New York Social Diary - Party Pictures

Quest magazine's 25th Anniversary soiree at Doubles.

Wednesday night at Doubles, the private club in the Sherry, Chris Meigher, the owner/publisher of Quest, and Heather Cohane, the magazine's founder, along with DPC hosted a party celebrating the 25th Anniversary issue of the magazine. More than 200 attended, including Mayor Bloomberg and Diana Taylor.

Lisa Pfeifer, Chris Meigher, Chuck Pfeifer, Mayor Bloomberg, Diana Taylor, and Grace Meigher

Stan Ponte, Randall Gianopulos, and Mario Buatta

Jack Lynch and Nina Reeves

Patricia Burnham and Bill Brock

Christopher Mason

Amy Fine Collins

Dennis O'Connor, James Logatto, and Barbara Kataisto

Kathy Rayner, Michel Witmer, and Sabrina Forsythe

Marilyn White and Sharon Hoge

Michelle Lemunya, Robert Hughes, RImma Doubinskara, and Jackie Weisman

Linda Argila and Henry Buhl

Michel Witmer, Sharon Bush, and Sylvester Miniter

Ken Derry, Chuck Pfeifer, Lisa Pfeifer, and John Mosley

Kristina Matson and DPC

Mark Rosen and Arlene Dahl

Jose Pincay, Kate Edmonds Donner, and CeCe Black

Ale Meskita, Jim Mitchell, Matt Marco, Gloria Disnam, and Ada Zawbetti

Barbara Tober and DPC

Frederica Tompkins and Evelyn Tompkins

Janna Bullock and Kate Edmonds Donner

CeCe Cord, R. Couri Hay, and Iris Love

Wendy Carduner and CeCe Black

Barbara and Kevin McLaughlin with Jeannie Lawrence

John and Ingrid Connelly with John Castle

Richard Steinberg, Wendy Sarasohn, and Kathy Sloane

Daisy Soros and Muffie Potter Aston

Wendy Lehman Vanderbilt and Roy Kean

Kristina Matson, Delia Reche Kelly, and Niall Smith

Melinda Blinken with Chris and Grace Meigher

Melinda Blinken and Jackie Drexel

Anne Hargrave and Peachy Deegan

Don Burns and Greg Connors

Muffy Potter Aston, Karl Wellner, and Deborah Norville

Jeff and Liz Peek with Mark Gilbertson

Richard Steinberg and R. Couri Hay

Jim Logatto and Barbara Kataisto

Lisa Simonson and Howard Lorber

Sylvester and Gillian Miniter

Si Anthony, Howard Cox, and John McCloy

Geoffrey Bradfield and Amy Hoadley

Elyse Newhouse and Gillian Miniter

Julie Weindling and Phil Geier

Ellery and Marjorie Reed Gordon

Michael and Eleanora Kennedy

Kevin and Barbara McLaughlin with Michael Scully

Bob and Beth Hardwick

James Borynack and Billy Harbach

Dr. and Mrs. Michael Rosenbluth

Justin Concanon and Roric Tobin

Jean Shafiroff

Alexandra Lebenthal

Alex Donner and Lisa Simonson

John and Martha Glass

Geoffrey Bradfield and Heather Cohane

Elizabeth Peabody and Cole Rumbough

Lee and CeCe Black

Lily Hoagland, Mayme Hackett, and Gigi Benson

Cole Rumbough and Gregory Speck

Christine Biddle and Alex Donner

Alex Dube and Anka Palitz

Lisa McCarthy and Stephen Kong

Heather Cohane and Paul Beirne

Francis Hayward and Lionel Larner

JH schooling DPC

Michel Witmer, Dr Annette Rickell, and Lee Black

Edmundo Huerta, Grace Meigher, and Eric Javits.

Si Anthony, Grace Meigher, and Tony Manning

Grace Meigher and Amanda Meigher

Brian Stewart and Stephanie Krieger

Tatiana and Thorne Perkin

Peter Lyden, Cornelia Guest and Michael Schoen

John Demsey and Alison Mazzola

Dori Cooperman, John Mosley, and Lisa Pfeifer

Caroline Dean

CeCe Black and Nina Griscom

Denise Deluca, Daniel Morales and Kate Hemphill

Leslie Stevens

Peter Webster and Mary Hilliard

Jeanne Lawrence, Mai Harrison, and Stephanie Stokes

Photographs byANNIEWATT.COM

Galerie des Cerfs at French Heritage Society's 30 Anniversary with a Gala Dinner and Ball at the Château de Fontainebleau near Paris.

On Saturday, October 13, French Heritage Society (FHS) celebrated its 30 Anniversary with a Gala Dinner and Ball at the beautiful and legendary Château de Fontainebleau near Paris. The Gala extravaganza followed a week-long trip through Gascony in Southwestern France (Toulouse to Biarritz) on the theme of The Three Musketeers! The trip ended when all returned to Paris to enjoy exclusive and private events which preceded the Gala, including an extravagant brunch at the Paris Town Hall, sponsored and decorated by Hermès’ new “Petit h” brand, with support from the Banque Transatlantique.

This chic and delectable brunch included a concert by France’s very own legendary Garde Républicaine playing both countries’ national anthems for the first time ever for a non-Head of State function in the Hôtel de Ville!

Hotel de Ville Brunch

Soon after brunch, guests headed off to the Gala which was held under the High Patronage of His Excellency Monsieur François Delattre, Ambassador of France to the United States, and The Honorable Charles H. Rivkin, Ambassador of the United States to France, as well as a prestigious Honorary Committee, headed by Chairman Monsieur Louis Giscard d’Estaing, and Vice-Chairmen Ms. Anne Cox Chambers and Mr. and Mrs. Stephen A. Schwarzman.

Table setting at Fontainebleau Gala

Approximately 240 of the most generous and dedicated American and French patrons of FHS gathered in France to show their support of the organization’s 30 years of achievement. All were brought together in the Château for a once in a lifetime dinner and ball, including FHS Chairman Elizabeth F. Stribling of New York; and President Denis de Kergorlay, Founding President Michèle le Menestrel-Ullrich, and President Emeritus Princess Marie-Sol de la Tour d’Auvergne all of Paris, to enjoy the exquisite four- course dinner especially prepared by the renowned three-star chef Eric Frechon of Hôtel Le Bristol, Paris, who donated his talents to French Heritage Society for the evening!

Before dinner, guests were welcomed by Château President Jean-François Hebert who exuberantly thanked French Heritage Society for holding one of their Anniversary parties at Fontainebleau (with dinner in the celebrated and awe-inspiring Galerie des Cerfs (Deer Gallery) which had not seen such a grand affair literally in centuries!) Just before dinner, guests had the opportunity to view a magnificent fireworks display overlooking the sprawling gardens of the Château, complete with a stunning and mesmerizing “pyroconcert”.

Fireworks in the Garden of Diane at Fontainebleau

Guests watching fireworks

French Heritage Society was founded in 1982 to provide a two way street for Americans and French to share their love of historic architecture. FHS has contributed to over 500 restoration grants and helped secure approximately $18.5 million dollars for historic monuments, buildings and gardens in every department in France and to properties in the United States that reflect France’s historic influence. FHS has intervened after numerous natural disasters such as the 1999 storms in France and Hurricanes Hugo and Katrina in the U.S. FHS also organizes unique student internship opportunities in both countries and offers enriching cultural trips in France and the U.S. for its members. There are 13 Chapters in the United States and one in Paris. As one of its many 30th Anniversary grants, French Heritage Society made sure to include a fundraising campaign for the restoration of the historic Pavillon de l’Étang (Pond Pavilion) at the Château de Fontainebleau. FHS hopes to raise $60,000 for this grant.

Dinner

Gala guests

Princess de Lietchenstein, Denis de Kergorlay, and Jean Astrop

David Sadroff, and Joan and Mike Kahn

Nancy and Gerald Gehman

Jean Francois Hebert, Elizabeth Stribling, and Philippe Lalliot

Fontainebleau President Jean Francois Hebert, FHS Chairman Elizabeth Stribling and FHS President Denis de Kergorlay

Duc de Choiseul Praslin, Kazie Harvey, Comtesse Dominique de Roquefeuil et du Bousquet, John C. Harvey, Duchesse de Choiseul Praslin, and Comte Dominique de Roquefeuil

Guy N. Robinson and Elizabeth F. Stribling

Bill and Ann Van Ness

Norene and George Peck

Astrid Stanfield Pinel, Marie Sol de La Tour dAuvergne, Elizabeth Stribling, Denis de Kergorlay, Michele le Menestrel Ullrich, and Sarah de Lencquesaing

Jean Shafiroff, Juan Pablo Molyneux, and CeCe Black

Michel and Odile de Schietere Longchampt

Henry and Carla Darlinton,Baronne Bernard d’Anglejan Chatillon, and Jay Paul

On Wednesday, November 28th, New Yorkers For Children (NYFC) hosted Wrap to Rap presented by Valentino USA. At this annual event benefitting youth in foster care, Valentino USA and NYFC Board and Friends Committee members joined 75 teens in foster care to wrap 1,000 gifts for younger children in care as DJ D-Nice spun hip hop and holiday classics. The wrapped presents will be distributed by the Administration for Children’s Services to children in foster care throughout New York City.

In addition to providing much needed holiday gifts for children in need, Wrap to Rap also serves as a reminder to teens in foster care of the importance of volunteerism and giving back to their communities. As the Presenting Sponsor of Wrap to Rap, Valentino USA employees volunteered at the event in lieu of hosting their own holiday party. Additional sponsors include: The Ainsworth, Baked by Melissa, Fiji Water and Paige Management.

Niholas Scoppetta, Susan Burden, and Susan Magazine

The Board of Directors and Friends Committee of New Yorkers For Children (NYFC), along with youth in foster care, hosts Justin Tuck (NY Giants Defensive End and 2012 NYFC Nicholas Scoppetta Child Welfare Award Honoree) and Lauran Tuck (NYFC Board Member), Valentino USA, and special guests, including Susan Burden, Nicholas Scoppetta, Valentino USA President Wendy Kahn, Rory Hermelee, Allison Aston, Megan Bowman Gray, Lise Evans, Zani Gugelmann, Marisa Brown, Paul Kanavos and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, Susan Shin, Elisabeth Noel Jones, Victor Kubicek, Julie Macklowe, Amy McFarland, Ayla and Antonio Farnos, Alison Harmelin, Brian Mazza, Lauran Kenny, Susan Gilroy, Vanessa Weiner von Bismarck, and DJ D-Nice, among others.

Justin and Lauran Tuck

Antonio and Ayla Farnos with Vanessa Bismarck

Colleen Kennedy and Tory Heinz

Richard Heaten and Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos

Amy McFarland, , Elisabeth Noel Jones, and Allison Aston

Rory Hermelee, Zani Gugelmann, Allison Aston, and Elisabeth Jones

Susan Gilroy, Nicholas Scoppetta, and Lauran Tuck

Victor Kubicek, Megan Gray, and Susan Magazine

Melissa Kinsella and Amy McFarland

Susan Magazine and Alison Brod

Lise Evans

Brian Mazza and Brian Drayson

For the last time, the Parrish Art Museum’s much anticipated Thanksgiving weekend shopping extravaganza, Parrish Presents, took place at 25 Jobs Lane, the former home of the much loved arts institution in the Village of Southampton. The preview cocktail party on Friday always draws a lovely mix from the Hamptons, Connecticut, Palm Beach and summer colony folks who return for one last holiday weekend on the East End.

Now that the Parrish has officially installed its collections in its stunning new Watermill home, the only works on display were several Renaissance paintings from the collection of Samuel L. Parrish for whom the museum is named.

Seasoned veterans lined up early, greeted old friends before making a mad dash for the thrift shop rooms in the onetime Petrie Center for Education to pore over the incredible antiques, furniture, estate jewelry, window treatments, crystal, heirloom silver and more available for a fraction of their price thanks to generous donors. Within moments rugs were being rolled up, crystal gently wrapped and Sold tags start appearing like mushrooms after a rain. One savvy buyer scored a complete set of vintage Rosenthal China for a mere $75. Still another looking forward to next summer nabbed a complete set of patio furniture for $150! Sharp-eyed interior designers made quick judgments and could be heard calling clients to approve purchases of antique lamps and silk pillows.

Authors Caroline Rob Zaleski, Annie Falk, Kathleen King, and Tom Wolfe

In the main galleries, the Gift Bazaar featured a wide range of luxury items from such specialty merchants as Gail Toma, Antique Rug Galleria, Artikay Cashmere, Cabochon Jewelry, Gail Toma, Graphic Image/Gigi New York, The Handmaid’s Tale, Isabelle K. Jewelry, J. Hilburn & Kathy G., LSC Designs Fine & Estate Jewelry. Lynch’s Garden Center, and Peauchette.

The silent auction was a dizzying array of luxury items and one of a kind experiences. Items that drew fierce bidding over the three day bazaar were golf excursions at the top Hamptons clubs, dinner at famed chef Tom Colicchio's restored Topping Rose Inn; a chance to sit on the aisle with NY Times critic Ben Brantley at a Broadway preview; lunch with Harper's Bazaar publisher Carol Smith& a top editor; VIP Passes to the 23rd Art Miami & the inaugural CONTEXT Art Miami Dec 4 - 9 & the exclusive Preview Reception and the always popular & impossible to secure dinner reservation's at New York's famed Rao's.

Julie Krupnick, Cee Scott Brown, and Lauren Krupnick

A major highlight of the event is the book signing by celebrated Hamptons authors. This year’s book signing event included Annie Falk, Palm Beach Entertaining: Creating Occasions to Remember; Kathleen King, Tate’s Bake Shop: Baking for Friends and Tate’s Bake Shop: Baking with Kids; Caroline Rob Zaleski, Long Island Modernism 1930-1980 and the legendary Tom Wolfe, Back to Blood.

The Art of Eating provided elegant hors d'oeuvres and Niche Imports and Southampton Publick House supplied the libations to fuel the shoppers. Among those happily searching for holiday gifts that would also benefit the Parrish were Melanie and John Wambold, Gary and Katherine Andreassen with their gorgeous daughters Elizabeth and Alexandra, Jean and Martin Shafiroff, Lucia Hwong Gordon with her three lovely children; actress and filmmaker Anna Wilding and her beau restoration architect James Sved, who also publishes Herald de Paris , interior designer Lutfi Yilmaz, celebrated portrait artist Zita Davisson, author and architect Gary Lawrance, veteran Parrish chair Debbie Bancroft and husband Bill, Tony Vargas, producer of TV's Hampton's Main-Street, Mildred C. Brinn, Cee Scott Brown, Nancy Stone, Lyn Hamer, Denise Borschein, Christopher Arnold, Helen Matsos, choreographer Patricia Birch with daughter restaurateur Alison Price Becker, Joy Marks and Leif Bringelsmark, art dealer Tulla Booth, Phillip Kassover and hundreds more.

Terrie Sultan (Parrish Executive Director)

Tommy Wolfe

Tom Wolfe

James Sved and Anna Wilding

Sonia Sakhi

Jack Cowell

Cricket Burns, Lisa Arnold, Ann and Susan Madonia

Julie, Isabelle and Lauren Krupnick

Jean and Martin Shafiroff

Erin Lynch and Sonika Nanda

John Bjornen, Kendell Cronstrom, and Alejandro Saralegui

Oliver Longwell, Connie Dunham, and Alicia and Dennis Longwell

Henry Kohler with Event Co-chairs Lisa Crawford, and John Bjornen

Melanie Wambold and Debbie Bancroft

Sheila O'Malley Fuchs

Leif Bringsli Marks, Gregory Speck, and Gary Lawrance

Photographs by Luc Castel (French Heritage); Richard Lewin (Parrish).

Georgina Schaeffer and friends outside the Brick Presbyterian Church to celebrate the annual lighting of the Park Avenue Trees.

A light rain did nothing to deter thousands from gathering outside the Brick Presbyterian Church on Park Avenue last Sunday to celebrate the annual lighting of the Park Avenue Trees.

The tradition of lighting trees on Park Avenue began in 1945 when Mrs. Stephen C. Clark and a group of friends decided to light 10 trees as their way of paying homage to the military men and women who lost their lives defending the United States in World War II. Over the years, the number of trees has grown to 104 and the trees now honor all fallen soldiers.

The trees are always illuminated on the evening of the first Sunday in December following a ceremony that both celebrates the original meaning of the lights and serves as an unofficial kick-off to the holiday season.

Under the aegis of The Fund for Park Avenue, the Tree Lighting continues each year because of the contributions that The Fund receives from the community. We have over 1300 individuals, foundations and Park Avenue buildings to thank for making last year's lighting possible. And, it's not too late to make a contribution in support of the 2012 Tree Lighting (visit www.fundforparkavenue.org).

While many take part in the ceremony, others celebrate privately or at parties up and down the avenue. Local businesses also get into the act. On Sunday afternoon, the J. McLaughlin shop in Carnegie Hill hosted an open house and donated a percentage of their proceeds to The Fund. Guests shopped, sipped hot cocoa and met up with friends before walking over to the ceremony. Eleni’s Cookies in Carnegie Hill is now running a promotion and will be donating $1 to The Fund for every tree cookie sold between now through December 15th. Restaurants such as Island and Swifty’s also donated a percentage of proceeds from their evenings’ business.

Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney

Jeanne Lawrence

Jay McLaughlin

Councilwoman Jessica Lappin and Barbara McLaughlin

Barbara McLaughlin, Jack Lynch, and Marcia Schaeffer

Jeff Hansen, Barbara McLaughlin, and Hugh McLaughlin

John and Martha Glass

Brooke and Avery Egerton-Warburton, and Ava Humphrey

Ann Fisher

Doug and Deborah Goodman

Mikel Witte and Pat Doherty

Victoria and Teddy Kempner

Clifford and Ralph Harvard

After Taps was played, electricians hired by The Fund, fanned out along the Avenue lighting each tree by hand. But the following evening, time clocks took over that responsibility. For the ceremony, Park Avenue was closed for several blocks to accommodate the crowds. When the ceremony ended, people lingered — enjoying the festive atmosphere, catching up with friends and neighbors and taking photographs of the lit trees. It was a very special evening and no one wanted to see it end.

Reverend Lindvall

John and Karen Klopp

Pat and Stephen Attoe

Maggie Norris

The Carey Family

Taps

On Tuesday, November 27, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) hosted its 2012 Visionaries! Gala, celebrating four individuals – titans of creativity, standard bearers in the luxury, fragrance, and design industries, whose work personifies the Museum’s mission to examine contemporary creativity across all media:

• Sophia Grojsman of International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) – a legendary perfumer who has created some of the most classic and iconic fragrances in the world.
• Karyn Khoury of The Estée Lauder Companies – one of the most influential and
indelible fragrance developers of our time.
• Joyce and Maya Romanoff of the Maya Romanoff Corporation – celebrated designers and entrepreneurs and leaders of innovative wall coverings and surfacing materials that bring great design into our daily lives.

2012 Visionaries awards

The Visionaries! Awards recognize leaders in the worlds of business, arts, philanthropy and creativity. The Gala’s theme was Scent in honor of MAD’s current exhibition, The Art of Scent, the first museum exhibition to explore the design and aesthetics of olfactory art.

The Visionaries! Gala is the Museum’s most important annual fundraiser supporting
MAD’s exhibitions and educational programs. Proceeds are directed to the support of
MAD’s arts education program. This year MAD expects to serve nearly 10,000 children, grades K-12, and from mostly underserved communities.

Awardees Maya and Joyce Romanoff (center) with fellow Awardees Karyn Khoury and Sophia Grojsman

Awardee Karyn Khoury (Estee Lauder) with her husband Stephen Kopach

Awardee Karyn Khoury (Estee Lauder) with Nicolas Mirzayantz (IFF) and Awardee Sophia Grojsman (IFF)

Awardees Maya and Joyce Romanoff surrounded by family and studio colleagues

MAD director Holly Hotchner and her guest Franklin Silverstone

Awardee Joyce Romanoff with guests Tom Marchisotto and Deborah Herman, and Awardee Maya Romanoff

Laura Kruger, MAD Board chair Lewis Kruger and guest Patricia Specter

MAD board chair emerita Barbara Tober with guests Barbara Regna and Laura Romanoff

Nicolas Mirzayantz (IFF) and Awardee Karyn Khoury (Estee Lauder)

MAD board chair emerita Barbara Tober and Awardee Karyn Khoury (Estee Lauder)

MAD board chair Lewis Kruger with guests Nancye Green and Michael Donovan

Awardee Karyn Khoury Estee Lauder) with Pascal Gaurin (IFF)

Jane Hertzmark Hudis and Marianne Dioro, both of Estee Lauder

MAD board member Carolee Friedlander, MAD director Holly Hotchner and auctioneer Jennifer Vorbach

Awardee Karyn Khoury (Estee Lauder) with Sarra Dadoul and Mehdi Lisi

Awardee Karyn Khoury, MAD board chair emerita Barbara Tober, Leonard Lauder

MAD director Holly Hotchner and auctioneer Jennifer Vorbach

Stephen Burks, Sabine Rothman and David Weeks

Ron & Robyn Winnegrand with Karen & Stephen Kopach

Auctioneer Jennifer Vorbach and MAD board member Jerry Chazen

Ate Atema and MAD board member Angela Sun

Ann Kaplan, Barbra Dobkin, and Lori Ordover

Nicolas Mirzayantz, Trudi Loren, Pascal Guerin, and Carl Hancy

The 26th Annual Miracle on Madison Avenue festivities kicked-off with the first annual Holiday lighting ceremony on November 29, 2012. Muffie Potter Aston, Miracle on Madison Avenue Chairman joined by Annette Rickel, President of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, had the honor of flipping the switch to ignite the holiday spirit in front of The Carlyle hotel at 35 East 76th Street. Madison Avenue's "shooting stars" were specially designed for the 34 street lampposts illuminating the 29 shopping blocks between 57th and 86th Streets and the famed dome on The Carlyle was a holiday beacon of red, white and blue.

Muffie Potter Aston and Matthew Bauer

The scene outside the Carlyle

After the lighting, a kick-off reception for over 100 members of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and guests resumed at The Carlyle ballroom. The celebration also kicked-off Miracle on Madison Avenue taking place on Saturday, December 1 to benefit the Society of MSKCC. In attendance were Miracle on Madison Avenue Chairman, Muffie Potter Aston, Annette Rickel, President of The Society of MSKCC, Matthew A. Bauer, President of the Madison Avenue Business Improvement District (BID), Grace Hightower De Niro, Somers Farkas, Coco Kopelman, Kamie Lightburn, Bettina Zilkha, Leslie Jones, Vera Safai and Eleanora Kennedy.

