.

Kevin McLaughlin, Martha Glass, Barbara McLaughlin, and Melanie Holland

Polly Onet, Jack Lynch, and Martha Glass

Karen Glover and Lindsey Pryor

Kevin McLaughlin and Jeffrey Banks

Kate Pickett and Leslie Coleman

Sonya Verny and Gay Schaye

Caitlyn Rodeo and Dr. Christine Rodeo

Mary Darling and Amy Hoadley

Eileen Holcombe and Scott Fazzini

John-Mark Speal and Ashley Speal

John Glass, Amy Hoadley, and Chappy Morris

Deborah McGovern and James McGovern

Mark Gilbertson and Dara O'Hara

Elizabeth Fuller and Barbara McLaughlin

Richard Leonard and John Glass

Kent Sevener and Melanie Holland

Karen Klopp and Rosemary Audia

Earl Jones, Katherine Miller, Melanie Holland, and Leah Johnson

Gordon Connor and Hilary Dick

Jennifer Creel and Barbara McLaughlin

The International Red Cross continued its tradition of bringing together ambassadors, dignitaries and philanthropic leaders from around the world in support of its humanitarian mission when 450 guests gathered at the 57th Annual International Red Cross Ball, held Friday, February 7th, 2014 at The Breakers.

The 2014 ball, considered to be highlight of the Palm Beach social season, was chaired by Kathryn C. Vecellio. Ambassadors attended from The Netherlands, Italy, Hungary and Georgia, as well as many former United States ambassadors.

Amanda Schumacher, Paula Butler, Mei Sze Greene, Kathryn Vecellio, Monika Preston, Laurie Silvers, and Rhonda Wilkins

Founded in 1957 by Marjorie Merriweather Post, the white-tie and tiara affair raised significant funds in support of the vital mission of one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross. For almost 100 years locally, The American Red Cross Palm Beaches – Treasure Coast Region has given hope and help to people in their greatest hour of need – meeting the physical and emotional needs of disaster victims, teaching lifesaving skills such as CPR and First Aid, and supporting military members and their families.

“Tonight, we celebrate the 57th anniversary of the Palm Beach International Red Cross Ball, which has raised many millions of dollars for this charitable organization, which does so much for our community, our nation and the world,” noted Mrs. Vecellio. “This evening is a tribute not only to the organization and all that it accomplishes, but to the volunteers and the generosity of so many in this room who contribute support. We are honored to host local and international leaders coming together with that shared goal.”

Bonnie McElveen-Hunter with Kathryn and Leo Vecellio

John and Carolyn Yurtchuk

For the last 40 years, Mrs. Vecellio has worked as a full-time organizer, fundraiser and development volunteer for dozens of nonprofit organizations. She has received countless awards for her lifetime of service. Her tireless efforts as a member or chairperson of myriad committees and boards have helped raise awareness and millions of dollars for more than 40 community, charitable and educational organizations.

Mrs. Vecellio leads an impressive group of co-chairwomen for the event including Honorary Chairman, Patrick Park; Ambassador Chair Mary Ourisman; and Event Co-Chairmen: Paula Butler, Mei Sze Greene, Monika Preston, Amanda Schumacher, Laurie Silvers and Rhonda Wilkins. Honorary Co-Chairwomen are Mary Mochary and Beverly White Yeager.

Earlier this season, Mrs. Vecellio and husband, Leo Vecellio, honored leading benefactors of the prestigious ball at a kickoff cocktail reception aboard the M/Y Lady Kathryn V.

Mary Ourisman and Stuart Bernstein

Mei Sze and Jeff Greene

Participating sponsors included Mr. and Mrs. Leo A. Vecellio and Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Greene as Grand Benefactors and Mr. Patrick Park and Mr. and Mrs. J.J.Cafaro as Grand Patrons. Ball Patrons are Mr. and Mrs. Robert Butler, The Honorable Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Mr. And Mrs. Charles Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Kessler, The Honorable Mary Mochary and Dr. Philip Wine, The Honorable Mary and Mr. Mandell Ourisman, Mr. and Mrs. John Preston, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Schumacher, Mrs. Laurie Silvers and Mr. Mitchell Rubenstein, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Tomsich, The Honorable and Mrs. C. Howard Wilkins, The Honorable Beverly White Yeager and Mr. and Mrs. John Yurtchuk. Gunster, Kelly Tractor, The Newport Group, Rybovich, Tiffany& Co., United Bank, U.S. Trust are Corporate Patrons.

The Peter Duchin Orchestra performed at the annual event.

Proceeds from the 57th Annual International Red Cross Ball benefit the mission of the organization -- to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Kathryn Vecellio

Howard and Michele Kessler

Laurie Silvers and Mitchell Rubenstein

Monika Preston

Kathryn and Leo Vecellio

Amanda and Charles Schumacher

Herme de Wyman Miro and Veronica Atkins

Beverly Yeager and Kathryn Vecellio

Paula and Robert Butler

Judi and Ray Richards

Raynham Hall Museum, in Oyster Bay, held its annual Valentine's Benefit Auction on Friday, February 14 at Piping Rock Club in Locust Valley. Close to 150 guests attended the event in honor of long-time Museum Board of Trustees Member, Patricia P. Sands and The Oyster Bay Main Street Association, which was established in 2001 to preserve Oyster Bay's downtown and historic buildings.

The evening's emcee was News 12 Long Island's anchor, Carol Silva, who warmed the crowd with anecdotes of living in Oyster Bay.

Meredith Maus, Honoree and Executive Director of Main Street Association; John Collins, President of the Board of Trustees, Raynham Hall Museum; Patricia P. Sands, Honoree, Board of Trustees, Raynham Hall Museum; Councilwoman Michelle Johnson, Town of Oyster Bay; John Bonifacio, Honoree, Board President, Main Street Association; Harriet Gerard Clark, Executive Director, Raynham Hall Museum; Maureen Brennan, Board of Trustees, Raynham Hall.

The elegant evening presented guests with a silent auction with over 80 lovely items and a live auction that included parties at the museum, gorgeous pear-shaped amethyst earrings designed by Piranesi Jewelers, a vacation in Corsica, a behind-the-scenes tour of Fox News Channel, and a custom designed garden bench designed by Raynham Hall Board President, John Collins. Robbie Gordy, from Christie's, served as charity auctioneer.

Margaret Witham, Catherine Sands, Patricia Sands, Elizabeth Petty, John Sands, and Susan Sands

The last live auction item called on guests to "raise your paddle" for the education program at the museum. Beloved docent and educator Michael Goudket made an impassioned plea to the crowd and raised over $11,000 for the museum's education programs including paying for the high cost of bussing children for fieldtrips to the museum.

The evening was topped off with love songs by New York cabaret singer Carole Bufford with piano by John Schwartzberg and James Uhl on bass.

Harriet Gerard Clark, Henry Clark, and Emily Gerard

Kelly and Mario Gallo

Kevin and Barbara Curry with Kim and Joseph Onorato

Susan and John Sands with Edward Mohlenhoff

Cindy and Donald Morrongiello

John O'Hare, Earlene O'Hare, Brian O'Hare, and Kathy O'Hare

Susan and Donald Zoeller

Frank and Meredith Olt

Carol Silva and Robert Reilly

Fran and Dan Covello

Ragnar Knutsen, Rita Cleary, Laureen Knutsen, and Gil Ott

Maureen and Mickey Brennan

Rebecca and Charles Finelli

Joanna Badami

Elizabeth Sands Petty, Joan Shepard, Catherine Sands, Margaret S. Witham, and Susan Meldau Sands

Kathy and Thomas Zoller

Robert and Deborah Hussey

Rita and Jim Roselle

Clifford Packingham and Tracey Dellomo

Sandy and Nelson DeMille

Zac Nudo and Constance Cincotta

Paula and John HornBostel

Howard and Alex Sutherland

Thomas Calabrese, Richard Weir, and David Lamb

Edward Mohlenhoff, Marianne Nash, and Anthony Meyer

Julian and June Fisher

Michelle Chamberlain and Michael Anhouse

Christopher and Rebecca Lawton Flatters, and John Collins

Lucie Bard and Mary Beth Donohue

Jerelyn Hanrahan

Fran Walker, Liz Brown, and Diana Collins

Josie Conelley and Victor Camacho

Nicole Menchise, Chris Wool, and Theresa Skvarla

Virginia and Stuyvesant Pierrepont III

Photographs byBFA (NYBG); PatrickMcMullan.com (J.McLaughlin); Lucien Capehart Photography (Red Cross); Jill Johnson (Raynham Hall).

"One Enchanted Evening: In the Garden, Under the Stars, By the Sea" in the Moore Grand Lawn of The Four Arts Hulitar Sculpture Gardens.

This past Wednesday at the 1stdibs Gallery in the New York Designer Center at 200 Lexington Avenue, they opened an exhibition of Gloria Vanderbilt's "The Left Hand is the Dreamer," work from 2013 - 2014 in gouache, collage, and pastel. The opening brought out a lot of friends of Gloria, as well as two of her sons.

Gloria Vanderbilt and Andrew Slaby

Gloria Vanderbilt and Anderson Cooper

Emily Goldstein and Stan Stokowski

Geoffrey Bradfield and Roric Tobin

Paul Daniel and Cathrine Perno

Matthew Smyth and Berry Goralnick

Alfred Vanderbilt and Stella Kalweit

Consuelo Vanderbuilt Costin

Charlotte Moss

Christopher Mason

Amy Fine Collins

Leah Bourne, Emily Field, and Perrie Samotin

Ghislain de Noue, Elena de Noue, Benoist Drut, and Georgina Schaeffer

Louise Hirschfeld and Lewis Cullman

Randall Tysinger and Amy Zook

Christopher Coleman and Brian del Toro

Lisa Lindsay-Hogg and Michael Lindsay-Hogg

Lauren Hackney, Justine Barnes, Sarah Ross, and Cait McDonagh

Billy Norwich and Freddie Leiba

David Spirt and Rory Carlton

Anya Firestone

Susan Gutfreund

Michael Musto

Stacey McLaughlin and Noel Aird

Stefani Cucuteanu, Blair Douglas, and Emma Lazarus

Samantha Stein and Roy Kean

The show will be on view through March 28th, in the gallery on the 10th floor.

Ten Girls on the Isle of Capri, 2013

J.C.O. by the Sea, 2013

Premonition, 2014

Islands, 2013

Girl Dreaming, 2013

On Saturday, February 22nd, over 425 guests (children and their parents) attended The Horticultural Society of New York’s 2nd annual Green Bean Bash at Temple Israel. The festive educational activities included a carnivorous plant demonstration, glitter art, worm bin exploration, botanical art projects and a lego building station of natural wonders. The Hort’s mascot, Mr. Green Bean, was on hand to take photos. Every child got to take home their very own kokedama string garden to care for!

Paige Betz, Gillian Boyer, Ashley P. Christopher, Brooke Harlow, Kamie Lightburn, Michele E. Lindsay, Stephanie Loeffler, Wibby Sevener, Alison Strong, and Mary Van Pelt co-chaired the event in support of The Hort’s programs to beautify low-income communities across the five boroughs and help make New York greener.

Camille Henderson, Shannon Henderson, and Elise Henderson

Annabelle Fowlkes and Mimi Fowlkes

Paige Hardy, Kamie Lightburn, and Mary Van Pelt

Charlotte Turchyn, Ellen Turchyn, and Callie Turchyn

Craig Eckes and Brett Eckes

Gail London and Kate London

Aedyn Kourakos, Nyssa Kourakos, and Michael Kourakos

Dana Schiff and Family

Emma Corner and Sophie Corner

Abigail Kidd and Stacey Kidd

James Tozer, Katie Tozer, Jennifer Argenti, and Virginia Argenti

Mr. Green Bean

Jill and Julia Ross

Jay Potter, Lee Potter, and Paige Potter

Isabel Shiva and Anya Shiva

Jill Roosevelt, Celeste Boele, and Melissa Vlak

Lily Takian, Margot Takian, Randy Takian, and Olivia Takian

Sloane Lynyak and Brooke Harlow

Rema Parachini, Pierce Parachini, Whit Anderson, and Liz Anderson

Lisa Ruth and Charlie Ruth

Lula Daniels and Norris Daniels

Martin Okner and Lukas Okner

Mary Van Pelt and Julia Burgess

Zoe Chisholm, Chloe Chisholm, and Melanie Chisholm

Poppy and Wibby Sevener

Nicholas Jachmich and Alex Jachmich

Teddy Vlak and Conrad Vlak

Waverly Moses, Oliver Moses, Taft Moses, and Alexis Moses

The Four Arts' highly anticipated biennial gala was held on Friday, February 21 on the Moore Grand Lawn of The Four Arts Hulitar Sculpture Gardens. "One Enchanted Evening: In the Garden, Under the Stars, By the Sea" sold out in record time and broke fundraising records for the decades-old gala. "One Enchanted Evening" was organized by chairwomen Peggy Moore and Mary Davidson.

Marvin and Mary Davidson with Peggy and Dudley Moore

Margaret Chambers of MMC Designs in Atlanta transformed the garden into a magical wonderland with playful bubbles, a glowing seahorse and a coral reef bathed in special blue and white lighting designing to make guests feel like they were dancing under the sea. The gala also paid tribute to past gala chairs and marked the 75th anniversary of the Garden Club of Palm Beach founding the Four Arts Gardens.

The evening was generously sponsored by Jackson Family Wines, Barclays Wealth, Kirchoff &Associates Architects / Davis General Contracting, Neiman Marcus, Wally Findlay Galleries, Lily Pulitzer, Stubbs & Wooten, Nicolas Fevillatte Champagne, Estee Lauder and Scalamandre.

Mary Davidson, Gil Mauer, and Peggy Moore

Wilbur and Hilary Ross

Bombay Sapphire was the exclusive spirits sponsor for the evening and provided the evening's signature cocktail, the "Bombay Sapphire Enchantini," an elegant and eye-catching cocktail with Bombay Sapphire gin, blue curacao and lemon juice shaken and served in martini glass with a garnish of star fruit.

Following a violin serenade during cocktails in the garden, guests had dinner in a magnificently decorated tent and danced the night away to the music of the Bob Hardwick Sound. Guests left the evening with gift bags filled with gifts from Stubbs & Wooten, Estee Lauder, Lily Pulitzer, Veranda Magazine and a sweet treat from Krispy Kreme.

Suzette Smith and Luc Petre

Hillie Mahoney and Tony Bohannon

Dudley and Peggy Moore

Amb Edward and Susie Elson

The Society of the Four Arts is located in Palm Beach, Florida. Each season, from November until April, The Four Arts presents art exhibitions, concerts, films, lectures, children's programs and more to the community. The Four Arts maintains a library and children's library, as well as botanical and sculpture gardens. For more information, visit www.fourarts.org.

Frances Scaife and Tom McCarter

Alfy and Raysa Fanjul

Tom and Melinda Hassen

Jean and William Matthews

Michael Witmer and Kit Pannill

George and Betsy Matthews

Anson and Debra Beard with Lynn and John McAtee

Kate Gubelmann and Tom Quick

Heather and Patrick Henry

Robert and Joanne De Guardiola with Alfy Fanjul

Howard and Michele Kessler

Lance Mahaney and Edith Dixon

James Borynack and Maura Benjamin

Maureen Donnell and Amb Edward Elson

Eileen and Brian Burns

On Sunday, February 23, Hilary and Wilbur Ross hosted an elegant dinner at their beautiful Palm Beach home in support of American Friends of the Louvre. Sixty guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d'oeuvres in the main residence surrounded by the Rosses' impressive art collection, followed by a seated dinner in the flower-filled guest house. The evening featured a silent auction for the conservation treatment of three exquisite pastels from the Louvre's 18th century French drawings collection. Their conservation was generously underwritten by several guests.

After dessert, Palm Beach philanthropist and AFL member Tom Quick was the evening's auctioneer, helping AFL raise $18,000 for an "Eighteenth Century Luxe" trip to Paris including business class tickets courtesy of Air France, three nights in a deluxe room at the Prince de Galles hotel, a private tour of the Louvre's resplendent decorative arts galleries, a bespoke tour of the City of Lights and dinner at the landmark restaurant Lapérouse.

Guests at the event included AFL Chairman, Christopher Forbes and board members Patrick Gerschel with his wife Elizabeth, Max Blumberg and Victoria Cummock, along with Ina Giscard d'Estaing from the Louvre. AFL members in attendance were Cynthia Friedman, Mickey and Larry Beyer, Don Burns, David Aldea, Paul Yaworsky, Dr. Greg Holt, Bobbo Jetmundsen, David Sadroff, Manuel Camelo, Stanley and Elizabeth DeForest Scott, Karin Reza and Greg and Lysa Rohan. Other guests attending included Sally Moon Benz, Alan Bentz and Diane Lokey Farb from Houston, Naoma Tate from Wyoming and Valerie and Harry Cooper from San Diego. In addition to Tom Quick, Palm Beach guests included E. Llwyd and Diana Ecclestone, Kate Gubelmann, The Honorable Earl I. Mack, Mandell Ourisman, San Lee and Aeyung Park de Melo.

Hilary Geary Ross and Wilbur Ross

Ina Giscard d'Estaing and Victoria Cummock

Tom Quick, Sue Devine, Michel Witmer, Michael Donnell, and Gigi Benson

Diane Lokey Farb, Dr. Alan Bentz, and Sally Bentz

Gigi and Harry Benson

Sallie Phillips and John Mashek

Stanley and Elizabeth Scott

Llwyd and Diana Ecclestone

Greg and Lysa Rohan

MacKinzie Amadon, Kip Forbes, and Donald Burns

Mickey and Harry Beyer

Clydette and Charles DeGroot

Photographs byBFA (Gloria Vanderbilt); Lucien Capehart Photography (Four Arts); Mike Jachles/AnnieWatt (AFL)

Anne Hathaway welcomes Jared Leto to the club.

Sunday night in Hollywood was Oscar time, as the world knows. And if you don’t know all about it by now, you probably weren’t that interested in the first place. The Oscars, for the television watching public is about The Oscars, not so much about the work. It has always been thus since television got into the act about sixty years ago. Movie stars, shiny cars; that’s what you get to see and thrill to, or make commentaries about while you’re watching it with your friends. It’s a party.

But the night, Oscar night, in Hollywood is a different matter. One of the most interesting aspects of it is the after-parties. There were always after-parties in the history of the Academy’s big night. But back in the 1960s or thereabouts, Irving “Swifty” Lazar, the agent, staged one that was for the books.

The stars gather at Spago's. (At left, Lazar.)

More stars than there are in Heaven, was the MGM motto and Swifty took it to heart. That was his Oscar party. First held at the Bistro (no longer extant) in Beverly Hills, and then up on Sunset at the first Spago which was then brand new and the hottest coolest place in town. It was one of the most coveted invitations on both Coasts, and even across the seas.


	Madonna and Michael Jackson en route to Irving "Swifty" Lazar's Annual Oscar Party.

Swifty brought out the stars – the ones he wanted, that is. Along with his “friends,” a social school of the biggest fish from New York, Paris, and even L.A. For years, this was the after-party to long for. It was small (the restaurant was not large), and also Irving was a most refined snob when it came to the elbows he would rub with. And so it stayed until ... he died.

The end of an era, yes, but the beginning of a new one, a bigger, flashier, grander, more fabulous after-party was inaugurated by Graydon Carter, the peripatetic editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair. It first took place at Morton’s restaurant in West Hollywood. Carter who has an eye and a sense for “stars” brought out the crème de la crème, old and new and the Swifty’s crowd (maybe). It was an instant hit and never compared to the Lazar party. Because it was beyond compare. This party is so big that guests (well, not the most VIP) are invited in shifts. Really. And they go ... and wait ... because it’s worth it.