Matthew Bauer, Muffie Potter Aston, Annette Rickel, and Aniello Musella

Over 60 of the world’s premiere retailers and businesses on Madison Avenue between 57th and 86th Streets donated 20% of sales (with a maximum contribution of $15,000 per retailer) on the official Miracle onMadison Shopping Day on Saturday, December 1to The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to benefit the Pediatric Family Housing Endowment. This initiative pays for overnight stays at nearby accommodations when children and their families come for treatment at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center’s renowned Pediatric Department and are unable to afford this expense themselves. Since its inception 26 years-ago, Miracle on Madison Avenue has raised 7.7 million dollars. The roster of brands contributing this year included: Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Fred Leighton, Max Mara, Georg Jensen, La Perla and Coach.

Bettina Zilkha, Eleanora Kennedy, Annette Rickel, and Muffie Potter Aston

Annette Rickel and Matthew Bauer

Athena Liu and Elizabeth Kurpis

Coco Kopelman, Leslie Jones, and Vera Safai

Kate Pickett, Annette Rickel, and Kate Allen

Robin Joseph, Michele Gerber Klein, and Kamie Lightburn

Summer Farkas, Muffie Potter Aston, and Grace Hightower De Niro

Victoria Vought, Anna Burke, and Sarah Powers

The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation (CCBF) hosted its annual “Breakthrough Ball” on Thursday evening, November 15, 2012 in the exquisite grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. A stunning success, the evening raised $1.2 million to treat the thousands of children suffering from cancer and blood disorders at the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center.

Dr. James Bussel, Denise Ilitch, and Dr. David Lyden

CCBF presented the coveted “Breakthrough Spirit” award to Denise Ilitch, Esq., President of Ilitch Enterprises and Publisher of Ambassador Magazine. Ms. Ilitch and her family are renowned for their tireless advocacy on behalf of children across the country, and CCBF proudly recognized these efforts. Alongside Ms. Ilitch, Physician-Scientists Dr.James Bussel and Dr.David Lyden received the “Medical Breakthrough” award for their remarkable research and continued efforts in treating children with cancer and blood diseases. Incredibly deserving of this honor, Dr. Bussel’s most recent discovery of a treatment for alloimmune thrombocytopenia has helped to save thousands of children’s lives. Dr. Lyden’s landmark breakthrough in the fight against cancer made him the ideal recipient of this award as his research has major implications for improved prognosis and treatment, bringing the medical community closer to a cure.

Dr. James Bussel, Dr. Charlotte Cunningham-Rundles, Dr. Brian Lamon, Dr. Agnes Lamon, Barri Lieberman, and Les Lieberman

The Foundation welcomed back master of ceremonies, Charles Grodin and new Gala Co-Chairs, Muffie Potter Aston, Buddy Valastro, Heather Robinson and Nancy Shaw Raquet, who shared their talents with a distinguished and dedicated Board and Committee. Benjamin Doller, Vice President, Sotheby’s led a hugely successful live auction featuring a once-in-a-lifetime VIP Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees Season Opener Experience for eight guests, Super Bowl XLVII Tickets and a Hamptons Golf Package with tee-offs at the most exclusive and highly rated courses. The evening concluded with a spectacular performance by Atlantic Recording Artist Rumer. To the crowds delight, the British songstress performed songs from her acclaimed albums, “Seasons of My Soul” and “Boys Don’t Cry.”

Les Lieberman, Barri Lieberman, Dr. Lauren Pecorino, and Dr. David Lyden

CCBF has helped the Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology of NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center grow into one of the top centers of its kind, treating more than 1,000 children in over 10,000 clinic visits each year. NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital is the only tri-state-area children's hospital listed on the 2011-12 U.S. News and World Report Honor Roll, and the hospital ranks in the nation's top ten for pediatric care.

Lauren Williams, Devon Ericksen, and Nicole Knudson

Roberto Enrich, Pat Sorenson, and Will Vega

Tiffany Moller and Elizabeth Harned

Trish Iervolino, Denis Hurley, Susan Hurley, and Lisa Middleton

Scott Haggart, Isabel Kallman, and Kara Bohnenstiel

Craig Kallman, Michael Kushner, and Bob Roth

John Starks and Larry Johnson

David Sherman

Jeff Goldberger, Jarrett Posner, Peter Marsh, Pam Posner, and Erika Marsh

Ron Iervolino, John Cook, and Nancy Raquet

Barbara and Mike Kowalski

Heather and Cliff Robinson

Photographs by Annie Watt (Park Avenue Trees); Ric Kallaher (MAD)

Christopher Spitzmiller, Emily Leonard, Cindy Ketchum, Heather Georges, Dana Schiff, Kamie Lightburn, Margot Takian, Kathy Prounis, and Kristen Swenson at Lenox Hill Neighborhood House's Associates Committee "Celebrate the Neighborhood" annual benefit.

Last Wednesday evening, Lenox Hill Neighborhood House Associates Committee held its "Celebrate the Neighborhood" annual fall benefit. The evening kicked off with cocktails at Armani, 5th Avenue and 56th Street, followed by dinner and dancing at the Racquet and Tennis Club.

Heather and Andrew Georges; Cindy and Stephen Ketchum; Emily and Richard Leonard; Kamie and Richard Lightburn; Kathy and Othon Prounis; Dana and Scott Schiff; Christopher Spitzmiller; Kristen and Michael Swenson; and Margot and Randy Takian served as the evening's Chairmen.

Jennifer Powers, Susan and Michael O'Neal, and Ashley Whittaker

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, widely recognized as one of New York’s premier nonprofit organizations, is a 118-year-old settlement house that provides an extensive array of effective and integrated human services—social, educational, legal, health, housing, mental health, nutritional and fitness—which significantly improve the lives of 20,000 people in need each year, ages 3 to 103, on the East Side of Manhattan.

Othon and Kathy Prounis

Cindy Ketchum, Heather Georges, and Dana Schiff

Redmond Ingalls and Missey Condie

Geoffrey Bradfield and Emily Leonard

Kathy Angele and guests

Othon and Kathy Prounis

Cindy Ketchum, Heather Georges, and Dana Schiff

Redmond Ingalls and Missey Condie

Christopher Spitzmiller and David Duncan

Romaine Orthwein, David Gutterman, and Fawn Galli

Justin Concannon and Roric Tobin

Stewart Manger and Kristen Swenson

Mary Van Pelt and John Royall

Barbara and Peter Regna

Henry and Whitney Topping

Scott and Aleksandra Cragg

Mark Gilbertson and Vicky Ward

Randy and Margot Takian

Caroline Dean

Lindsey Harper and friend

Allison and Robert Hennessy

Lydia Tower, Lucy Phillips, and Alison Minton

Suzanne Johnson and Oliver Brown

On Tuesday, December 4, 2012, the Young New Yorkers for the Philharmonic gathered for their annual Winter Benefit. 240 guests attended and more than $87,000 was raised for the Philharmonic. The evening began with a cocktail reception and a raffle drawing at Milly and concluded with dinner and dancing at Doubles.

Philharmonic Executive Director Matthew VanBesien welcomed guests and introduced Philharmonic musicians Philip Smith and Joseph Alessi who gave a festive chamber performance.

Benefit Committee Chairmen for the event were Jason and Mary Dillow, Christopher George, Sarah Jane and Trevor Gibbons, Laura and Ben Harris, Sandra L. Kozlowski, Blair and Edouard Métrailler, Stefan Nowicki, Mae R. Rogers, Stephanie A. Sirota, and Jill Yankaskas and Christopher Wight.

Alice Campbell and Stefanos Kasselakis

Barbara and Peter Regna

Andre Kelleners and friends

Ben Stapleton, Connie Brown, and Jason Dillow

Blair Metrailler, Chris Breck, Edouard Metrailler, and Tatiana Perkin

Catherine Saunders, Matthew VanBeisen, Alexandra Porter, and Alexandra Wagle

Chappy and Melissa Morris with NYP Timpanist Kyle Zerna

Christopher Wight, Jill Yankaskas, and Courtney Benenson

Christopher and Merrill Mahan

Courtney Gerwin and Brandon Parks

Elyse Kim, Justin Kush, and Andrea Kim

Kate Bradbury and Lindsey Harper

Mae Rogers and John Heywood

Kelechi Odu and friend

Kirby Taylor and Henry Bodmer

Mark Castellano, Bernard Markey, and Mark Gilbertson

Mary Dillow, Jason Dillow, Mike Roth, and Nikou Zeller

Matan Eden and Fatima Sanandaji

Michelle Smith

Matthew VanBesien with NYP Musicians Joseph Alessi and Philip Smith

Miller Gaffney, Kate Harpootlian, Keith Connor, and Amy Connor

Miller Gaffney and Tatiana Perkin

Sandy Kozlowski and Dan Entwistle

Sarah Jane Gibbons and Stephanie Sirota

Sarah Jane Gibbons and Stephanie Sirota announce the winners of a raffle drawing

The Fifteenth Annual Food Allergy Ball took place on Monday, December 3, 2012 at The Waldorf=Astoria. The Ball, which attracted nearly 400 supporters, is a signature event for FARE, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to food allergy research and education. FARE was formed by the recent merger between the nation’s leading food allergy organizations, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), which has sponsored the Ball since 1998.

This year’s event honored Heather Bresch, CEO of Mylan Inc., for her profound commitment to the safety of food allergic children nationwide. Ming Tsai, the renowned chef and food allergy advocate, received FARE’s Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to an outstanding restaurateur who has demonstrated compassion for the food allergic community.

“Up to 15 million Americans have a food allergy, including one in every 13 children—or roughly two in every classroom,” said FARE’s CEO, John Lehr, as he thanked the audience for their support. “The need for a cure—and for increased education about the impact of this potentially life threatening condition—is urgent.”

Julia Koch, Sharyn T. Mann and Todd J. Slotkin were the Gala Dinner Chairs. David H. Koch was the Corporate Dinner Chair. Liana Silverstein Backal and Arthur Backal, Abbey and Steven Braverman, Patricia and James Cayne, Nina Rennert Davidson and Mitchell Davidson, Roxanne and Dean Palin, and Stephanie Winston Wolkoff and David Wolkoff were the Benefit Dinner Chairs.

Guests enjoyed a peanut , tree nut , and shellfish free dinner inspired by Ming Tsai, as well as a special performance by Lilla Crawford and Anthony Warlow, stars of the Broadway musical Annie. The festivities for this black tie Gala began at 7:00 PM.

Alain Sailhac, Alfred Portale, Ming Tsai, Drew Nieporent, and Daniel Boulud

Founded in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. Food allergies are potentially life threatening and affect as many as 15 million people in the United States, including 5.9 million children. FARE funds world class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies, provides evidence based education and resources, undertakes advocacy at all levels of government, and increases awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.

Sharyn Mann, Stephen Mann, and Tamara Mann Tweel

David and Julia Koch

John Lehr, Ming Tsai, Heather Bresch, David Koch, Sharyn Mann, and Todd Slotkin

Leslie Cornfeld and Bill Etkin

David Jaffe and Helen Jaffe

David Koch, Lilla Crawford, and Anthony Warlow

Abbey and Steven Braverman

Nina Rennert Davidson

Lori Stokes and Nicolette Thompson

Carol Schrager and Bruce Gitlin

Liana Silverstein Backal and Arthur Backal

Reverend Raymond Kahng, Inja Kim Kahng, Roslyn Jaffe, and Elliot Jaffe

Stephen McKenna and Amie Rappoport McKenna

Florence Fabricant and Richard Fabricant

Dr. Hugh Sampson, Dr. Rosanna Mirante, Dr. Neil Minikes, Nancy Minikes, and Amie Rappoport McKenna

Todd Slotkin, Judy Slotkin, and Matthew Slotkin

Mary Jane Marchisotto and John Lehr

The Junior Council continued its 2012 2013 season on Wednesday, December 5, with a private viewing of the Museum’s new exhibition Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture, remarks by Curator Mark Norell, and a cocktail reception in the Gottesman Hall of Planet Earth.

Our Global Kitchen: Food, Nature, Culture explores the complex and intricate food system that brings what we eat from farm to fork. With opportunities to taste seasonal treats in the working kitchen, cook a virtual meal, view rare artifacts from the Museum’s collections, and peek into the dining rooms of famous figures throughout history, visitors will experience the intersection of food, nature, culture, health, and history—and consider some of the most challenging issues of our time.

Guests sample food in the exhibition’s kitchen

Christy Corgan, Doug and Eva Heyman, Holly and Martin Okner, Lori and Zachary Pomerantz, Robin and Brad Roberts, Gaelin Rosenwaks, Heather and Ross Schulman, Zoe and Iain Wilson served as co chairs.

The American Museum of Natural History’s Junior Council is one of New York City’s most stimulating membership groups for young philanthropists. Founded in 1994, the Junior Council supports the Museum’s mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate–through scientific research and education–knowledge about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe. Each year, Junior Council Members participate in specially arranged events that offer them an intimate view inside the Museum’s collections, activities, and exhibitions. Junior Council Members go behind the scenes at one of the world’s preeminent museums, meet some of the nation’s most distinguished and engaging scientists, and preview the latest exhibitions.

Co chairs Lori and Zachary Pomerantz

Our Global Kitchen co curator Mark Norell and Co chair Gaelin Rosenwaks

Steering Committee members John Rachwalski and Jessica Yau

Richard Gilder Graduate School students Bernardo Santos and Carly Tribull

Steering Committee member Michele Phillip with Rob Kresberg

Gino Tenazas, Jeff Flynn, and Steering Committee member Aaron Hollub

Guests gather in front of the Origami Holiday Tree

Photographs by R. Mickens (AMNH)

Guests dancing to Latin favorites at The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute's 2012 Gala.

The Queen Sofía Spanish Institute proudly honored four Gold Medal recipients at its 2012 Gala last Thursday evening at The Waldorf Astoria Hotel. Barbara Walters hosted the festivities as Mistress of Ceremonies and Board Chairman Oscar de la Renta led the awards presentation. This year’s outstanding honorees were Norman R. Foster, Baron of Thames Bank; Elena Ochoa, Lady Foster of Thames Bank, Luis A. Ubiñas, President of the Ford Foundation, and Gonzalo Ulloa, partner in the law firm Gomez, Acebo & Pombo.

The Gold Medal Awards are given to outstanding individuals from Spain, the United States and Latin America who have played a significant role in strengthening the relationship between the Spanish-speaking world and the United States.

Gold Medal Honorees Lord Foster, Luis Ubinas, and Gonzalo Ulloa

Mayor Michael Bloomberg was in attendance at the sold-out event as Ambassador Ramon Gil Casares (Ambassador of Spain to the United States) bestowed the prestigious medals on the honorees. The Mayor added his own congratulatory wishes to the recipients and joked about being promised a walk on the runway for Oscar de la Renta’s next show.

Both the Mayor and Barbara Walters made a commitment to Oscar de la Renta that they would take Spanish lessons at the Institute after twisting the pronunciation of the names of several Spanish dignitaries. Mayor Bloomberg spoke admiringly of Barbara Walters, saying he was her "Arm Candy" for the evening since long time Institute supporters Javier Bardem and Antonio Banderas were not able to attend the dinner. Barbara Walters enthusiastically returned the compliment, reminding the audience that she had chosen Mayor Bloomberg as her "Fantasy Husband" on a segment of her popular show The View.

Lady Elena Foster, Marie Josee Kravis, Princess Firyal of Jordan, Hamish Bowles, and Shirley
Lord Rosenthal

Latin Designer J. Riccardo Benavides from ideas created stunning flower and décor arrangements that evoked the spirit of the Waldorf Astoria’s recent renovation. Thousands of fragrant roses were fashioned as an elegant backdrop throughout the ballroom.

Danny Rojo and his Cuban band featured traditional Latin dance music including Flamenco, Bolero and Mambo which generated an overflow crowd on the dance floor.

The Gold Medal Gala was established in 1978 to provide Queen Sofía Spanish Institute with a unique opportunity to recognize exemplary individuals who have personally promoted the cultural connection existing between Spain and Ibero-America and have brought attention to the similarities in their respective heritage. The achievements of past Gold Medal recipients are represented by varied disciplines such as international relations, public affairs, diplomacy, science, business, literature, sports, philanthropy and the arts.

Hamish Bowles, Princess Firyal of Jordan, and Marie Josee Kravis

Oscar and Annette de la Renta

The Spanish Institute was founded in 1954 to promote greater awareness and understanding of the culture of the Spanish-speaking world in the United States. Since its foundation the Institute has sought to further its mission through a variety of programs which focus on particular aspects of Spanish culture, past and present, and the remarkable influence this culture has in the Americas.

In recognition of the support given to the Institute through the years by Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain, the Institute was renamed in her honor as Queen Sofia Spanish Institute in November 2003.

The Institute’s exhibit, Fortuny y Madrazo, An Artistic Legacy, opened on November 30 and analyzes the work of this celebrated Spanish artist in the context of the family of artists from whom he descended. Conceived by and curated with Oscar de la Renta, this exhibit elaborates on the origins and influences that shaped Fortuny’s extraordinary career.

Cuban Musician Danny Rojo and his band members with guests

Eliza and Alex Bolen with Erica Bearman

Mercedes Bass, Gil Shiva, and Inmaculada de Habsburgo

Alex and Eliza Bolen with Nextel de Mexico’s Lisette Trepaud and friends

Beatrice Santo Domingo and Peter Foyo

Spanish Ambassador to USA Ramón Gil Dacares, Gold Medal Honoree Luis Ubinas,
Barbara Walters, and Oscar de la Renta

Victor Martinez, Ragnhild Melzi, Kathleen Fuentes-Holtzman, Pola Schijman, and John
Moncure

Gala Chair Carmen de Pinies and daughter Carmen Hassel

Annette de la Renta and Luis Ubinas

Board Member Dr. Valentin Fuster and Lady Foster Board Member

Annette de la Renta and Riccardo Benavides

Gold Medal Honoree Lady Elena Foster and Oscar de la Renta

Lady Annabel Weidenfeld and Mercedes Bass

Stephanie Junger-Moat and Nancy Kissinger

Oscar de la Renta and Chris Madden

Nancy Kissinger and Gold Medal Honoree Gonzalo Ulloa

Beatrice Santo Domingo and Actress Mar Flores

Oscar de la Renta and Barbara Walters

Barbara Walters and Princess Firyal

Arthur Yorke Allen and Mary Stewart Hammond enjoying the music

Beatrice and Mar Flores

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Queen Sofia Spanish Institute President Inmaculada de Habsburgo

Barbara Walters, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and Oscar de la Renta

Fortuny Exhibit assistant curator Molly Sorkin and Queen Sofia Spanish Institute
Director Pilar Vico

Over 1000 of the social set enjoyed 6 days of spirited festivities at the Doubles Annual Christmas Luncheons. Each day Wendy Carduner happily welcomed everyone to enjoy the warm and vibrant setting as carolers sang and the voices of hundred's enthusiastic women (and A Few Good Men) filled the Club with Christmas Cheer.

The favorites at this years sumptuous Dessert Buffet included: Eggnog Baked Alaska, Croquet en Bouche, Gateau St. Honore, Seven Nut Torte, Bouche de Noel, Raspberry and Pistachio Dasquaise, Coconut Cake, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Mousse, Strawberries, Cherries and those always tempting home made red and green Snow Flake Cookies...and their favorite Luncheon Menus included the Herb Seared Chilean Bass with Broccoli Mashed Potatoes...Lobster and Crab Risotto with Parisian Garden Legumes...Nantucket Crab Cakes with Herb Crushed New Potatoes...and Lobster Crusted Bass with Fennel and Celery Root Fondue.

Once again there were too many to list, but here are some that we spotted: Joan Rivers, Aileen, Mehle, Taki Theodoracopulos, Cynthia and Tony Maltese, Audrey Gruss, Rex Reed, Joan Schnitzer, Stepanie Krieger, Geoffrey Bradfield, Karen LeFrak, Carolyne Roehm, Suzanne Johnson, Somers Farkas, Muffie Potter Aston, Joanne de Guardiola, Grace Meigher, Mai Harrison, Kari Tiedemann, Lorna Graev, Daisy Soros, Christine Schott, Jamee Gregory, Ashley McDermott, Barbara Tober, Eleanora Kennedy, Sheri Babbio, Donna Rosen, Bambi Putnam, Jennifer Creel, Mariana Kaufman, Paige Hardy, Jennifer Oken, Noreen Buckfire, Michael Kovner, Laurie Dhue, Elizabeth Stribling, Claudia Overstrom, Erin Gaudreau, Cece Black, Diana Quasha, Daryl Roth, Kamie Lighburn, Suzie Aijala, Tory Burch, Eileen Ford, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Courtney Arnot, Heidi Holterbusch, Steve and Christine Schwartzman, Heather Sargent, Zibby Tozer, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Robyn Joesph, Cornelia Bregman, Anne Hearst, Dennis Basso, Nanette Laitman, Charlotte Ford, Connie and Stuart Lane and hundreds more.

Terri Polk and Suzanne Johnson

Stefanie Lackner and Laurie Dhue

Somers Farkas, Wendy Carduner, Suzanne Johnson, and Muffie Potter Aston

Lesley Schulhof and Dennis Basso

Carmel Malkin

Suzie Aijala's table

Marissa van Bokhorst and Christina Rose

Jean doyen de Montaillou and Michael Kovner

Noreen Buckfire, Rebecca Grafstein, Jenny Price, Yaz Hernandez, Suzie Aijala, and Kamie Lightburn

Jennifer Oken

Eileen Ford and Carmen Dell'Orefice

Jeanne Lawrence, Ursula Lowerre, Elizabeth Stribling, Lily O'Boyle, CeCe Black, and Sondra Gilman

Yaz Hernandez and Noreen Buckfire

Iliana Moore and Chuck Broyce

Anna Ponder, Lauren Kenny, Stephanie Sarkis, and Cherie Alcoff

Marie Marlas's table

Tory Burch and Marie Marlas

Cornelia Bregman, Ellen Graham, and Mai Harrison

Jamee Gregory, Karen LeFrak, and Carmel Malkin

West Side Madrigalists serenades Michael Kovner's table

Anna Bailey, Kari Tiedemann, and Loran Graev

Jeanne Lawrence, Christine Smith Gray, Zibby Tozer, and Monica Noel

Susan Gamble, Ted Gamble, Dede Cholnoky, and Scott Wilson

Susan Bender-Scheer and Rex Reed

Farley Bills

Nikki Haskell and Cynthia Maltese

Joan Schnitzer Levy and Jackie Weld Drake

Megan Powers

On Thursday, December 6, the J.McLaughlin store on Lexington Avenue hosted dynamic mother and daughter duo Sharon Bush and Lauren Bush Lauren as J.McLaughlin and Teddy Share partnered to give back to the FEED Foundation’s NYC Relief Fund this holiday season.

“Following the local devastation caused by Superstorm Sandy, this initiative will directly benefit New Yorkers still struggling to find their footing,” said FEED Foundation’s Co Founder and Chairman of the Board Lauren Bush Lauren.

Feed Bears

Attendees included hosts Joan and Jay McLaughlin and their son Christopher McLaughlin, Barbara and Kevin McLaughlin, Steve Siegler, Sharon Bush, Lauren Bush Lauren and participating designer Misha Nonoo.

The store was adorned with designer-dressed FEED bears from Diane von Furstenberg, Stacey Bendet for Alice + Olivia, Nonoo, Rebecca Taylor, Sharon Bush in partnership with Susan Rockefeller and her jewelry that benefits Oceana, J.McLaughlin, Lauren Bush Lauren, artist Hunt Slonem and Irving & Fine.

Kevin McLaughlin, Sharon Bush, Jay McLaughlin, Misha Nonoo, and Lauren Bush Lauren

The custom-designed bears, as well as custom “experiences” are being auctioned off at leading charity auction site charitybuzz now through December 19 at www.charitybuzz.com/FEED. For each teddy purchased, 100% of the proceeds will go to the FEED Foundation’s NYC Relief Fund.

Party goers included Lauren’s sister Ashley Bush, Bettina Zilkha and her nephew Nicky Zilkha, interior designer Alex Papachristidis and Scott Nelson, Milly de Cabrol, Christopher Mason, Mario Buatta, Anki Leeds, Jamie Figg, Margo Langenberg, Felicia Taylor, James Signorelli, Janna Bullock and her daughter Zoe Bullock Remmel, Jean Shafiroff, Martha Webster and R. Couri Hay.

Allison Mazzola, Milly de Cabrol, and Susan Nagel

Anki Leeds and Jamie Figg

Felicia Taylor

Christopher Madison and Mario Buatta

Janna Bullock and Zoe Bullock Remmel

Jay McLaughlin, Joan McLaughlin, Eliza Madison, and Chris McLaughlin

Ashley Bush, Sharon Bush, and Lauren Bush Lauren

Jean Shafiroff

Kevin McLaughlin and Jay McLaughlin

Nicky Zilkha, Barbara McLaughlin, Margot Langenberg, and Bettina Zilkha

Work Life Matters Magazine held the 10th Annual Work Life Matters Gala honoring Top Companies for LGBT Equality on December 4, 2012 at Club 101 in New York City. Lori Sokol, Ph.D., Founder & Publisher of Work Life Matters Magazine, hosted the event with over 200 VIPs ranging from corporate executives, performing artists, celebrities, philanthropists, authors, models, entrepreneurs, TV news media, and activists. Lori Sokol is one of the nation’s most influential writers and editors covering women’s issues, politics, business, and LGBT issues. Loreen Arbus, Disability Rights Activist/Philanthropist/ Producer, first woman head of programming in a major television network, and Jonathan D. Lovitz, Advocate and Entertainer, were the featured speakers at the event.

Over 200 attended The 10th Annual Work Life Matters Gala honoring top companies for LGBT equality

The Top 12 Companies honored for 2012 included: Campbell Soup Company, Credit Suisse, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLC., Discovery Communications, Eli Lilly & Co., Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP, ESPN, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, New York Life, Orbitz Worldwide, Unilever.

All of the honorees are featured in the new annual special awards issue of Work Life Matters Magazine distributed nationwide.

This was the second consecutive year that the magazine specifically honored top companies for implementing and supporting LGBT equality programs and practices throughout their organizations. This also is the second year in a row that Credit Suisse, NBCUniversal and Unilever were honored for their contributions to LGBT equality.

Loreen Arbus, Margot Bingham, Nick Mathews, Lori Sokol, Cheryl Wills, and Javier Gomez

Past honorees included: Alcoa; BASF Corporation; Bright Horizons Family Solutions; KPMG, PricewaterhouseCoopers; The New York Times.

In addition to Lori Sokol, Loreen Arbus, and Jonathan D. Lovitz. VIPs who attended included: Margot Bingham, Star of “In Between Men”; Nick Mathews, Star of “In Between Men”; Cheryl Wills, Award Winning Anchor NY1 News Television; Tamsen Fadal, Anchor WPIX News/ Best Selling Author/ Producer; Lauren LoGiudice, Star of the film “When Harry Tries to Marry”; Timothy Mandala, star of the Vin Diesel series “The Ropes”; Rob Sedgwick, actor “Damages” “Law & Order”; Annmaria Mazzini, Noted dancer and choreographer; Camilla Barungi of “Project Runway” fame/entrepreneur/activist; Josh Folan, star of the new films “What Would Bear Do?” & “All God’s Creatures”; Javier Gomez, noted photo journalist & activist; Sebastian La Cause, star of new film “Keep the Lights On”.; Jessica Press, star of “Hustling”; Mike Ruiz, of “The A-List: New York” fame & acclaimed photographer/activist; Matt Anctil, Broadway star of “La Cage Aux Folles”; James Grant, President of JGPR; Victoria Milne, Director, Creative Services (Creative Director) at Department of Design & Construction, New York City; Stacey Tisdale, Correspondent PBS “Need To Know” and founder of Winning Play.

Sponsors of the event included Discovery Communications, Credit Suisse, New York Life, and Orbitz Worldwide.

Lori Sokol, Loreen Arbus, and Stacey Tisdale

Margot Bingham and Nick Mathews

Matt Anctil, Camilla Barungi, and Jonathan D. Lovitz

Jonathan D. Lovitz and Zachary Schmahl

Jessica Press

Matt Flynn, Margot Bingham, Nick Mathews, and James Grant

Mike Ruiz, Anthony Ruiz, and Martin Berusch

Sebastian La Cause

Lauren LoGiudice

Tamsen Fadal

Javier Gomez, Cheryl Wills, and Timothy Mandala

Annmaria Mazzini and husband Rob Sedgwick

Nick Mathews

Josh Folan

Matt Anctil

Lori Sokol and son Jason H. Greenberg

ESPN honorees Heath Rosenthal, Christine Willis, and Sara Johnson

Javier Gomez

Ashley Massis and Brennan Keeler

Photographs by AnnieWatt.com (Doubles)

Joshua Norris, Jefferey NG, Abdul Zahid, Ricki Rupine, Raymond Perez, Craig Cogut, Todd English, Soledad O'Brien, Denise L Nappier, Tommy Hilfiger, Deborah Cogut, John Delucie, Harry Belafonte at The Children’s Defense Fund-New York's annual CDF Beat the Odds® Awards Dinner at the New York Athletic Club.

Recently, the Autumn Benefit Committee of New York City’s Hospital for Special Surgery hosted a cocktail reception and dinner at Guastavino’s. Guests enjoyed entertainment by The Unexpected Surfer Boys, featuring a musical tribute to the Beach Boys. More than 300 people attended. After dinner, the Benefit continued with “Late Night,” an evening of festivity and dancing, hosted by Young Friends of Hospital for Special Surgery.

“The Autumn Benefit is a wonderful opportunity for Hospital for Special Surgery to celebrate its ongoing commitment to superior medical education and teaching the latest techniques in orthopedics, anesthesiology, rheumatology, musculoskeletal radiology, rehabilitation, sports medicine and physiatry,” said Cynthia D. Sculco, chairperson of the Benefit Committee and wife of Thomas P. Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief at Hospital for Special Surgery. “This event supports a variety of educational initiatives and underwrite the HSS Journal, The Muskuloskeletal Journal of Hospital for Special Surgery.”

Teddy bears sponsored by late night guests to be given to children involved in the Leon M. Root, M.D. Pediatric Outreach Program at HSS

Unexpected Surfer Boys perform

The peer-reviewed HSS Journal, published three times each year, features articles by the hospital’s faculty and alumni as well as independent contributors. In each edition, the journal presents innovative research, clinical pathways and the newest techniques of interest to physicians and surgeons across the country and around the world, furthering the hospital's broad-based education mission.

Philip D. Wilson, Jr., M.D., orthopedic surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery, Thomas Sculco, M.D., Surgeon-in-Chief at Hospital for Special Surgery and his wife Cynthia Sculco, chairperson of the Autumn Benefit (Larchmont, N.Y.) with Vivian Cardia

Paula Root, Leon Root, M.D., Charlotte Ford, Cynthia Sculco, chairperson, and Thomas Sculco, M.D.

Sherry Jacobs, Renee Flug, co-chair of the Autumn Benefit, and Sandy Teitelbaum

Cynthia Sculco, chairperson, Sara Jane Sculco-Gibbons, chair of the Late Night event, and Kate Lavin Phillips

Mary Lee and Louis A. Shapiro, president and CEO, Hospital for Special Surgery at Hospital

Timothy Wright, Ph.D., Steven Goldring, M.D., Kathy Wright, Peggy Crow, M.D., physician-in-chief, Mary Goldring, Ph.D., and David T. Felson, M.D., visiting Chief Lecturer from Boston University Clinical & Translational Science Institute

Linda Russell, M.D., with her husband, Carl Triscari

Ona Lee and Steve K. Lee, M.D.

Priscilla Cornell, Anne Altchek, Charles Cornell, M.D., and David Altchek, M.D.

Matthew Roberts, M.D., Ann Roberts, and Leon Root, M.D.

Terri Windsor, left, and Dr. Russell Windsor, right (Larchmont, N.Y.), with Dr. Mathias Bostrom, center (Scarsdale)

Karen Su with Edwin Su, M.D., (Scarsdale)

Joshua Dines, M.D., Kim Strother, Eisley Tauganis, and Kat Dines

John P. Lyden, M.D.[, (Sleepy Hollow)], Jonathan Deland, M.D., Emme Levin Deland, Kendrick R. Wilson, III, HSS trustee, and Susan Rose, HSS trustee

Christopher Altche [(Rye, N.Y.)] with Perry Nagin [(Manhattan)]

James Beckman, M.D. and Stephanie Beckman

Scott Rodeo, M.D. and Christine Frissora-Rodeo, M.D.

Liza Sama with Andrew Sama, M.D.

The Children’s Defense Fund-New York hosted its annual CDF Beat the Odds® Awards Dinner on December 11th at the New York Athletic Club. With WCBS-TV’s Maurice DuBois serving as Master of Ceremonies, the evening celebrated the accomplishments and scholastic achievements of five New York City high school seniors.

The five Beat The Odds recipients – Jeffrey Ng, Joshua Norris, Raymond Perez, Ricki Rupine and Abdul Zahid – have overcome tremendous adversity, demonstrated academic excellence and shown leadership in their communities. Facing such issues as homelessness, substance abuse within the family, clinical shyness and learning disabilities, all five have maintained GPAs at the top of their respective high school classes and have become true role models to peers in their schools and communities. Each student was presented with a scholarship to help them pursue their academic and life goals.

Raymond Perez, Jefferey Ng, Deborah Cogut, Craig Cogut, Abdul Zahid, Ricki Rupine, and Joshua Norris

More than 300 guests joined legendary civil rights leader and President of the Children’s Defense Fund Marian Wright Edelman to honor the Beat the Odds recipients.

“These five scholarship winners are but one handful of young people who are facing huge obstacles in reaching their potential, yet overcoming these daunting odds,” said Mrs. Edelman. “CDF’s supporters from all over the country and those in the room recognize that this year is even more critical for area youth, as the New York region works to overcome the physical devastation, financial stress, and psychological impact of Superstorm Sandy.”

The evening began with a beautiful and moving rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by renowned opera singer Joyce DiDonato.

Howard Watkins and Joyce DiDonato

Tommy Hilfiger honored Craig Cogut, philanthropist and Founder and Managing Partner of Pegasus Capital Advisors, for his work with The Polyphony Foundation. Founded in 2011, The Polyphony Foundation seeks to bring equal opportunity for music education and other innovative educational programs to Arab and Jewish Israeli youth and create channels for dialogue between the Jewish and Arab communities. Polyphony musicians Majd Machour of Nazareth and Uri Tibon ofTel Aviv performed a magical rendition of a Mozart piano piece for four hands.

The event was chaired by Deborah Cogut, CDF Board Member, and David Pollak, Director of Marketing and Investor Relations at Pegasus Capital Advisors, and more than $700,000 was raised to support CDF programs that focus on creating policy and pragmatic changes that will level the playing field for America’s children. CDF’s research, public education, policy analysis, community organizing and advocacy is primarily focused on juvenile justice, health, early childhood learning, child welfare education and youth development.

Denise L Nappier, Todd English, and Tommy Hilfiger

Stephanie March and Bobby Flay gave their support to the event as Honorary Co-Chairs, while the roster of presenters included: philanthropist and activist, Khaliah Ali; activist and actor, Harry Belafonte; model and founder of the Georges Malaika Foundation, Noella Coursaris; chef, John Delucie; world-renowned opera singer, Joyce DiDonato; model, actress and founder of the Women’s Coalition for Empowerment, Selita Ebanks; chef, Todd English; Connecticut State Treasurer, Denise Lynn Nappier; CNN anchor, Soledad O’Brien; Contributing Editor at Vogue Magazine, André Leon Talley. Actress, comedienne, and CDF Board Member Ali Wentworth motivated the guests during a special auction to increase scholarship funds for the five recipients.

Deborah Cogut, Denise L Nappier, Craig Cogut, and David Pollak

Harry Belafonte and William Lynch Jr

Marian Wright Edelman and Andre Leon Talley

Richard Greene Jr and Diane Greene

Craig Cogut, Uri Tibon, and Majd Machour

Maurice DuBois

Maurice DuBois, Marian Wright Edelman, Marcella Maxwell, Richard Greene Jr, Deborah C Wright, and Emma Jordan Simpson

Ali Wentworth

Craig Cogut and Tommy Hilfiger

Noella Cousaris, Abdul Zahid, and John Delucie

Todd English, Raymond Perez, and Soledad O'Brien

Teeba Jihad, Alenairam Otero, and Danielle Morerro

Selita Ebanks

Raymond Perez, Juana Beltre, and Daniel Beltre

Marian Wright Edelman and Geoffrey Canada

Leslie Cornfeld and Joan Hornig

Spencer Wertheimer, Khaliah Ali, Noella Cousaris, Deborah Cogut, and Jonny Cogut

On Friday, November 30, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitaller, the Commandery of New York, hosted its Holiday Gala at the Yale Club of New York City, benefiting the Center for Food Action, Double Discovery Center, Highbridge Community Life Center and Terence Cardinal Cooke Hospital. The ecumenical organization is one of Orders of Chivalry in existence.

Members of the Commandery of New York and their friends and guests gathered to raise proceeds for the organizations. Welcoming chairs were Grand Councillor Vincent Bonagura, MD, Dame Judy Gates and Dame Barbara Gross.

The evening began with cocktails and a silent auction, which was followed by dinner and dancing. There was a special performance by the Metropolitan Opera's Lindemann Young Artist Development Program. The event was a successful effort to raise support for the organizations.

Chevalier Reverent Stephen Fichter

Paul Hunter and Chevalier Reverent Stephen Fichter

Dan Finnegan and Patrick Murphy

Barbara Gross and Mary K. McDonnell

Tom McDonnell and Frank Hughes

Brian Doran, Sally, Dorothy Doran, and JJ Doran

Sandra Caruso, Michael Caruso, and Jacqueline Rohrscheidt

Marisa and Jason Bibens

George Stathes and Liza Vachon-Coco

Gigi Fisdell

Evelyn Berry and Dr. Duncan Carpenter

Claire Burke, Alexandra Grzesik, and Peggy Donovan

Susan Hockmeyer, Carol Bastek, and Debbie Murphy

Deeann Devnie Turek, Donna Soloway, Carla Vigue, Patricia Cossutta, Diana Frankel Judy Gates, and Sydney Reynolds-Raniere

Mary Elaine Morris and David Morris

Dr. Alfred Kaltman and Bunny Grossinger

Kevin Matthews and David Barren

Donatella Graffino and Grand Councillor Vincent Bonagura

Karen Deinzer and Kristen Lorello

Linda Hoffman, Bill Van Ness, and AnnVan Ness

Dewayne Naylor, Joanne Naylor, Fred Hoff, Patrick Tuohy, and Susan Tuohy

The 3rd Annual Santa Project Party & Auction benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of New York City (UCP of NYC), one of the largest disability nonprofit organizations in the U.S., was held Monday December 3rd at Chelsea enoteca Bar Baresco.

Beyond the core programs and services UCP of NYC delivers year round, proceeds from the Santa Project Party and Auction help fund special needs equipment requests and purchase holiday gift cards for children with disabilities in UCP of NYC’s programs.

For the third year in a row, the event was hosted by supermodel & entrepreneur Camilla Barungi of Project Runway fame and for the first time the event was co-hosted by Mike Woods, meteorologist for Fox 5’s Good Day New York. The party, co-chaired by U.S Olympic Silver Medalist and author Tim Morehouse and Rachael Kun of “60 Minutes," was held at Chelsea’s Bar Baresco, the Italian wine bar run by seasoned New York restaurateurs the Malta brothers.

Kerry Drew, Tim Morehouse, Rachael Kun, and Mike Woods

In addition to a strong showing of support from a diverse young professional crowd, the event drew celebrity guests from fashion, film, television and Broadway. In addition to Camilla Barungi, Mike Woods, Tim Morehouse and Rachael Kun, other VIPS attending the event included: Isiah Whitlock, Jr., Lauren LoGiudice, Nick Ayler, Timothy Mandala, Kerry Drew, Josh Folan, Javier Gomez, Jonathan D. Lovitz, Dr. Lori Sokol, Christopher Laul, Zachary Schmahl, Louis Coraggio, Jermaine Brown, Kesha Nicole, and Nathan Spiteri.

The Santa Party Host Committee included W. Scott Allen, Nikki Azeez, Dr’s Raj & Jaishree Capoor, Ashley Diaz, Mykel Dicus, Tawny Cumming Fitzpatrick, Josh Folan, Hugh Fox, Paul Giardina, Javier Gomez, Leigh Gray, Daniel Harrison, Candice Horman, Samantha Kelly, Pauline Kim, Timberly Leite, Lauren LoGiudice, Jonathan D. Lovitz, Michelina Mandarano, Joseph Marazzo, Chantal McLaughlin, Alan Oyugi, Shante Pumphrey, Michael Putis, Michele Quigley, TJ Sengel, Paris Sepulveda Smith, Dr. Vincent Siasoco, Mark Testa, Megan Tuite, Marta Willgoose, Isiah Whitlock, Jr.

Shaniqua Freeman, Mike Woods, and Queen Davis

The event featured a silent auction with a range of luxury goods and services, that included Pittsburgh Steelers VIP experience, Equinox VIP memberships, David Letterman tickets, products from Global Goods Partners, deluxe Laura Mercier package, UCP of NYC Program Participant art, private group Tuscan dinner with Italian wines at the NY Italian Wine Merchants with actor Isiah Whitlock, Jr., various electronics, VIP tickets to ABCs The Chew, Dry Bar hair blowout packages, and jewelry by Abena Adjel.

Josh Folan, Pauline KIm, Aryn Cole, and Chris Laul

Mike Woods Camilla Barungi, Tim Morehouse, and Rachael Kun

Camilla Barungi and Jermaine Browne

Javier Gomez, Nick Ayler, Mike Woods, and Jonathan Lovitz

Aljoscha Farassat, Lauren LoGiudice, and Timothy Mandala

Lori Sokol, Jonathan Lovitz, Lauren LoGiudice, and Javier Gomez

Mike Woods, Camilla Barungi, Louis Coraggio, and Isiah Whitcock, Jr.

Jason Oshiokpekhai and Lauren LoGiudice

Dina Finai and Bob Kinkel

Camilla Barungi and Chike Eleazu

Sheila Lennon and Javier Gomez

Nick Ayler and Kerry Drew

Santa Project Committee member W. Scott Allen greets guests

Chantal McLaughlin, Kevin Dorry, Faris Khan, and Celine Coudert

Josh Folan and Pauline Kim

Photographs by AnnieWatt.com (CDF & St. John); Don Pollard Photography (HSS)

The table settings at ACRIA's 17th Annual Holiday Dinner at the Stephan Weiss Studio at 711 Greenwich Streeet in the Village.

Last Tuesday night, ACRIA held its 17th Annual Holiday Dinner at the Stephan Weiss Studio at 711 Greenwich Street in the Village. They honored the Elton John AIDS Foundation for their years of generous support.

There were 275 guests. Among those attending were Francisco Costa, Donna Karan, Steven Kolb, Prabal Gurung, Ariel Foxman, Kate Lanphear, Kelly Klein, Barry and Sheryl Schwartz, Jason Wu, Sam Shahid, Hunt Slonem, Donald Baechler, Alex Betak, Adam Lippes, Connie Anne Phillips, Doug Lloyd, Victoria Bartlett, Ross Bleckner, Lisa Marie Fernandez, Amy Fine Collins, David Furnish, and Bruce Weber and Nan Bush.

This is always a beautifully designed evening, with an appropriate low-key vibe and a a warmly friendly atmosphere. Guests dined by candlelight, and they raised funds for the AIDS Community Research Initiative of America.

Cindy Weber Cleary, Amy Synnott Dannibale, Charla Lawhon, and Donna Bulseco

Sir Elton could not be there because he is touring in the Far East – Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, and Thailand. But his partner David Furnish was there to accept the award from Martha Nelson, the President of the ACRIA board. Ms. Nelson pointed out that this year both the Elton John AIDS Foundation and ACRIA are celebrating the 20th anniversaries.

Both organizations which over the past two decades have made great strides possible in a variety of ways surrounding AIDS. Both were an “idea” of one or two or three individuals who were provoked by the epidemic that is all over the world. And both organizations are now leaders in fund-raising for this cause.

They raised $400,000 for ACRIA, with support from Tiffany & Co., InStyle and Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation.

David Furnish and Martha Nelson

Olivier Clemont and Nadja Romain

Gabby Karan De Felice and Donna Karan

Rachel Robison and Adam Robison

Melissa Berkelhammer, Dawne Marie Grannum, and Benjamin Le Hay

Lisa Marie Fernandez and Kevin Carrigan

Charla Lawhon and Richard Lambertson

Casey Fremont and Emilie Jean

Jake Deutsch and Matt Sevoia

Steven Kolb

Nicole Snoep and Malcolm Carfrae

Kelly Klein

Arden Wohl

Chelsea Burns and Stephen Kinsella

Connie Anne Phillips and Jason Weisenfeld

Jay Johnson and Ales Ortuzar

David Kleinberg, Jonathan Klein, and Debby Klein

Gianpaolo De Felice and Julia LaReza

Francisco Costa, Sheryl Schwartz, and Barry Schwartz

Melanie Lazenby and Lacary Sharpe

Jon Gilman and Brad Learmonth

Paul Beirne and Ross Bleckner

John Truex, Michelle Butler, and Alan Nissim

Sofia Sanchez, Meredith Melling Burke, and Alex de Betak

Ariel Foxman, Gustavo Rangel, and Jason Wu

David Furnish and Marjorie Gubelmann

Malcolm Carfrae and Hal Rubenstein

Hunt Slonem and Liliana Cavendish

Then last Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden was the 12/12/12 Concert benefiting The Robin Hood Relief Fund to Aid the victims of Hurricane Sandy.