Graydon Carter brought out all the stars. He stuck his little toes into the bubbling brook of movieland and liked the feel of it. I wouldn’t doubt he thought more than once, of giving up his entire publishing career for the adventures of the Big Screen. He even produced some very successful docu-films. But he knows better. Hollywood’s a place where you’re walking around on smoke. I loved ya honey, but the show closed.

The Annual Vanity Fair Oscar Party in 1992.

All of which you already know probably. Last Sunday’s New York Times had a long piece, fascinating, about Graydon Carter’s long strange trip to Hollywood via the Vanity Fair Oscar party, and what it’s turned in to. An even bigger party, that’s what. This year, as it has been before, Patrick McMullan, the ubiquitous social/party photographer from Noo Yawk, was there with his associates, all–camera-ed up, and he got them all for you to see. At least enough of them that by the time you finish looking at these pictures, you’ll have had your fill of Oscar night. And it’s fun. It just is. That’s what Graydon Carter wrought for once and for all, for the Big Night In Lalaland.

Annie Leibovitz

Jon Hamm and Jennifer Westfeldt

Greta Gerwig

Portia De Rossi and Ellen Degeneres

Tom Ford

Les Moonves and Julie Chen

Adam Scott

Patricia Clarkson

Anna Scott Carter and Graydon Carter

Paul Rudd

Jason Bateman and Amanda Anka

Carole Bayer Sager and Robert A. Daly

Fran Lebowitz

Leslie Mann and Judd Apatow

Diane von Furstenberg

Marshall Rose and Candice Bergen

Jerry Jones and Gene Jones

Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo

Emma Heming and Bruce Willis

Brian Grazer and Veronica Smiley

Liberty Ross

Brett Ratner

Susie Elkins and Jerry Weintraub

Simon Baker and Rebecca Rigg

David Benioff and Amanda Peet

Tom Sturridge and Sienna Miller

Eve Hewson

Simone Johnson and LL Cool J

Sofia Vergara

Minnie Driver

Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski

Diane Kruger

Allison Williams

Joanna Newsom and Andy Samberg

Isla Fisher

Rupert Murdoch and Juliet de Baubigny

Harrison Ford and Calista Flockhart

Mickey Rooney

Evan Rachel Wood

Naomi Watts

T-Bone Burnett and Callie Khouri

Nancy Davis and Barbara Davis

Jane Buffett and Jimmy Buffett

Gabrielle Union

Carey Lowell

Kelly Lynch and Mitch Glazer

Crystal Renn

Carolina Herrera

Amy Poehler

Rachel Lauder, William Lauder, and Danielle Lauder

Doutzen Kroes

Stevie Nicks

Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos

Brian Grazer and Jimmy Iovine

Keltie Knight

Lynn Wyatt

Kayte Walsh and Kelsey Grammer

Jackie Collins

Adrian Brody

Sherry Lansing and William Friedkin

Tyler Perry

Orlando Bloom

Penny Marshall

Miranda Kerr

Olivia Munn and Jane Fonda

Will Arnett

Larry David

Elizabeth Banks

Naomie Harris

Grace Hightower and Robert De Niro

Serena Williams

Sheryl Crow

Stephen Moyer and Anna Paquin

Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan-Tatum

Emma Roberts

Mamie Gummer

Reese Witherspoon

Tommy Hilfiger and Dee Ocleppo

Emilia Clarke

Ryan Seacrest

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

Zooey Deschanel

Ellie Kemper

Seth Rogen and Lauren Miller

Kerry Washington

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Olivia Wilde and Jason Sudeikis

Martin Short

Bo Derek and John Corbett

Penelope Cruz

Molly Sims

Donatella Versace and Lady Gaga

Mikaela Shiffrin and Maddie Bowman

Christina Hendricks

Paula Patton

Kate Beckinsale

David O. Russell and Spike Jonze

Scott Eastwood

Kristen Bell

Kate Hudson

Bette Midler

Anna Kendrick

Jessica Biel

Nicole Murphy and Michael Strahan

Luke Hemsworth, Liam Hemsworth, and Chris Hemsworth

Rashida Jones

Heidi Klum

Michelle Alves

Ali Hewson, Bono, The Edge, Morleigh Steinberg, Adam Clayton, and Mariana De Carvalho

Lily Aldridge

Taylor Swift

Tonya Lewis Lee and Spike Lee

Jeremy Renner

Kristin Chenoweth

Chanel Iman

Jennifer Lawrence

Bill Murray and Selena Gomez

Glenn Close, Ben Affleck, and Jennifer Garner

Jaime King

Erin Wasson

Jonah Hill

Morgan Neville, Janet Friesen, and Caitrin Rogers

Kelly Preston and John Travolta

Robin Mathews

Lupita Nyong'o

Anne Hathaway and Jared Leto

Jared Leto

Sheherazade Goldsmith and Alfonso Cuaron

Samuel Jackson

Amy Adams

Zoe Kravitz and Lisa Bonet

Maria Bello

Harvey Weinstein and Georgina Chapman

Doutzen Kroes

Allison Williams

Petra Nemcova

Kim Magnusson and Anders Walter

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com

The Four Arts’ Contemporaries Gala, Rock the Casbah.

Down in Palm Beach, The Four Arts’ Contemporaries Gala, "Rock the Casbah," was held in The Four Arts Hulitar Sculpture Gardens. The colorful Morroccan-themed event drew more than 500 of the Four Arts’ young supporters.

Entertainment featured belly dancers with fire and swords, as well as custom casbah styling from the event’s personal “bindi bar” provided by Pretty Suite. Dinner was held in a tent draped in jewel toned fabrics, and decked out with orange trees, birdcages and hundreds of twinkling candles.

Following dinner, dance band “Jessie’s Girl” performed, drawing hundreds out on the dance floor. Guests left the evening with gift bags filled with bangles donated by Sequin Palm Beach, a personal copy of The Scout Guide, ceramic tile coasters from Casa Ceramica, Inc., notepads from Stationer on Sunrise and chocolates from Godiva Chocolatier. The sold-out event was organized by chairwomen Binkie Orthwein, Sara Groff, Mary Baker and Tracy Smith.

Rock the Casbah was generously sponsored by The Talisman Group, Lyon and Lyon Catering, Gunster, Ober Fine Arts, and Grey Goose.

Mary Willis, Mary Brittain Cheatham, Sara Groff, Bettina Anderson, Binkie Orthwein, and Morgan Whalen

The Society of the Four Arts is located in Palm Beach, Florida. Each season, from November until April, The Four Arts presents art exhibitions, concerts, films, lectures, children’s programs and more to the community. The Four Arts maintains a library and children’s library, as well as botanical and sculpture gardens. For more information, visit www.fourarts.org.

Mary Kirk Griswold and Allison Ridder

Wyatt Koch and Meghann Cannon

Bobby and Chris Leidy

Marc Koch and Lauren Hooks

Jeffrey Caldwell, Ryan Jones, Frances Leidy Mackay, Rory Mackay, and Jason Ebelthite

Dack Patriarca and Hilary Jordan

Emmanuela Marcello, Mark Marcello, Todd Savage, and Missy Savage

Chris and Binkie Orthwein

James Berwind and Kevin Clark

Mary Willis, Loy Anderson, and Bettina Anderson

Lizzi Bickford and Trey Sned

Lauristo and Richard Segerson

Jay and Natasha Steinle

Mary Baker, Sara Groff, Binkie Orthwein, and Tracy Smith

Nancy Lumsden and Maura Christu

Tom Forrest, Caroline Forrest, and Eric Waldin

The HOPE Preview Party kicked off the 11th annualPalm Beach Jewelry Art & Antique Show with a champagne and caviar reception on February 14th. The reception, chaired by Audrey Gruss, Founder and Chair of the Hope for Depression Research Foundation (HDRF), and Scott Snyder, HDRF Palm Beach Chair, was held at the HOPE Designer Showcase, created by HDRF, the Charity Partner of the Show for the third consecutive year.

Kim Yaseen, Lis Waterman, Darcy Gould, Audrey Gruss, Mariana Kaufman, and Candy Hamm

Guests were first to see the extensive range of collectibles at the Show, from antiquities to mid-century modern. The HOPE Designer Showcase consisted of beautiful room settings created by six renowned interior designers: Scott Snyder, Coordinator of the Showcase; Bruce Bierman; Campion Platt; Jim Aman and John Meeks; and Jennifer Post. The designers used furniture, art and accessories selected from the 175 exhibitors at the Show – the largest in the Palm Beach area -- to inspire the audience with fresh ideas about how to use art and antiques to enhance their environment and their lives.

Marina B jewelers were the Corporate Sponsor of the HOPE Designer Showcase, with many well-known Palm Beach women wearing designs from Marina B’s collection.

Roric Tobin, Amy Hoadley, and Geoffrey Bradfield

Scott Diament and Llwyd Ecclestone

Robbin Gaudieri and Luce Churchill

James and Margo Nederlander

Annette Friedland with Kathy and Alan Bleznak

Robert and Eileen Judell with Bruce Bierman

Kate, Hashem, and Layla Khosrovani

Mai Hallingby Harrison and William and Suzanne McDonough

Campion and Tatiana Platt and Family

Scott Snyder and Audrey Gruss

John Mashek and Christina de Caraman

Jim Aman and Margo Nederlander

Pat Cook, Bob Nederlander

David Anderson and Scott Diament

On February 19th, Lighthouse Guild International held its seventh annual dinner dance at Club Collette. Arlene Dahl served as the Honorary Chairwoman of the POSH Palm Beach Gala and Sale, and was joined by event co-chairmen Susan Bodnar Malloy, Grace Meigher and Mario Nievera. Junior co-chairs were India Paull and Elizabeth Meigher.

The sold-out evening honored Palm Beachers, Ann Downey and her daughter, Mona de Sayve. Those attending the gala 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 anticipated sale opened to the public on February 20, 21 and 22.

Mona de Sayve, Arlene Dahl and Kathy Bleznak

Kane Baker and Kim Campbell

Guests included Mark Ackermann/Lighthouse Guild International COO and Executive Vice, Marc Rosen, James Dubin/Lighthouse Guild International Chairman, Dr. Alan Morse/Lighthouse Guild International President and CEO, Nancy Paul, Kit Pannill, Talbott Maxey, Audrey Gruss, Frannie Scaife, Tom Quick, Beth de Woody, Jackie Weld, Mary Lou Whitney, Kim Campbell, Carla and George Mann, and Somers Farkas.

Ackermann welcomed the guests and expressed enthusiasm about the recent merger between Lighthouse International and the Jewish Guild for the Blind, and its collective mission to expand services. He recognized the gala chairmen and committee members for their ongoing support, and thanked all the guests for their generosity. He also announced that the upcoming Low Vision Breakfast at Café Boulud will take place on Saturday, March 22 and feature renowned Opthalmology professor, Dr. Jason Slakter.

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse Guild 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

Sommer and Jonathan Farkas

Dennis Melchior and Nancy Paul

Mark and June Ackermann

Barbara Rogoff and Bob Hoak

George and Carla Mann

David Ober and Audrey Gruss

Susan Malloy, Mario Nievera and Grace Meigher

Myrna and Harvey Daniels and Bev Sommers

Tom McCarter and Frances Scaife

Ozzie Medeiros and Eddie Schmidt

Jim Dubin, Judy and Dr. Alan Morse

Felicia Taylor and Margo Nederlander

Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson

Marc Rosen, Beth deWoody and Tom Quick

Talbott Maxey and Don Burns

India Paul and Jimmy Hancock

After holding eight annual Bipolar Dinner Dances in Palm Beach, The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation shifted gears in 2014 and recently presented its inaugural Bipolar Medical Briefing Luncheon at the Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach.

Frances Fisher and Sally Soter were the Luncheon Co-Chairmen. Sheila Fine and Adele Merck were the Honorary Chairmen, and Micah Ford and Kristen Ray were the Junior Chairmen of the event entitled, “Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder - What It Is and What It Is Not.”

Frances Fisher, Joyce Sang, and Sally Soter

Dr. Karen Swartz and Sheila Fine

Modeled after the Foundation’s annual Medical Briefing Luncheons in Chicago, the Palm Beach Luncheon drew nearly 180 people. Fisher welcomed the guests and introduced the program. She was followed by Dusty Sang who updated the audience on the work of the Foundation and introduced his wife, Joyce Sang, who presented the 2014 Shining Star Award, the Foundation’s highest honor, to Tina Bilotti in recognition of her unwavering support, leadership and commitment to the Foundation’s mission and goals.

Tina Bilotti and Megan Bilotti

Nellie Benoit and Christine Curtis

Following, the panel of world-renowned physicians and researchers in the field of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder gave presentations that provided awareness, understanding and education about this brain illness. The panel also featured the mother of twin preteen girls – one who has Bipolar Disorder and one who does not – who told her personal story. Following the presentations, the panelists fielded audience questions. Several corporate and private donors underwrote professional tables so that teachers and counselors from public and private schools throughout Palm Beach County were able to attend the Luncheon.

Dusty Sang, Dr. Ellen Frank, and Dr. David Kupfer

The Ryan Licht Sang Bipolar Foundation is dedicated to fostering awareness, understanding and research for Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder. The Foundation has adopted two strategic initiatives: 1) “Quest For The Test™” – is an initiative aimed at funding research to develop an empirical, biomarker test for Bipolar Disorder so that children and adolescents with Bipolar Disorder can be diagnosed by means of a simple clinical test that will make early detection and intervention a reality; and, 2) Awareness and Understanding – is an initiative dedicated to erasing the terrible stigma associated with Bipolar Disorder. By addressing the complex problems in the field of Early-Onset Bipolar Disorder in this manner, the Foundation believes that the benefits will be progressive and cumulative, and that the serious issues affecting so many families will finally gain the long overdue attention they deserve.

Micah Ford and Kristen Ray

Melanie Otero and Amy Dean

Brantley Knowles, Ross Meltzer, and Laura Evans

Mary Ellen McGrath and Joan Lucier

Inger Anderson and Denise Hanley

Linda Van Dyck with Bruce and Lori Gendelman

Joanne Paull and Mary Alice Pappas

Frances Fisher and Dr. Janet Wozniak

Liza Calhoun and Helen Guest

Dede Merck and Sheila Fine

Photographs by Lucien Capehart Photography.

The sixteen 2014 Viennese Opera Ball Debutantes on the stairs of the Waldorf with their escort dance partners.

As NYC delights in a city-wide cultural celebration of "Vienna: City of Dreams," its grand launch event was the 59th Consecutive Viennese Opera Ball to benefit Carnegie Hall. The Waldorf=Astoria's Grand Ballroom was filled with debutantes, dignitaries, and diplomats who gathered for the proverbial start, not only of the waltzing season, but also to celebrate the rich cultural and warm social connection between Austria and the US. (Not to mention the business connection—the Ball is sponsored by the Austrian-US Chamber of Commerce!)

In keeping with the cultural prominence of the Ball, the City of Vienna delegation was led by Dr. Andreas Mailath-Pokorny, the city’s Councillor of Culture and Science. Some eight hundred guests (inlcuding Carmen Dell’Orefice who swept in in lace and full-length black velvet opera cape) at the legendary Ball were treated to spectacles like “The Evolution of Ballroom Dancing 1814 to 2014,” with special choreography by the pros from “Dancing With the Stars,” Maks and Val Chmerkovskiyand the dynamic Tony Dovolani.

Two Norwegian Fjord horses open the Ball

Opera singers Nathan Van Arsdale and Amy Shoremount-Obra perform an adaptation of Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio"

Where else would you see Sherrill Milnes—legendary dramatic operatic baritone—introduce a smart adaptation of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's "The Abduction from the Seraglio" (the very first Opera Mozart wrote in Vienna)? It was done justice by the acting and singing skill of 6 performers from the Metropolitan Opera's roster of stars, from the sweet sounds of soprano Amy Shoremount-Obra to the low tones of bass-baritone Keith Miller, accompanied by music from Peter Duchin and His Orchestra.

One of the Ball’s many highlights were the twoNorwegian horses pulling an antique carriage right onto the Waldorf’s Grand Ballroom floor! How does one get these majestic animals up to the 3rd floor of the Waldorf? Through the use of the “secret” elevator FDR used to take his limo to hissuite in the Waldorf, which helped keep hidden his use of crutches due to advanced but unspoken polio. This year, the live horse-and-carriage was utilized and integrated into the opera as the abducted and bound damsel-in-distress trails the carriage! Those being nearly whisked by horsetail included Clive Gillinson Executive & Artistic Director of Carnegie Hall, and the Ball’s beneficiary who sat “ring-side” as did Joel Bell and Marife Hernandez, she the Former Chief of Protocol of U.S., with Max and Sissy Strauss just two seats away.

Carmen Dell'Orefice and West Point cadets

This years’ Viennese Opera Ball coincided with the 200th anniversary of the Congress of Vienna, a seminal peace-brokering conference that redefined Europe after the defeat of Napoleon. The fabled Congress would gather during the day to hammer out the most important political issues of their time, and in the evenings they would put their differences aside to waltz the night away. It is said that"the Congress of Vienna didn’t sit, it waltzed!”

The eight-hour spectacle flies by, largely due to the Ball’s long-time Executive Director (i.e. event "wizard") Marcie Rudell, who prefers to work behind-the-scenes, avoiding all spotlight. But not this time. In a departure from the program, Dr. Mailath-Pokorny turned the tables and called Ms. Rudell out to present her with a special Limited Edition of the Overture of "Die Fledermaus" by Johann Strauss from the archives in Vienna, saying "There is no Viennese Opera Ball without Marcie Rudell!"

Debutantes took scads of selfies while other guests posted photos and videos of the performances to Instagram and Facebook with the hashtag #VOB2014

A guest takes a photo of a majestic table setting in the Grand Ballroom

A Viennese choreographer flies over the week of the Ball to turn sixteen Debutante couples into accomplished, if daring, dancers. And once again, the bar has been raised as this year's Debutante Presentation included the choreographed waltz routine, but the young couples in their pure white ball gowns and white tie and tails were transformed in a circle of human swings. The escorts lifted the Debs off the ground and swung them to and fro while moving in a circle. Like everything else about the Ball, this isn’t an ordinary Deb cotillion. These non-professional dancers had to have multiple rehearsals to get their parts right. At the end of their complex piece comes the resounding call for "Alles Walzer!" (Translation: Everyone Dance!) And Waltz everyone did, from Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf to senior diplomatic national representatives -- and I do mean Ambassadors -- from, are you ready: Finland, Belgium, Ireland, Chile, Lebanon, Peru, along with EU UN Amb. Thomas Mayr-Harting, Austria's UN Amb. Martin Sajdik, who was recently named President of UN’s ECOSOC, and, of course, Austrian Ambassador Hans Peter Manz.

Rarely seen in the US, the Schuhplattlers, traditional Austrian folk dancers, show the celebratory style of the countryside, far from Vienna's glittering concert houses

The debutantes and escorts perform a majestically choreographed "human swing"

At one in the morning, authentic Schuhplattlers (traditional folk dancers popular in the Alpine regions of Bavaria) marched onto the Ballroom floor and shoe-slapped their feet-stomping pieces in raw-leather lederhosen. Guests went on to the Tanz Bar, the post-Ball party in the glamorous rooms adjacent to the Ballroom, for a late-night Austrian supper—from goulash soup to Viennese pastries, all created specially by the Executive Chefs for the VOB. And until 4 a.m., guests have a choice of venues: DJ or Jazz Band with Schuhplattlers.