Walter "Clyde" Frazier, Allen Houston, Baron Davis, and John Starks

The whole world has heard about this already, so there is nothing more to say than it was an extraordinary event produced by an extraordinary organization, the Robin Hood Foundation.

Roger Waters

Olivia Wilde and Sean John Combs

Susan Sarandon

Chanel Iman

Jimmy Fallon and Nancy Fallon

Chelsea Clinton

Katie Holmes

Blake Lively

Gina Gershon

Martha Stewart

Jeremy Piven

Amare Stoudemire and Alexis Welch

Jesse Jackson

Bobby Moynihan and Seth Meyers

Richie Sambora

Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls

Billy Crystal

Maureen Van Zandt and Steven Van Zandt

David Saltzman

Also last Tuesday night, the Whitney Museum held its annual gala and studio party at its Madison Avenue headquarters. This event was one of the major events that were canceled in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. They honored the great Photography and Art Collector and philanthropist Sondra Gilman Gonzalez-Falla.

Allison Kanders, Amy Phelan, Pamella Roland Devos, Adam Weinberg, and Sondra Gilman

This particular gala has one of the most notable after-parties in the events activities. The uptown lowdown, and that is the party of ostensibly “the younger set” (whatever) on the lower level of the museum. There’s an open bar and a DJ (Nate Lowman). It’s back-to-back belly-to-belly and a crowded gallery party of potentially interesting, creative, (rich), gorgeousness is what New Yorkers love. And why not?

Lo Bosworth

Freddie Leiba and Amy Fine Collins

Zani Gugelmann and Dori Cooperman

Kyle DeWoody

Thelma Golden

Elizabeth Stribling and Sondra Gilman

Beth Rudin DeWoody

Robert Verdi

Jay Alexander

Ryan Humphrey

Spencer Tunick and Chrissie Tunick

Thakoon Panichgul

Jonathan and Lizzie Tisch

Timo Weiland

Polina Proshkina

Jay Manuel

Anne Pasternak and Mike Starn

Amanda and Glenn Fuhrman

Manish Vora

Nigel Barker and Crissy Barker

Adam Green

Scott Rothkopf

Matt Tague and Ross Oliver

Joanne Cassullo

Tony Ingrao

Allison Kanders and Warren Kanders

Lisa Greenblatt and Alex Bindero

Nancy Crown and A. Steven Crown

Karolina Zmarlak and Jenna Elizabeth

Iona Rozeal Brown

Tina Antoniades and Sara LaFontaine

Dana Hammond Stubgen

Ashley Sousa

Suzanna Lee

Alessandra Brawn

Angela Goding and Jeremy Kost

Andrea Mary Marshall

Matthew Lauretti and Eve Kleinmenova

Delia von Neuschatz for NYSD: Gretchen Mol, star of HBO’s hit series, “Boardwalk Empire” and Alexandra “Pookie” Burch, co-hosted a 1920’s-themed bash to benefit Animal Haven, the Soho-based animal shelter. The venue was the private downtown club, Norwood, which had been turned into a speakeasy for the night, complete with lively sets played by Boardwalk Empire’s orchestra, Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks. Tory Burch, Sandra Bernhard, Nate Berkus, Sabrina Soto, David Colbert, Harold Smith and John Bartlett among others, turned out in support of the evening which raised more than $45,000 through ticket sales and a silent auction.

Shilly and Shamus were the star attractions of the night

Founded in 1967, Animal Haven is a nonprofit organization which works to find homes for abandoned cats and dogs. The raised funds will help Animal Haven recoup some of the costs it incurred as a result of Hurricane Sandy and its aftermath. Animal Haven, located in Lower Manhattan, was directly affected by the storm. The shelter was without power for five days. Unable to evacuate its animals due to the pressing needs of other shelters and the public, Animal Haven ran operations at capacity without lights for nearly a week. The shelter is still operating over capacity as a result of the storm. If you’d like to help, or for more information, go to: www.animalhavenshelter.org.

Lauri Hoban and Kevin Morgan

Tory Burch and Tiffany Lacey, Executive Director of Animal Haven

Rachel Marin and Brad Williams who has really gotten into the Boardwalk Empire spirit

Candace DiConza and Loren Cole

Caroline Connolly and Dana Ashley

Christian Sullivan, Sylvester Rowe, and Jacob Dunn

Gary Sazer, Lois Sazer, Kate Thoman, and Keith Sazer

Heather Curatolo, Matthew Jones, and Ariana Johnston

Burlesque dancer, Bettina May

Band members from Vince Giordano's Nighthawks and the Gatsby ladies

JoAnn and Tom Mara

John Meyers and Mike Ponella, two bandmembers from Vince Giordano's Nighthawks. I was told that Boardwalk Empire was just renewed for a fourth season

John Partilla, Carol Anne Riddell, A. J. Bellas, and Richard Bellas

Lara Clear and Carolina Santos Read, volunteering their time to help out at the event

Lawrence Selevan and Jo Kosewski

Michelle Bochynski and Elena Tarsitani, two Gatsby-esque ladies helping out at the event

Paula Campos, Alessia Pagnotta, and Kristin Lasher

Rachel Aschenbrand and Barry Robinson

Rebecca Metzger and Marc Ritter

Rebecca Zagen, Martina Pet and Angela Petrigliano

Scott Ornstein and Andre Langus

Victoria Malloy and Lisa Malloy

Yael Maxwell holding Shilly and Martha Kamberi holding Shamus. Yael and Martha are Animal Haven volunteers. Shilly and Shamus are brother and sister beagle puppies who are up for adoption

Vince Girodano's Nighthawks

Two dancing duos stepping to the beat of Vince Giordano's Nighthawks

Last Wednesday night over at Bergdorf's, vBeaute celebrated its first anniversary at the store. Julie Macklowe was there, wearing her company's color(s), and so was vintage clothing maven Cameron Silver plus a lot of Macklowe's friend who can't live without the product.

Cameron Silver, Julie Macklowe, and Peter Moses

Jen Raines and Julia Flynn

Catherine Billon, Philip Kessler, and Leslie Carranza

Giovanni Lucchetti and Cameron Silver

Alison Harmelin, Julie Macklowe, and Kara Freedman

Maud Cabot, Emilia K., Pablo Sanchez, Dina Piccininni, and Olivia Perault

Meaghen Stark and Giovanni Lucchetti

Amy Kalaczynski, Annie Lai, Rosie Joy, and Mariana Queiroz

Lorraine Peoples, Bob Tyler, and Carrie Anne Precious

Olive O'Luck, Michelle Bergeron, and Karina Chudnoff

Ivana Delevska, Julie Macklowe, and Karina Chudnoff

Maud Cabot and Heidi Wald

Dina Piccininni, Kathy Sloane, and Emilia K.

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com

Cocktails at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for Dubin Breast Center of The Mount Sinai Medical Center's second annual benefit.

The Dubin Breast Center of The Mount Sinai Medical Center hosted its second annual benefit on December 10th at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The event, which raised over two million dollars and drew more than 500 guests, honored Elisa Port, MD, FACS and the Ruttenberg family. Dr. Port was recognized for her leadership role as Chief of Breast Surgery as well as Co-Director of the Dubin Breast Center, a position she has held since the center opened in April 2011. The Ruttenberg family was also honored for their visionary philanthropy and decades-long support of the cancer program at Mount Sinai.

Additional guests included Eva and Glenn Dubin, Tracy Pollan and Michael J. Fox, Thalia and Tommy Mottola, Allan Houston, Frederic Fekkai,Martha Stewart, Patty Smyth McEnroe, Sonia and Paul Tudor Jones II, and Veronique and Bob Pittman.

Dr. Dennis Charney, Dean of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Eric Ruttenberg, Dr. Kenneth L. Davis, President of The Mount Sinai Medical Center, Janet Ruttenberg, Kathy Ruttenberg, Eva Andersson-Dubin, and Perri Peltz Ruttenberg

The Dubin Breast Center of The Tisch Cancer Institute offers the latest, most innovative approaches available for breast health and the treatment of cancer under one roof. The 15,000-square-foot facility is part of The Tisch Cancer Institute, located on the Mount Sinai School of Medicine campus and houses a range of services, from prevention to survivorship. The Dubin Breast Center represents our bold new vision for breast cancer treatment and research—one that focuses on the emotional as well as the physical health of individuals with or at risk for cancer. Patients receive personalized, comprehensive care in a welcoming, private, and reassuring setting.

Perri Peltz Ruttenberg, Eva Andersson-Dubin, Cynthia McFadden, Dr. Elisa Port, and Lauren Veronis

Caroline Jones, Haley Reinhart, Eva Andersson-Dubin, Dr. Elisa Port, and Freddy Wexler

Tracy Pollan, Michael J. Fox, and Mount Sinai President and CEO Kenneth L. Davis, MD

Glenn Dubin presenting award to Perri Peltz and Eric Ruttenberg

Frederic Fekkai, Eva Andersson-Dubin, Stephen Myers, and JoAnna Ballarini

Stephen Myers, JoAnna Ballarini, Glenn Dubin, and Maya Dubin, daughter of Eva and Glenn

Tommy and Thalia Mottola, and Eva Andersson-Dubin

Curtis Schenker, Carolyn Schenker, Tracy Pollan, and Michael J. Fox

Perri Peltz Ruttenberg, Cynthia McFadden, and Eric and Kathy Ruttenberg

Tomomi Arikawa and Myra Biblowit, President of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Allison and Howard Lutnick

Caroline Jones, daughter of Paul Tudor Jones II, performing

On Tuesday, December 11, 2012, The Jewish Museum at Fifth Avenue and 92nd Street in New York City, presented its eighteenth annual Family Hanukkah Party. Nearly 400 people attended the festive event.

The co-chairs were Jacqueline Harris Hochberg and Robert J. Hochberg, Sharon Coplan Hurowitz and Richard Hurowitz, Tara Mark Rosenblum and Kenneth Rosenblum, and Lyss Stern and Brian Stern. Attendees included: Nisa Amoils, Mimi and Barry Alperin, Alison and Andy Brod, Stacey Bronfman, Jonathan and Darcie Crystal, J. Ira and Nicki Harris, Libby Karmely, Susan and Morris Mark, Margaret and Eric Porres, Geoffrey and Candice Postel, Bonnie and Ira Postel, Eleanor Heyman Propp, Erica and Geraldo Rivera, Deborah and Michael Rothman, Jacqueline Sackler, Lynn Tobias, Susan and Benjamin Winter, Debi Wisch, and Nanar and Tony Yoseloff.

The Maccabeats

Party attendees enjoyed live music by The Maccabeats; Glitter Tattoo Parlor by Make Meaning; LEGO® robot building by RoboFun®; family photos by Sarah Merians Photography & Video Company; balloon art by Todd Neufeld's Twisted Balloon Company; Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady and Photo Keepsakes by Tom Kaufman Productions; and a buffet dinner and dessert. Proceeds from the event benefit The Jewish Museum.

Robert, Julie, Ben and Sophia Salomon, and Barry and Mimi Alperin

Linda, Samantha, and Matthew Pruzan

Event Co chair Lyss Stern and son

Event Co chairs Sharon Coplan Hurowitz, Lyss Stern, Jacqueline Harris Hochberg, and Tara Mark Rosenblum

Nicki Harris, Stacey Bronfman, and event Co chair Jacqueline Harris Hochberg

Amy Kotulski and Amy Nissanoff

Event Co chair Tara Mark Rosenblum and daughter

Event Co chairs Sharon Coplan Hurowitz and Richard Hurowitz with Asher and Sasha Hurowitz

Wendy the Pipe Cleaner Lady

Tess Gray and Debi Wisch

A week ago this past Tuesday, December 11th, at the Cipriani Wall Street, the Museum of the Moving Image held it’s 27th annual fundraising gala and honored Hugh Jackman.

Drew Nieporent

Mike Nichols and Hugh Jackman

Herbert S. Schlosser, Judith Schlosser, and Carl Goodman

Jamie Deroy

Eddie Redmayne

Rochelle Slovin and Ivan Lustig

Lorraine Bracco

Deborra-Lee Furness and Hugh Jackman

Tom Hooper

Hugh Jackman and Rachel Weisz

Liev Schreiber and Anne Hathaway

Emilia Paul, Coralie Paul, Deborra-Lee Furness, and Hugh Jackman

Mike Nichols and Tom Hooper

Hoong Yee and Hugh Jackman

Herbert S. Schlosser and Ann Tisch

Adam Bartos and Rochelle Slovin

Audrey Gruss and George Kaufman

Rob Marcus and Wendy Marcus

Jennifer Goodman, Carl Goodman, and Peter Cincotti

The following night, Wednesday, December 12th, uptown at Ciprani 42nd Street, the Child Mind Institute held its 3rd annual Child Advocacy Award Dinner. They honored Michael Fascitelli, CEO and trustee of Vornado Realty Trut, and Nora Volkow, MD, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).

Dinner chairs included Beth Fascitelli, Christine and Richard Mack, Julie and Edward Minskoff, Brooke Garber Neidich and Daniel Neidich, Debra G. Perelman and Gideon M. Gil, Preethi Krishna and Ram Sundaram. This was one of the biggest fundraisers I’ve ever attended at the Cipriani. There must have been close to a thousand guests – this is the work of the dinner chairs and they hit it out of the park – raising an astounding $6.4 million for the institute founded by Dr. Harold Koplowicz.

Dr. Ruth Westheimer and Bloomingdale's Holiday Bear

Guests included: The Hon. Christine Quinn, Donald and Melania Trump, Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Stephanie LaCava, Dr. Max Gomez, Felice Forer Axelrod, Jerome Karr, Jared Kushner, Joan Granlund, Lisa and Michael Evans, Jenny and Michael Price, Tania and Brian Higgins, Rob Wiesenthal, Anne McNulty, Claude Wasserstein, Mary Henry and Howard Rubin, Jon Mechanic, Serena Altschul, John Lykouretzos, Wes Edens, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, Eric and Sarah Lane, Kate and Robert Niehaus, Geoffrey and Sarah Gund, Michael Gould, Jennifer and Jon Harris, Mel M. Immergut, Molly Jong-Fast and Matthew Greenfield, Erica Jong and Ken Burrows, Anne Keating, Marcia and Richard Mishaan, Valerie Mnuchin and Bruce Moskowitz, John and Amy Phelan, Brian and Eileen Riano, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff, Anthony Scaramucci, Frank Sciame, Joseph C. Shenker, Wendy Svarre, Lenard and Fern Tessler, Glenn Fuhrman, Dawn Ostroff, Marjorie and James Kuhn, Linda and Arthur Carter

Donald Trump, Michael D. Fascitelli, and Melania Trump

Dr. Nora Volkow and Dr. Harold Koplewicz

Debra Perelman and Brooke Garber Neidich

Christine Quinn amd Stephanie LaCava

George McNeely and Al Roker

Dr. Harold Koplewicz, Brooke Garber Neidich, and Michael D. Fascitelli

Anne Keating and Brooke Garber Neidich

Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Dr. Sally Peterson, George McNeely, and Michael Carlisle

Photographs by Ann Billingsley (Mt. Sinai); PatrickMcMullan.com (Moving Image, Child Mind).

Committee, Board, Special Guests, Honorees and Performers at Third Street Music School Settlement's 118th Anniversary Luncheon.

Thanks to the efforts of philanthropist and veterans activist, Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets, a not for profit organization whose mission is to partner in the transition of our returning veterans as they readjust, redirect and rebuild their civilian lives, 55 veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan made up for many missed holidays with an all day family celebration centered around the acclaimed Joffrey Ballet’s renowned Nutcracker.

The festive day began with an elegant private luncheon hosted by Ms. Kennedy in the opulent mezzanine lounge of Chicago’s historic Auditorium Theatre at Roosevelt University. Everyone was in the holiday spirit and even USN STG JaySomers' German Shepherd service dog Kodie sported a huge pair of reindeer antlers! For Ms. Kennedy and Step Up 4 Vets it was theJoy of Giving Back celebration for those who have sacrificed so much for our country.

USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin, Travis Coursey, and Patricia Kennedy

The main mission of Step Up 4 Vets Joy of Giving Back program is to provide our injured warriors the healing power of the performing arts and bonding experiences with their families to make up the missed holidays while serving our country far from home in harm’s way.

Many of the veterans attending the festivities receive care from the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center (FHCC) in North Chicago, IL. The FHCC is the only integrated DoD/VHA facility in the country that serves Active Duty, their Dependents and Veterans. There were also representatives from the US Marine Corps. Wounded Warrior Regimentin the Midwest Region that attended this event to honor those who gave up so much for our country.

Midway through the luncheon, Ms. Kennedy, a former board member and longtime supporter of The Joffrey and other dance organizations, took a few moments to explain her transition from “ballet slippers to combat boots.” Joking that “they both lace up,” Ms. Kennedy explained how her work with Career Transition for Dancers’ which aids dancers who have suffered a career-ending injury and must transition to a second act career served as both model and motivation for her to help our heroes transition to the new normal of their civilian lives.

USMC Cpl. James Dahan with Kalel and Erin Dahan

Patricia Kennedy, Gianna Marzelli, and USMC Sgt. Gene Marzellii

Ashley, Lindsey, Patti, and USN YN. Joseph Dusa

Alexander, Gigi, and USM GSM. Donald Nephew

USMC Sgt. John, Sarah, and Harliegh Bowley

A very special presentation followed when Step Up 4 Vets Founder, Ms. Patricia Kennedy, presented her organization’s “Peace One EarthMedallion” to retired Marine Cpl. Aaron Mankin.

During Operation Iraqi Freedom in May of 2005 a roadside bomb attack killed six of his fellow Marines and left him burned over 25% of his body. The most significant injuries were to his face. Cpl. Mankin was invited by philanthropist Ronald Katz to be the first patient of Operation Mend at UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. He has endured nearly 60 surgeries and is a spokesman for the program.

"I've been involved with plenty of organizations that want to take care of me. Step Up 4 Vets and Ms. Kennedy want to care for me. And they do that by taking care of the things I care about, my family and the memories we make together now." Mankin said. "I'm honored to wear this medallion and it has already become a family treasure."

USMC SSgt. Gene Marzelli, USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin, and USMC GySgt. Michael Gillitzer

Kate Mohr, USN GSM. Kevin Anderson, Patrice Anderson, and Bernie Baker

Clair and USMC LCpl. Patrick Kerrigan

Joey and Anne Cabuyadao

Kate Lynn, Juliana, USN STG Jay, Cysalee, and Pamela Somers, and Patricia Kennedy

Ms. Kennedy created the Peace One Earth Medallion to express gratitude to the defenders of our freedoms while acknowledging the hope for a world at peace.

Following the lunch, guests welcomed by Joffrey Ballet Artistic Director Ashley Wheater took their orchestra seats in the magnificent theatre to view the world's most acclaimed production of "The Nutcracker" by the incomparable Joffrey Ballet. Featuring choreography by Robert Joffrey and Gerald Arpino, score by Peter llyich Tchaikovsky and performed by The Chicago Philharmonic, the Joffrey's awe-inspiring Nutcracker has captivated audiences for 25 years with brilliant costumes, larger than life scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky’s famous score.

At the final curtain, Cpl. Aaron Mankin made a special onstage presentation of the bouquet to ballerina Christine Rocas, the lead dancer portraying The Sugar Plum Fairy.

Christine Rocas and Rory Hohenstein

Ricardo Santos

Jeraldine Mendoza

April Daly

Dylan Gutierrez

Caitlin Meighan and Ricardo Santos

Joffrey Ballet Company and Nutcracker Childrens Cast

USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin presents bouquet to Christine Rocas

Trolleys then shuttled the families to the historic Palmer House for the Annual Nutcracker Family Dinner organized by The Women's Board of the Joffrey Ballet and chaired by Carol Stone and Laura Kofoid. The guests and especially the children danced ‘till they dropped to the hip and hot sounds of DJ BradBlumenthal’s Energy Productions.

The following day, Ms. Kennedy and a small group wrapped up the weekend with Mass at St. John Cantius Catholic Church celebrated by Reverend C. Frank Phillips, C.R. Built in 1893 just before the Chicago World's Fair, the historic baroque church is one of the finest examples of sacred architecture in the city. It was also the site of Ms. Kennedy's investiture in 2008 officiated by His Eminence Francis Cardinal George. Lady Patricia Kennedy was recently promoted to Dame Grand Cross of the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George for her philanthropy. Dame Kennedy is one of only six women in the history of the order to receive this highest honor and the second American.

Travis Coursey, Hunter Mankin, Patricia Kennedy, USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin, Brilee Coursey, and Maddie Mankin

Gabrielle, Lilly, USN SCPO Ramon, Elizabeth, and Giulian Mota

Grace, Angelique, and USAR SPC Joel Carillo

For Ms. Kennedy, The Joffrey Ballet Nutcracker is the continuation of a tradition begun several years ago when she purchased a viewing party for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and hosted dozens of veterans and their families for a balloon's eye view of the spectacular. This year, she is sharing her passion for dance with her veteran constituency recognizing the healing powers of the performing arts. In 2013, Step Up 4 Vets will celebrate its fifth anniversary and Ms. Kennedy will host additional holiday centered events for our veterans including the Joffrey Nutcracker and Family Party and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Brunch.

For more information and if you wish to donate to Step Up 4 Vets Joy of Giving Back program please visit www.StepUp4Vets.org

Maddie Mankin, Brilee Coursey, USMC Cpl. Aaron Mankin, and Hunter Mankin

On Monday, December 17 in Zankel Hall, the Carnegie Hall Notables—a membership and ticket program for music enthusiasts in their 20s and 30s—hosted (un)common threads, a special Notables-only performance curated by Gabriel Kahane, seeking to uncover ties between seemingly disparate musical styles. Kahane’s collaborators for (un)common threads included virtuoso jazz guitarist Julian Lage, indie-folk singer and songwriter Aoife O’Donovan, and four genre-defying musicians of ACME: American Contemporary Music Ensemble performing songs by Kahane, including excerpts from his popular Craigslistlieder cycle and his 2012 musical, February House, based on the book of the same name by Sherill Tippins. Following the exclusive event, the Notables gathered at the Empire Hotel Rooftop for an after-party beginning with music by DJs Timo and Alan, designers of the Timo Weiland fashion collection.

(un)common threads was hosted by Carnegie Hall’s Notables, whose support benefits the music education and community programs created by Carnegie Hall’s Weill Music Institute. For more information visit carnegiehall.org/notables.

Meg Johnson and Ashleigh Brogan

Claire Coffee and Chris Thile

Tyler Pakradooni and Lauren Gamba

Notables Committee member Adriana Herrera

Gabriela Gutowski, Notables Committee member James G. Brooks Jr., and Elizabeth Bishop

Notables co-chair Jimmy Zankel gives opening remarks

Gabriel Kahane, Aoife O'Donovan, Julian Lage, Rob Moose, and ACME

Gabriel Kahane, Rob Moose, Aoife O'Donovan

Julian Lage

Aoife O'Donovan

Gabriel Kahane

Ahmed Alabaca and Ramon Brown

Robert Shmalo (right) and friend

Linda Nelson, Timothy Peterson, Stuart Nelson, Gabriel Kahane, Daniel Montilla, Adriana Herrera, and Alex Goldberg

The after-party begins at the Empire Hotel Rooftop with music by DJ's Timo and Alan

Julian Lage and friends

Timo Weiland and James G. Brooks Jr.