Bill Cunningham

Peruvian UN Ambassador Gustavo Meza Cuadra and Sonia Balcazar de Meza-Cuadra

The Finnish Ambassador Jarmo Viinanen and his wife Irmeli

Austrian ambassador Dr. Hans Peter Manz with Debi and Stephen Harnik

Included in the Ball's honored guests were a glamorous age-divergent duo: 82-year-old supermodel Carmen Dell'Orefice and 19-year-old Miss Teen USA Cassidy Wolf. Between them is Austrian official Andreas Mailath-Pokorny, Councillor for Culture and Science in Vienna

Max and Sissy Strauss with Carnegie Hall Director Clive Gillinson

VOB Executive Director Marcie Rudell

UN luminary Amir Dossal poses with his wife Tas

Austrian Trade Commissioner Christian Kesberg, ORF-TV news personality Hannelore Fauqueux-Veit, and Viennese choreographer Heinz Heidenreich

Finnish Ambassado Jarmo Viinanen and his wife Irmeli with EU Ambassador Thomas Mayr-Harting and his wife Elisabeth

Vienna Philharmonic President Clemens Hellsberg, Former Chief of Protocol Marife Hernandez and her husband, Joel Bell

Two dancers from "Dance With Me" studios perform "The Evolution of Ballroom Dancing 1814 to 2014"

Sherrill Milnes waltzes with his wife Maria Zouves

Austrian banker F. Dieter Beintrexler, and wife, Elisabeth Hirst von Neckarsthal

Consul General Georg Heindl and wife Neline Koornneef-Heindl

West Point cadet with former VOB deb Stephanie Nass

John and Jane Hemingway Sullivan

Midnight Quadrille with Andreas Launer (Austrian Foreign Ministry), Consul General Georg Heindl, Neline Koornneef-Heindl

This past Monday night, the Bronx Museum of the Arts held its Spring Gala and Auction, "Greetings from the Bronx" at the Conrad New York on North End Avenue downtown. Among the guests were Arlene and Alan Alda, Elizabeth Cook, Levy Frayda and Ronald Feldman, Donald Rubin, Sarah Sze, Earl and Valerie Washington. The auction included works by Tony Feher, Tom Otterness, Ed Ruscha, and Hank Willis Thompson.

R. Douglass Rice, Brian Smith, Aurelia Greene, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, and Holly Block

Aurelia Greene and Donald Savelson

Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, and Holly Block

Councilwoman Vanessa Gibson and Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito

Leslie Weiss and Sharon Jacob

Mangue Banzima and Isolde Brielmaier

James Patterson, Alan Alda, Arlene Alda, and Donald Savelson

Holly Block, Elieo Rodriguez, Rachel Weingeist, Donald Rubin, and Tom Finkelpearl

Jonathan Faulhaber and Keri Faulhaber

Julia Hirschberg and Sergio Bessa

Adam Tucker, Sarah Sze, Holly Block, and Michelle Coffey

Olivia Merchant and Loran Hamilton

Helen Portugal and Joel Portugal

Valerie Washington, Earl Washington, and Dr. Rae Alexander-Minter

Juan Tamargo, Michael Canter, and Cynthia Elliott

Mercedes Mestre and Quisqueya Henriquez

Meg O'Rourke and Tobin Hemingway

Marco Nocella, Mierle Laderman Ukeles, Donald Rubin, Linda Blumberg, and Ronald Feldman

Alanna Heiss, Robin Cembalest, Fred Sherman, and Lybess Swezy

Ed Greenhill and Rosa Rosenberg

Ruth Corn Roth and Murray Richman

Christopher Dixon, Barbara Dixon, and Rachel Adam

Cher Lewis and Liz Tennenbaum

Herman Hamilton, R. Douglass Rice, and Tanisha Hamilton

Naomi Hersson Ringskog, Maron Slone, and Ruth Mukherji

Rachel Lehman and Nari Ward

Liz Klein and Lawrence Benenson

Gabrielle Palmieri and Joe Blatt

Fred Sherman and Liz Byrne

Carol Seborowski, Steve Staso, and Abigail Ehrlich

Brandi and George Sakoulis

Andria Hickey and Jacqueline Sischy

Frado Lagamon, Chi-Ping Yen, and Yen-Chang Chou

Martin Weinstein, Polly Apfelbaum, Steve Shane, Theresa Lizka, and Katie DeGroot

Sarah Sze, Adam Tucker, Linda Blumberg, and Dana Emmott

Maggie Buchwald and Donald Buchwald

Elyse Roth and Mike Roth

Joyce Hogi, Elizabeth Cooke Levy, Allison Chernow, Alan Highet, and Lisa Highet

Also on Monday night, the School of American Ballet held its 2014 Winter Ball, celebrating the SAB's 80th anniversary on the Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater. They raised more than $1.2 million for scholarships and school programs. The evening was sponsored for the 7th consecutive year by Van Cleef & Arpels. The dinner was followed by a student performance choreographed specially for the occasion. Proceeds from this event enable the SAB to distribute $1.9 million annual in student scholarships as well as support the School's renowned faculty and state-of-the-art facilities at Lincoln Center.

Peter Martins, Julia Koch, Serena Lese, Diana DiMenna, Noreen Ahmad, and Amanda Brotman

More than 500 attended the dinner dance including the School's board members and alumni as well as leaders from the New York corporate and social communities. Notable attendees included: Diana DiMenna (Chairman), Julia Koch (Chairman), Serena Lese (Chairman), Noreen Ahmad (Young Patron Chairman), Amanda Brotman (Young Patron Chairman), and Chelsea Zalopany (Young Patron Chairman), Darci Kistler and Peter Martins, Sterling Hyltin, Maria Kowroski, Ask la Cour, Jock Soto, Daniel Ulbricht, Wendy Whelan, Linda and Edward Villella, Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lisa Rinehart, Fe Fendi, Olivia Flatto, Maggy Frances, Stephen L. Green, Martin Harvey, Julie Henderson, David Koch, Frederick R. Koch, Alexandra Lebenthal, Ed Lewis, Gilles Mendel, Teresa Moore, Dailey and Gordon Pattee, Bettina Prentice, Ilona Quasha, Kelly Rutherford, Jean Shafiroff, Timo Weiland, Laura and Will Zeckendorf.

Peter Martins, Darci Kistler, Nicolas Luchsinger, and Margie Van Dercook

Linda Villella and Edward Villella

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Lisa Rinehart

Julie Henderson

Charlotte Van Dercook, Quinn Jackson, and Margie Van Dercook

Teresa Moore

Elizabeth Kurpis

Anita Conley

Margo Langenberg and Fredrick R. Koch

Jill and Harry Kargman

Caroline Byron

Adrienne Arsht and David Monn

Mikhail Baryshnikov and Olivia Flatto

Fe Fendi, Jean Shafiroff, and Chiu-ti Jansen

Dottie Herman

Maria Kowroski and Ilona Nemeth

Janet Steinwood and Daniel Berger

Amanda Brotman, Antoine Schetritt, Stephanie Simon, and Jimmy Knehans

Nicolas Luchsinger and Kelly Rutherford

Kylie Case and Gilles Mendel

Martin Harvey, Maria Kowroski, Elysia Dawn Ramasar, and Amar Ramasar

Dr. Susan Krysiewicz and Alexandra Lebenthal

William Lese and Renee Landegger

Dinner on the Promenade of the David H. Koch Theater

This past Tuesday night, the Art Dealers Association of America held their gala preview of their 26th Annual Art Show, benefiting Henry Street Settlement, at the Park Avenue Armory at 67th and Park. The fair presents the nation's leading art dealers and galleries showcasing a range of artwork from cutting-edge, 21st century works, to masterpieces from the 19th and 20th century. This coming Saturday at 6 p.m, Adam Gopnik of the New Yorker will make the keynote lecture "What Makes the Humanities Human; Why Art Is More Than an Investment" in the Tiffany Room of the Park Avenue Armory.

Howard Read, Lucy Mitchell-Innes, Janelle Reiring, and Adam Sheffer

Andrea Glimcher

Eli Broad and Donald Marron

Ann Hamilton

Alexandra Lebenthal and Linda Blumberg

Jonathan Tisch and Lizzie Tisch

Dorsey Waxter, Adam Sheffer, and Linda Blumberg

Marie-Josee and Henry R. Kravis

John McEnroe

Dorsey Waxter, Dale J. Burch, Linda Blumberg, and Adam Sheffer

J Tomilson Hill and Sue Hostetler

Agnes Gund and Bunty Armstrong

Alexander Acquavella and Nicholas Acquavella

Bengimen Genocchio, J Tomilson Hill, and Janine Hill

Kim Heir-Evans and Audrey Gruss

Byron Wien and Anita Volz Wien

Christo

Jerry Saltz

Glenn D. Lowry

Ann Temkin and Alice Tisch

Martha Wilson

Peter Kraus, Richard Armstrong, and Jill Kraus

Photographs byPatrick McMullan(SAB, Bronx Museum);BFA (ADAA).

The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center's 23rd Annual Bunny Hop at 583 Park Avenue.

On Tuesday, March 4, 2014, The Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center hosted the 23rd Annual Bunny Hop at 583 Park Avenue. One of the most noteworthy family events of the year, the Bunny Hop is a magical evening featuring exciting activities and entertainment for families and children of all ages. Sponsored by GUCCI with additional support from Warburg Realty, the sold-out event was attended by a high-profile crowd of The Society’s members and New York families. The Event Chairmen were Melissa Meister, Marcie Pantzer, Annie Taube and Ferebee Taube, and the event itself raised over $300,000 to benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s Pediatric Department.

GUCCI Photo Booth

GUCCI Bear Balloons

To the delight of the children and their parents, the room was transformed with giant carrots and human flowers by event producer RCano Events. Everyone enjoyed a variety of activities including a live animal show and petting zoo, The Gucci photo booths with whimsical props, strolling performers, spin art, a DJ, magicians, balloon artists, Bubblemania, and The Human Slinky. Through the long-standing partnership with The Big Apple Circus, children also delighted in entertainment by the Big Apple Circus Clown Care Doctors and Ty Tojo, the world famous juggler from the current circus tour.

Ty Tojo, Big Apple Circus juggler

Clowns

The Associates Committee is responsible for the $1.4 million Clown Care endowment at MSK, which funds the Clown Care program, a community outreach initiative of the Big Apple Circus that has been an integral part of the Center’s Pediatric Department since 1986. Four times a week, year-round, specially trained Clowns from the Big Apple Circus visit MSK as “Doctors of Humorology’’ and do “Clown Rounds” in both the inpatient and outpatient Pediatric units. Endowing this program has guaranteed its continuation in perpetuity, which brings much needed joy and wonder to all Pediatric patients during their time at MSK.

Face-painting

Balloon-making

Cupcake decorating

Guests included: Shoshanna and Josh Gruss, Christophe de Pous, David Chokachi, Dan Abrams, Melissa Meister, Marcie Pantzer, Annie Taube, Ferebee Taube, Eleanor Ylvisaker, Emilia Pfeifler, Amory McAndrew , Sloan Overstrom, Martha Glass, Jill Kargman, Allison Aston, Kate Allen, Kimberly Kravis, John Demsey, Lauren DuPont, Ashley Bernon and many more.

Annie Taube, Ferebee Taube, Shoshanna Gruss, Marcie Pantzer, and Melissa Meister

Martha Glass and Shoshanna Gruss

Lisa Larson, Christine Miller Martin, Jane Andrews, and Susanne Rhow, Warburg Realty

Eleanor Ylvisaker and children

Christophe de Pous, President & CEO, GUCCI America, and family

Laura Harris and daughters

Event Co-Chairs and their children

David Chokachi and son

Dan Abrams and son

Susan and David Chokachi with Emily Davis

John Demsey and daughter

Lisa Errico and sons

Palmer O'Sullivan and sons

Dara O'Hara and sons

Alexandra Fitz and son, Alison Aston, and Sara Nichols

Jill Kargman and daughter

Alexandra Rose and daughter

Kate Allen and Palmer O'Sullivan

Martha Sharp

Sara Peters and son

Emilia Fanjul

Josh and Shoshanna Gruss and children

Nicola Steiner and daughters

Dr. Eleven, Dr. Doodle Doo, Big Apple Circus Clown Care Program

On Tuesday February, 25th, UCP of NYC hosted its 13th Annual UCP of NYC Women Who Care Luncheon Kickoff Reception at the New York City home of Women Who Care Founder & Chair Loreen Arbus.

The star-studded 13th Annual Women Who Care Luncheon will take place on Wednesday, May 7th at Cipriani 42nd Street. It benefits United Cerebral Palsy of New York City and celebrates the extraordinary accomplishments of women as professionals, caregivers, and volunteers. The luncheon has become a New York tradition covered by press from around the world.

Donna Hanover, Loreen Arbus, Susan Lucci, Helmut Huber, and Robin Givens

Loreen Arbus announced that Susan Lucci, Emmy-winning star of the hit series "Devious Maids" and a past Women Who Care honoree, will host the luncheon for the second year. Ms. Lucci attended the kick-off party with her husband, Helmut Huber.

Robin Givens, star of the ABC series "Twisted," also gave remarks. Ms. Givens returns for her 5th consecutive year as Co-Chair of Women Who Care. Sheila Lennon, Senior Vice President of Development & Marketing, UCP of NYC, also welcomed the invited guests, donors, and supporters, discussing the important ongoing programs and services of UCP of NYC.

Teresa Priolo, Robin Givens, Hannah Jacobs, and Mike Woods

Jill Herzig, Editor-in-Chief of Redbook Magazine, will be the new Honorary Chair of Women Who Care. Donna Hanover, the former First Lady of New York City and past Host of Women Who Care, is also Honorary Chair.

Ali Stroker of "Glee Project" and "Glee" fame, and Paula Zahn, six-time Emmy-winning Host of "On the Case with Paula Zahn," will also return as Co-Chairs of the luncheon.

It was also announced that Hannah Jacobs, 2014 Women Who Care Honoree, and Founder and President of Family Member Inc., will receive The Karen Hansen Caregiver Award. Ms. Jacobs also attended the kick-off event.

Loreen Arbus

Hearst Corporation is lead sponsor of Women Who Care. Cole Haan joins as a new major corporate sponsor.

The VIPS attending the kick-off party included: Loreen Arbus, Susan Lucci, Helmut Huber; Robin Givens, Jill Herzig, Donna Hanover, Edward R. Matthews, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Tamsen Fadal, Scott Stanford, Mike Woods, Teresa Priolo, Ken Drucker, Christopher Laul,Valerie Fontaine Kempner,Lori Sokol, Camilla Barungi, Peter Roth, Linda Laul, Sheila Lennon, Kipton Chronkite, Pierre LeVeaux II, Kimry Blackwelder, Heather Duchscher, Frederick Bailey, Jennifer Bawden,Wendy Diamond, Jeffrey Villa, Sophie Biscard, Maureen Connolly, Margaret Crotty Riggs, Haley Lesavoy, Nadia Malik, Ranjeeta McGroarty, Becky Curran, and Devin Cutugno.

Susan Lucci, Peter Thomas Roth, and Jill Herzig

Three past Women Who Care Honorees attended the kick-off reception: Susan Lucci; Terrie Williams, President, Terrie Williams Agency, and Maysoon Zayid, actress, comedian and advocate.

In the coming weeks, honorees and celebrity presenters for the star-studded event will be announced. Past Women Who Care honorees include Robin Roberts, Susan Lucci,Cyndi Lauper,Diane Sawyer, Gayle King, Lauren Bush Lauren, Amy Lee, Ann Curry, Marlo Thomas, Roxanne Mankin Cason, Francine LeFrak, Anne Sweeney, Patricia Duff, Linda Kaplan Thaler and many other extraordinarily accomplished women.

Dina Fanai and Ken Drucker

Ryan Stewart and Haley Lesavoy

Fred Bailey and Susan Lucci

Scott Stanford, Tamsen Fadal, Teresa Priolo , Robin Givens, and Mike Woods

Terrie Williams and Elinor Tatum

Valerie Kempner and Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Linda Laul, Chris Laul, and Susan Lucci

Valerie Kempner, Wendy Diamond, and Haley Lesavoy

Donna and Devon Cutugno

Last Monday night HFZ Capital Group’s Ziel Feldman hosted a kick-off party for the Save Venice Gala, “Un Ballo in Maschera,” in the Lee Mindel designed model residence at the Marquand at 11 East 68th Street. More than 130 guests including Co-Chairs Alexandra Lind Rose and Madeline Hult Elghanayan and Vice Chairs Mary Kathryn Navab, Adelina Wong Ettelson, and Luigi Tadini joined Vera Wang, Kelly Rutherford and Elliman’s Susan De Franca in toasting this year’s upcoming ball.

Mackenzie Thorn and Karen Mansour

Adelina Wong Ettelson, Ziel Feldman, and Susan DeFranca

Dana Auslander and Louis Rose

Christine Beauchamp and Chris Collins

Andrew Glessner, Lorenzo Hill-White, and Kelly Rutherford

Helene and Ziel Feldman with Vera Wang

Kris Horgan and Tania Higgins

Julie Dannenberg, Sabrina Saltiel, Mackenzie Thorn, and Peter Evangelidis

Jean Shafiroff, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Dawne Marie Grannum, and Lauren Day Roberts

Alex and Mary Kathryn Navab

Photographs byBFA (Bunny Hop); Patrick McMullan (Save Venice)

Dr. Orrin Devinsky addresses the guests at the NYU Langone Medical Center's Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) Gala.

On Monday, March 3 at Pier Sixty at Manhattan's Chelsea Piers, the NYU Langone Medical Center's Finding A Cure for Epilepsy and Seizures (FACES) Gala attracted 750 guests raising more than $4.2 million to support life-enhancing programs in cutting-edge research, clinical care, and education and community awareness initiatives at NYU Langone Medical Center. David Remnick, editor of the New Yorker, and Brian Williams, anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News, served as the evening's co-emcees.

Affiliated with NYU Langone and its Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, FACES funds research to improve epilepsy care, advance new therapies, and foster a supportive community for children, families, and caregivers who live with the challenges of epilepsy. An estimated three million Americans suffer from some form of epilepsy. Robert I. Grossman, dean and CEO of NYU Langone, provided opening remarks, underscoring how NYU Langone has become the place to find support and treatment.

Temple Grandin, PhD, Eustacia Cutler, William Moller, Elisa Moller and Orrin Devinsky, MD

According to Dean Grossman,"Since 1989, our Comprehensive Epilepsy Center has helped more than 25,000 people get their lives back." Orrin Devinsky, MD, founder of FACES, professor of neurology, neurosurgery, and psychiatry, and director of the Comprehensive Epilepsy Center at NYU Langone, later presented, highlighting current research, including the use of the marijuana compound cannabidiol in the treatment of pediatric epilepsies, understanding the genetic, molecular, and imaging links between Autism and Epilepsy, and improving outcomes for people with epilepsy and depression who also suffer from healthcare disparities. In fact, seed funding raised at previous annual FACES galas has allowed the medical center to submit more than six federal and national foundation grants in the first half of 2014 alone.

Gala Chair Todd Boehly, Orrin Devinsky, MD, Robert I. Grossman, MD, Dean and CEO NYU Langone, and Elisabeth Cohen, MD

Many FACES supporters were also recognized, including Leah and Michael Weisberg for generously underwriting the event, gala chairs Katie Boehly and Todd Boehly, FACES board member and president of Guggenheim Partners, and auction chairs Carol Pressler and her daughter, Lauri Herman, member of the FACES steering committee. Highlights of the program included a speech by a grateful patient, 12-year-old William Moller and his mother Elisa Moller.