Maryn Tillman, Ramona Dessouki, Elizabeth Taveras, and Tom Burke

Jeremy Geffen and Emma Tepfer

Ceyla Cubukcu and Kimberly T. Hastie

Notables dance the night away

Third Street Music School Settlement, the nation’s oldest community music school, recently celebrated its 118th Anniversary Luncheon at Gotham Hall. This annual fund-raising event serves as the occasion for Third Street to honor extraordinary artists and supporters of the arts.

Receiving the award for Distinguished Achievement in the Arts was Audra McDonald, five-time Tony Award-winning singer and actress; and Claude Kelly, Grammy Award-nominated songwriter and Third Street alumnus, received the Rising Star Award. Hal Prince, Tony Award-winning director and producer, served as master of ceremonies.

Honorary Co-chairs of the Luncheon were Anna-Maria Kellen and Hal Prince; Co-chairs were Third Street board members and their spouses, Peter Flint and Sarah Gordon, and Roni Kohen-Lemle and Robert Lemle.

Hal Prince, Audra McDonald, Claude Kelly, and Lee Koonce

Guests enjoyed performances by Third Street students. A group of the School’s youngest violin students, affectionately called the “Twinklers,” performed three traditional songs from the Suzuki method repertoire. The audience was wowed by solo performances from Third Street students – Lian, age 7, performed Clementi’s Sonatina in C Major, Santino, age 16, gave a stunning performance of Bach’s Violin Partita No. 2 in D Minor, and Kelvin, age 15, delivered a moving rendition of Rachmaninoff’s Prelude in C-sharp Minor. It all culminated with a performance of St. Louis Blues by Third Street’s trumpet ensemble with students ranging in age from 10 to 18.

Touching presentation and acceptance speeches were given by both honorees and the master of ceremonies, inspiring both love and appreciation for music and arts education. Proceeds from the Luncheon benefit Third Street’s students in need. More than 75% of students—both at the main school and through school partnerships—receive some type of need-based financial aid or discounted or tuition-free instruction and honors enrichment programs.

Diana Huggin, David Huggin, Nancy Morgan, and Kerry Greene

Roni Kohen‐Lemle, Jane Polin, Christina McInerney, and Sonnet Takahisa

Barbara Field and Hal Prince

Ellsworth Stanton, Margaret Stocker, and Arthur Wallander

Anthony Macchiarulo, Peter Flint, Sophie Brechu‐West, and Ben Kaplan

David Stull, Robert Lemle, Roni Kohen‐Lemle, and Steven Natterstad

Dan Lipman and Claude Kelly

Audra McDonald and Stowe Phelps

Jeannie Park, Erica Ahdoot, and Kerry Greene

Lawrence Spielman and Dan Lipman

Jan Amorosi, Katie Firth, Jonathan Bank, and Litsa Tsitsera

Joan Forsyth, Ted White, Judy White, and Susan Innamorato

Helena Finn, Jonathan Bank, Katie Firth, and Maria Szabo‐Goessler

On December 17, 2012, the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund hosted its First Annual Holiday Party at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, in Manhattan. The families of fallen first responders and volunteers celebrated the season with food, drinks and holiday fun. Stephen J. Dannhauser, Chairman, New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund, and Chairman of Weil, Gotshal & Manges, LLP, greeted the guests and extended his gratitude for their commitment and steadfast support. The 2012 Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by Arielle Lenza, Benefit Fund Director of Development, was awarded to Karen Hartnett of Scarsdale, New York for outstanding dedication over the past year.

“The festivities served as a thank you to the extraordinary volunteers and supporters who make it possible for the Benefit Fund to provide financial assistance to the families of New York City Police Officers, Firefighters, Port Authority Police and EMS personnel immediately after they lose their loved one,” said Linda Giammona, Benefit Fund Executive Director, “We are so happy we had the opportunity to celebrate the holiday season with our families and our wonderful volunteers.”

First Sgt. Rafael Najera; Captain Craig Tooker; Sgt. Jorge Negron; Lt. Col. Richard Bordonaro; First Sgt. John Alicea - 6th Communications Battalion, Flatbush, Brooklyn

Following its inception in 1985 by Daniel J. “Rusty” Staub, the Benefit Fund provided 320 families with annual financial assistance. In 2012, the Benefit Fund distributed $2.48 million to more than 600 families of fallen first responders. The need has grown, but the mission remains the same: “Never Forget” those that put the safety of others before their own. The Benefit Fund takes pride in “answering the call” as our fallen heroes have done to protect our city, courageously sacrificing their lives so we can live and work in a safer community.

Cathleen Carousso, Pam Madison, JoAnn Atlas, Angela Callahan, and Arielle Lenza

Martha Williams, Shirley Johnson, Linda Giammona, and Jeanette Rivers

Sandra Schimenti, Diane Schimenti, and Kathleen Murray

NYC Mission Society honored Kathryn C. Chenault, Esq at The Pierre on December 12, 2012 with the Dina Merrill Hartley Public Service Award in recognition of inspirational volunteer efforts, philanthropic support and her long standing advocacy for children and youth. Legendary actress Cicely Tyson received the Alumni Award in honor of Ruby Martin for her artistry and her philanthropic work. NYC Mission Society also honored two other New York City institutions that reach their bicentennials in 2012. Citibank, N.A. received the Community Development Award and City Hall received the Community Service Award.

Lloyd Brown, Stephanie Palmer, Bob Annibale, and Gene McQuade

The evening’s Honorary Chairs were Reverend Dr. Calvin O. Butts III and Dina Merrill Hartley. The Gala Chairs were Lloyd W. Brown II, Alicia Bythewood, Stanley H. Rumbough and Jean Shafiroff and the Vice Chairswere The Honorable David N. Dinkins and Alexis E. Thomas. The Associate Chairs were Brie Bythewood, Benjamin Oaks, Nicole E. Rhodes and Cole Rumbough.

For the past two hundred years, New York City Mission Society has helped a multitude of New Yorkers by providing community-building and prevention services, education, workforce development and other programs that make a tremendous difference in the lives of New York's most under-served children, youth and families. So many years after its founding, New York City Mission Society continues its vital work, which includes operating a dynamic portfolio of out of school programs to help break the cycle of poverty for thousands of children and adults and help them achieve a brighter future.

New York City Mission Society Board of Directors

GUESTS included: Amy Fine & Brad Collins, Star Jones, George & Christine Stonbely, Stephanie & John Foster, Kara & Carl Tiedemann, Bill Ritter, Gene McQuade, Bob Annibale, Patricia & Thomas Shiah, Dr. Amelia & Bayo Oguniesi, CeCe & Louis E. Black, Jay Moorhead & Missy Kilroy, Carol Sutton Lewis, Karen & Charles Phillips, Bayard Dodge, Christopher & Sally Dodge Mole, Yolanda Ferrell-Brown & Alvin Brown, Anki Leeds, Philippe Bigar, Fleur & William Dodge Rueckert, Cornelia Bregman, b Michael, Mark-Anthony Edwards, Dr. Joel Kassimi, Jonelle Procope & Frank Terrell, Saundra & Don Cornwell, Sharon Bowen, Larry Morse, Hartley & Eleuthere Paul du Pont III, Emery Westfall, Boo Grace, Penny Grant, Joy Marks, Dawne Marie Grannum, Donna Williams, Nancy Silberkleit, Caroline Firestone, Dr. Holly Phillips & Jose Tavarez, Sharon Bowen, Larry Morse, Suzanne & Norman Cohn, Kenneth Teaton and the Rumbough family.

For more information : www.nycmissionsociety.org

Star Jones, Kathryn Chenault, and Alicia Bythewood

Jean Shafiroff and Amy Fine Collins

Maggie Norris, Joy Marks, and Cole Rumbough

Stephanie Foster, Michael Grossman, John Foster, Cornelia Sharpe Bregman, and Wendy Sarasohn

Lee and CeCe Black

Jean and Martin Shafiroff

Christopher Geffrard, Alexis Thomas, and Jonathan Geffrard

Carole Bellidora Westfall and Emery Westfall

Frances Lagatta Shelton and Bill Bruder

Michael, Cicely Tyson, Kathryn Chenault, Kenneth Chenault, Mark Anthony, and Cole Rumbough

Andrew Flach and Brooke Laing

Dr. Penny Grant, R. Couri Hay, and Patricia Shiah

David Hindie and Nancy Silberkleit

Philippe Bigar and Anki Leeds

Dr. Daniel Blythewood with Christine and George Stonbely

Donna Williams

Julie Rahill, Nicole Rhodes, Hartley du Pont, and Paul du Pont

Yoland Ferrell-Brown, Jonelle Procope, Alicia Blythewood, and Brie Blythewood

Maxine Grandison and Faye Wattleton

Bayo and Amelia Ogunlesi

Alexandra Kindler-Mulitz and Caroline Firestone

Dawne Marie Grannum

The Rumboughs

Bill Ritter and Stanley H Rumbough

Reverend Dr. Calvin O Butts

Bill Ritter, Stanley Rumbough, Carl Sylvestre, and Kathryn Chenault

Cicley Tyson and Mayor David Dinkins

Jo Shields and Alden Sherman

Kari and Carl Tiedemann

Erik Bottcher, Saundra Parks, and Dr. Bert Peterson

Melissa Nobles and Abenna Abboa-Offei

Carole Bellidora Westfall and Christine Biddle

Photographs byDavid Crotty/PatrickMcMullan.com (StepUp4Vets); www.AnnieWatt.com (Mission Society); Chris Lee (Notables).

The Children of Armenia Fund's Ninth Annual Holiday Gala in The Temple of Dendur attThe Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The Children of Armenia Fund (COAF), a non-profit organization working to improve the living conditions for village children in Armenia, hosted its Ninth Annual Holiday Gala on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in The Temple of Dendur in The Sackler Wing. The event was a huge success as more than 300 longtime friends and supporters gathered for an unforgettable evening and raised $1.3 million to support of COAF's programs. Special guests in attendance included Nathan Lane, Sean Hayes, Victor Garber and Patricia Field.

For the sixth year in a row, Emmy and Tony Award-winning actress, Andrea Martin was the master of ceremonies for the evening. She was also honored for her longtime commitment to the organization with the COAF Humanitarian Award. Martin has been a longtime advocate of COAF's mission in creating and sustaining opportunities for growth and progress among children in impoverished rural Armenia. The COAF Humanitarian Award was created to recognize individuals doing outstanding work in advocacy and awareness both inside and outside the organization.

Diana Haggerty and Daneilla Baydar

Both Sam and Sylva Simonian and Nathan Lane were also honored for their philanthropic accomplishments. Sam Simonian, President and CEO of INET, also founded the TUMO Center for Creative Technologies in Armenia. TUMO is a state-of-the-art digital technology center that serves as a precursor for teens wanting to pursue careers in animation, video games, web development, and digital video and audio. Nathan Lane, notably known for his work in film and television, was also honored for his philanthropic work. Lane sits on the Board of Trustees for Broadway Cares / Equity Fights Aids, one of the nation's leading industry-based, nonprofit AIDS fundraising and grant-making organizations.

The evening also featured performances by children who traveled to New York from the villages of Armenia where COAF works. They played traditional Armenian musical instruments and shared their success stories with those in attendance. Brian Stokes-Mitchell captivated the crowd with a performance of "What a Wonderful World" and evening came to a close after singer Lauriana Mae delivered her rendition of "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)".

Children who traveled to New York from the villages of Armenia where COAF works

Diana Mkhitarian, Charles Mkhitarian, Archbishop Khajag Barsamian, and Sylvia Adjamian

The Gala was co-hosted by celebrated artist Michael Aram. The event also featured both silent and live auctions conducted by Sotheby's auctioneer C. Hugh Hildesley. The money raised from these auctions will support the expansion efforts of COAF's programs to additional villages. For more information, please visit http://www.coafkids.org

Cosima Spender, Andrea Martin, Nathan Lane, and Devlin Elliott

Sean Hayes and Scotty Icenogle

Patricia Field and Fares Rizk

Astrid Mkhitarian, Diana Mkhitarian, Shake Nahapetian, Sylvia Adjamian, and Charles Mkhitarian

Nathan Lane

Victor Garber

Gerry Post, Victor Garber, Rainer Andreesen, and David Duchemin

Dede and Armen Keteyian

Paul and Jeanette Wagner

Dan Mushegian, Heddy Leiberman, Max Teicher, and Sara Mushegian

Anna Afeyan and Noubar Afeyan

Matias and Jennifer Radencrantz

Vrej Markarian, Anna Kazanchyan, and Marian Markarian

Alice and Artoun Festekjian

Cindy and Larry Feinberg

Sahan Arzruni and Carol Haggerty

Ara and Heddy Kervandjian

Helen and Jeff Acopian

Sonja and Ota Hacet

William Herrick and Grada Fischer

Gabriella Kula, Alex Teicher, Max Teicher, and Heddy Leiberman

Nazaret and Nela Festekjian

Ambassador John and Donna Evans

Sirarpi Hacatoglu and Oscar Tatosian

Dr. Nazaret and Lena Derkevorkian

On Monday, December 10, 2012, St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters held its Thirteenth Annual "Doodle for Hunger" Celebrity Art Auction. Colorful and original signed works of art, or "Doodles", created by celebrities such as Paul McCartney, John Travolta, Donald Trump, Peter Max, LeRoy Neiman, Cher, Archbishop Timothy Dolan, Betty White, Mariano Rivera, Martin Sheen, Yoko Ono, Mort Kunstler, Yogi Berra, Glenn Close, and many more were auctioned off at Pier Sixty/Chelsea Piers in New York City.

The event, which was presented once again by Margo and John Catsimatidis, featured a tribute to the late LeRoy Neiman, legendary sports artist, with a special presentation to his wife, Mrs. Janet Neiman. The evening's Guest of Honor was Tony Danza, actor, teacher and author, and hosted by Fox 5 News Anchor, Ernie Anastos.

Macy's wrote out a check for $400,000 in support of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters

Over 600 guests enjoyed a cocktail party, Doodle preview, silent auction and live auction led by acting great Tony Lo Bianco and Kathleen Guzman, professional Auctioneer and Managing Director of Heritage Auctions New York. It was a wonderful evening that raised over $600,000 in support of St. Francis Food Pantries and Shelters – which serves over 10,000 poor families in New York and New Jersey each week.

Joe Pontarelli, Larry Wohl, Colleen Rein, Jane Pontarelli, Richard Soloway, Leesa Rowland, and Donna Soloway

Tony Lo Bianco and Tony Danza

John Catsimatidis, Eben Bronfman, Margo Catsimatidis, and Rhea Grous

Curtis Sliwa and Ernie Anastos

Kim Thompson and Cal Ramsey

Liz Muskat, Allen Berk, and Marylou Berk

Theresa Gilligan, Father Francis Gasparick, and Frank Colluccio

Sarah Fitzgerald, John Farrell, Rod Gilbert, Raminta Massaro, and John Massaro

Rod Gilbert and Louis Siracusano

Amy Berman, David Hooker, and Mickey Heller

Joe Sano, Janet Neiman, and Father Francis Gasparick

Joseph Roberto, Craig Clausen, and Joe Sano

Dolores Gallo, Greg Gallo, and Debby Gallo

Shannon Pashcow, Allan Pashcow, and Louise Pashcow

Margaret Grioli, Mitch Leventhal, Valerie Leventhal, and Ellen Leventhal

Rhea Albert and Cheryl Benton

Faith Hope Consolo and Karen Dome

Suzanne Aquino, Joseph Aquino, Laura Walker, Kennetha Pettus, Faith Hope Consolo, Maureen Munroe, Karen Dome, and Joanna Capobianco

Tony Lo Bianco, John and Margo Catsimatidis, Tony Danza, and Ernie Anastos

Tony Danza and the FOX News team singing New York, New York

Nearly 400 guests raised $1.2 million at the 36th Annual Inner-City Scholarship Fund Award Dinner on Monday, December 3, 2012 at the Mandarin Oriental in Manhattan. His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, Archbishop Emeritus of the Archdiocese of New York, was the event’s honoree. Inner-City Scholarship Fund (ICSF) is the city’s leading non-profit organization dedicated to providing tuition assistance for low-income students attending ICSF-supported inner-city Catholic schools within the Archdiocese of New York.

His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, was presented with the Inner-City Scholarship Fund Award by His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York. Cardinal Egan was recognized for his dedication to Catholic education, the Catholic schools within the Archdiocese and their students.

His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan and His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan

CBS Sunday Morning correspondent and ICSF trustee, Mo Rocca served as the event’s Master of Ceremonies. The evening’s program showcased performances by the Saint Raymond School Choir;pianist Amir Small, a senior at Cardinal Spellman High School; and a rousing performance by operatic tenor, Marcello Giordani.

Inner-City Scholarship Fund (ICSF) was founded in 1971 by the late Terence Cardinal Cooke and a group of prominent executives of many religious beliefs. ICSF provides tuition assistance to nearly 8,000 students (93% minority and 36% non-Catholic) in 93 inner-city Catholic schools in Manhattan, the Bronx and Staten Island. An astonishing 96% percent of graduates from ICSF supported schools pursue college at some of the finest universities in the nation.

Amir Small, His Eminence, Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan, His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, and Peter T. Grauer

Mo Rocca

Pianist Amir Small, a senior at Cardinal Spellman High School

Sr. Veronica Woods Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert Small

Susan George, Executive Director of Inner-City Scholarship Fund, Christie de Nicola, and Tony de Nicola

Paul P. Wollard, His Eminence, Edward Cardinal Egan, and Ruth Woolard

The Saint Raymond School Choir

Down in balmy PB: Following the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, author and former Town and Country editor Pamela Fiori reminded a packed house of Palm Beachers exactly what they had to be thankful for at a lecture and presentation based on her beautifully illustrated new book "In the Spirit of Palm Beach." The lively presentation was followed by a cocktail tea and book signing, hosted by Steven Stolman and Scalamandre.

Fiori signed books and visited with the crowd, who gave the book a thumbs up for it's lush visuals and thoughtful prose- described as one guest as "a love letter to Palm Beach." The book draws upon Ms. Fiore's extensive experience in Palm Beach and is shaped by her unique access to the behind the scenes lifestyles of the island's wealthiest and glamorous residents.

Pamela Fiori signs for Kit Pannill and Melinda Hassen

There: Kit Pannill, Talbott Maxey, architect Tom Kirchhoff and his wife Carol, Peggy Moore, Melinda Hassen, Stephen Mooney, Brewer Schoeller, Ray Raymakers and scores more.

The Four Arts presents lectures, book signings and many other events from October through April. For more information, visit www.fourarts.org.

Geoffrey Thomas and Sharon Sondes

Pamela Fiori and Ellin Salzman

Jackie Breckenridge, Scott Moses, and Kae Jonsons

Keith Williams and Talbott Maxey

Linda Uribe and Ross Meltzer

Sean Robins, Ray Raymakers, and Rob Copley

Peggy and Dudley Moore, Jr.

Tea sandwiches!

Scott Yetman and Pamela Fiori

Brewer Schoeller and Lisa Desmond

Tom and Carol Kirchhoff with Stephen Mooney

Sandy Thompson, Steven Stolman, and Jessie Araskog

Steven Stolman and Rich Wilkie

Photographs by www.AnnieWatt.com (Doodle; COAF); Joe Vericker/Photo Bureau (ICSF)

The 47 women of distinction at the 58th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball.

47 women of distinction from the United States and abroad made their bows to over 700 guests at the 58th Anniversary of the International Debutante Ball at the Waldorf Astoria. The debutantes represented China, England, France, The Netherlands, Scotland and fifteen American states. Each debutante was accompanied by her own escort in white tie and tails, and a military cadet in dress uniform who carried the flag of the country or state which she represents.

The ball was founded in 1954 by Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce as a charity and the tradition continues today directed by her niece, Mrs. Gregory Scott Hedberg. This year the Honorary Chairmen were Mrs. David Hamilton and Mrs. Julia I. Kauffman and Chairmen included Anne Eisenhower, Susan Eisenhower, Mrs. D. David Eisenhower, and Princess Chantal of France.

The International Debutante Ball Foundation supports numerous charities including The Soldiers’, Sailors’, Marines’, Coast Guard and Airmen’s Club, a home away from home for the military and their families.

For more information: www.internationaldebutanteball.com

Jessica Catherine Jones and Ted Guevel

William Pierrepont, Courtney Fischer, Nicole Fischer, and Michael Rolla

Count and Countess Ulrick Christian Trampe, and Mackenzie Peyton Nix

Olivia Claire Neale

John Luke, Mark, Madison, and Becky and Boone Powell

Zachary Dinan, James Dinan, Katie Dinan, Elizabeth Miller, and Michael Dinan

Mark Rodeo, Dr. Scott Rodeo, Caitlyn Rodeo, Dr. Christine Frissora, Sarah Rodeo, and Scott Rodeo, Jr.

Georgina Lara Booth and Natasha Emily Booth

The Hon. Iona Murray and William Murray

Malcolm Pray, Nicole Fischer, Sabrina Forsythe, and Courtney Fischer

Elizabeth Mitchell and Princess Lucretia Obolensky

The Jones Family

Noble, Wallace, Martha Lauren, Lanette, and Madison Smith

Christopher D'Orazio, Theresa Marie Rhodora D'Orazio, and Kyle Ram

Coby Kramer, Tatum Tulane Bass, and Brandon Owens

Margaret Hedberg and Consuelo Vanderbilt

Lina, Monica, and Christina Beltran

Briana Kresic and Abigail Tufts

Crisler and Grace Quick

Michelle Tedesco, Renee Boiardo, Andrea Boiardo, and Katrina Keating

Olia Lau and Charles Wang

Cole Rumbough, Whitney Schott, and Leah Rumbough

Amanda and Austin Crown

Adam, Ellen, and Alexandra Crown

Countess Dagmar DeBrantes and Edward Westlow

Becky, Bill, and Ryland Hughes

Gregory and Margaret Hedberg, Dr. Paul Sullivan, Julia Irene Kauffman, and Alison Chase

Paget and Susie Kern, and Kae and Lilly Jonsons

Mary Louisa Miller, and Palmer and India Nix

Mark Rodeo – It's been a long night

Delia von Neuschatz for NYSD: ABC news anchor George Stephanopoulos and filmmaker David Lynch hosted “An Historic Night of Jazz” to benefit the David Lynch Foundation at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall located in the Time Warner Center. Featuring performances by Wynton Marsalis, Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding,Corinne Bailey Rae and Terri Lyne Carrington, the sold-out gala eventwas held in honor of Lisa and Dr. Mehmet Oz and Barbara and Ray Dalio. Guests included Liv Tyler, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld and San Francisco Giants pitcher, BarryZito.