William, under the care of Dr. Devinsky, has been seizure-free for over three years. Additionally, best-selling author, Oliver Sacks, MD, professor of neurology at NYU School of Medicine, honored his friend, Temple Grandin, PhD, professor of animal science at Colorado State University and a widely cited proponent of the rights of autistic persons and of animal welfare. Dr. Devinsky spoke of Dr. Grandin's remarkable achievements and presented her with a special memento, a painting titled Jersey by Caryn King, commissioned for Dr. Grandin.

Oliver Sacks, MD

Orrin Devinsky, MD, Temple Grandin, PhD, and Oliver Sacks, MD

Hugh Hildesley

Also of note was the annual live auction — one of the largest held in New York — conducted by auctioneer Hugh Hildesley, executive vice president of senior business development at Sotheby's. Popular prizes were a private dinner for 20 at the Maialino restaurant and a Night of Too Many Stars package, a Comedy Central event at the Beacon Theater that included two tickets to a live taping of the show, access to the pre- and post-party, a two-night stay at the Gansevoort Park Avenue Hotel in New York City, and dinner for two at Asellina Ristorante.

Guests in attendance included: Leah and Michael Weisberg, Loretta Brennan Glucksman and Kate Cooney Picco, Matt Stone and Angela Howard, Amy Pollner Moritz, Ginny and Steven Spiegel, Randi and Jeff Levine, Anthony and Elaine Marden, Larry Davis and Donna Emma, Warren Lammert, Miranda and Lucas van Praag, Claudia and Harry Falk, Mike and Sukey Novogratz, Susan and David Swinghamer, Veronica Mainetti, and Anna and Jim Fantaci, among others.

Matt Stone and Angela Stone

Richard Shane and Jenny Diaz

Matthew Kennedy, Joey Lowenstein, Roberta Lowenstein, and Temple Grandin PhD

Sheila Lambert and Bill Lambert

Pamela Mohr and Daniel Weinstein

John Cooney Jr and Loretta Glucksman

Amy Pressler and Stacey Weiss

Xiaohong Sang and Warren Lammert

David, Susan, and Jake Swinghamer

Orrin Devinsky, MD and Carol Pressler

Kate Cooney Picco and Jacqueline French, MD

Jim and Anna Fantacci

Peter Schnall and Amy Pollner Moritz

Leah Weisberg, Randi Levine, and Nancy Novograd

Todd Boehly and Michael Weisberg

Veronica Mainetti

Ginny Spiegal and Steven Spiegel

Mike Novogratz and Sukey Cacere-Novogratz

David Remnick, Brian Williams, and Esther Fein

Tzili and Leon Charney

AJ Davis, Donna Emma, Emma Davis and Larry Davis

"Adults in Toyland Casino Night" raised over $850,000 to support the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Department of Pediatrics at NYU Langone Medical Center. Held on Thursday, February 27, 2014 at The Plaza Hotel, "The Foodie Magician" Josh Beckerman amazed guests with close-up magic and mind readings, and NBC's Jeff Rossen served as the night's emcee.

The event, hosted by the Committee for the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and KiDS of NYU Langone, attracted 600 New York City professionals from finance, fashion, entertainment, and real estate, among other industries, committed to improving the lives of children who are being treated at NYU Langone and their families.

Susan Block Casdin

Catherine Manno, MD, Chair, Department of Pediatrics

The festive annual event featured casino games, buffet, cocktails, a DJ, and a silent auction of luxury items guests were invited to bid on, including a walk-on role on CBS hit comedy The Millers, a reservation for four at the famed Rao's Restaurant, and a three-night vacation on the Ferragamo family estate in Tuscany, Italy. A heartfelt video was also shown highlighting the impact past contributions have made on a few of the children treated at NYU Langone. The video can be seen here: http://giving.nyumc.org/aitvideo.

Attendees from NYU Langone included Robert I. Grossman, MD, dean and CEO, Joseph Lhota, senior vice president and vice dean, chief of staff, and Catherine Manno, MD, the Pat and John Rosenwald Professor of Pediatrics and chair, Department of Pediatrics. Physician co-chairs were William L. Carroll, MD, the Julie and Edward J. Minskoff Professor of Pediatrics, professor of pathology, and director, Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center at NYU Langone, and Bret J. Rudy, MD, professor and vice chair, Department of Pediatrics.

Guests in attendance included Ellen Block, Alex Casdin, Janet and Howard Ginsburg, MD, Richard Mack, Stephen Mack, Maya and Edward Manley, Darcy Miller Nussbaum, Jonathan Patricof, Danielle Rossen, Kimberly and Jonathan Schulhof, Lauran Walk, Rob Wiesenthal, and Peter and Susi Wunsch.

Proceeds provide integral funding for the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Department of Pediatrics, including interim patient/family housing, bilingual child life therapy, and music and recreational therapy. In addition, funds support pilot research that can potentially improve patient care and outcomes.

Citi was the presenting sponsor, and Gotham Magazine returned as the media sponsor for this year's event.

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

Joseph Lhota, Sr Vice President, Vice Dean and Chief of Staff and Robert Grossman, Dean-CEO NYU Medical Center

Susan Block Casdin, Kelly Kennedy Mack, Harlan Fabrikant Saroken, Adi Beltzman

Jeff Rossen

Abigail Scheuer Atema, Robert Grossman, Alice Tisch, Susi Wunsch, and Peter Wunsch

Anne Keating, Susan Block Casdin, Ellen Block, and Kelly Kennedy Mack

Jacqueline Stroyman and Matthew Stroyman

Michael Block, Susan Block Casdin, and Laurie Block

Kristen and Drew Goldman

Blake Vazques, Emily Vazques, Karen Mc Morrow, and Josh Powe

Eric Wunsch and Roisin McElroy

Greg Randolph and Matt Hall

Catherine Manno, MD, Peter and Jane Manno

Shana Forand, Tim Sullivan, Mel Given, and Drew Hall

Brian Hewitt and Tim Sullivan

Lindsey Cuperman and Michael Levine

Janet Ginsburg and Howard Ginsburg, MD, Trudy Gottesman

Kabatine Tutan, Cathy Walsh, Emily Borell, and Elizabeth Katz

Maya and Edward Manley

Fred Steinberg and Sharon Casdin

Christine Beauchamp, Alex Casdin, and Jillian Sandler

Dr Tom Roland and Abigail Scheuer Atema

Johnny Shulhouse, Laurie Block, and Rachel Cameron

Susi Wunsch and Alice Tisch

On Thursday, February 27th, The New York Botanical Garden Conservatory Ball Gala Chairmen hosted the annual leadership luncheon at Caravaggio, 23 East 74th Street. This year's Conservatory Ball, to be held on June 5th, will honor Gregory Long's 25th anniversary as Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President. Proceeds will support the Garden's acclaimed programs in children's education and plant research and conservation.

Guests at the luncheon included Gala Chairmen Patti Fast, Cosby George and Gillian Miniter. Other guests attending included Noreen Buckfire, Fe Fendi, Sabrina Forsythe, Dr. Amy Goldman Fowler, Jacquie Garrett, Karla Harwich, Tracey Huff, Sharon Jacob, Jeanne Jones, Jill Nuckel Joyce, Edie Kean, Memrie Lewis, Gregory Long, Elyse Newhouse, Kimberly Putzer, Amy Todd Middleton, Barbara Robinson, Anne Rohrbach, Deborah Royce, Joan Steere, Lydia West and Caroline Williamson.

Gregory Long, Gillian Miniter, Cosby George, and Patti Fast

Barbara Robinson, Edith Kean, and Jill Joyce

Cosby George and Anne Rohrbach

Elyse Newhouse, Caroline Williamson, and Tracey Huff

Barbara Tober, Noreen Buckfire, and Deborah Royce

Fe Fendi and Gillian Miniter

Amy Goldman Fowler and Barbara Robinson

Barbara Tober and Sabrina Forsyth

Julie Lanning and Jeannie Jones

Last Wednesday, at its inaugural Eight Over Eighty benefit gala, Jewish Home Lifecare celebrated eight New Yorkers who, in their ninth and tenth decades, continue to live lives of remarkable achievement, vitality and civic engagement.

The honorees – Dominic “Uncle Junior Soprano” Chianese; RichardEisner, founder of what is now EisnerAmper LLC, one of the country’s largest accounting firms; Emily & Eugene Grant, President, Eugene M. Grant & Co., a real estate investment and development firm; Larry Silverstein, President and CEO of Silverstein Properties, Inc., a real estate development and investment firm, and his wife, Klara Silverstein, a leader in the Jewish philanthropic community; Joan Wachtler, an award-winning advocate for the elderly; and Edie Windsor, theLGBT trailblazer who brought down DOMA with her US Supreme Court case.

The Eight Over Eighty gala raised more than $1.25 million to date for the New York City nonprofit provider of eldercare services, surpassing its goal by 25 percent. The event, which took place at the Mandarin Oriental New York, was Jewish Home’s first major fundraiser in 12 years.

Honorees Dick Eisner, Edie Windsor, and Dominic Chianese

The 500 guests included gala co-chairs Marcia Riklis, Tami Schneider, a Jewish Home Lifecare board member, and Morris Offit and his wife, Nancy Offit; honoree Joan Wachtler, a Jewish Home board member, and The Honorable Sol Wachtler; Judith Stern Peck; Carol and Larry Zicklin; Pat and John Klingenstein; Carole and Jerry Levin; Susie and Jeff Stern;Lisa Silverstein, Senior Vice President, Silverstein Properties, and daughter of honorees Klara and Larry Silverstein; Tal Kerret, Chief Investment Officer, Silverstein Properties; Lou-Ellen Barkan, ‎President and CEO, Alzheimer’s Association New York Chapter, and her husband, Mel Barkan, a prominent attorney and a Jewish Home board member; Washington Post columnist Richard Cohen; former councilwoman Jessica Lappin, President, Alliance for Downtown New York; Alisa Robbins Doctoroff, President, UJA-Federation; Linda Mirels, Chair of the Board, UJA-Federation; and Elizabeth Grayer, Chairman of the Board, Jewish Home Lifecare, and former President, Legal Momentum: The Women's Legal Defense & Education Fund.

“Trailblazing is ageless, as our honorees demonstrate every day,” said Dr. Audrey Weiner, President and CEO of Jewish Home Lifecare. “The excitement this event has generated is proof that people are beginning to get the message.”

Audrey Weiner, CEO, Jewish Home Lifecare, and honoree Edie Windsor

Funds raised by Eight Over Eighty will support Jewish Home Lifecare’s person-centered approach to eldercare, such as the radically new GREEN HOUSE® model of care that will be incorporated into a residence on the Upper West Side. Called The Living Center of Manhattan and slated to open in 2018, the 20-story, 414-bed facility will be the first GREEN HOUSE building in New York City and the first to be built in a major metropolitan, high-rise environment.

The nationally-acclaimed GREEN HOUSE model upends traditional approaches to long-term care. Rather than living in a standard nursing home environment, residents live in small group households (apartments), enabling them to receive skilled nursing care in a setting that nurtures and supports not only their physical well-being, but also their individuality, dignity and joy of life.

Jewish Home Lifecare is also bringing this new model of care to its Sarah Neuman Center in Westchester, which is being renovated to incorporate GREEN HOUSE design.

Richard Cohen; gala co-chair Marcia Riklis; Judith Stern Peck; Jeffrey Schoenfeld; Tal Kerret; Lisa Silverstein, daughter of honorees Klara and Larry Silverstein; Talia Day; and Ari Ackerman

Serving New Yorkers of all faiths and ethnicities for 166 years, Jewish Home Lifecare is transforming eldercare as we know it. As one of the nation’s largest and diversified not-for-profit geriatric health and rehabilitation institutions, it serves 12,000 older adults each year in their own homes, and in post-acute and long-term residences on three campuses in the Bronx, Manhattan and Westchester. They believe that high-quality care and personal dignity are the right of everyone, regardless of background or economic circumstances. Technology, innovation, applied research and new models of care put Jewish Home Lifecare at the vanguard of eldercare providers across the country. For more information, visit www.jewishhome.org.

Gala co-chair Tami Schneider, Jewish Home Lifecare CEO Audrey Weiner and gala co-chair Marcia Riklis

Honoree Edie Windsor greets Jessica Lappin, President, Alliance for Downtown New York

Gala co-chair Morris Offit and his wife, Nancy

The Honorable Sol Wachtler and honoree Joan Wachtler

Jane Pittson (Mrs. Dominic Chianese) and honoree Dominic Chianese

Honoree Dominic Chianese, Lou-Ellen Barkan, CEO, Alzheimer's Association NY Chapter, and Mel Barkan, Jewish Home Lifecare board member

Tobi Kahn, UJA president Alisa Robbins Doctoroff, and Rabbi Michael Paley

Lisa Silverstein, Marcia Riklis, and Tal Kerret

Last week, Escada presented an exclusive evening of shopping and celebration to benefit Women's Initiative NY with host Alisa Cohn (executive career coach), Hillary Cooper (NYC-based fashion stylist), Jan Mercer Dahms (founder of 6 Figures), and Dee Dee Taylor Eustace (architect, designer, and TV personality). Gossip Girls'Kelly Rutherford was on hand to support the cause. Women's Initiative NY empowers high-potential, low-income women to start their own businesses and strive upwards to success.

Guests also had the opportunity to shop the spring/summer/pre-fall '14 at Escada's flagship store located at 7 E. 55th Street.

Antonia Bowling, Kimberly Jetnil, Hillary Cooper, Alisa Cohn, Dee Dee Eustace, and Jan Mercer Dahms

Marlene Maralenedowns, Jessica Mansfield, Jan Mercer Dahms, and Alica Peek

Kelly Rutherford and Dee Dee Eustace

Kimberly Jetnil and Robert Brotherton

Rachael Suto and Ben Rue

Escada models

Photographs by Annie Watt (Adults in Toyland, Langone); BFA (NYBG); Ann Billingsley (Lifecare); Leigh Beckett (Escada).

Daniel Boulud, Regis Marcon, and Daniel Chefs at Burgundy, Black Truffles and Blue Jeans: Sunday Supper at Daniel Benefiting Citymeals-On-Wheels.

Last Sunday night at Restaurant Daniel, Citymeals-on-Wheels Board of Directors Co-President Chef Daniel Boulud continued his long-time support of Citymeals-on-Wheels with his annual Sunday Dinner. This year’s theme was “Burgundy, Black Truffles and Blue Jeans.”

Citymeals prepares and delivers more than 2 million weekend, holiday and emergency meals to 18,000 homebound elderly New Yorkers. Chef Boulud was joined in the kitchen by Chef Régis Marcon, a 1995 winner of the world-renowned Bocuse d’Or culinary competition and co-owner of Hôtel et Restaurant Régis et Jacques Marcon. The three Michelin-starred Chef Marcon is also the current president of Bocuse d’Or France.

Robert Grimes, Nicholas Lowry, Daniel Boulud, Beth Shapiro, and Régis Marcon

160 guests were served a splendid late winter menu celebrating black truffles. The dinner was paired with fine red and white Burgundy vintages chosen by Head Sommelier at DANIEL Raj Vaidya.

Among those attending were: Chef Cesare Casella, Gael Greene, Robert S. Grimes, Suri Kasirer, Philippe Laffont, Deborah Roberts and Al Roker, Ernie Thrasher, and Lillian Vernon and Paolo Martino.

Jacques Marcon, Jean Francois Bruel, Maura Haynes, Bill Kronenberg, Chuck Close, Daniel Boulud, and Ernie Thrasher

Robert S. Grimes was event chair and Nicholas Lowry of Swann Auction Galleries served as this year’s auctioneer. Official sponsors of the dinner were American Airlines and FIJI Water. Thanks to Citymeals’ board members, the City of New York and certain designated grants and sponsorships for administrative expenses, Citymeals is able to promise that 100% of all other donations are entirely for the preparation and delivery of meals.

Régis Marcon, Chuck Close, and Daniel Boulud

Brandon Jones and Lela Rose

Henry Buhl, Beth Shapiro, and Jennifer Joyce

Albert Behler, Robin Kramer, and Betsy Bernardaud

Daniel Boulud, Drew Nieporent, and Régis Marcon

Pedro Iglesias, Elizabeth Urina, Dana Hammond Stubgen, and Dr. Patrick Stubgen

Roger Taylor, Colleen Olson, and Tagar Olson

Liz Neumark and Jill Kaplan

Linda Hobbs and Fritz Hobbs

Vans Stevenson and Suri Kasirer

Anne Cohen, Lillian Vernon, and David Hochberg

Eli Goldman, Judy Zipp, and Edmondo Schwartz

Cesare Casella and Stephanie Goto

Leslie Ziff, Robert Grimes, and Joyce Buchanan

Colleen Olson and Tom Edelman

Ninah Lynne, Michael Lynne, and Diane Tuft

Jill Kaplan, Suri Kasirer, and Jennifer Gould Keil

Malu Millerman and Sergio Millerman

Elizabeth Urina, Jim O'higgins, and JC Agid

Heather McDowell and Adam Levin

Vans Stevenson, Suri Kasirer, Lisa Rosenblum, and Sonya Starr

Dana Hammond Stubgen, Raj Vaidya, and Rita Jammet

Elisabeth de Kergorlay and Gabriel De Kergorlay

Also this past Monday night, the Women's Project Theater, the nation's oldest and largest company dedicated to producing and promoting plays written and directed by women, held its 2014 Women of Achievement Awards Gala at the Mandarin Oriental. This year's honorees were Sharon Bush, Arianna Huffington, and Joan Vail Thorne. Special guests were Ashley Bush, Veanne Cox, Desiree Gruber, Morgan James, Pamela Morgan, Joel Perez, David Hyde Pierce and Doug Wamble. There was also a special musical tribute to Dorothy Fields, the great Broadway lyricist and librettist. Now in its 36th year, Women's Project Theater has produced more than 600 main stage productions and developmental projects, and published 11 anthologies of plays by women.

Ashley Bush and Sharon Bush

Sheila Nevins, Stephen Silverman, and Jackie Glover

Barbara Goldsmith and Kim Baker

Deane Brosnan

Lucia Hwong Gordon and Pamela Morgan

Chiu-Ti Jansen

Louise Kornfeld, Janna Bullock, and Karen Klopp

Jennifer Wright and Laren Stover

Patricia Shiah

Laura Nicklas and Dovile Drizyte

Jeanine Jeo-Hi Kim

Peter Baiocco, Leah Baiocco, Arlene Scanlan, David Squires, Mary Baiocco, and Peter Baiocco

Maggie Norris, Adriana Kaegi, and Paola Baccini Rosenshein

Julie Crosby and Kate Pines

Arianna Huffington and Desiree Gruber

Wendy Federman, Andrea Warshaw-Wernick, Marcia Levine, and Sandy Rosenthal

Morgan James

Andrea Warshaw-Wernick, Cassandra Seidenfeld, and Lauren Vernon

Joel Perez, Lanie Zipoy, Morgan James, and Doug Wamble

Michele Herbert and Marcia Levine

Cassandra del Viscio and Rober Airhart

Julie Crosby, Shelley Butler, Andrea Kuschlewska, and Jennifer Chambers

Branden LaShea, Shaneah Daise, Catherine Mayer, Heather Harvey, and Morgan Benedit

Darlyn Heckman, Ashley Bush, Sharon Bush, Karen Klopp, and Christine Schott

Jin Hu and Cassandra Seidenfeld

Sharon Bush and Arianna Huffington

Cheryl Asklund Rock, Sallie Bingham, and Joan Vail Thorne

Jean Shafiroff and Frederick Anderson

Lucia Hwong Gordon, Sharon Bush, and Cassandra Seidenfeld

Last Wednesday night, the Writing Center at Hunter College, under the direction of Lewis Frumkes, celebrated its 4th anniversary at Hunter with a cocktail reception and dinner at Doubles, the private club in the Sherry-Netherland.

Lewis Frumkes, Rebecca Goldstein, and Steven Pinker

Charles Gross and Joyce Carol Oates

Amber and Lewis Frumkes

Mr. and Mrs. Alphie McCourt

Bob Bradford and Barbara Taylor Bradford

John Calicchio and Denise LeFrak

Kitty Pilgrim and Stacy Schiff

Stacy Schiff, Barbara Goldsmith, and Iris Love

Sidney Gluck, Jennifer Raab, and Bel Kaufman

Patricia Volk, Steven Pinker, and Daphne Merkin

Elizabeth Munson and Sessa Von Richthoven

Sandy and Nelson DeMille

This past Monday night at Sotheby’s, Guild Hall of East Hampton hosted its 29th annual Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards. Honorees were Barbara Walters, Philippe de Montebello, Blythe Danner, Jo Carole and Ronald Lauder, and Alan Alda. Alec Baldwin was the evening’s emcee.

Guild Hall is the prestigious cultural center created in 1931. Its focus was to inform, inspire, and enrich its diverse audience by presenting programs by artists or having to do with the arts. It was a tiny community in those days, mainly rural with a summer community (who didn’t return on the weekends year round). But it was a rich artist’s community made up of men and women, many of whom are now in the pantheon of 20th century American art. Over the decades the organization grew and prospered into the prestigious cultural center that it is today. Today Guild Hall’s activities (including the John Drew Theater) attract more than 40,000 visitors annually.

The Academy which convened at Monday night’s dinner recognizes both year-round and summer members of the community who have shown merit in the visual, performing and literary arts. To learn more about Guild Hall visit www.guildhall.org

Ronald Lauder, Jo Carole Lauder, and Roy Furman

Peter Wolf and Barbara Jo Howard

Ruth Appelhof and Joe Roberto with BankUnited team

Alan Alda

Philippe de Montebello

Phil Donahue, Marlo Thomas, and Ruth Appelhof

Alec and Hilaria Baldwin

Hannah Byers and Scott Nussbaum

Bob Balaban, Meredith Monk, and Blythe Danner

Roy Furman, Marlo Thomas, and Phil Donahue

June Haynes, Gillian Harding, and Danielle Campisi

Christina Strass Fields, Agnes Gund, Milly Glimcher, and Arnold Glimcher

Blythe Danner and Barbara Walters

Chuck Close

Catherine Azmoodeh and Ambassador Robert Hormats

Monday night at Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Frederick P. Rose Hall, the Hasty Pudding Institute of 1770 hosted its annual Order of the Golden Sphinx Gala, honoring film producer David Heyman.

David Heyman and Andrew Farkas

Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka

John Heyman and Kevin Thompson

Dr. Mehmet Oz and Lisa Oz

David Heyman, Kevin Thompson, David Kuhn, and Andrew Farkas

Steve Hanson and Deana Hanson

Amanda Lipitz and Courtney B. Vance

Andrew Farkas and Sandi Farkas

Susan Merinoff, Andrew Crisses, and Abby Crisses

Bruce Bendell, Kelly Allen, Kevin Murphy, Charissa Hogeland, Jamie Bendell, Cait Barebanks, Andy Cohen, and Rachel Flynn

Abby Milstein and Howard Milstein

Joe Aston, Steph Handa,and Sanjeev Handa

Andrew Tisch, Ann Tisch, and Lyor Cohen

Tasneem Meghji and Mo Meghji

John Heyman and David Heyman

Jane Cheever, Roger Cheever, Chris Flowers, and Anne Flowers

Photographs byPatrick McMullan; Cutty McGill (Writing Center).

"Celestial Ball” Chairmen (all dressed in PAULE KA) Lydia Fenet, Astrid Hill Dattilo, Rickie De Sole Webster, Sloan Overstrom, Clare McKeon, Joann Pailey, Olivia Chantecaille, and Maggy Frances Schultz with Serge Cajfinger of PAULE KA at Frick Collection's 15th annual Young Fellows Ball.

Last Thursday night, more than 600 attended the 15th annual Young Fellows Ball, themed the “Celestial Ball” at the Frick Collection. The theme for the ball took its inspiration from the special exhibition Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Hill Collection and from the Frick’s holdings, many of which depict celestial and mythological themes.

Guests filled the Garden Court and Music Room for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dancing. They could also enjoy the special exhibition or step back in time into the galleries that were once the private residence of Henry Clay Frick and his family. Mr. Frick carefully assembled an amazing group of masterpieces including paintings by Degas, Fragonard, Goya, Manet, Rembrandt, Turner, Vermeer, Whistler, and others, as well asd Renaissance bronzes, Limoges enamels, and French and Italian furniture.

Guests enjoying the West Gallery

Guests enjoy an impromptu tour of the Living Hall

Steering committee member Jennie Tarr Coyne gives guests an impromptu tour of the Boucher Room

The Frick’s Head of Special Events Colleen Tierney developed a fanciful scheme for the Celestial Ball in conjunction with the museum’s Horticulturist, Galen Lee. The Entrance and Garden Courtreflected the spirit of the invitation’s visual imagery. The museum’s grand Garden Court and Music Room were transformed by a dramatic celestial lighting design by L&M Lighting. Each space was bathed in washes of midnight blues and silvers, and featured a tapestry of constellation-inspired images invoking the night sky across the expanse of the ceilings.

The bars (which included champagne provided by Louis Roederer and the evening’s specialty cocktail) were covered in navy shantung and topped with mirrors to reflect the changing constellations above. A bounty of white orchids planted in the garden beds surrounded guests mingling in the Garden Court. Other libations served included Organic Spirit by American Harvest, and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay Napa Valley and KARIA Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley.

Celestial ambience in the atrium ...

Guests enjoyed champagne provided by Louis Roederer, Organic Spirit by American Harvest, and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars KARIA Chardonnay Napa Valley and KARIA Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley

Pomegranate glazed eggplant on beet chips from Caterer Olivier Cheng, on an illuminated constellation-inspired platter

Caterer Olivier Cheng provided “celestial-inspired” savory food and desserts including Pomegranate glazed eggplant on a beet chip; Lamb meatballs with fig and shaved feta and buffalo chicken meatballs with blue cheese and celery; Mini chicken pot pies with star-shaped upper crust, shrimp shumai with pickled carrot star, and star- shaped croque monsieur with dried cherry shallot compote; Open-faced lobster ‘BLT’ with basil mayo; crab cakes topped with marinated cucumber, chipotle dressing; mini Unami slider, ‘Egg McMuffin’: English muffin with wild boar bacon, quail egg, truffled cheese, braised short rib tartlet, and mini twice-baked potato with wild mushrooms.

Chairs for the evening were Olivia Chantecaille, Astrid Hill Dattilo, Lydia Fenet, Clare McKeon, Sloan Overstrom, Joann Pailey, Maggy Frances Schultz, and Rickie De Soe Webster. The evening was sponsored by Paule Ka, created 26 years ago by Serge Cajfinger, which has just opened its sixtieth store worldwide on Madison Avenue.

Chairman Lydia Fenet

Chairman Maggy Frances Schultz

Chairman Rickie De Sole Webster and Joann Pailey

Julie Fabrizio and Wyatt Rockefeller

Olivia Chantecaille

Lionel Geneste and PAULE KA designer Serge Cajfinger

David Neff, Laura Hill, the Frick's Associate Director of Development Maureen Nash, Colette Arredondo, Jen Field, and Redmond Ingalls

Emanuel Michael and Sandrina Bencomo

Chairman Clare McKeon

Chairman Astrid Hill Dattilo

Sara Gilbane Sullivan and Jay Sullivan

Claudia Avedano and Di Mondo

Chairman Sloan Overstrom, dressed in PAULE KA

Elettra Wiedemann (dressed in PAULE KA) and James Marshall

Julia Loomis

Presentation of champagne provided by Louis Roederer

Marc Nantais, Shawn Trudeau, and Marc Schwarz

Curtis Young, Annika Connor, Kim Le, and Michael Espirtu

Guests enjoy the West Gallery

Noreen Ahmad, Ahmar Ahmad, and Blair Brooks

Alessandra Gregg and Scotlan Ryan

Benefit chairman Melanie Lazenby and Vanessa Grout

Stacy Engman, dressed in PAULE KA

Gautam Balasundar and Alexandra Baginski

Indre and Justin Rockefeller

Benefit committee member Cator Sparks in the Oval Room

Jane Harrison

Megan Henze, Lucas Coleon, and Allison Henze

Sarah McNear, Director of The Frick Collection Ian Wardropper, Tia Chapman, Deputy Director for External Affairs at the Frick, and David Bettat

Steering committee member Jennifer Wright and Charlie Schlangen

Joseph Bunge and Edwin Gierbolini

Justin Kush and Margaret Pennoyer

Alexandra Porter and Tristan Bultman

Kelly Dash and Matthew Silver

Dylan Brant and Chloe Perrin (dressed in PAULE KA)

Chairman Clare McKeon, Mark F. Gilbertson, and Chairman Olivia Chantecaille

Emily Holt, Chairman Olivia Chantecaille, and Chloe Malle

Serge Cajfinger and Sarah Flint (dressed in PAULE KA)

Julia Loomis with Jon and Elizabeth Kurpis

Caroline Rupert, Jose Sotto Mayor Matoso, and Eugenie York

Elizabeth Brown and Anne Karoubi

Derek Farrar and Polina Proshkina (dressed in PAULE KA)

Linnea Wilson Hayward and Cator Sparks

Lucas Coleon and Allison Henze

Jon Kurpis and steering committee member Elizabeth Kurpis

Chairman Sloan Overstrom and steering committee member Amory McAndrew

Benefit committee member Cator Sparks and friends dance in the Frick's Music Room

Curtis Young, Annika Connor, and Kim Le dance in the Frick's Music Room

Guests dance on the dance floor the Frick's Music Room ...

Last Tuesday night, Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Educationraised more than $600,000 at their 2014 Love Heals Gala event at the Four Seasons Restaurant in Manhattan. All proceeds from the evening directly support Love Heals’ efforts to protect the next generation of New Yorkers from HIV.

John Demsey, Group President of The Estée Lauder Companies and Chairman of the MAC AIDS Fund, Danielle Snyder, Co-Founder and Creative Director, and Jodie Snyder Morel, Co-Founder and CEO of DANNIJO, and Bronson van Wyck, Founder of Workshop of the World and Van Wyck & Van Wyck, were honored for their outstanding philanthropic work in the area of HIV and AIDS. InStyle’sHal Rubenstein emceed the evening and presided over an exciting live auction that raised $185,000.

Hal Rubenstein welcomes guests

Guests included co-founders, Dini von Mueffling, Stefani Greenfield and Victoria Leacock Hoffman, actors Mary Louise Parker, Kelly Rutherford and Kyle Maclachlan, Geraldo Rivera, TV personality and chef Carla Hall, Kelly Bensimon, fashion designer Rachel Roy, Broadway’s Justin Vivian Bond, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Amy Astley, Ann Caruso, Lady Lilliana Cavendish, Somers Farkas, Jill Furman, Sophie B. Hawkins, Jill and Harry Kargman, interior designer Celerie Kemble, Coco and Arie Kopelman, Julie Macklowe, Sean MacPherson and Rachelle Hruska MacPherson, Jill Martin, Annelise Peterson, Fiona and Eric Rudin, Jean Shafiroff and Derek Wharburton among others.

The Today Show’s Natalie Morales presented the Snyder sisters’ “Young Philanthropist Award.” Architectural Digest Editor in Chief Margaret Russell presented Van Wyck’s award. Van Wyck told guests, “I believe that compassion, generosity, kindness and decency can be used to help balance the uneven distribution of blessings in this world. Love Heals really exemplifies these qualities. Thank you for this exceptional honor.”

John Demsey and Carol Gertz

Ted Sann and Dini von Mueffling

Alina Cho and Sarah Brown

Bronson van Wyck and Margaret Russell

Alina Cho presented Demsey’s Award. As Chairman of the M!A!C AIDS Fund. Demsey told the guests, “The courageous platform of Love Heals states that prevention and edification on the subject of HIV and AIDS is significant to everyone, in all corners of the world and from all walks of life.”

Love Heals co-founder Dini von Mueffling was delighted with the tremendous support of the honorees and guests. “Our work in HIV/AIDS education is more critical than ever, as 25% of new infections occur in young people ages 13-25 and stigma about the disease has risen again. Love Heals will continue to combat these statistics.”

Kelly Rutherford3

John Neumayr and Alexandra Leighton

Michael Lorber

Lady Liliana Cavendish, Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia, Richard Farley, and Chele Chiavacci

Geraldo and Erica Rivera

Donna D'Cruz and Hal Rubenstein

Arie and Coco Kopelman

Andrew Taylor and Melissa Barrett Rhodes

Rachel Roy, John Demsey, and Stefani Greenfield

Jodie Snyder Morel and Danielle Snyder

Celerie Kemble and Annelise Peterson

On March 10, the Preservation League hosted an intimate evening for nearly 100 supporters and friends with the Rising Stars of the Stradivari Society in the historic rooms of the Americas Society building on Park Avenue.

Guests had the rare pleasure of superb performances by two of the finest violinists performing in the world today. Young stars Tim Fain and Augustin Hadelich played music ranging from Stravinsky to Copeland to Debussy with Grammy-nominated accompanist Robert Koenig. The other stars in the room were the 1723 Stradivari and the 1717 Gobetti violins on long-term loan to the musicians from Karen and Clement Arrison through the generous efforts of the Stradivari Society of Chicago.

Tim Fain, violinist and Robert Koenig, accompanist

Tim Fain and Augustine Hadelich playing a duet by Moszkowski

Audience with Augustin Hadelich, violinist and Robert Koenig, accompanist in foreground

Anne H. Van Ingen, Chair and Jay DiLorenzo, President, spoke briefly about the similarities between historic buildings and historic violins and Karen Arrison, League trustee, introduced the musicians. A reception preceded the concert and afterwards the guests were encouraged to linger and speak the musicians. The event raised funds to support the programs of the Preservation League, celebrating its 40th Anniversary, which is dedicated to the protection of New York State's diverse and rich heritage of historic buildings and scenic landscapes.

Anne H. Van Ingen, League Chair with Jay DiLorenzo, League President

Mr. Fain has emerged as a mesmerizing new presence on the music scene and most recently played violin on the soundtrack of the Oscar-winning 12 Years a Slave. A dynamic and compelling performer in traditional works, he is also a fervent champion of 20th and 21st century composers. Mr. Hadelich, with his poetic and dazzling technique has established himself as a rising star among the new generation of violinists. He made both his orchestral debut and his recital debut at Carnegie Hall.

The event was presented by the Preservation League of New York State in collaboration with Karen and Clement Arrison and the Stradivari Society. The event was sponsored by William Bernhard and Catherine Cahill, the Gilbert and Ildiko Butler Family Foundation and Daniel Romualdez Architects.

Barbara Evans Butler, Alexandra Schlesinger and Catia Chapin

Stanley and Elizabeth Scott

Catia Chapin and Anne H. Van Ingen, League Chair

Dr. Thomas Older and Laura Holbrook

Janet Ross and Bill Bernhard

Gregory Long

Anne Older and Janet Ross

Ariane Batterberry and Katherine Manisco

Richard and Suzanne Clary

Arete Warren and David Hunt

Chiu Yin Hempel and Karen Arrison

Judy Auchincloss and David Beer

Marife Hernandez, Joel Bell and Catherine Cahill, a sponsor of the event

Pauline Metcalf with Jan and Steven Anderson

Stephanie Stokes and Alexis Gregory

Karen Arrison, a sponsor of the event with Robert Koenig, accompanist, Tim Fain, violinist and Augustin Hadelich, violinist

Last Wednesday night, luxury accessories designer Elaine Turner celebrated the opening of her Madison Avenue boutique (between 82nd and 83rd Streets) with a Spring kick-off shopping party, with ten percent proceeds from the evening to benefit the Madison Avenue Boys & Girls Club. The chic Texas designer will be honored next month at the Club’s Purses and Pursenalities annual luncheon at the Metropolitan Club.

The 1500 square foot boutique is Elaine Turner’s seventh and her first in New York. It features the glamorous interiors she is known for such as her signature pink sofas, custom designed jewelry from her Bamboo Collection, as well as a selection of apparel, accessories and home furnishing curated by her, and her handbag and shoe collections.

Jim Turner, Elaine Turner, and Joe Patuleia

Allison Beale and Lesa Wright McHale

Her flagship stores include CityCentre and Rice Village in Houston; The Woodlands; Alamo Heights in San Antonio, and The Mall at Green Hills in Nashville. Her collection is also carried in Neiman Marcus and specialty boutiques worldwide. For more information visit her website: www.elaineturner.com

The Madison Avenue Boys and Girls Clubhas been saving and enhancing lives of you since 1884 by providing after-school and summer programs for children in New York City’s most disadvantaged communities. The programs are engineered to empower each member to achieve three priority outcomes: Academic Success, Good Character and Citizenship and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle.

Simone Mailman, Elaine Turner, and Betsy Pitts

Polly Onet and Kathy Prounis

Every day, the Madison Avenue Boys and Girls Club provides thousands of children with a safe and positive environment. It currently serves more than 5000 children and young people at 7 sites throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx, as well as Camp Madison in Kingston, New York. The Club coincides with Elaine Turner’s brand mission which is: “giving back, in particular to charities benefiting women, children and cancer care.”

The evening was hosted by Purses & Pursenalities co-chairs Amy Hoadley, Karen Klopp, Kathy Prounis, Betsy Pitts, Mindy Fortin and Tiffany Moller.

Amy Hoadley and Roxanne West

Christina Mannino

Courtney Moss and Martha Glass

Jim Turner, Monica Garza, and David Altman

Mark Gilbertson and Jack Lynch

Elaine Turner and Amanda Gluck

Karen Klopp, Amy Hoadley, and Kathy Prounis

Mark Gilbertson and Lili Hoagland

Karen Klopp, Amy Hoadley, and Heather McLeskey

Mark Gilbertson and Mary Van Pelt

Elaine Turner and David Moin

Katy Sadler, Mindy Fortin, and Jane Williams

Last Tuesday night at the American Museum of Natural History, the Randalls Island Park Alliance (RIPA) held its Fielding Dreams Gala honoring Jeff Zucker, Nike, Inc. and Karen Cohen for their recognition of the importance of promoting active and healthy living for New York City’s Children.

Karen Cohen is to be credited with having had the vision of turning Randalls Island into the haven for New York children that it is today. She was introduced to the island and its possibilities about twenty years ago when she often traveled there on afternoons that her children were playing their school sports.

Fielding Dreams Gala cocktail reception held inside the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda at the American Museum of Natural History

Randalls Island and Wards Island are two parts of an island in the borough of Manhattan, separated from Manhattan by the Harlem River, from Queens by the East River and from the Bronx by the Bronx Kill. The islands were formerly separated by a channel known as Little Hell Gate that was filled in in the 1960s.

The Native Americans called it Tenkenas, meaning “wild lands” or “uninhabited place.” After that, the islands had several names, given by various European settlers. The British used the island for military posts during the Revolutionary War.

In the late 18th century, they took the names of men who purchased them – Jonathan Randall and two brothers named Ward, who put up a cotton mill and built the first bridge connecting it to Manhattan. By the mid-1800s, both islands, like the nearby Blackwell’s Island (now Roosevelt Island) became home to several social facilities – an orphanage, a poorhouse, burial grounds for the poor, rest home for Civil War veterans and also a reform school for juvenile delinquents. In the late 1800s, hundreds of thousands of bodies from the Madison Square and Bryant Park graveyards were transferred there, and it was also home to the New York City Asylum of the Insane.