David Lynch

The David Lynch Foundation is a nonprofit organization which partners with schools, military bases, hospitals, prisons, battered women’s and homeless shelters to teach non-religious Transcendental Meditation (TM) techniques to help adults and children overcome post-traumatic stress (PTS), enhance performance and learning ability and promote general well-being.

The stress-reducing benefits of TM have been well-documented in numerous studies published in scientific journals such as the American Medical Association’s Archives of Internal Medicine and the American Heart Association’s Stroke and Hypertension.

Devotees of Transcendental Meditation include Ellen DeGeneres, Martin Scorsese, and Candy Crowley. Proceeds from the benefit will provide TM programs for at-risk youth in underserved schools, veterans with PTS and their families and women and girls who are victims of violence, abuse and rape.

Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld. Jerry Seinfeld has been practicing Transcendental Meditation for over 40 years.

Dr. Mehmet Oz with his wife, Lisa

Ray and Barbara Dalio

Barry Zito and his wife, Amber.

Liv Tyler

George Stephanopoulos

Bob Roth, Executive Director of the David Lynch Foundation

Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding and Terri Lyne Carrington

Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter

Rita Cosby

John and Kara Hagelin

CMS (ret) Edward W Schloeman

Michael Ortiz and his wife, Deborah. Upon retiring from a 22-year career as a law-enforcement first-responder, Michael began suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He and his wife spoke movingly to the assembled crowd about how TM has helped him recover from PTSD when other therapies failed.

Velia Nader

Liv Tyler answering questions about TM to the press.

Greg Sextro and Adrien Daller recording the evening's event for the David Lynch Foundation.

Project Sunshine’s Young Leadership Committee, chaired by CeCe Barfield, William Sinclair, Elizabeth Steel and Anna Varshisky, hosted their Third Annual “Naughty & Nice” holiday fundraiser at The Bowery Hotel on December 12th. Model and dancer, Damaris Lewis, was one of more than 350 guests who attended the event, which raised important funds to support Project Sunshine’s programming for children in medical facilities. The evening featured music by DJ duo The Chainsmokers, photo booth by MRI Lightpainting, and open bar sponsored by Tito’s Handmade Vodka, MacRostie Winery, and Peroni.

Project Sunshine empowers a dynamic and dedicated corps of over 10,000 volunteers to bring programming - recreational (arts), educational (tutoring and mentoring) and social service (HIV and nutritional counseling) - to over 60,000 children facing medical challenges and their families in 150 major cities across the United States and internationally in Canada, China, Israel and Kenya. For more information about Project Sunshine, please visit: www.projectsunshine.org.

Bess Chapman, Kate Marshall, Anne Haberman, Abigail Stone, and Anne Cook

Lisa Semm, Kristine Davis, and Christine Campbell

Eli Walker and Joe Bernik

Aimee Denaro, Tom Fitzgerald, and Jamie Ablett

Stefania Rincon and Matthew Gates

Margaux McGrath and Seanna Senior

Paul Stamas, Stephanie Xethalis, Jarrett McGovern, and Rose Martincak

Ashley Rissolo and Amanda Ens

Joanna and Matthew Santiago

Anita Halton, Sarah Lawrence, and Hope Yates

Anna Varshisky, Elizabeth Steel, Lisa Semm, and Emily Daman

CeCe Barfield, William Sinclair, Elizabeth Steel, and Anna Varshisky

Quemuel Arroyo, Allison O'Hanley, and Serena Piol

Rose Martincak and Paul Stamas

Montgomery Brown, Sam Martin, and Tyler MacDonald

Beatrice Kernan and Maddi Clarke

Dawn Wilson and Andrea Frett

Nicole Basabe and Dennis Kim

Erin Wylie and Alexandra Segalas

Amanda Luskin, Abby Rice, Brooke Richman, and Kylie Gattinella

Andrew Gough and Catherine Wert

Matthew Rainwater and Anna Ivanova

Zack Sufrin and Kate Hesel

Asya Varshisky and Kelley Weir

Matt Klein and Matt Somma

Cheryl Wak and Jing Ri

Joseph Weilgus and Ben Strouse

Katrina Frantz and Mimi Pitney

Paige Pedersen and Piret Aava

Kristen O'Neill, Evan Speiser, and Alexandra O'Neill

Christopher Wolf, Caroline Owens, and Melissa Evans

Angela Redai and Brittany Kligman

Sari Tepper, Carolyn Daman, and Adam Paige Hess

Tammy Przybyski, Tom Frisina, and Teresa Frisina

Sara Rafferty and Deon Serrant

Andrey Golovicher, Abigail Stone, Anna Varshisky, and Naor Berkner

Melissa Cherry, Joseph Weilgus, and Quiana Grant

Caitlin Clark, Rebecca Allen, and Charlotte Steel

Christopher Wong, Farah Bahmani, and Victor Scimeca

On Friday, December 28th, 2012, Dr. Annette Rickel, President of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) hosted an invite-only Holiday Cocktail Party to bring awareness to their 2012 Annual Appeal supporting lung cancer research. The festive and informative evening took place at Dr. Rickel’s home in Palm Beach, with special guests Mark G. Kris, MD and Valerie Rusch, MD, FACS of MSKCC’s Thoracic Oncology Team, along with Annual Appeal Chairman Nicole Limbocker.

The Annual Appeal is a hands-on initiative, with all members of The Society participating in a letter-writing campaign to raise $1 million for a specific project at the Center. Money raised for the 2012 Annual Appeal will go towards research for the early detection and prevention of lung cancer.

Guests included: Kate Allen, Jesse Araskog, Hilary Dick, Candy and Bill Hamm, Melanie Holland, Eleanora Kennedy, Natalie Leventhal, Kamie Lightburn, Nicole Limbocker, Grace Meigher, Kate Pickett, Alexia and Baird Ryan.

Annette Rickel, Valerie Rusch, Mark Kris, and Nicole Limbocker

Frances Scaife and Tom McCarter

Grace Meigher, Derek Limbocker, and Annette Rickel

Tim Malloy, Eva Bodnar, and Susan Malloy

Christopher Milliken, Jim Clarke, Maureen Donnell, and Nancy Milliken

Dick Cowell and Dudley Moore

Bill and Candy Hamm

Marvin Davidson, Peggy Moore, and Mary Davidson

Clelia and Tom Zacharias, Ann Jeffries

Ginny Burke, Jeff and Cynthia Mack

Rand and Jesse Araskog, Mark Gilbertson

Suzanne O'Malley and Elenora Kennedy

Annette Rickel and Patricia Nix

Photographs by Elaine and ChiChi Ubiña (International Debutante Ball, Project Sunshine); Lucien Capehart Photography (MSKCC).

Budapest Festival Orchestra's Great Performers series dinner on the promenade of Avery Fisher Hall.

On Sunday, January 20th the world renowned Budapest Festival Orchestra returned to Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher Hall for a Great Performers series concert. The BFO have long been a highlight of the concert season, with the orchestra playing to sold out houses. The BFO performed Shostakovich: Jazz Suite; Bernstein: Serenade; Rachmaninoff: Symphony No. 2 under the baton of Iván Fischer, Music Director, joined by Dutch violinist Liza Ferschtman, who has entranced European audiences with her passionate, thoughtful playing.

Following the concert, the Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra hosted a gala and toasted Maestro Fischer's birthday on the Promenade of Avery Fisher Hall. With her usual effervescence and glittering smile, Daisy M. Soros, Chairman of the Friends of the Budapest Festival Orchestra welcomed more than 100 guests to the Annual Winter Gala and led the group in wishing Maestro Fischer a Happy Birthday.

Daisy Soros, Beth Jacobs, and Ivan Fischer blowing out his birthday candles

Members of the Board include: Daisy M. Soros, Chairman, Beth Jacobs, Vice Chairman, Blaise Pasztory, Treasurer, Sylvia Hemingway, Secretary, Noreen Buckfire, Ambassador Károly Dán, Stephen Fuzesi, Jr.; Emese Green, Dr. William A. Haseltine, Aniko Gaal Schott, Suzanne von Liebig, Ludovica Rossi Purini, John C. Whitehead and Victoria Wyman.

With the help of all its supporters, the FBFO supports music education programs in Hungary, "Cocoa Concerts" for children with the aim to engage children early to music, replaces and restores orchestral instruments to allow this wonderful orchestra to perform all around the world. For additional information about the FBFO, visit the website: www.fbfo.org.

Daisy Soros, Ivan Fischer, and Beth Jacobs

Cathy Ranieri, Yves Gaden, John Wetzler, and Pat Wetzler

Dr Richard Bockman, Christie Urlich, Rob Urlich, and Gail Hayman

Gianluigi Vittadini and Adrienne Vittadini

Dafna Schmerin, Noreen Buckfire, and Dr. Michael Schmerin

Erno Hollo, Irene Hollo, and Blaise Pasztory

Gianluigi Vittadini, Adrienne Vittadini, Sahra Lese, Ivan Fischer, and Daisy Soros

Ken Roman and Irene Moscahlaidis

Ellis Rubinstein and Joanna Rubinstein

Andrew Saul, David Tobey, Julie Tobey, and Richard Feigen

Kathy Megyeri, Susan Hutchison, and Leslie Megyeri

Judi Sorensen Flom and Susan Hutchison

Fruzsina Dan and Ambassador Karoly Dan

Bill Cunningham and Sahra Lese

Adam Gyorgy and Sylvia Hemingway

Vera Blinken, Ambassador Gianluigi Vittadini, and Aniko Gaal Schott

Larry Saper, Analiese Soros, and Ronald Ulrich

Alexandra Huebner, John de Csepel, and Julie Tobey

Maria Eugenia Haseltine and William Haseltine

Joanna Rubinstein, Dr Michael Sheffery, and Beth Jacobs

Jane Cafritz and Hilaire O'Malley

Lady Va Maughan and Karlheinz Muhr

Sebastian Baverstam and Ivan Fischer

Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband Matthew Broderick celebrate his late mother Patricia Broderick at the opening of the "Paintings and Works on Paper" Exhibit at the Tibor de Nagy Gallery on January 21st.

The 47-year-old actress brought along her son James for the evening to check out Patricia's work from throughout her career.

Matthew Broderick, James Wilke Broderick, and Sarah Jessica Parker

Michelle Jaffe, Ilse Murdock, and Joe Santore

Zach Neumann, Matthew Broderick, and Martha Broderick

Paul Calendrillo and Marian Calendrillo

Andy Arnot, Sarah Jessica Parker, Matthew Broderick, and Eric Brown

Kyle O'Donnell and Frank Selvaggi

Matthew Broderick and Isaac Mizrahi

Alex Merchant and Madeline Lagattuta

Debbie Korb and Stephen McRae

Rina Anoussis and Sarah Jessica Parker

Billy DiMichele and Benjamin Stark

Chris Sullivan and Zach Neumann

Jane Freilicher, Eric Brown, and Elizabeth Hazan

Janna Heiman, Lauren Leslie, and Jess Kimball

Ash Ferlito and Joshua Jelly-Schapiro

Cord Marlowe and Kelly Marlowe

Ash Ferlito, Ilse Murdock, and Jody Wood

Hannah Kraft, Janet Broderick, James Kraft, Zach Neumann, Martha Broderick, Alexis Broderick, and Matthew Broderick

Sarah Burns, Barbara Alton, and Juli Reddy

Fran Porcaro and Peggy Marx

Angie Schworer, Zach Neumann, and Richard Bird

Elizabeth Grobel and Alexis Broderick

Becky Sellinger and Jean-Jacques du Plessis

Angie Schworer, Yloy Ybarra, Jimmy Borstelmann, Heather McVeigh, and Richard Bird

On Tuesday, January 8th, over 75 friends and members of the Bermuda National Gallery gathered at Hawthorne Fine Art on the Upper East Side of Manhattan for a reception and private viewing of the American Art gallery's current exhibition, Isles of Tranquility: Paintings of Bermuda by Clark Greenwood Voorhees (1871-1933).

Guests included His Excellency the Governor, The Hon. George Fergusson and Mrs. Fergusson and Premier, The Hon. Craig Cannonier, JP MP and Mrs. Cannonier as well as Bermuda National Gallery Executive Director, Lisa Howie, Founding Trustee, Dr. Charles Zuill and Tucker Hewes, President of the Bermuda Fine Arts Foundation.

During the course of the evening, the Governor and The Premier both delivered speeches. Additional speeches were given by Jennifer C. Krieger, Managing Partner of Hawthorne Fine Art; Gary L. Phillips OBE JP, Chairman of the Bermuda National Gallery and Franklin Hill Perrell, Trustee of the Bermuda National Gallery. Also in attendance were Bermuda's Minister of Finance, The Hon. Everard 'Bob' Richards JP, MP and Minister of Economic Development, Dr. the Hon. E. Grant Gibbons JP, MP.

Gary Phillips, Margaret Fergusson, George Fergusson, Helen Clark, Tricia Phillips, and Bob Richards

Kate Brewster Duffy and Thea Smolinski

Tyler Bradford, Wil Bradford, Jane Hewes, Jennifer Krieger, and Jay Nichols

Gary Phillips, George Fergusson, Margy Hargraves, and Nina Muller

Tucker Hewes, Hedda Nadler, Jane Hewes, and Franklin Perrell

Rita Lascaro and Antonia Pocock

Gary Phillips, Jennifer Krieger, and Alida Fish

Margaret Furgusson

Premier Craig Cannonier and Helen Clark

Gary Phillips, The Hon. Craig Cannonier, Jennifer Krieger, and George Fergusson

Chris Maiato, Theresa Uckotter, and Bill Bailey

Jennifer Krieger, Ann Schutte, and Tricia Phillips

Tyler Bradford, Deetsie Bradford, Tae Hattori, and Harry Bradford

David Pursch, Margaret Fergusson, and Deborah and Samuel Pursch

Peter Davis and Jan Joroff

Peter and Marie Solange O'Driscoll, and Whit Clay

Robert Raynor and Astrid Monfils

Dan Christoffel and Lisa Chalif

Peter Lapsley, Ann Shutte, and Amanda Peters

Emily Perrell and George Fergusson

Kees van Beelen and Christina van Beelen

Tucker Hewes, and Alex and Nancy Ward

Phyllis Falino and Camille Casling

Rita Lascaro and Robert Skingle

Chris Maiato and Lisa Howie

Elizabeth Glass and Havalock Hewes

Eileen and James Toogood

Marianne Camille Spraggins and Bob Richards

Tatiana Vidus and Wil Bradford

Carol and Joe Henry

Daniel MacCarthy and Nicholas Bush

Craig Cannonier and Lisa Howie

Lynda Anderson and Sarah Reynolds

Frank J. Olt and Franklin Hill Perrell

Brian O'Gibney and Maureen Murphy

Earlier this month, Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers celebrated their Inaugural Gala Event at The Breakers. This benefit raises critical dollars for Lifesaver Scholarship Fund helping Florida patients receive treatment.

From the initial invitation encouraging guests to come dressed in Palm Beach casual, to the deconstructed Caesar salad and comfort-style truffle mac ‘n cheese, to the very un-stuffy Marcia Mitchell Band setting a dance-till-you-drop tone from the moment Breakers staff opened the ballroom doors, to the heartfelt speeches by Gala co-chairs Liza Pulitzer and Nellie Benoit, the combined Caron and Hanley benefit made for a FUN night to remember raising funds for addiction treatment.

“The evening was especially meaningful to us,” said Pulitzer. “The proceeds from our combined event will be used for the Lifesaver Scholarship Fund which supports people who want help, but need financial assistance. About 40 percent of Caron and Hanley patients receive assistance and thanks to our guests’ generosity, even more will be helped.”

Nellie Benoit and Liza Pulitzer

Dick and Sally Robinson

As a finale, an hour-plus performance by former Foreigner rock-God, Lou Gramm, capped the evening as guests scooped up still-warm sweets from the Donut Divas, and snacked on sliders as they rummaged through swag bags overstuffed with goodies from Letarte, Alex and Ani, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Lilly Pulitzer, OPI and more. Entire tables of the Mangrove Group – Hanley’s young friends’ organization – and guests in the after-party kept the dance floor moving past midnight.

Seen at the sold-out event were Turner and Whitmore Benoit, Chris and Bobby Leidy, Dede Merck, Lou Hager, Alice and Chris Holbrook, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Judith and Jarrett Kling, Wendy and David Novack, Ali and Lee Hanley, Michael McCarty, Angela Culveyhouse and Michael Vecellio, Kim and Payson Coleman, Bill and Nancy Rollnick, Chris Cook, Julie and Howard Rudolph, Francis and Sarah Fabrizio, Joanie and Paul Van der Grift, Les Daniels, Dick and Sally Robinson, and Holly and Michael McClosky among others.

Lesly Smith, Dr. James Walsh, and Danielle Hickox Moore

“We wanted to create a setting where our guests could have a good time and learn about addiction,” said Benoit. “It’s really the last taboo. People just don’t want to think about it. But the truth is that one in four Americans will be touched by an alcohol or drug problem at some point during their lifetime. The good news is that addiction is preventable and treatable. And the earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.”

Sponsors for the Caron and Hanley event included Kim and Payson Coleman, Heidi Cox, Marvin H. Davidson Foundation, Florida Power & Light, Lydia and Robert Forbes, Gary and Dee-Dee Harris, Anne S. Keresey and Thomas Hazard Keresey, Donna Kress, Joan and Charles Lazarus, Kathy and Paul Leone, Mark Edward Partners, Sally M. Marks, Adele S. Merck, Catalina and Thomas A.N. Miller, Sean F. Conaboy - NSM Insurance Group, Margaret and Michael Picotte, Kitty and Hank Price, E. Burke Ross, Jr., Lesly Smith, Caroline and Bailey B. Sory, Louise H. Stephaich, Tom McCarthy, Ralph and Mary Gesualdo, and Duane Morris.

Quinn Johnson and Whitmore Benoit

Chris Leidy and Kendall Fabian

Caron and Hanley Treatment Centers have joined forces. As a result of this alliance of industry leaders, Caron and Hanley together are the largest and most comprehensive nonprofit addiction treatment provider in the country, focused on a 12-Step recovery program with a powerful clinical component. Caron is well known for pioneering addiction treatment that is gender-specific and specialized for adolescents, young adults, families, as well as in instances of relapse. Hanley has forged new ground creating programs focused on baby boomers and senior citizens. Combined, these innovators will now offer the country’s most comprehensive continuum of treatment ranging from adolescence through older adulthood. 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.

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

Mercedes Gotwald and Lou Hager

Hilary and Peter Pulitzer

Alice and Chris Holbrook

Lou Gramm and Dr. Rachel Docekal

Barbara Appleby, Clark Appleby and Susan Ford Bales

Thomas Hazard Keresey and Anne Keresey

Jimmy and Gloria Marcus

Drew and Amy Rothermel

Chris and Ann Quick

Linda and Mike Hanley, and Sharon McGinley

Ricky Grow and Amber Hopkins

Julie and Howard Rudolph

Marc Koch and Stacey Leuliette

Ashley Cherowitzo and Bobby Leidy

Judy and Jarrett Kling

K.C. and John Pickett

Chris Lawford and Mercedes Miller

To welcome in the new year, more than 500 arts enthusiasts and Museum of Biblical Art supporters turned out for the third annual 8 x 8 Holiday Art Exhibition and Auction.

Over 100 works of art measuring only 8 in. by 8 in., created by 92 artists, were displayed in a unique silent auction. Bidders did not know who the artist was until placing the winning bid. “Part of the mystery this evening is that you don’t know who the artist is – you have to fall in love with it,” said Scott Peck, MBA curator and co-director, in his welcome remarks to the crowd. And fall in love they did. The auction was almost a complete sell-out.

The intriguing theme of 8 x 8 came from Jeff Levine who explained to the audience, “It began as a small idea three years ago from a conversation I had with Rabbi Rvi Drizin of the Intown Chabad. The number 8 is a symbol for the Hebrew word for life, which is Chai,” said Levine. “So, 8 x 8 is a double portion of life or a doubly- blessed life. We decided to keep going with this religious idea. Last year we made it an interfaith experience by adding the theme of Christmas to Chanukah, and this year we are delighted to present the show at the Museum of Biblical Art.”

Lorrie Smith and Jeff Levine

Tim and Cheryl Reynolds

Honorary co-chair Donna Weitzman began the evening’s remarks by underscoring the importance of the exhibition to increase “expressions of understanding and expressions of tolerance,” before handing the mike to her co-chair, Dr. Carolyn Farb, who is known, as Weitzman delightedly reminded the audience, as “The First Lady of Philanthropy in Houston.” Farb, who first visited the museum to see the famous “Tapestry of the Centuries” painting by Vladimir Gorsky, related that it was a personal visit to Houston by 8 x 8 committee members Scott Peck, Bob Hopkins and Jeanette Korab, artist and widow of Gorsky, which convinced her that she had to participate.

Scott Peck introduced the evening’s guest of honor, Edith Baker, who is well known in Dallas as an artist, collector and former gallery owner.

Rini Andres, Edith Baker, Honored for her Support in Rebuilding the Museum, and Roger Lee

Dr. Carolyn Farb and Donna Weitzman presented Baker with a Jewish-themed heirloom piece of crystal. Accepting with modest appreciation, Baker thanked everyone for coming and added, “We are trying to promote this unusual museum and make a lot of friends of all religions. Please come again and bring all your friends!” Peck also presented original artwork by Jeanette Korab to Carolyn Farb and Donna and Herb Weitzman in appreciation for their support of the museum.

Other special guests were comedienne Ruth Buzzi of Laugh-in fame and her husband Kent Perkins who also happen to be excellent artists. The 8 in. x 8 in. paintings they each contributed kicked off the spirited bidding for the live auction portion of the evening.

Sam and Susanne Tyuluman

Amy Petreikis and John Lynch

Additional bronze, metal and acrylic sculptures by renowned artists Gib Singleton, George Tobolowsky, and Frederick Hart, and a bronze cast of the “Madonna” from Michelangelo’s Pieta in Rome, Italy – authorized by the Vatican and one of a limited number of casts – were also in the live auction. J. D. Miller, a contemporary artist with Samuel Lynne Galleries in Dallas, had been delighting the audience from the beginning of the evening with a live, on-site painting during the event, which he finished and presented for the conclusion of the live auction.

Among the many guests in attendance were Katy andLawrence Bock; Patty Jo and John Turner; Zona and Barry Pidgeon; Christi Harris and M. L. Speer; Carol Seay; Judith Seay; Patricia Meadows; Charles Ward; Susan Rogers; Doris Jacobs, Myra and Stuart Prescott, James Prothro, Patricia and John Zale and Nikki McCuistion.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit the Museum of Biblical Art and its educational programs.