Fielding Dreams Gala dinner held in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life at the American Museum of Natural History

In the early 1990s when Mrs. Cohen would visit on afternoons to watch her children play school sports, the island was largely unused and uninhabited. It occurred to her, more than once, seeing this vast piece of property with close proximity to the other boroughs and specifically to northern Manhattan (Harlem) that it would be an ideal park for use by all of the children in those neighborhoods who had very little access to places outdoors for them to play.

She consulted with Betsy Barlow Rogers who had created the Central Park Conservancy about the idea. Rogers told her she could do it if she were willing to give herself TWENTY years to pull it off. Undaunted, and committed to the idea, she started discussing the development of a park with people she knew. One of the first she spoke to was Michael Bloomberg. This was before he was Mayor but had a great reputation in the community for his philanthropies. He loved the idea and was immediately a generous initial supporter.

Jeff Zucker, John McEnroe, Karen Cohen, Jorge Casimiro, and Chris Cuomo

In the early 2000s, someone interested Carl Icahn in building a stadium where they could hold local, regional and national sporting events. It was there that in 2008 Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt broke the world record for the men’s 100 meter dash with a speed time of 9.72 seconds.

In 2008 a renovated golf center opened with a two tier indoor/outdoor, 82 stall driving range, 320 yards of landing area and a 36 hold mini-golf course, grass tees, PGA instructors and 9 batting cages.

In 2009, a tennis center was opened in Randalls Island Park with 20 courts, along with café pro shop, fitness facilities and locker rooms.

Karen Cohen and Michael R. Bloomberg

Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and Allison Lutnick

And all of that was just the beginning of Karen Cohen’s amazing vision. The Department of Parks and Recreation approved a $1 million contract with Natural Currents Energy Services to generate renewable energy in the park. All this from a devoted mother with the care and patience to watch her children who were attending private schools which were taking advantage of the property, and seeing the possibility for thousands of other New York children.

Mrs. Cohen was given the first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award for her work, recognizing that her belief in high quality outdoor fields, play spaces and nature enhances the quality of life of all New Yorkers. A heroine in our midst, and supported by Mr. Zucker, Nike, and its many contributors and supporters who have committed themselves to actualizing this great great park for New Yorkers and especially for the children.

Tom Murro and Kira Kazanstev

Justin Green, Richard Gross, and Mark Greene

Andrea Feirstein and Justin Hamill

Mark Greene and Michael Boxer

Karen Cohen and Bonnie Strauss

Chris Cuomo, Karen Cohen, Jorge Casimiro, and Jeff Zucker

Lauren Starr and Stacey Bash-Polley

Justin and Jenny Green

Christine Mack and Caryn Zucker

Leslie Myers and Aimee Boden

Rodney and Caryn Cohen

Natasha Silver Bell and Robert Jaffe

Karen Cohen and Time Barefield

Stephen and Jennifer Rich

Richard and Christine Mack

Kate and Brad Peck

Jorge Casimiro and Sunil Gulati

Dean Landis, Mara Landis, Victor Cruz, and Elena Watley

Jerry Goldman and Nancy Neff

Pat Shifke

Bimla Picot and Jerry Goldman

Jay and Jennifer Mantz

The 12th Annual Gala for the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai was held at Tribeca Rooftop on Thursday, March 6th. More than 200 guests enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, and dancing with proceeds from the event benefitting the Center. Jill and Bob Smith chaired the event and were joined by other members of the Center's advisory board including Joan Noto, Maria Muzio, "EJ" Levy, Kim Gillespie, and Robert Friedman along with the Center's Director, Fred Lublin, MD, and Aaron Miller, MD, the Center's Clinical Director.

The mission of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis is to assure outstanding comprehensive patient care through expert up-to-date knowledge, heartfelt compassion, and cutting-edge research in order to provide exceptional experiences and outcomes for all patients.

Event Chairs Jill and Bob Smith

Christine and George Stonbely

Katherine Goldsmith and David Reich, MD, President of The Mount Sinai Hospital

Carol and Jerry Fallon

Greg Kubie, Rachel Levene, Kim Harrison, and David Kubie

Aimee and Jack Levy

Greg Kubie and Rachel Levene

Greg Kubie, Rachel Levene, Kim Harrison, and David Kubie

Jennifer Press and Nancy Poses

Venessa and Alfred Merrin

Maria Muzio and Gaetano Muzio

Aaron Miller, MD, Clinical Director of the Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson Center for Multiple Sclerosis at Mount Sinai, Katherine Goldsmith, and Ellen Miller

Fred Lublin, MD

Stephen Krieger, MD and Nada Gligorov, PhD

James Marden, Nancy Poses, Len Tessler, and Fern Tessler

Willy Friedman, Jessica Smith-Friedman, and Louise Yelin

Robert Friedman, Mount Sinai Trustee, and Katherine Goldsmith

Guests enjoyed dancing to the soulful sound of the Eturnity Band

Photographs by Christine A. Butler& John Calabrese (The Frick); Cutty McGill (Preservation League) Benjamin Lozovsky/BFAnyc.com (Love Heals); Ira Fox (Corinne Goldsmith Dickinson).

Marian Wright Edelman, Leslie Cornfeld, and Beat the Odds Rising Stars at the Children’s Defense Fund's annual benefit.

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York (CDF-NY) hosted its annual benefit on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at the Pierre Hotel, celebrating 40 years of ensuring a level playing field for children and celebrating students who have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence, given back to their communities and are attending college.

CDF-NY saluted three outstanding champions of children: Leslie Cornfeld, former advisor for Mayor Michael Bloomberg and federal civil rights prosecutor, George Gresham, President of 1199 SEIU, and Vicki Fuller, Chief Investment Officer of NYS Common Retirement Fund. Deborah Cogut, Co-founder and Chair, The Polyphony Foundation and CDF Board Member, and David Pollak, Director of Marketing and Investor Relations, Pegasus Capital Advisors, L.P., served as the gala’s Co-Chairs.

This year’s event brought together over 350 guests to recognize eight deserving high school seniors who “beat the odds.” Notable attendees included Marian Wright Edelman, Richard Parsons,Geoffrey Canada, NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray, Malaak Compton-Rock, chef John DeLucie, Paulina Porizkova, chef Alexander Smalls, and Ali Wentworth. WCBS-TV news anchor Maurice DuBois served as the Master of Ceremonies.

Leslie Cornfeld, honoree, with Beat the Odds recipients Moke Hein, Luigji Camaj, Benny Rodriguez, Felicia Campbell, Demeara Torres, Michael Mazzeo, Joselyn Guaman, and Craig Phillip

This year’s Beat the Odds® recipients are Luigji Camaj, Felicia Campbell, Joselyn Guzman, Moke Hein, Michael Mazzeo, Craig Phillip, Benny Rodriguez, and Demeara Torres. Five of the recipients received a $10,000 college scholarship and three “rising stars” received a $1,000 scholarship, in addition to training in leadership development and academic support.

“We are thrilled to be honoring eight extraordinary students who have succeeded academically against all odds and given back to their communities. And we also honor Leslie, George and Vicki, three outstanding child advocates dedicated to leveling the playing field for all children. If we could bottle the strength, persistence and resilience of our Beat the Odds honorees, we could inspire and empower all of our children to reach their God-given potential. Nobody has the right to give up on any child or youth, and they are why we exist. They are the true role models for our children and all of us,” said Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children’s Defense Fund.

NYC First Lady Chirlane McCray addresses the crowd

George Gresham, honoree

Vicki Fuller, honoree

Leslie Cornfeld, honoree

Marian Wright Edelman

Ali Wentworth runs text to pledge

Honoree Leslie Cornfeld, and CDF Board Member, said, “I am privileged to be honored along side such extraordinary students who have ‘Beaten the Odds’ – they are the true superstars tonight, and for our future. Their stories are critical because it shines a light on the potential of all children, and shows what those living in the most challenged circumstances are capable of achieving for our city and nation. I thank CDF for their transformative work on behalf of all children for the past 40 years.”

CDF-NY also paid tribute to the late Bill Lynch Jr. for his support of CDF, serving as a board member for 18 years, and to his tireless commitment to social justice.

Honorees George Gresham, Leslie Cornfeld, and Vicki Fuller with Geoffrey Canada

Started in 1990, the Beat the Odds program identifies and rewards young people who have experienced significant hardship in their lives and supports and trains them to become future leaders in adulthood. CDF holds six high-profile celebrations annually in Columbus, Houston, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, New York, and Washington, D.C. to send a clear signal that someone does care and understands what it takes to stay in school and do well while coping with adversity. More than 800 young people who have persevered despite family breakdown, homelessness, parental incarceration, drug and alcohol addiction, neglect and abuse, have been able to go on to college and become outstanding citizens. They are doctors and lawyers and teachers and Peace Corps volunteers and responsible parents. They are living proof that no one should ever give up on a child.

The Children's Defense Fund-New York (CDF-NY) is the New York office of the Children's Defense Fund, a national, non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for nearly 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF-NY champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care and quality education.

Gabriella Morris, Marian Wright Edelman, and Melanie Hartzog, CDF-NY Ex. Dir.

Gala Co-Chair Deborah Cogut and Craig Cogut

Maurice DuBois, emcee

Paulina Porizkova and Ali Wentworth

CDF-NY Exec. Director Melanie Hartzog, Marian Wright Edelman, Blondel Pinnock, and Deborah Cogut, gala Co-Chair

Richard Parsons and Mellody Hobson

Chef John DeLucie

April Russell is passionate about supporting animal charities, whether giving annually to The Battersea Dog's Home in London or in New York supporting Bidawee; both charities are close to her heart. When she is not jetting between the two cities running her bespoke interior design business April Russell, The Art of Interiors, she's at home with her two dogs Tallulah and Dalores.

And so, April had a full turn out when she hosted an evening reception in aid of the animal charity Bidawee at the newly decorated apartment of Norman and Robin Nelson which April had recently completed for her sister and brother in law. The reception was organized by Kate Edmonds Events.

Didi Woodhull, Tim Woodhull, Peter Rathbone, and April Russell

Nancy Taylor, President of Bideawee, spoke about the history of Bidawee, a haven for animals in need and a resource for people who love pets for over a hundred years. As a nonprofit, charitable organization Bideawee depends solely on the generosity of donors to operate all of its life changing programs and services. Through support of donors, Bideawee is able to fulfill it's mission to cultivate and support the life-long relationship between pets and the people who love them.

Also supporting the evening were Alanna Rathbone, Ashe Reardon, Antoine Souma, Alexes Reardon , Beth Laffey, Emery Westfall and Carole Bellidora Westfall, Christine Biddle, Didi Woodhull, Eve Guernsey, Fritzi Kallopp, Karin Gunnarsson, Kate Edmonds Donner, Nan Collins, Louis Pemberton, Nancy Taylor, James Harris, Norman Nelson and Robin Reardon Nelson, Will Reardon, Larry Kaiser, Leslie Granger, Mathew Yee, Meriel Lari, Pam Laudenslager, Pam Michaelcheck, Peter Rathbone, Susan Nagel, Peter van Doren, Peter Rathbone, Randall Gianopulos, Susan Pemberton and Tim Woodhall.

Alanna Rathbone, Norman Nelson, and Susan Pemberton

Alanna Rathbone and Louis Pemberton

Kate Edmonds Donner and Larry Kaiser

Eve Guernsey and Didi Woodhull

Antoine Souma, Christine Biddle, and Larry Kaiser

Karin Gunnarsson, April Russell, and Peter Rathbone

Norman Nelson, Robin Reardon Nelson, and Kate Edmonds Donner

Susan Nagel, Carole Bellidora, and Meriel Lari

Randall Gianopulos and Robin Reardon Nelson

Matthew Yee, Pam Laudenslager, and Leslie Granger

Michael Yee and Beth Laffey

Nan Collins and Peter van Doren

Emery Westfall and April Russell

Tim Woodhall and Fritzi Kallopp

Alexes Reardon and Robin Reardon Nelson

Louis Pemberton and Susan Pemberton

Nancy Taylor and Leslie Granger

Will Reardon, Pam Michaelcheck, April Russell, and James Harris

William Reardon, Ash Reardon, and James Harris

UJA-Federation of New York's Real Estate & Allied Trades Division honored Lee Deutsch, principal of National Granite Title Insurance Agency, Inc., with the Larry A. Silverstein REX Award at its annual Real Estate Executives (REX) Gala on Wednesday, March 12, 2014, at Grand Hyatt New York.

Lloyd Goldman, president and founder of BLDG Management Co., Inc., presented Deutsch with the award, which was created to honor Silverstein's legendary professional and philanthropic achievements, and to recognize an exceptional young real estate professional who emulates Silverstein's commitment to the real estate community and to improving the lives of others.

Michael Schonbraun, Jeffrey Moroch, Micah Goodman, Lee Deutsch, Richard Mack, Lloyd Goldman, and William Friedland

Nearly 450 guests attended the event to support Deutsch, including REX Gala Chairs Micah Goodman of Ladder Capital Finance LLC and Jeffrey Moroch of The Singer & Bassuk Organization LLC; REX Division Chairs William Friedland of Friedland Properties and Michael Schonbraun of Square Mile Capital Management LLC; and Real Estate & Allied Trades Division Chair Richard J. Mack of Mack Real Estate Group.

Jack Shulman, Jonathan Banayan, Matthew Kasindorf, Joseph Koicim, Benjamin Haghani, and Gregory Kalikow

REX attracts young leaders from real estate, construction, and allied trades industries, including developers, owners, financiers, attorneys, and investment strategists, who come together to help people in need, build strong relationships with colleagues in the field, and explore issues that delve beyond the New York real estate community.

During the current UJA-Federation fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2014, the REX Division has raised more than $600,000 to date for UJA-Federation's annual campaign to sustain its network of nearly 100 nonprofit agencies that touch the lives of 4.5 million people annually.

Joseph Deutsch, Lynn Deutsch, Phil Wolikow, Lee Deutsch, Karen Deutsch, Andy Deutsch, Dina Deutsch, Skylar Deutsch, and Olivia Deutsch

Justin Green, Margaux Jaffa, and Jonathan Falik

Dina Silberstein and Cindy Feinberg

Gideon Etra and Michael Vickers

Lynn Zises and Bram Weber

Timothy Oberweger and Belinda Schwartz

Vladimir Shneyder, Shimon Shkury, and Brian Cohen

Jeff Fells, Alex Kaskel, Adam Maxson, and Lee Passavia

Steven Marvin and David Robinov

Jonathan More and Gregory Kalikow

Josh Simon and Adam Verner

Scott Singer and Jeffrey Moroch

Brian Lichter and Daniel Kasell

Jonathon Yormak, Jonathan Mechanic, and Brian Lichter

Matthew Kasindorf, Shane Neuringer, and Amanda Kasindorf

Jeff Pikus and Edmond Levy

Daniel Braff, Adam Sanders, and Robert Ross

Amanda Saltzman and Lindsey Heines

Daniel Mermel and Jonas Katzoff

Noah Bilenker and Brian Ray

Jordan Tolman, Erik Swenson, Elise Leve, Jesse Feldman, and Dennis Satriani

Evan Fiddle, Kimberly Ross, Cassandra Siegel, and Alex Kaskel

Melody Malekan and Marc Schulder

Lee Deutsch, Laura Greenfield, and Alfonso Kimche

Blair Parsont and Mark Kaplan

Gabriel Wasserman, Jason Merker, Bess Castagnello, Adam Pogoda, and David Peretz

Earlier this month, The Jewish Museum held its much-anticipated annual gala, Purim Ball 2014, at the Park Avenue Armory.

The evening of celebration and dancing honored Anshu Jain, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank. Jessica Williams, actress, writer and correspondent on the award-winning The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, headlined the gala's program as Purimspieler.

The event set an exciting new record, raising over $2.5 million and attracting over 1,300 guests including those who attended the After-Party.

Jessica Williams, Robert Pruzan, former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Anshu Jain, Geetika Jain, Claudia Gould, Maria Brand, and Jacques Brand

Purim Ball Vice-Chairs: Jeff Aronson, Shari Aronson, and Nancy Offit; and Morris Offit, Purim Ball Vice-Chair and Chairman Emeritus, The Jewish Museum

Meg Whitman, Chief Executive Officer and President at Hewlett-Packard Company; and Robert Pruzan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, The Jewish Museum

Mark Wilf, and Jane Wilf, Trustee, The Jewish Museum

Jacques Brand, CEO – North America, Deutsche Bank, and Purim Ball Co-Chair; Jessica Williams, and Maria Brand

Mimi Sternlicht, Purim Ball Vice-Chair, Anshu Jain, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank and Purim Ball honoree, and Barry Sternlicht, Purim Ball Vice-Chair

Partygoers at Purim Ball 2014

Michael Slocum, Trustee, The Jewish Museum, and Chaya Schwartz.

Scott Stringer, New York City Comptroller, and Elyse Buxbaum

Anshu Jain, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Deutsche Bank and Purim Ball honoree, Geetika Jain, and Steven Roth, Purim Ball Vice-Chair

After Party Co-Chairs Stephanie Roach, Jared Effron, Melanie Baevsky, and Hillary Reinsberg

threeASFOUR: Angela Donhauser, Gabi Asfour, and Adi Gil

Rose Lee Goldberg, Dakota Jackson and Andrew & Andrew

Purim Ball 2014 After Party attendees

Photographs by Julie Skarratt (CDF); Annie Watt (Bidawee); Alan Klein & Liz Ligon (Purim Ball).

Franck Fleury, Astrid Munera, Elkin Varona, Adriana Herrera, Arun Sinha, Cristal Chung, Andrene Denniston, and Kristin Miller

On March 13, Members of the Carnegie Hall Notables and French Institute Alliance Francaise (FIAF) Young Patrons enjoyed cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a private recital featuring Ensemble ACJW at the French Consulate.

Notables Committee members J. Brooks and Adriana Herrera, along with Arun Sinha, were instrumental in making the evening a success. Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa, Financier, and Veuve Cliquot were the evening's sponsors.

James G. Brooks, Jr., Jesse Newhouse, Stephanie Newhouse, and Hamish Bowles

Made up of music lovers in their 20s and 30s, the Notables bring a new kind of creative energy to the Hall. Notables support the educational programs of the Weill Music Institute and celebrate music through intimate discussions, concerts, cocktail parties, and more.

FIAF Young Patrons group offers great opportunities to meet and socialize with other young people who are passionate about French cultures through cocktail receptions, gallery visits with leading artists, and special events that give behind-the-scenes access to the best of France in New York.

Grace Fuller, Hayley Bloomingdale, Max Jones, and Cynthia Smith

Jason and Jordan Phillips

Laura Nicklas and Dovile Drizyte

Marie Monique Steckel

Elysia Dawn Ramasar, James Reed Hague, and Lee Hallman

Lizzy Brueggeman and Giuseppe Scarpa

Brook Christopher and Liz Smart

Grace Paulson and Brad Siembieda

Zev Eisenberg, Eiseley Tauginas, and Nadia Moshtaghi

Andrea Mauriers and Gael Duval

William Nichols and Coty Atwood

Gary Thomas and Brandon Sherr

Jerome and Camille Duval

Sahar Hakakian and Alex Goldberg

Danielle Masprangelo and Jessica Stambaugh

Elysia Dawn Ramasar and Lily Rogers

Kristin Miller and Andrene Denniston

Asher Simcoe and Hattie Gruber

Cecilia Mortimore and Isabelle Krusen

Cynthia Smith and Hamish Bowles

Winter Heat, an annual Benefit Gala that supports the Career Transition For Dancers mission, took place at the Edison Ballroom on Monday, March 10, 2014.