Julia Stjernstrom and AraDonna

Paulette Martsolf and Rick Martsolf

Carol Seay and Judith Seay

Becky Frey and Shelle Carig

Hector Hinojosa and Clara Hinojosa

Carmaleta Whiteley, Host Committee, Dr. Carolyn Farb, Honorary Co-Chair, and Donna Weitzman, Honorary Co-Chair

Artist Kent Perkins, Scott Peck, Museum Curator and Co-Director, Comedienne and Artist Ruth Buzzi

Christi Harris and ML Speer

Lawrence Bock and Katy Bock, Host Committee

Artist George Tobolowsky

Patty Jo and John Turner, Host Committee

Doris Jacobs and Terry Provencial

Suzanne Boch and Michael Grishman

Arthur Benjamin and Melina McKenna

On Friday January 5th the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)held an intimate reception and luncheon in The Mirror Room at The Colony Hotel’s pavilion for longtime Palm Beach resident HRH Princess Alia bint Al Hussein of Jordan to formally acknowledge a mutual accord for the benefit of international animal welfare between IFAW and the Princess Alia Foundation. Accompanied by her husband His Excellency Mohammed Al-Saleh, Princess Alia joined IFAW President Azzedine Downes for the signing ceremony along with members of IFAW’s international executive team and IFAW’s Palm Beach patrons.

The Colony Hotel, view from the Pavilion.

Since The Middle East finds itself as a geographical nexus for Africa's illegal wildlife trade, the agreement is a significant step in curtailing the export of exotic animals as pets and the illicit traffic of animal products, especially protecting elephants from the ivory trade. In addition to focusing on concerns relating to animals in crisis and distress, IFAW also deals with wildlife and habitat protection, responding to oil spills, typhoons and earthquakes. President of the Royal Jordanian Equestrian Foundation, Princess Alia has a spirited interest in the welfare and protection of animals with a lifelong passion for the safety and well-being of horses. She is the author of Royal Heritage – The Story of Jordan's Arab Horses. The mission of the Princess Alia Foundation is to show "compassion and respect for all creation."

Princess Alia arrives for the reception at The Colony. During the 1970s, Princess Alia's father the late King Hussein of Jordan often visited Palm Beach as a guest of Jim Kimberly. The king's eldest daughter, Princess Alia maintains the family's presence in Palm Beach.

Azzedine Downes was recently appointed president of IFAW, having previously served as the organization's executive vice president. Downes is credited with establishing IFAW's bureau in Dubai where he designed and implemented a Prevention of Wildlife Trade Program which has since trained more than 1,600 enforcement officers in 30 countries.

Princess Alia and her husband Mohammed Al-Saleh. Princess Alia's half-brother is His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan.

Minou Palandjian

Judy Schrafft

Bob McCall

Lesley MacGregor and Connie MacGregor.

Philip Milburn, IFAW vice president for philanthropy, and Ian Robinson, IFAW director the Emergency Relief Program

Princess Alia spoke eloquently about how important it is for the betterment of humanity to protect the world's wildlife.

Princess Alia and Azzedine Downes formalize the agreement between Jordan and the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

Photographs byAnnieWatt.com(BFO); Augustus Mayhew (IFAW); LILA PHOTO (Caron and Hanley); Elaine Ubiña (Hawthorne)

The Opening Night of the 59th Annual Winter Antiques Show benefiting East Side House Settlement.

The 59th Annual Winter Antique Show opened with its gala preview on Thursday night benefiting East Side House Settlement. The show runs at the Park Avenue Armory through next Sunday.

Michael Lynch, Donald Ross, Kelly Coffey, Barry Sommers, Lucinda Ballard, Arie Kopelman, Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churhill, Trudy Coxe, Peter Standish, Debra del Vecchio, and Claudio del Vecchio

Trudy Coxe, Kevin Sharkey, and Martha Stewart

John Sanchez and Caroline Kennedy

Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Diana Taylor

Peter Brant and Peter Brant Jr.

Jonathan Tisch and Lizzie Tisch

Jamee Gregory and Peter Gregory

Lucinda Ballard, Jay Cantor, Ritchie Scaife, and Stiles Colwill

Lenore and Peter Standish

Kirk Henckels and Fernanda Kellogg

Betsey Ruprecht, Mark Mason, and Erica Mason

Susan Dunn and Arne Glimcher

Amy Berkowitz, Tim Berkowitz, and Eaddo Kiernan

Robert Turner and CeCe Cord

Shane Inman and Jamie Drake

Maurice Sonnenberg, Michael Lynch, Lucinda Ballard, Arie Kopelman, and Kelly Coffey

Eula Johnson

Mario Buatta and Andrew Clunn

Peter Pennoyer and Katie Ridder

Peter Brant Jr. and Peter Brant

Donald Ross, Holly Bannister, and Douglas Newhouse

Leonard Lauder

Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary Ross

Lydia Tower and Molly De Ramel

Coco Kopelman and Susan Baker

David Dangremond, Trudy Coxe, and Lynn Roberts

Lucinda Ballard and Ruth Smithers

David Walentas and Jane Walentas

Barbara Regna

Karen Lerner and Jay Cantor

Jean Shafiroff, Alison Minton, Daniel Colon, Dawne Marie Grannum, and Dr. Penny Grant

Barbara Cirkva and John Schumacher

Boo Grace and Somers Farkas

Susan Magrino and Julie Loria

Kamie Lightburn and Mary Van Pelt

Barbara Chapman, Duncan Chapman, Donald Ross, and Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill

Sadie Kargman and Jill Kargman

Robert Woods and Olivia Wright

Elizabeth Stribling, Elizabeth Scott, Stanley Scott, and CeCe Black

Chappy and Melissa Morris

Diane Carter and Norma McLeod

Jasmine Espanol, Leigh Keno, Emily Keno, and Ed Becnel

Deborah Royce and CeCe Black

Margaret Russell and Carlos Mota

The weather was chilly but the ambiance was warm at the Playground Partners of the Women’s Committee of the Central Park Conservancy’s Annual Skating Party at Wollman Rink. Over 500 guests enjoyed an evening of skating, sipping hot chocolate, treats and sweets. The event was chaired by Paige Hardy, Ellen Offutt, and Ashley Wotiz.

The Annual Skating Party is the Conservancy’s way to thank all of their generous supporters. The Women’s Committee has been instrumental in increasing awareness and garnering funds for many Park projects. This event also raises funds to support free after-school skating and hockey lessons for underserved children of New York City.

Guests included Douglas Blonsky, President and CEO of Central Park Conservancy, Playground Partners Chairmen, Nyssa Kourakos and Yesim Philip, Vicki Foley, Gillian Miniter, Amy Schrader, Jill Ross, and Adelina Wong Ettelson.

For more information on the Playground Partners, please visit http://www.centralparknyc.org/playgroundpartners.

Elizabeth Wilson, Cassandra Miller, Benita Wilson, and Sydney Torres

Filipa Ammann, Pernilla Ammann, Jill Ross, Caroline Cole, and Yesim Philip

Adelina Wong Ettelson and Nyssa Kourakos

Charlotte Kaiser Weinberg and Clara Weinberg

Gillian Miniter, Adelina Wong Ettelson, Yesim Philip, and Vicki Foley

Jessica Tullman, Laura Hall, Christy Brega, and Wendy Van Raalte

Jonathan Adelson, Henry Adelson, and Mary Beth Adelson

Terri Coppersmith and Douglas Blonsky

Kerry Shannon, Aliza Ameer, Elizabeth Garrett, and Wendy Van Raalte

Madison Wotiz and Ashley Wotiz

Serena Miniter, Gillian Miniter, R. Couri Hay, and Eugenia Bullock

On Wednesday, January 23, 2013, The Perlman Music Program (PMP) held its Fourth Charity Wine Auction at Per Se. This year's event was co-chaired by Paul Gridley, Robert F. Hudson, Itzhak Perlman, Joanna S. Rose, George P. Sape, Esq., Michael Troise, Thomas Tuft, The Honorable Ronald N. Weiser, and William Lie Zeckendorf. Proceeds from the event benefitted the mission of PMP, founded 19 years ago by Toby Perlman, which offers unparalleled musical training to young string players of rare and special talent.

Guests were greeted with champagne and canapés and then enjoyed a festive dinner, which consisted of a six-course seasonal tasting menu paired with exceptional wines, including bottles from Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte, Heitz Cellars and Chateau d'Yquem, and a 1996 Pichon Lalande, in the intimate private dining room at per se. Michael Troise, retired Auction Director for Christie's Fine and Rare Wines Department, auctioned rare and extraordinary vintages from Bordeaux, Burgundy and Napa Valley, and one-of-a-kind dining, travel and cultural experiences – including a private dinner with Maestros Itzhak Perlman and Alan Gilbert, both of whom were in attendance.

Champagne reception

Dinner in Per Se’s private dining room

A standing ovation for PMP violinists

A violin performance by PMP alumni of a rousing virtuoso rendition of 'The Stars and Stripes Forever' received a standing ovation.

Auction items were generously donated by individuals and companies from around the world, with special thanks to Christie's, Acker Merrall & Condit, and Domaine Wine Storage.

Auctioneer Michael Troise in action

Bill Bakula with lucky Paddle No. 1

Battling paddles during the live auction

Guests included: Paolo Alberghini, Bill Bakula and Mariette Detotto, Florence Cathiard (owner of Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte), Vanessa and Henry Cornell, Rodger DeRose and Alyce Halchak, Robert Deutsch, Claudia and Michael Feldenkrais, Alan Gilbert and Kajsa William-Olsson, Jennifer Gilbert, Bari and Neil Goldmacher, Marc Goldstein and Cathy Borzon, Andrew Greene, Linda and Paul Gridley, Bob Gutenstein, Edith and Robert Hudson, Kate and Patrick Hudson, Katherine and Peter Kend, Leslie and Omar Khan, Andrew Lawlor, Leora and Steven Levy, Nancy Lieberman and Mark Ellman, Robert Loeffler, David Miller, Ron Oehl, Toby and Itzhak Perlman, Ronald Pohl, Joanna S. and Daniel Rose, Jeri and George Sape, Roger Schagrin, Tom Siering, Jeff Silvershein, Hannele and Michael Troise, Diane and Tom Tuft, Svetlana and Herbert Wachtell, Batia and Howard Wiesenfeld, Eileen and Ron Weiser, Amy and Tedd Weisman, Rodger D. Young and Mariam Azarm, and Laura and Will Zeckendorf.

Michael and Claudia Feldenkrais, Bill Bakula and Mariette Detotto, Thomas Tuft, and Robert Hudson

Alyce Halchak, Itzhak Perlman, and Rodger DeRose

Amy and Tedd Weisman

Steven and Leora Levy

Joanna and Daniel Rose

Will and Laura Zeckendorf

Bill Bakula and Mariette Detotto

Patrick and Kate Hudson

Paul Gridley and Ron Pohl

Charles Antin and Katie Banser of Christie’s

Bari Goldmacher withThomas and Diane Tuft

Itzhak and Toby Perlman

Kajsa William Olsson and Alan Gilbert

Hannele and Michael Troise

Mariam Azarm and Rodger Young

Itzhak Perlman and Peter Kend

Eileen and Ron Weiser

Linda and Paul Gridley

Marc Goldstein

Neil and Bari Goldmacher

Herbert and Svetlana Wachtell

On Thursday, January 17th, 2013, over 200 guests came celebrate the ten year anniversary of ArtWorks, The Naomi Cohain Foundation at the annual ArtWorks Art Auction Benefit at Dream Downtown in NYC. This event helps fund creative and performing art programs for children and young adults with chronic and life-threatening illnesses.

The evening featured music by DJ Chrissie Miller and a live auction conducted by Antiques Roadshow appraiser and auctioneer Nicholas D. Lowry, President of Swann Auction Galleries. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres catered by Dream Downtown’s Marble Lane and assorted mini cupcakes provided by the fabulous Baked by Melissa.

Rena Fischler, Daniel Kaufthal, Sara Menkin, Laura Kaufthal, Adam Hirsch, Jessica Sylvester, and Todd Cooper

The space showcased artwork created by ArtWorks’ inspiring children which were included in the live and silent auction. Additional auction items included select pieces from Charlotte Ronson, Helmut Lang, and Madison Harding; SoulCycle Spinning Series; classes with celebrity chefs and trainers; VIP tickets to the Mets and Giants; luxury items from Coach; VIP passes to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Broadway Shows and the US Open; and one-of-a-kind original artwork from contemporary artists Ed Heck, Aaron Young, and WhIsBe.

Among the prestigious donors, ArtWorks was thrilled to have the support of: The Russell Berrie Foundation, Adam Hirsch,Henry and Myrtle Hirsch Foundation, The Kaufthal Family, Koyfman Family Foundation, Lisa and Richard Perry, Fred and Gertrude Perlberg Foundation, Lindsay and Brian Cooper, Little Wisco, Pamela and Roger Gold, and the Solomon Wilson Family Foundation.

Nicholas Lowry

Leann Taylor

The Art Auction Benefit is ArtWorks’ biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds from the event provide thousands of children with serious illnesses, and their siblings, access to creative and performing arts programs that encourage the use of the creative process as a vehicle for healing, communication, self-expression and personal development. ArtWorks seeks to empower, validate, and honor these children by offering them the hands-on experience and materials with which to create, as well as the opportunity to publicly share their artistic accomplishments.

For more information, please visit: www.artworksfoundation.org

Cory Baker, Daniela Mendelsohn, David Kaufthal, and Yael Baker

Haley Ray, Lauren Krautmann, Liza Streiff, Rachel McKenny, Kate Cherry, and Matt Yelovich

Haley Ray and Lauren Krautmann

Asha Osman and Kate Baseman Lupo

Irene Tien and Yosaif Cohain

Jamie Bryant, Danette Ott, and Mea Sucato

Jason Birke and Elan Ben Avi

Rena Fischler and Josh Rachlin

Jen Saviano, Josh Saviano, and Roger Gold

Jennie Russo, Charlotte Ronson, Amanda Cavallacci, and Jamie Harman

Lauren Goldberg, Nicholas Lowry, Brittney Ingarra, and Kristina Goodstadt

Linda Koyfman, Hilary Koyfman, and Leib Koyfman

Rachel McKenny, Daniela Mendelsohn, and Peter Bremberg

Tennille Frank, David Benattar, and Tiffany Gaudio

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com (Winter Antiques); BIlly Farrell (Skating Party); Anniewatt.com (Perlman)

Lillian Stern, Yliana Yepez, Nathalie Kaplan, Donya Bommer, David Fishman, (Abraham Lincoln), Diana DiMenna, Mary Snow, and Annabelle Snow at a "Passport Through American History" at the New-York Historical Society.

This past Saturday, January 26, 2013, The DiMenna Children's History Museum at the New-York Historical Society hosted its first-ever Family Benefit Party, Passport Through American History, for children, parents and grandparents. Children collected stamps in their historical passports by completing challenges and experiences, such as tasting food from New Amsterdam, discovering what a Civil War encampment looked like, and dressing up as a Newsie. Special thanks to the generosity and support of our event sponsor, designer Yliana Yepez, and Eleni's New York, for their cookie and activity donation.

Gigi McFarland, Hannah McFarland, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Louise Mirrer, Yliana Yepez, Diana DiMenna, and Esra Munnell

Nathalie Kaplan, Maya Farnos, Ayla Farnos, Reid Mandell, Karden Mandell, and Barbara Mandell

Proceeds from the Family Benefit will help the institution continue to provide an interactive, entertaining experience for children and families as young visitors learn by making discoveries about our ancestors who shaped the nation. Your support helps the DiMenna Children's History Museum and the New-York Historical Society care for a priceless collection, made fully accessible to the public, and provides our education programs with the resources to serve over 200,000 New York City public school students in both on-site and in-school programming each year, and thousands of teacher Professional Development training we provide throughout the year.

Event Chairs included Diana DiMenna, Lise Evans, Marie-Anne de Rosier Ewig, Mary Kathryn Navab, Betsy Pitts, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Mary Snow, Liz Stern, Kathryn Tucker, Yliana Yepez.

Meagan Bonan, Kate Bonan, Alex Bonan, and Pierre Bonan

Wendy Hoh, Audrey Hoh, Will Hoh, Caroline Hoh, and Sophia Hoh

Jeff Lewis, Lisa Fields Lewis, Hayden Lewis, and Lucy Lewis

Sherry Ostroff, Joshua Ostroff, Dr. Robert Ostroff, Sarah Ostroff, Jonathan Ostroff, and Owen Ostroff

Event Co-Chairs were as follows: Michaela J. Clary, Michael T. Cohen, Chesley Maddox-Dorsey and Leon Lee Dorsey, Joyce Giuffra, Linda Greenberg, Sharon Hurowitz, Stacie Kiratsous, PhD, Rhona Kisch and Daniel Stamler, Nell Kleinschmidt, Tiffany Moller, Pauline Reyniak, Christine and Brett Rogers, Kimberly and Viqar Shariff, Anya Herz Shiva, Denise Spillane, Andrea Stern and Ken DiPaola.

Esra Munnell, Gavin Munnell, and Clark Munnell

Leo Clary, Natalia Clary, David Clary, Niko Clary, and Michaela Clary

Yliana Yepez, Alexandra Gill, and Rafael Gill

Will Ellis as GI Joe

Craig Barnett, Caroline Schmidt Barnett. Jacob Barnett, and Max Barnett

Viqar Shariff, and Kimberly Ayers Shariff

Diana DiMenna, Isabelle Shiva, and Anya Shiva

Max Hausman, Liz Cohen-Hausman, Miranda Hausman, Amanda Fraser Gajwani, and Leighton Gajwani

Louisa McFarland, Theodora Ryan, Alexandra Ryan, Alexia Hamm Ryan, Hannah McFarland, and Gigi McFarland

Harry Murphy, Annabella Murphy, and Freddy Murphy

Jennifer Fleischer, Irwin Schwartz, and Alex Schwartz

Carolyn Katz, Noah Goldstein, Anna Goldstein, and Michael Goldstein

Alexander Georges and Heather Georges

Josie Stern, Judy Stern Beck, and Liz Stern

Andrew Bilezikian, Heidi Lanino Bilezikian, Barry Bilezikian, and Daniel Bilezikian

Michelle Smith, Andy Oshrin, William Oshrin, and Sophia Oshrin

Helena Inzerillo, Prudence Inzerillo, Alec Stern, Lillian Stern, and Tessa Stern

Rebecca Shalam, Brooke Shalam, and Ari Shalam

Stacy Baron as Cornelia Von Varick

Elena Struzziery, Beth Carney, Claire Struzziery, and Josh Struzziery

Amy Griffin, Gigi Griffin, Mary Snow, and Annabelle Snow

Casey Schimel, Jeanine Schimel, and Alex Schimel

Claire McDermott, Catherine McDermott, and Bridget McDermott

Isabella Chiodi, Maria Chiodi, Frank Chiodi, and Giulia Chiodi

Henry Sloss, Kathryn Tucker, and Loulou Sloss

Benjamin Franklin and David Fishman, (Abraham Lincoln)

Paul Sohn, Coco Sohn, and Sarah Sohn

Mary Lovci and Olivia Lovci

Caroline Schmidt Barnett and Lise Evans

John Freeman, Cole Bessent Freeman, Sarah Sohn, and Coco Sohn

Melody Rollins Downes and Kimberly Ayers Shariff

Lucas Downes, Melody Rollins Downes, and Camille Downes

Louise Mirrer, Emanuel Stern, and Simone Levinson

Claire Sotkin and Suzann Sotkin

Donna Navarro and Luis Navarro

Olivia Frankel, Grace Murdoch, and Barrie Frankel

Phoebe Lightburn, Kamie Lightburn, and Carter Lightburn

Tommy Corsiglia, Jim Corsiglia, and Alex Corsiglia

Lillian Dick and Stacy Dick

Molly Monahan, Helen Williams, Michelle Pastor, and Steve Schiller

Owen King, Sarah King, Alison King, and Peter King

Rosa Tejada and Tyrone Dennis as James McEwan

William Gianopulos, Eleni Gianopulos, and Sophia Gianopulos

Christina de Marval, Ella de Marval, and Alexia Hamm Ryan

This past Thursday night, designer Nicole Hanley Mellon hosted a cocktail party at her residence at The Pierre Hotel in honor of Ambassador Mary M. Ourisman, chairman of the upcoming 56th Annual International Red Cross Ball. Ambassador Ourisman, the United States' last ambassador to Barbados, attended the private gathering of friends and supporters, many of whom divide their time between New York and Palm Beach. Nicole Hanley Mellon and her husband, Matthew T. Mellon II, serve as associate chairmen of the ball set to take place at The Breakers - Palm Beach on Friday, February 8th. The annual event welcomes ambassadors, dignitaries, government, civic officials and philanthropic leaders from around the world who support the American Red Cross.

Ambassador Mary Ourisman, R. Couri Hay, Nicole Hanley Mellon, and Christine Schott

Among supporters in attendance were Julie Macklowe, Zang Toi, Nicole Noonan and Steven Knobel, Michele Gerber Klein, Jean Shafiroff, Alex Donner, Leesa Rowland, Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Michelle Marie Heinemann, Catherine Todd, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Maggie Norris, Karen Klopp, Felicia Taylor, R. Couri Hay, Christine Schott, Mark Gilbertson, Elizabeth Meigher, and Dori Cooperman.

The 56th Annual International Red Cross Ball will honor actress Dina Merrill Hartley, whose mother Marjorie Merriweather Post, founded the ball in 1957. The annual gala, considered to be a highlight of the social season in Palm Beach, has returned to The Breakers after taking place at Mar-a-Lago for the past seven years. Originally the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, Mar-a-Lago, was purchased by Donald Trump in 1985 and converted into a private club.

Ambassador Mary Ourisman

Alex Donner, Nicole Noonan, and Steven Knobel

Michelle Gerber Klein and Geoffrey Bradfield

Nicole Hanley Mellon and Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin

Liliana Cavendish and Lisa Crosby

Michelle Gerber Klein, Michelle-Marie Heinemann, Nicole Hanley Mellon, and Jean Shafiroff

Jean Shafiroff

Felicia Taylor

Maggie Norris and Lucia Hwong Gordon

Jon Heinemann and Michelle-Marie Heinemann

Leesa Rowland

Mark Gilbertson and Christine Schott

On Thursday, January 24, the annual BAM Theater Gala honored renowned director Peter Brook and the US premiere of his latest production, The Suit. Brook has a long history with BAM that began in 1971 when Harvey Lichtenstein presented his legendary production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. In 1987, Brook brought The Mahabharata to BAM, a production that inspired the transformation of the Majestic
Theater into what is now the BAM Harvey Theater. A favorite of directors and performers, the Harvey is currently playing host to this latest production as well.