Benefit chairs included Janice Becker, Mercedes Ellington, Michele Riggi, and Maria Yang. The benefit committee included American Guild of Musical Artists AFL-CIO, Kelly DeMarco, Alexander J. Dubé, Cynthia G. Fischer, Esq., Nancy S. MacMillan, Susan Wicht, and Misty Widelitz.

There was a special performance by Arthur Murray Dance Center and music by Louis Bauzo and the Havana San Juan Orchestra.

Mercedes Ellington, Michele Riggi, Janice Becker, and Maria Yang

Nicole Noonan and Steven Knoble

Andrea Wright and Mercedes Ellington

Lan Rice and Cynthia Fischer with friends

Macie Fusco, Michele Riggi, and Nicole Rich

Maria Yang, Philip Yang, and Kelly DeMarco

Janice and Stuart Becker

Nancy MacMillan, Virginia Waldman, and Duncan MacMillan

Kent Drake, Andrea Wright, and friend

Nikki Atkins and Fe Saracino Fendi

Strahinja Lackovic, Irina Fedosova, Safwat Gerges, Sarah Mollison, and Christopher Gerges

Janice Becker, Mercedes Ellington, Maria Yang, Michele Riggi

Winter Heat at the Edison Ballroom

Christopher Gerges, Sarah Mollison, Strahinja Lackovic, and Irina Fedosova

Audrey Grieco and Dr. Anthony Grieco

On March 11, the Kelly Gang held its 10th Annual Kelly Gang St. Patrick's Day Benefit, raising $50,000 for the event's beneficiary The Bowery Mission, which has served homeless and hungry New Yorkers for over 135 years.

Raymond W. Kelly, Former NYPD Commissioner, and Veronica Kelly, Director of Special Projects at the Bowery Mission, were honored by Michael Bloomberg as the evening's guests of honor. Nearly 200 people attended the dinner held at Michael's Restaurant.

Keith Kelly, Mike Kelly, Veronica Kelly, Ray Kelly, and Ed Kelly

The Kelly Gang started in the late 1990s as an impromptu group of media types with the surname Kelly who happened to land a few good jobs. The New York Post's Steve Dunleavy dubbed the group "The Kelly Gang" after catching one of their luncheons at Langans. In his column the next day he noted that in his native Australia the Kelly Gang was led by the infamous outlaw Ned Kelly, but that this group had Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelly as one of its leaders. The name stuck.

Tragedy struck in 2003 when journalist Michael Kelly, one of the original members, became the first American journalist killed in the Iraq War. On St. Patrick's Day 2004 – which would have been his 47th birthday – the Kelly Gang held a benefit to raise money for the Tom & Jack Kelly Education Fund, benefiting Michael's two sons.

Ray Kelly, Veronica Kelly, and Michael Bloomberg

Over the past decade, the annual St. Patrick's Day Benefit has become a unique, invitation only, gathering of New York City's most influential players in media and publishing, bringing together industry leaders and contributors.

To date, they have raised over $500,000 for worthy causes, including the family of late editor and columnist Michael Kelly, The Kelly Cares Foundation, City Harvest, The Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute, Tuesday's Children, Catholic Relief Services in Haiti, The Doe Fund, The Hunter's Hope Foundation, The Wounded Warrior Project, New Orleans Catholic Charities Crescent House, Operation Helping Hands, the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, and the Annie Moore Memorial Project.

David Conroy, Ed Kelly, Brian Kelly, and Keith Kelly

Jason Schechter, Ashley Bahnken, and Marc Lavorgna

Pammy and Jack Griffin

Connie Anne Phillips

Ed Morgan and Veronica Kelly

Valerie Salembier and Diane Finnerty

Emily Listfield and Kate Oldham

Elliot Smith and Kate Kelly Smith

Bill O'Reilly and David Tabacoff

On Tuesday, March 11th, at Saks Fifth Avenue,Cristina Cuomo, Sharon Jacob, Nathalie Kaplan, Alexandra Lebenthal, Annie Lansing, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Beth Taylor, and Genevieve Wheeler Brown were hosts for the evening as guests perused RAOUL's newest collection on the fourth floor of the iconic New York Store, Saks Fifth Avenue. The hosts donned looks from the RAOUL Spring/Summer 2014 collection to the event, setting the style standard sky-high for the evening.

The Singapore-based sportswear brand, RAOUL, is honored to be a supporter of the New York Botanical Gardens with a donation of $15,000 to the organization.

Alexandra Lebenthal, Annie Lansing, Karen Katzman, Genevieve Wheeler Brown, Sharon Jacob, and Nathalie Kaplan

The New York Botanical Garden is an advocate for the plant kingdom. The Garden pursues its mission through its role as a museum of living plant collections arranged in gardens and landscapes across its National Historic Landmark site; through its comprehensive education programs in horticulture and plant science; and through the wide-ranging research programs of the International Plant Science Center.

Antonia Terjanian, Nathalie Kaplan, Johanna Kronfle, Fer Medina, and Victoria Heart

In addition to the hosts, guests included Dr. Elizabeth Comen, Jan Mercer Dahms, Christina de Marval, Naeem Delbridge, Eva Fahler, Dr. Dendy Engelman, Paige Hardy, Michelle Harper, Victoria Heart, Johanna Kronfle, Elizabeth Kurpis, Claudia Lebenthal, Melissa Lee, Stacy London, Julia Loomis, Ellen Lubman, Clare McKeon, Fernanda Medina, Gillian Miniter, Heather Mnuchin, Flora Petakas, Rowaida Plumeri, Amelia Prounis, Lauren Day Roberts, Susan Shin, Lauren Shortt, Christian Simonds, Antonia Terjanian, Carmen Torruela, Annabel Vartanian, Jorie Widener, Marcy Warren, Tanya Wells, and Nina Whitman among many others.

Gillian Hearst Simonds and Christian Simonds

Cristina Cuomo

Serena Miniter, Sharon Jacob, Amelia Prounis, and Gillian Miniter

Stacy London

DJ Stef Nava

Lawrence Mitchell, Brian Stewart, and Max Katzman

Alexandra Lebenthal, Serena Miniter, and Gillian Miniter

Lauren Shortt and Tanya Wells

Claudia Lebenthal, Amelia Prounis, and Alexandra Lebenthal

Sharon Jacob and Clare McKeon

Dr. Elizabeth Comen, Cristina Cuomo, and Dr. Dendy Engelman

A week ago Wednesday, March 12th, the New York City Mission Society held the Champions for Children Gala at The Plaza. Valentino D. Carlotti -- a partner in Goldman, Sachs, Jean Shafiroff, and the Founders of the Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem, New York State’s first charter school, Steven and Maureen Klinsky and William Allen were honored. Gala chairs for the evening were Lloyd W. Brown, II,John Moorhead and Stanley Rumbough.

Emcee Bill Ritter from WABCintroduced the society’s Interim Executive Director, Maria Orengo who kicked off proceedings, before each of the honorees were thanked individually by a Youth Ambassador, whose life has been directly influenced by the New York City Mission Society.

Lloyd W. Brown II, Khadim Diop, Isha Kamara, Deja Stewart, Jean Shafiroff, Valentino Carlotti, Nialah Jackson, Minhua Goa, Andy Caceres, and Maria Orengo

Khadim Diop introduced and presented the Community Service Award to the founders of the Sisulu-Walker Charter School, New York State’s first charter school, Steven Klinsky and Minnie Goka. Andy Caceres introduced and presented the Champions for Children Award to Mr. Carlotti, The evening then concluded with New York City Mission Society youth ambassador, Deja Stewart, presenting the CFC Dina Merrill Hartley Award to Jean Shafiroff.

The presentations were followed by dinner and dancing. The Grand Ballroom was beautifully decorated with floral arrangements in the Society’s key colors of green and white, generously donated by Benefit Member, Alix Astir of Trellis Fine Florals. Barclays was a corporate chair and Mercedes-Benz Fragrance provided a bottle of Eau de Toilette for each guest. A silent auction was also held where guest’s submitted bids to win numerous luxury items and experiences, including a four-night stay at the Round Hill Resort of Jamaica as donated by the resort.

Mission Society Youth Ambassadors

Guests included: former Mayor David N. Dinkins, Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Dr. Amelia Ogunlesi, Mark Anthony Edwards, Dawne Marie Grannum, Leah Rumbough, Missy Kilroy, Andy Sforzini, Joseph Fichera, Cole Rumbough, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Brooke Laing, Sharon Bush, Joy Marks, Erik Bottcher, Alix Astir, Geoffrey Bradfield, Lola Ogunnaike, Roy Kean, B. Michael, Ike Ude, Chele Chiavacci, Richard Farley, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Morgan O'Connor, Consuelo Costin, Herb Karlitz,George Ledes, Ann Rapp, Robert Chaloner, Dana Auslander, R. Couri Hay, Christine Schott, Ann Rapp, Roy Kean, Dana Auslander, Dr. Penny Grant, Joyce Isabelle and Nana Eyeson-Akiwowo.

Cole Rumbough and Lucia Hwong Gordon

Kiera Rumbough, Cole Rumbough, Leah Rumbough, and Stanley Rumbough

New York City Mission Society, founded in 1812, is one of the oldest social service agencies in the country. For more than 200 years, they have been helping New York City children, youth, and families break the cycle of poverty to create a cycle of success for generations to come through comprehensive programs that focus on the areas of education, workforce development, prevention, youth development and community building.

The Society owns and operates Minisink Townhouse, a community center in Central Harlem where programs promote academic enrichment, work experience, positive youth development and healthy family relationships. The organization alsopartners with nine public schools year round, including summer and holidays, in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx to provide academic support and enrichment programs.

Throughout its tenure, the New York City Mission Society has maintained its core values of dignity, kindness and respect for every person served, which have helped it become one of New York City’s most effective social services organizations.

Valentino Carlotti

Maureen and Steven Klinsky

Steven Klinsky, Erica Ewing, Michelle Haynes, and Mini Hota

Morgan O'Connor, Kiera Rumbough, and Cole Rumbough

Charles Katherine and Alex Aster

Steven Klinsky, Michelle Haynes, Mayor David Dinkins, Jean Shafiroff, Valentino Carlotti, Maria Orengo, Lloyd Brown, and Derek Steinhauser

Consuelo Costin, Pamela O'Connor, and Morgan O'Connor

Dawne Marie Grannum and Mayor David Dinkins

Oscar Plotkin and Sharon Bush

More than 170 Kravis Center for the Performing Arts supporters gathered recently in the Center's Gimelstob Ballroom for a special event honoring members of the Helen K. Persson Society. The luncheon honored Society members for their confidence, trust and investment in the Kravis Center and featured a presentation by Bernstein Global Wealth Management, sponsors of the event.

Named five years ago for the Kravis Center's ardent supporter, the late Helen Persson, the Society now has 120 members. The recent $5 million dollar gift from the estate of Mrs. Persson brings the value of the Center's Permanently Restricted Endowment Fund to $17.3 million.

Paul and Joanie Van der Grift

Christy and Tim Gannon

Mary Davidson and Mike Hanley

In 2008, Mrs. Persson lent her name to establish the Helen K. Persson Society, recognizing members whose financial commitments to the Endowment will keep the Center fiscally sound for future generations to come. Mrs. Persson was a Life Trustee, who served as a member of the Board of Directors from 1992 to 2007. "Mrs. Persson's thoughtful legacy is an invaluable contribution to the long-term fiscal stability of the Center. The gift from her estate will also allow the Kravis Center to implement new strategies to enhance our donor base and to inspire future gifts to the Center's Endowment which Helen felt was so important," shared Chief Executive Officer Judith Mitchell who then introduced founding Board Chair and Chair of the Center's endowment effort, Alexander Dreyfoos.

The luncheon's guest speakers included Evan Deoul, Senior Managing Director of Bernstein Global Wealth Management. He was joined at the podium by Brian Wodar, National Director of Nonprofit Advisory Services for Bernstein Global Wealth Management, who provided a presentation on "Key Considerations for Donors in 2014."

Steven and Laurie Gottlieb

Becky and Jim Myers

Anne Keresey and Carol McCracken

Society members in attendance at the luncheon included: Dr. Nettie Birnbach, Margaret May Damen, Margaret Donnelley, Renate and Alex Dreyfoos, Debra Elmore, Maureen Gardella, Fruema and Dr. Elliot Klorfein, Elinore Lambert, Harriet Miller, Jane Mitchell, Judy and Jim Mitchell, Evelyn Peterson, Beth Schwartz, Charles Williams and two new members who were honored with a presentation of a commemorative memento, Rachel Sommer and Barbara and Irving Reifler. Also in attendance was Chair of the Kravis Center's Development Committee and Board member, Laurie Silvers.

The Center's newly elected Board Chair, Jane Mitchell, closed the program for the luncheon and shared the following words of gratitude, "The Kravis Center is indeed deeply grateful to the vision of Helen Persson and the generosity of her estate. By lending her name to the endowment effort, she set a shining example of generosity to her community."

Nellie Benoit, Rachel Docekal, and Dani Moore

Kim Lawrie and Vicki Halmos

Peter and Connie Lacaillade

David and Betty Scaff

Muffie and Stephen Murray

Photographs by Patrick McMullan & Jamie Santamour (Carnegie Hall); Corby Kaye's Studio Palm Beach (Kravis); Doug Goodman (Kelly Gang).

An Evening of Chamber Music at Kristy and Jim Clark's Palm Beach home with the Perlman Music Program musicians.

On Saturday, March 8, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) held its seventh annual concert and dinner at Kristy and Jim Clark's Palm Beach home. Co-hosted by Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, and with over 200 arts lovers and philanthropists in attendance, the event honored Toby and Itzhak Perlman's dedication to nurturing the next generation of classical music artists.

"I was inspired when I first met Itzhak and Toby and learned about PMP," said Jim Clark. "I went to Shelter Island, heard some of the concerts, and decided to inspire people in Palm Beach to get behind chamber music. An incredible amount of talent has come through their school – and this is now their 20th year! It's turned into an incredible success." The Clarks pledged to personally match their guests' donations in celebration of PMP's 20th anniversary, continuing their extraordinary and longtime support of the Perlmans' mission.

Bill Koch, Suzanne McDonough, Jim Clark, David Koch, Page Lee Hufty, and Alex Griswold

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. The concert included quartets by Beethoven and a trio by Dohnanyi, presented by violinists Randall Goosby, Mariella Haubs, Alice Ivy-Pemberton, Sean Lee and KJ McDonald; violists Jameel Martin, Frida Oliver and Daniel Orsen; and cellists Gabriel Beigel, Daniel Hass and Sebastian Stoger. The talented and poised young performers introduced each piece and brought the composers to life in their own words.

PMP musicians with Toby and Itzhak Perlman and Kristy and Jim Clark

After the exceptional concert, Jim Clark moderated an informal Q&A with Toby Perlman. Their spirited conversation ranged from the unique way PMP educates and nurtures each child, to the Program's year-round concerts, residencies, and community outreach; and the recent transformation of PMP's historic Shelter Island campus with a state-of-the-art performing arts center endowed by the Clarks. Toby concluded with thanks for Jim and Kristy, Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, and PMP Board members Morgan Stark and Vicki Kellogg, and stressed that helping young musicians realize their gift is a responsibility shared by all. To bring the evening to a rousing close, the guests toasted the incredible music and beautiful weather at a festive dinner under the stars.

Kristy and Jim Clark

Vicki and Chris Kellogg, Itzhak Perlman, and Toby Perlman

Rose Heim and Anthony Kane

Toby and Itzhak Perlman

Emilia Fanjul, Pepe Fanjul, and Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler

Irma L Anapol

Ava Roosevelt and Christopher Twardy

Vicki Kellogg and Catherine Saxton

Barbara Grace, Howard Gottlieb, Marissa Payiavlas, and John Payiavlas

Charlie Schlangen and Elijah Duckworth-Schachter

Eleanora Kennedy, Toby Perlman, and Mary Walker

Dr David Altchek, Anne Altchek, Charles Altchek,and Cynthia Reede

Mary Walker, Katherine Mondadori, Eleanora Kennedy, and Ken Walker

Diane Lokey Farb and Gabriel Dror

Fred and Stephanie Clark

Paul Goldner, Michael Finn, and Sandra Goldner

Georgiana H Yang and Jean Weiner

Alex Griswold, Page Lee Hufty, Pepe Fanjul, Grace Meigher, and Chris Meigher

Morgan Stark and Jim Clark

Anka Palitz and Kristy Clark

General Carter Clarke, Irene Athans, and Marissa Payiavlas

John McTaggart and Nestor Rodriquez

Cindy Anderson and Peter Rock

Bill Koch, William Acquavella, Jim Clark, and David Koch

Peter and Amy Tunney

Pepe Fanjul, Kristy Clark, Lia Reed, Howard Cox, Rudy and Judith Giuliani, Emilia Fanjul, Jim Clark, and Bill Acquavel

Ron Senkirk, Weegie Antle, Kerry Del Rose, and Ken Wyse

Vicki Reynolds, Pat Cook, Robert Nederlander, Brian McIver, and Pamela McIver

Michael Schultz and Hazel Rubin

Kathy and John Giovenco with Barbara and Murray Hazan

Eric Stonestrom, Carter Pottash, and Pam Pantzer

Judi and Rudy Giuliani

Hillie Mahoney, Jim Clark, Kristy Clark, and Stephen de Angelis

Itzhak Perlman, Cynthia Friedman, and Gabriela Dror

Andrews and Anjelika Walker

Bill Koch, Anka Palitz, and Chris Kellogg

On Thursday, March 20, nine premier retailers on Madison Avenue hosted "Shop with the Dancers" receptions, where New York City Ballet (NYCB) company dancers made in-store appearances giving guests the opportunity to engage with the dancers and to celebrate NYCB's 50th Anniversary at Lincoln Center. Proceeds from "Shop with the Dancers" benefited NYCB's Toe Shoe Fund, as a year in pointe shoes costs NYCB $600,000.

Dancers in attendance were Sara Mearns, Megan Fairchild, Jared Angle, Savannah Lowery, Olivia Boisson, Lara Tong, Unity Phelan, Cameron Dieck, Megan Johnson, Stephanie Chrosniak, Emilie Gerrity, and Alina Dronova. As guests traveled up and down the Avenue during "Shop with the Dancers", they could view the dazzling window displays of historic NYCB costumes from Swan Lake, Jewels, Coppelia, and A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Avenue. They were also greeted by Honorary Committee hosts Indre Rockefeller at Tory Burch, Alicia Quarles and William H. Wright at Bally, Maria Cristina-Anzola at Longchamp, Brynn Jinnett at Agent Provocateur, Ann Moore at Mulberry, Sharon Novak and Rachel Mann at Alice + Olivia, Hayley Kucich and Megan Kessler at Kate Spade New York, and Nell Kucich at Schutz Shoes.

"Shop with the Dancers" was a part of a weeklong event called, On Your Toes on Madison Avenue, presented by the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID) from March 15-22. The world's most prestigious retailers including Agent Provocateur, Alice + Olivia, Bally, Barneys New York, Chanel, Kara Ross New York, Kate Spade New York, Longchamp, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren, Schutz Shoes and Tory Burch will raise an estimated $40,000 to benefit New York City Ballet.

Chanel kicked-off the weeklong celebration with a preview cocktail celebration on March 13 at their Madison Avenue store honoring Ballet Master in Chief, Peter Martins and NYCB dancers Faye Arthurs, Olivia Boisson, Claire Kretzschmar, and Unity Phelan. On Saturday, March 15, Barneys New York tempted shoe-lovers, selling keys with a chance to win by unlocking boxes with free designer shoes and tickets to the ballet. Select stores also featured dazzling window displays of historic NYCB costumes from Swan Lake, Jewels, Coppelia, and A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Avenue.

Hilary Palmgren, Jared Angle, Riley Palmgren, and Sara Mearns

Hector Carrasquillo and Johanan Merino

Megan Johnson and Cameron Dieck

Alicia Quarles, Mimmo Mariottini, Unity Phelan, and Olivia Boisson

Mojgan Sobhi, Stephanie Chrosniak, Cathy Paul, Edward Marchese, and Karen Leies

Nell Kucich and Alina Dronova

Fredrick Wodin, Galina Khitrova, and Matthew Bauer

Lydia Haug, Karen Uphoff, Rachel Hamrick, and Brynn Putnam

Savannah Lowery and Brittany Sellers

Harrison Ball, Sharon Novak, Megan Fairchild, and Rachel Mann

Lara Tong, Matthew Bauer, and Indre Rockefeller

Saudeeqah Ali, Krystal Ugo, Josephine Utate, Emilie Gerrity, and Christine Wu

The Heart & Soul Charitable Fund celebrated its 25th Anniversary Auction on Thursday, March 6th at the historic Great Hall of The Cooper Union. Noted documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, twice-nominated for the Academy Award and two-time Emmy Award winner, was presented with the 2014 Forrest Church Award for humanitarian service by Carolyn Buck Luce, in honor of her late husband, Rev. Dr. Forrest Church.

Ken Burns and Carolyn Buck Luce

Heart & Soul was founded in 1988 to raise funds for two long-running meal programs, Monday Night Hospitality and Friday Soup Kitchen, which together serve 28,000 meals annually at All Souls Church. Now 25 years later, it continues to fund these programs in addition to over a dozen Youth Services and Community-Based programs in New York City, including Navigators USA, Girl Scout Troops in East Harlem, New Amsterdam Boys & Girls Choir, TADA! Youth Theater and the Time In Children's Arts Initiative.

The cocktail reception

The Forrest Church Award, named for the late Rev. Dr. Forrest Church, author and humanitarian, 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 Gail McGovern, President and CEO of the American Red Cross; former U.S. President Bill Clinton; Mary Robinson, the former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights; the Hon. Michael Bloomberg, Mayor of New York; and Dr. Paul Farmer, founder of the international health and social justice organization Partners In Health.

George Collins, Mitchel Gray, and Lissa Gundlach

The celebratory evening included Franciacorta from Guido Berluchhi and wines from Vias Imports Ltd., and raised funds through both Live and Silent Auctions featuring Judith Ripka jewelry and art from Time In.

The Live Auction was led by Robbie Gordy of Christie's, with an online auction hosted by charitybuzz.com. The entertaining and inspiring evening raised over $300,000 for more than a dozen community-‐based programs in New York City.

Robin Bossert and George Wing

Zoe Greenbaum and Cyndie Berthezene

Robbie Gordy of Christie's leads the Live Auction

Miles Chapin, Carolyn Buck Luce, and Ken Burns

Steven Richardson

Tiina Blum and Tom Blum, Board Treasurer

Marilyn Collins, Jeff Friedlander, and Marjory Friedlander

Dana Ivey and George Dorsey

Ashley Leutner, Lucy Drummond, Cory Desalvo, and Bethany Merryman

Bill Bechman, Board President, with Pamela Healey and Joshua Lane

Stillman Brown and Meg Raftis

Kirsten Hilleman, Greg Slamowitz , and Paul Jensen

Anthony Sacchetti, Judy Chang, and Nils Hasche-Vasquez

Carol Kirkman Berman and Richard Dottin

Northon Melo and Jamie Hamilton

Bob Gatje and Susan Witter

Robert Kuhbach and Sherrell Andrews

Walter Klauss, Minna Buck, and Helen Buck

Galen Guengerich and Robbie Gordy

Linda Rousseau and Charles Mackenzie

Nicole Orzo and Logan Holzman

Barbara Tober, the Museum of Arts and Design’s Chairman Emerita and Chairman, Global Leadership Council, and Nimesh Kampani, Chairman of the JM Financial Group, were the honorees at the inaugural Giving Back Foundation Gala held Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the Pierre Hotel. Actor/director Phylicia Rashad emceed the event.

The cocktail reception and dinner were followed by a live auction and entertainment with DJ Logic providing the music, with singer Lara Anderson and Bina Menon’s dance troupe from the Kalashri School performing.

Meera Gandhi, CEO and Founder of The Giving Back Foundation, said, “We are truly delighted to honor Barbara Tober and Nimish Kampani. Both Barbara and Nimesh represent the true spirit of “giving back.”

Among the co-chairs were Raymond Bickson; Olympic gold medalist Kristi Yamaguchi; His Highness Maharaja Gajsingh II of Marwar-Jodphur; Chris and Grace Meigher; Deborah Norville; actor Tim Blake Nelson; Hugh Warrender; designer Elizabeth Emanuel; Patricia Valesquez, singer Priyanka Chopra, Arshad Zakaria and many more.

Live auction items were a couture designer outfit by Elizabeth Emanuel; luxurious vacations at the Taj Hotels and Palaces in India and at Elite Island Resorts in the Caribbean; art by renowned artists such as Tarik Currimbhoy; Qadri from Sundaram Tagore Gallery; Kelli Bickman; Parris Jaru and Juan Bernal; a design consultation with interior designer Clodagh; an exclusive handbag from Samia Kamar of London; a designer pet carrier by Emre Erturk of Emre NY; jewelry by Jyoti Singhvi and photographs by Anders Corr and Daniel Aubry.

Phylicia Rashad, Barbara Tober, and Meera Gandhi

The Giving Back Foundation’s mission is education to empower and uplift young people, with a goal to alleviate poverty, illness and suffering, and to support the arts through philanthropy. The Giving Back Foundation, a 501 (3)(C) entity with headquarters in New York and operations in London, Hong Kong and New Delhi, was established in 2010 by Meera Gandhi.

Ajit Hutheesing, Sigrunn Baldvinsdottir, Alex Counts, and Robert Eichfeld

Angela Tafur

Clodagh Aubry and Daniel Aubry

Aria Dandawate and Sanyo Shamsunder

Rev. Timothy Shaw and Meera Gandhi

Susan Gutfreund

Boo Grace

Barbara Elsworth and Lloyd Robinson

Barbara Tober and Chris Meigher

Donna and Dick Soloway

Donald Tober, Susan Fisher, and Chip Fisher

Joya Dass and Meera Gandhi

Ariake Dandawate and Phylicia Rashad

Jyoti Singhvi and Lavina Melwani

Kiran Gandhi and Lara Anderson

Victoria Reese and Kate Loewald

Dr. Young Yang Chung

Phylicia Rashad and Ajit Hutheesing

Christopher Keramadis and Kathleen Durham

Jaswant Lalwani and Monica Sharma

Junia Doan

Photographs by Amber de Vos/PatrickMcMullan.com (Shop with Dancers); AnnieWatt.com (Perlman & Heart & Soul)

Isiah Whitlock Jr., Lieba Nesis, Keytt Lundqvist, Alex Lundqvist, Paul Van Ravenstein, and Pat Cleveland at the premiere of "Dom Hemingway," hosted by The Cinema Society and Links of London.

Last Thursday night, The Cinema Society with Links of London hosted the premiere of Fox Searchlight Pictures'"Dom Hemingway" at the Landmark Sunshine Cinema at 143 East Houston Street. After the screening guests moved to the new (not yet open) Il Principe at Hotel Hugo at 525 Greenwich Street, with Moet & Chandon joining in the hosting.

Attendees from the film included Jude Law, Demian Bichir, Madalina Ghenea, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Kerry Condon, Richard Shepard (writer/director), and Steve Gilula (Co-President, Fox Searchlight Pictures).

Richard Shepard, Jenni Konner, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Other attendees included Lena Dunham, Jonny Lee Miller, Allison Williams, Paul Haggis, Maura Tierney, Karen Elson, Salman Rushdie, Dree Hemingway, Elettra Wiedemann, Ebon Moss, Louisa Krause, Peter Scolari, Dylan Baker, Isiah Whitlock Jr. (The Wire), Sam Underwood (The Following), Valorie Curry (The Following), Ben Shenkman, Sarah Sophie Flicker & Jesse Peretz, Jenna Lyons, Gilles Mendel, Jamie Chung, Duncan Sheik, Casey LaBow, Will Cotton, Stu Zicherman, Peter Cincotti, Pat Cleveland, Mark Seliger, Paul Sculfor, Olivia Palermo & Johannes Huebl, Ann Dexter-Jones, Alex Lundqvist, Elena Foley, Genevieve Jones, Amy Sacco, Robert Dundon (President, Links of London North America), and Cinema Society Founder Andrew Saffir.

Elettra Wiedemann and Robert Dundon

Dree Hemingway

Valorie Curry and Sam Underwood

Paul Haggis

Peter Cincotti

Jude Law and Jonny Lee Miller

Madalina Ghenea, Anca Tiribeja, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Jenna Lyons, Richard Shepard, and Courtney Crangi

Isiah Whitlock Jr. and Dylan Baker

Angela Martini and Alicia Rountree

Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl

Sarah Armenta and Nelly Moudime

Nur Khan, Lauren Flynn, and Sante D'Orazio

Genevieve Jones and Anne Dexter Jones

Amy Sacco

Louisa Krause

Karen Elson and Genevieve Jones

Madalina Ghenea, Demian Bichir, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Missy Brody and Salman Rushdie

Madalina Ghenea, Anca Tiribeja, and Nathan Stewart-Jarrett

Rose Dergan and Will Cotton

Richard Shepard and Maura Tierney

Olivia Palermo and Johannes Huebl

Jude Law and Lena Dunham

Jesse Peretz and Ben Shenkman

Tommy Dunn and Lisa Hayes

Jenna Lyons, Richard Shepard, and Courtney Crangi

Keytt Lundqvist, Alex Lundqvist, and Lieba Nesis

Ebon Moss-Bachrach and Jahim Assa

Morris Moinian, Felice Tedeschi, and Matthew Moinian

Nur Khan, Lauren Flynn, and Sante D'Orazio

Erin Jaffe, Matthew Smith, Kara Larmie, and Daniel Jaffe

Jessica Heath and Simon Spurr

Also last Thursday night, Bailey House held its Annual Gala and Auction, commemorating 31 years of providing cutting edge programs addressing homelessness and poverty among New York City’s most vulnerable citizens affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses.

Each year up to 800 philanthropists representing the arenas of fashion, entertainment, art and design, media and business come together to give back to Bailey House and amplify our efforts to transform the lives and opportunities of low-income New Yorkers.

At the Gala dinner, they honored the heroism of the individuals and organizations who help further Bailey House’s mission. Their storied auction follows the gala and remains one of the hottest parties in town.

NY State Senator Brad Hoylman, James W. Lister, Wanda Hernandez, Jason Walker, Sean Barry, and Joseph Neese

Guests of Honor were Carver Federal Savings Bank (accepted by Michael T. Pugh, President and CEO) with the Rand Harlan Skolnick Corporate Social Responsibility Award; Betsy Lawrence who received the 2014 Arts and Legacy Award; Jason Sheftell (in memoriam) with the 2014 Real Estate Award, and State Senator Brad Hoylman, State Assembly Member Robert Rodriguez, and VOCAL-NY, with the 2014 Rodger McFarlane AIDS Warrior Award.

Hosts for the evening were Tom Postilio and Mickey Conlon stars of HGTV’s Selling New York. Gala and Auction co-chairs were John Douglas Eason and Dan Scheffey. Art Committee co-chairs were Laura Krey and Elizabeth Sadoff, and the auctioneer was Toby Unik of Christie’s.

Mickey Conlon, Tom Postilio, Ray DeForest, Bill Lenio, Eric Doulgas, and Greg Maidman

Brian Marricco, Tom Zhuang, and Bill Lenio

Karen Sheftell and Dan Scheffey

Vicky Papson, Bob Hall, Elayne Jassey, and Arlene Hall

Christian Knaust and Carmen Marc Valvo

Tom Postilio, B, Xavier Bloodstone, Twinkle Montgomery, and Mickey Conlon

Amy Krakow, Terry Murphy, and Elizabeth Sadoff

Thomas Jayne and William Cullum

Laura Krey and Floor Grootenhuis

John Douglas Eason and Paul Podlucky

Kim Smith and Mitch Hecht

Harlan Bratcher, Ricki Roer, and Dan Scheffey

Krishna Stone and David France

David France and Regina Quattrochi

Michael Loccisano, Chanel Korby, and Tom Murro

Phyllis Herz and Andy Herz

Lisa Xavier

Doug Harris and Bill Van Parys

Nico Allen, Rob Tanis-Evon, Marti Gould Cummings, and Sam Lehman

John Wood, Serge Nadeau, Todd Allen, and Ken Castronuovo

Alfredo Paredes, Brad Goldfarb, Regina Quattrochi, David Henry, and Benjamin Hayden

Levi Jackson, Paul Reitz, Alfredo Paredes, and Brad Goldfarb

Alan Tanksley, Elizabeth Sadoff, and Terry Murphy

Harry Dubin and Lizz Ariosto

Caroline Loevner and Jim Darling

Betsy Lawrence

Igor Boyko, Louis Navarrete, and Blake Massad

Mickey Conlon, Richard Rubenstein, Tom Postilio, and Megan Wilson

Alex Huynh and Jamie Ly

Philip Gerson, Arthur Korant, Michael Iodt, and Jeffrey Scott Kirschner

Jonathan Starch, Lizz Ariosto, and David France

Chris Rizzo, Kathy Farrell, Marcus Stinchi, Thomas Ferrell, and Scott Lalley

Nicole Markley, Alan Markley, and Hannah Sorenson

Michael Pugh and Regina Quattrochi

Jacob Jasso, Wilson Villasana, Kimberly Sanchez, John Mitchell, Lauren Acri, and Ed Guerra

Friends In Deed held its Photographers for Friends 2014 Benefit and Auction at downtown's Dream Hotel, where several of today's most influential photographers donated works for the charity auction.

Hosted by co-chair Andy Cohen (Anderson Cooper was unable to attend), the auction managed to raise over $125K in proceeds for Cynthia O'Neal's and Mike Nichols'co-founded charity, Friends In Deed.

Thomas Ragot, Tom Cashin, Nina Tie, Andy Cohen, and Susan Cappa

Photographers present included Patrick Cashin, Carlos Arias, Andrea Blanch, Gene Debartolo, David Croland, Rose Hartman, Pat Kurs, Edward Mapplethorpe, Maripol, Matthew Pillsbury, Billy Sullivan, Coke Wisdom O'Neal, Eric Rhein, and Patrick McMullan donating his famous Area era photograph of Andy Warhol flanked by artists Kenny Scharf and Keith Haring.

Guests included Jill Stuart, who offered support for both the charity and her fellow fashion icons' work on the wall, namely Bruce Weber, Steven Meisel, Inez & Vinoodh, Annie Leibovitz and Terry Richardson. Others among the art and artists included Law & Order actor Raul Esparza, Betty Beauty owner Nancy Jarecki, and Sandra Long.

Anne Livet, Scott Campbell, Billy Sullivan, Amy Sullivan, Tom Cashin, and Jay Johnson

The evening concluded with a live auction by Alexander Gilkes, giving comedically candid critiques of the five artists. Works presented for bidding were by Cindy Sherman, Andy Warhol, Billy Sullivan, Diane Arbus and Robert Mapplethorpe– whose alone sold for just over $10K.

Founded in 1991, Friends In Deed is a support focused charity offering those diagnosed with life-threatening or terminal illness the emotional and spiritual support that hospitals today struggle to give. If you would like to find out more, or donate, visit www.friendsindeed.com.

Emily Upton, Patrick Cashin Jr., Brock Forsblom, and Georgia McElveen

Donna Hauser, Patrick Cashin, and Suzanne O'Halloran

Phil Gebbia, Tom Cashin, Cynthia O'Neal, Jay Johnson, Andrew Cashin, Patrick Cashin, and Patrick Cashin Jr.

Brad Goldfarb, Scott Campbell, and Alfredo Paredes

Gene Debartolo, Sandra Long, Joost de Muinck, and Jill Stuart

Valerie Reardon and Cynthia O'Neal

Marc Levine, Cynthia O'Neal, and Philip Laffey

Pat Kurs and Rose Hartman

Edward Mapplethorpe, Michelle Yun, Amy Sullivan, Cynthia O'Neal, Robert Levithan, Eric Rhein, and Tom Lampson

Jill Stuart and Joost de Muinck

Billy Diesel and Laura Beckwith

Carlos Arias, Pat Kurs, Jay Johnson, and Phil Gebbia

Paul Ukena, Rima Vargas-Vetter, and Temo Callahan

Greg Johnson and Cynthia Burke

Ashley Leutner, Holly Greenfield, Alexander Gilkes, and Delania Momper

Bethany Merryman, Timothy Malyk, and Delania Momper

Jaqueline Fouasnon and Jaclyn Stapp

Bonnie Abrams, Kimball Higgs, Brigid Walsh, Jay Johnson, and Susan Cappa

Michele Esparza, Ra˙l Esparza, Susan Penzner, Joost de Muinck, and Susan Cappa

Veken Gueyikian, Dave Harper, and Hrag Vartanian

Nancy Jarecki

Louie Chaban, Cynthia O'Neal, Susan Penzner, and Billy Sullivan

Matthew Pillsbury, Louie Chaban, Billy Sullivan, and Jay Johnson

Arthur Krystofiak, Drew Hodges, Michel Botbol, and Peter Kukielski

Christopher Lockhart and Robert Levithan

Maripol, Anne Livet

Brian Sturgill, Courtney Wade, Chris Nester, and Jaclyn Stapp

On March 19th, Joan and George Hornig hosted the third of four Sundance Institute Theatre Club events: a private dinner for 22 guests at Chez Josephine in New York with special guest Liesl Tommy, director of the acclaimed play Appropriate by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, and Sundance Institute Artist Trustee. The Theatre Club features private events showcasing projects supported by the Institute's Theatre Program now on stage in New York.

Margaret Crotty Riggs, Clint Ramos, Philip Himberg, and Christopher Hibma

Written by playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, winner of the 2013 Sundance Theatre Institute Tennessee Williams Award, Appropriate centers on the estranged members of the Lafayette clan who have returned to Arkansas and their crumbling old plantation home to settle the accounts of their recently deceased patriarch. As they sort through a lifetime of hoarded mementos and junk, the discovery of a gruesome relic and a surprise visitor send the family into a spiral of crackling confrontations, repressed histories, and regret.

The fourth Theatre Club in this season is When We Were Young and Unafraid by Sarah Treem and starring Cherry Jones (June 19, 2014). All productions were developed through the support of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program.

Dinner at Chez Josephine

Guest included founding members of the Theatre Club including business and cultural leaders and philanthropists: Leslie A. Cornfeld, Margaret Crotty, Linda Gelfond, Joan and George Hornig, Jane and David Preiser, Richard T. Prins, and Connie Steensma.

Also present at dinner Appropriate director Liesl Tommy and Philip Himberg, Artistic Director of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program; Christopher Hibma, Producing Director of the Sundance Institute Theatre Program; and guests Kat Lo, Alice Lustig, Patty Marx, Laura Moore, Annie Kauffman, Judy Cohen, Lisa Schermerhon, Liz Welch and Clint Ramos.