BAM’s Lepercq Space outfitted in décor by Fleurs Bella

Guests including South African Consul General George Monyemangene and Louise Monyemangene, Harvey Lichtenstein, John Turturro and Katherine Borowitz, Alba and Francesco Clemente, Mark Morris, Dr. Oliver Sacks, Lynn Nottage, Adam Weinberg, Pat Schoenfeld, Leila Straus, Manhen Bonetti (Founder and Executive Director, African Film Festival), and Isaach De Bankolé joined hosts Alan Fishman, Karen Brooks Hopkins, and Joseph Melillo for cocktails and dinner in the Lepercq Space of the Peter Jay Sharp Building before taking in the performance. Amy W. Schulman served as the evening's chair. The cast joined the festivities at a dessert reception in the Campbell Lobby of the theater following the performance.

Peter Brook and Harvey Lichtenstein

Peter Brook and BAM Executive Producer Joseph Melillo

BAM President Karen Brooks Hopkins and Harvey Lichtenstein

Dr. Oliver Sacks and Peter Brook

Peter Brook and playwright Lynn Nottage

Film actor Isaach De Bankolé

Adam Weinberg

Chuck Nathan, Alisa Levin, John Turturro and wife Katherine Borowitz

Diane and BAM Vice Chairman of the Board Adam Max

Leila Straus and Pat Schoenfeld

Isaach De Bankolé, cast member William Nadylan, Mahen Bonetti, and Babs Olusanmokun

Cast members Rikki Henry, Nonhlanhla Kheswa, and Jared McNeill

Event Chairman Amy Schulman

On Tuesday evening, January 15th, Joshua Bell, the Grammy Award winning virtuoso violinist, gave a private concert in his Flatiron penthouse for Education Through Music. The non-profit organization supports music curriculum in inner-city public schools in New York City. Bell performed a medley of pieces with pianist Sam Haywood accompanying him.

Julianna Margulies and Joshua Bell

Vanessa Lawrence and Kevin Krier

Julie and Billy Macklowe

Peter Cincotti and Carol Alt

Amy Fine Collins

Leonel Piraino and Nina Griscom

Leslie Klotz and Debbie Bancroft

Dr. Lisa Airan

Lily Cowles, Joshua Bell, and Christine Baranski

Marianne Garvey and Robert Shooter

Robert Kraft and Carol Alt

Ralph Lauren, Ricky Lauren, David Lauren, and Lauren Bush Lauren

Kyle MacLachlan and Joshua Bell

Julianna Margulies and Keith Lieberthal

Gayle King, Tommy Hilfiger, Dee Ocleppo, and Karen Karlsrud

Desiree Gruber and Kyle MacLachlan

Jerry Inzerillo and Kyle MacLachlan

Dee Ocleppo and Carol Alt

Lianna Pal and Mary-Louise Parker

Photographs byPatrickMcMullan.com (Red Cross Ball kick off).

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

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

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

Astor Hall

Attendees enjoyed musical performances throughout the event

A happy attendee

Alexander, Lauren, and Julian Silverman

One of the festive performers at the event

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

The Shields of the Shire craft station

The Hats in the Belfry craft station

Attendees watched puppet shows in the DeWitt Wallace Periodical Room

Shira Bressler and Rachel Blumenthal

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

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

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

Elizabeth Stribling, Guy Robinson, and Peg Breen

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.nylandmarks.org.

Margery Flannigan, Peg Breen, and Anne VanIngen

Liz Smith and Alexa Hampton

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

Andrew Dolkart and Carol Willis

Carol Clark, William Bardel, and Susan Henshaw Jones

Bruce Knecht, Ronne Fisher, and George Brandt

Cristabel Gough and Frannie Eberhart

Kathryn Berry and Walter Deane

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

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

Samba dancing ...

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

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

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

DJ Brenda Black

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

Debbie Janoff, Peter Dorn, and Allan Janoff

Margaux Minutolo and Alexis Cortese

Stacey Schmitt, Robyn Hempel, and Cindy Kavrik

Mary Goldschlager, Ted Goldschlager, and Nancy Ozelli

Doug Stern, Russell Stern, and Jennifer Stern

Jack and Doreen Barry

Eddi Pelto, Alexandra Garreno, and Jeff Zygler

Carole and Al Goldberg

David Blomquist, Christiana Thurton, and James Beck

Shonelle Collins, Sanida Lukovic, and Christiana Thurton

Lauren Hayes and Beth Kroncke

Zac Stern and Doug Stern

Jen and Stephen Cummings

Amy Sawransky and David Weingarten

Jack Borenstein and Dawn Guzzetta

Meaghan Looram, James Looram, and Mary Looram

Mardi Schecter, Amy Sole, and Kathy Younkins

Amy Kos, Jay Kos, and Carole Goldberg

Tina Swierad and Anna Jurgowski

Russell and Jennifer Presgraves

Nancy Ozelli and Vanessa Fontana

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

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

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

Steven McClure, Lelsey Schultz, and Michael Stern

Paige Zelinsky, Christine Evans, and Katie Manko

Jessica Mezzacappa

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

John Zieman and Dana Lowey

Nicole Caltum, Sam Naimiarfa, and Michela Pontin

Jessica Mezzacappa and Ellie Libby

Jim Libby

Leslie Stevens and John Zieman

Dana Lowey and Cricket Burns

Beth Ann Bonanno and Ganon Brosseau

Steve Diamond and Susan Towers

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

Samantha Mathis

Natasha Lyonne

Sakina Jaffrey

Nathan Darrow

Carla Gugino

Sandrine Holt

Sebastian Arcelus

Victor Garber

Tanner Williams

Joel Schumacher

Michael Dobbs

Kate and Rooney Mara

Carrie MacLemore

Boris McGiver

Michael and Karen Kelly

Beau Willimon

Kevin Kilner

George Stephanopoulos

Mahershala Ali

Constance Zimmer

Wass Stevens

Francie Swift

Josh Lucas

Peter Cincotti

Robin Wright and Kevin Spacey

Brian Zitka

Thomas Roberts and Patrick Abner

Soledad O'Brien

Taylor Schilling

Jane Atkinson

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

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

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

Elizabeth Kurpis and Lily Hoagland

Meaghan Gefaell, Eiseley Tauginas, and Elizabeth Bishop

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

Amy Fine Collins and Michael Leva

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

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

Rachael Robison, Adam Robison, and Valaer Van Roijen

Michael Arguello and David Griffin

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

Lana Smith and Polina Proshkina

David Usborne, Tony Ingrao, and Juan Carretero

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

Emily Israel Pluhar, John Sanchez, and Courtney Booth

Whitney Larkin and Sam Wathen

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

Liliana Cavendish and Courtney Booth

John Call and Jill Goldberg

Stephen Wein and Benjamin Noriega-Ortiz

Lisa Yom, Jesper Lannung, and Karen Moreau

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

Barbara Bispham, Lucinda Ballard, and Morgan Breck

Kate Frank and Norman Rau

Shannon Hale, Dawne Marie Grannum, and Courtney Booth

Tara Tunney and Melissa Epperly

Elena Frampton, Kate Verner, and Carolyn Sollis

Stephanie Pistilli

Mili Narayen

Micaela English and Kate Erickson

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

Georgina Schaeffer and Jason Oliver Nixon

Christopher Wolf and Alexandra Pethtel

Rebecca Regan, Clay Floren, and Melanie Lazenby

Victoria Tolembiovskiya, Cameron Shay, and Anastasiya Siro

Lizzy Fraser and Mollie Ruprecht

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blair Clarke and Gretchen Gunlocke

Blair Clarke and Maria Giulia Maramotti

Mary Alice Stephenson and Dr. Gerald Loughlin

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

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

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

Shawna and Preethi Davis

Thayer Fox

Mindy Webster and Valerie Aston

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

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

Kate Pickett and Angela Clofine

Celia Nichols and Whitney Chatterjee

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

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

Tiffany Moller and Jennifer Pinkos

Travis Acquavella and Carrie Wessel

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

Paul Williams, Leslie Williams, and Andrew Thomas

Kathy Burns and Julie Silbermann

Evette Ferguson and Karen Amen

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

Allison Aston, Harry Kargman, and Jill Kargman

Tara Ryan and Darol Ryan

Spencer and Alexis Bryan Morgan

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

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

Marcie Pantzer and Jill Kargman

Masako Yamada and Masa Yamado

Heather Sargent and Lisa Perry

Betsy Pick and Shyanne Roeloffs

Dr. Steven Corwin and Dr. Nena Osorio

Dr. Gerald Loughlin and Heather Sargent

Dr. Mark Souweidane and Dr. Jonathan Chen

Noel Monsen, Angela Clofine, and Andrea Ranawat

Allison Aston and Camille Orme

Mary Alice Stephenson and Ammara Yaqub

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

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

Designers and Models at VERA and Save Love Give Launch

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

Miguelina Gambaccini, Stacy Engman, and Tana Chung

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hannah Brontman and Marcel Moronglu

Tennessee Thomas

Julie Macklowe, Gigi Grimstad, and Countess Luann De Lesseps

Mary Alice Stephenson and Kelly Rutherford

Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos and Frederick Anderson

Liliana Cavendish

Lucia Hwong Gordon

Susan Shin and Cynthia Ott

Arden Wohl and friends

Jennifer Gilbert and Julie Macklowe

Kimberly Guilfoyle

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bob and Terese Casey, and Jacqueline and Vince Liuzzi

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

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

Lesley Coulson and her husband Frank Coulson III

Christie Honigman and Brian Johnson

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

Bob and Carolyn Slota, Sean Rempel, and Kelly Slota

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

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

Suzanne and Charles Valutas, and Bridget and Jay Devine

Jeff Larsen and Natalie Mackey

Dr. Richard Pestell and his wife, Nataliia

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

Rob and Leanne McMenamin, and Topper and Carrie Ray

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

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

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

The cocktail reception at Cipriani Wall Street

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Adrienne Everett, Eddie Keith, and Erin Williams

Rik Willard, Lauren Haynes, and Thomas Lax

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

Corice Arman, Joyce Haupt, and Jason Wright

Don Bransford, Pat Bransford, and Lloyd Trotter

Rose Kirk and Cheryl Williamson

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

Agnes Gund and Chuck Close

Stephanie Phillipps, Marilyn Booker, and Debra Chase

Ken Smaltz and Erich Williams

Carol Sutton Lewis, Kathryn Chenault, and Joyce Haupt

Muna El Fituri and Julie Mehretu

Michael Brathwaite and Charlene Nixon

Nina Cooper and Judia Black

Candice Haupt and Michael Haupt

Katrina Dewees and Erin Hylton

Kim Powell and Ava Jaulin

Nina Cooper, George Chinsee, and Hariette Cole

Nina Cooper and Jennifer Baltimore

Victor Jones and Rick Wade

Debbie Eisenberg, Suzanne Eisenberg, and Dana Eisenberg

Lisa Anastos and Marcy McCall

Corynne Corbett and Vicky Free

Janice Williams and Darren Walker

Jessica Kreps and Joey Kuhn

Ondine Abramson, Deborah Ross, and Seth Abramson

Stephanie Phillipps, Joy Simmons, and Rena Wheaton

Chris Williams and Fred Terell

Lise Evans, Gillian Miniter, and Michael Evans

Raymond McGuire and Shanda Gibson

Susan Fales-Hill, Susan Akkad, and Farai Chideya

Jean Shafiroff and B. Michael

Dr. Holly Phillips, Jerry Inzerillo, and Prudence Inzerillo

Gigi Guerra and Eddie Volchko

Amelia Ogunlesi, Carl Ogunlesi, and Sharon Buckley

Keisha Dixon and Troy Dixon

Amsale Aberra, Kathryn Chenault, and Saundra Parks

Kim Hastreiter, Noria Morales, and Glyn Northington

Erana Stennett and Thelma Golden

Michelle Miller, Chloe Drew, and Godfrey Gill

Jeffrey Scruggs and Robbin Mitchell

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

The scene at The Vault at Pfaffs

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

Donald Kramer and JKO Student

Andrew Martin

Ann Hicks and Weston Hicks

Catherine Hurlin and Sterling Baca

Kevin McKenzie, Julie Kent, and Franco DeVita

Catherine Hurlin and Katerina Eng

Fred Shen, Irene Shen, and Rachel Moore

Christian Keesee and Misty Copeland

David Hallberg and Leslie Ziff

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

Day Bowidas and JKO Student

Sharon Patrick, Mary Jo Ziesel, and Franco DeVita

Dan Strone and Carol Strone

James Whiteside and Carmer Barth

Harold Newman, Ann Hicks, and Ruth Newman

Don Cugini, Kim Cugini, and JKO student

Jean Zolpe and Teresa Khawly

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

Judith Hoffman and Leslie Ziff

Christian Siriano and Rachel Moore

Heidi Guenther, Franco DeVita, and Mary Jo Ziesel

Julian Donahue and David Hallberg

Katerina Eng and Roslyn Eng

Julie Kent and Leslie Ziff

Ray Hagg and JKO Students

Students from the JKO School

Leslie Ziff and David Hallberg

Marcelo Gomes and Daniel Cappello

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

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

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

Baby Alpaca

Behati Prinsloo

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

Leilani Ching, Bill Cunningham, and Julia Dunstall

Zach McMillan and Kevin Baker

Francisco Torres and Carmine DeSena

Jessica Trujillo, Ashley Cole, and Michelle Banzer

Gerry Visco and Johnny Sagan

Jason Bartnett and Alex Ghinger

Ted Loos and Eric Aho

Jillian Mercado and Patrick Murphy

Baby Alpaca

Ricky Clifton and Chris Kittrell

Christos Mountzouros and Amy Ashford

Kenny Sullivan, Patrick Duffy, and Kristen Boyce

Mitch Baker and Jonathan Black

Rajan Mamtani and Ross Bleckner

Jarrett Edwards and Zac Weiss

Colin Shanley and Bob Colacello

Sandra Gilman, Elizabeth Stribling, and Guy Robinson

Beth Rudin DeWoody, Lisa Ryder, and Randy Polumbo

Yael Greenberg

Will Cotton and Rose Dergan

Karline Moeller and Bernadette Murray

Lucy Stamper, Eva Fakatselis, and Michael Fiorvanti

Kate Sewart and Christina Green

Alcibiades Languasco

Judson Harmon

Colette and Gerry Visco

Steven Grimler and Joe Coppolo

Stephen Boyd and Shannon Durrette

Two pieces by Kevin Baker

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

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

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

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

The luncheon guests

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

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

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

Ivanka Trump

Allison Aston and Arianna Boardman

Dr. Annette Rickel, Suzy Johnson, and Rebecca Jobo

Christina Potter and Meriel Lari

Lesley Schulhof and Ferebee Taube

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

Kate Allen, Eleanor Ylvisaker, and Dara O'Hara

Shoshanna Gruss

Shabnam Henry and Emily Boshart

Kate Allen and Angela Clofine

Dr. Annette Rickel

Jenny Galluzzo, Jennifer Oken, and Courtney Corleto

Lisa Blau, Melissa Meister, and Erica Silverman

Elizabeth Kurpis and Melanie Lazenby

Eleanor Ylvisaker and Charlotte Ronson

Nina Davidson and Lauren Santo Domingo

Suzie Aijala, Angela Clofine, and Shannon Henderson

Lauren Santo Domingo

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

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

Deb and Escort dancing formation

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

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

Dignitary procession led by Renate Brauner and Hans Peter Manz

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

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

Midnight Quadrille

Post-midnight dancing

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

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

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

Sherrill Milnes and Maria Zouves

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

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

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

Dr. and Mrs. Melvin J. Sturman

Maria Zouves and Sherrill Milnes

Dr. Omar and Cheryl Almallah

Gregory and Margaret Hedberg, Head of the International Ball

Ludmila Komissarova with friend

Howard Horowitz, Barbara Duerrer, and Ambassador Hans Peter Manz

Austrian Ambasador to the UN, Martin Sajdik

Jane and John Sullivan

Logan West and escort

Marquelon Ingram with her escort, Tony Hernandez

Michele Heidt

Sherrill Milnes, Maria Zouves, Penny and Clive Gillinson

Miss Teen USA, Logan West

Val and Maks Chmerkovskiy

Stephanie Nass and Cassius Clay

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frank Laversin, Helga Wagner, and Helmut Koller

William and Candy Hamm

Chris and Kim Havlicek

Frances Scaife and Tom McCarter

Kate McCoy, Kelly Rooney, and Tracy Smith

Patrick Park and Lois Pope

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

Donald and Melania Trump, and Wilbur Ross

Pat and Sandy Rooney

Sam Storkerson and Whitney Bylin

Maura Ziska and Eric Cristu

Jamie Niven, and Lillian and Luis Fernandez

Pauline Pitt and Gerry Seay

Nancy Brinker and Howard Bernick

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

William Condie and Kim Campbell

Don Burns, Karin Luter, and Greg Connors

Kim Campbell and Lavina Baker

Dan Ponton and Darlene Jordan

Marietta and Dale McNulty

Mark and Mary Freitas

Julie and Michael Connors

James Berwind and Kevin Clark

Wyatt Koch and Liz Davoll

Kristi and Tim Gannon

Zac Potter and Bettina Anderson

Carol Mack and Hillary Ross

Michele and Howard Kessler

Jennifer and Brian Kessler

Khooshe and Andrew Aiken

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

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

Sally Tycher, Richard J. Mack, and Marshall Tycher

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

Cindy Feinberg and Laura Greenfield

Emanuel Stern and Marshall Tycher

Michael Schonbraun and Alfonso Kimche

Mitchell Moinian and Joseph Moinian

Michael Vickers and Marc Fells

Dana Tycher (center) and friends

Stanley Oppenheim, Matthew Kasindorf, and Daniel Oppenheim

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alexandre Hammoudi, Dr. Jennifer Chaitman, and Charles Chaitman

Stephanie and John Foster

Evelyn Tompkins

Heather Georges

Marcelo Gomes and Karen LeFrak

Guy Robinson and Elizabeth Stribling

Marcelo Gomes and Ian Ng

Sue Chalom, Whitney Connor, and Stephanie Foster

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

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

Kamie Lightburn and Mary Van Pelt

Christina and Alejandra Gill

Morganne and Alger Boyer

Kingsley Koch

Miles and Rebekah McCabe

Alden and Stephen Worth

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

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

The U.S. Marine Corps color guard

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

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

Gail McGovern

Rhonda Wilkins

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

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

Peter Duchin and Cole Rumbough

Nash Schott, Aniko Gaal Schott, and Cole Rumbough

Rumbough family

Dina Merrill Hartley and Rumbough family

Stanley Rumbough and Dina Merrill

Audrey Gruss, Ambassador from Singapore, and Ashok Mirpuri

Wilbur Ross and Martin Gruss

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

Bess Ames and Dean Gamanos

Howard Barry Vernick and Nancy Bricker

Tom Shaffer and Christine Schott

Dan Hall, Nancy Reynolds, Madame Gouri and Ashok Mirpuri

Jon and Michele Marie Heinemann

Mai Harrison and Giosetta Capriati

Regine and Commissioner William J. Diamond

Tweed McElveen Bogache, Madeline McElveen, and Rob Levine

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

Lois Pope and Dr. Robert Mackler

Jean Shafiroff and Martin Shafiroff

Wilbur Ross and Hilary Geary Ross

Jean Shafiroff and Stanley Rumbough

Felicia Taylor and Tom D'Agostino

Elizabeth Meigher, Tom Shaffer, and Kate Pickett

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

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

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

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

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

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

Judie Schlager, Sandy Krakoff, and Myra Biblowit

Sally Phelps and Cynthia Gibbons

Jackie Duberstein and Carol Mack

Leonard Lauder and Raysa Fanjul

Ronnie Heyman, Mickey Beyer, and Ginger Feuer

Gina Borman and John Reid

Nancy Shaw and Beth Pine

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

Andi Stark and Mary Boykin

Jean Sharf and Judie Schlager

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

Isabel Furlaud, Hillie Mahoney, and Mary Alice Pappas

Joanne de Guardiola

Louise Braver and Sheila Lambert

Allie Hanley and Emilia Fanjul

Sydell Miller, Leonard Lauder, and Frances Scaife

Neiman Marcus fashion show models

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace Capeless

Bonnie Comley, Stewart Lane, and Leah Lane

Marcia Milgrom Dodge

Eddie Korbich

Anthony Crivello

Phillip Boykin

Steve Rosen

Audra McDonald and Zoe Caldwell

Rocco Dispirito

Tony Sheldon, Will Swenson, and Nick Adams

Stewart Lane

Shakina Mayfack

Nick Adams

Tyne Daly

Norm Lewis

Mary Testa

Brian Stokes Mitchell

Julie White

Bonnie Comley

Caissie Levy

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

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

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

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

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

Andre Soltner, Marjorie R. Gordon, and Jacques Torres

Ellery Gordon and Marjorie R. Gordon

Judith Hoffman and Laura Hoffman

James Finkel and Andre Soltner

Gary J. Baumann

Sirio Maccioni

Hether Goldman and Sharon Egilin

Master Sommelier Scott Carney with Jacques Torres

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

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

Overlook Mountain Woodstock, 1954

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

Overlook Mountain Woodstock, 1961

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

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

Meg Wendy and Peter Hastings Falk

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

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

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

Devon Mehring and Karen Hayward

Joseph Basralian and Denise Darmanian

Mary Schultz, Tim Hoffman, and Lisa Keim

Peter Hastings Falk, Tamar Gasparian, and Rafi Hovsepian

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

Sharon Hoge

John Meade

Peter Hastings Falk and Larry Kaye

Vicki Hovanessian and Dr. Raffy Hovanessian

Louise Levin and Terri Thielen

Taleen and Robert Setrakian

Jeanie Amerkanian and Richard Goulian

Katya Griveva and Frances Lawrence

Geoffrey Moss and Peter Hastings Falk

Joan Thorne

Vyna St. Phard and Rose Hartman

Sahan Arzuni

Antraniq Gharibian and Christine Mayer

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

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

Dusty and Joyce Sang

Liza Pulitzer Calhoun and Sheila Fine

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

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

Gary Lickle and Michelle Henry

Kristen and Brian Ray

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

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

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

Bobby Leidy and Ashley Cherowitzo, Chris Leidy and Kendall Fabian

Lori Gendelman and Denise Hanley

Cobey Rapaport and Tina Bilotti

Chad Renfro, Ross Meltzer and Beau Breckenridge

Micah and Rob Ford

Jane Cummings and Sandy Heine

Sidney and Dorothy Kohl

Frances Fisher and Sally Soter

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

25 and counting

Gala extravaganzas

New York illuminated

Celebrate the Neighborhood

Gold Medal Awards

Holiday Galas

Holiday Dinners

Holiday benefits

Stepping Up

The last of the parties for 2012

Women of distinction

New York and beyond

Opening nights

Passport Through American History

Landmark anniversaries

Young Collectors and Plates for Pediatrics

Many feted

Dignitaries, Diplomats, and Debutantes

Creating the Dance ...

Musical and artistic celebrations