The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala
The China Institute annual Blue Cloud Gala honored Liu Dan, John S. Long, Howard P. Milstein, and Dame Jillian Sackler for their contributions to US-China relations. Co-chaired by Yue-Sai Kan and Chien Chung (Didi) Pei, the evening included performances by the U.S. China Music Institute at Bard College Conservatory and ballroom champion dancers Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva. More than 300 guests crowded the Pierre Hotel Grand Ballroom and raised nearly one million dollars.
Howard P. Milstein was honored for his generous philanthropy and for founding the Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation. Receiving the award, he said, “It’s a privilege to be able to help support the good work of the China Institute, and it is particularly meaningful because I’ve had the opportunity to benefit from many of their scholarly programs.” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney sent him a special congratulatory video.
John S. Long, founder of the Long Family Foundation, was honored for establishing the University of California Irvine Long Institute, which works to bridge a common understanding between the US and China. “I’m just delighted to be part of this,” said Long. “We do a lot of work with the second generation of Chinese here and that’s something that we and China Institute have been collaborating on.”
Dame Jillian Sackler, philanthropist and chair of the Foreign Policy Association, was recognized for her achievements in East-West cultural diplomacy, including founding the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archaeology at Peking University in Beijing. “I’m very honored to receive the Blue Cloud Award,” said Dame Jillian. “I feel like a pioneer of museums in China because I built the first teaching museum there in 1993. It was the first modern institution in the country to have state-of-the-art curatorial standards. I feel proud to have begun the realization that museums can contribute to the community.” Dame Jillian wore a gown created by Chinese designer, Guo Pei. The dress’ half-black, half-white pattern with embroidery and ink took more than 560 hours to make and was meant to symbolize a “cultural collision”, as well as Dame Jillian’s talent for bringing people together.
Liu Dan, one of China’s most significant living artists, was also honored. His award was accepted by Didi Pei. “The construction process is never truly finished because we are always looking to do more, and this is what tonight is really about,” said Pei. “It is an opportunity to highlight all that we have done and set our collective sights on what we will build moving forward.
The gala also featured a live auction by CK Swett who raised $250,000.
The China Institute is the oldest bicultural, non-profit organization in the US to focus exclusively on China. At the gala, their president, James Heimowitz, announced new initiatives to come, including launching the US-China Next Generation Philanthropy Initiative, providing opportunities for emerging Chinese and American philanthropists. China Institute will also begin working with Bard College
Conservatory to teach traditional Chinese music to New York City communities.
Photo Credit: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan
Fall Family Party at The Guggenheim
On Wednesday, November 28, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum hosted the Fall Family Party to benefit the museum’s longstanding Learning Through Art program, an artist residency program that has served nearly 150,000 New York City public schools students since its founding in 1970.
The benefit was attended by key supporters of the program including Anna Kovner(granddaughter of the program’s founder, Natalie Lieberman), Whitney Schwartz, Kimberly and Aaron M. Tighe, and Kim Vinnakota; as well as Richard Armstrong, Director of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, Wendy Fisher, President, Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation Board of Trustees; and Greer Kudon, Associate Director of Learning Through Art.
The evening began with a family-friendly reception at The Wright restaurant, and was followed by art-making activities inspired by the exhibitions Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future, and R.H. Quaytman: + x, Chapter 34.
Photo Credit: Guggenheim
Global Alive Luncheon at Nerai
If I had to name the three most prevalent ethnic cuisines in New York City, I’d go with Italian, French, and then Japanese. After that? Maybe Indian. Or Chinese. It’s subjective -- you can agree or disagree about the order, but I think it’s fair to say that Greek Cuisine is usually not on many New Yorkers radar, especially when looking for a sophisticated place to dine on a night out. After Wednesday afternoon luncheon at the gastronomically inclined Greek restaurant Nerai, however, I’d say it’s about time that changed. Greek food is here, it’s delicious, and it’s beautiful.
Nerai, located on East 54th Street, has to be one of the prettiest restaurants I’ve ever stepped into. The exterior -- light colored and draped with twinkling lights -- is a far cry from the concrete and glass facades that dominate Fifth Avenue. It’s elegant, glamorous… but of course, the restaurant’s real sell is the food.
To start off the luncheon, guests were served an amuse bouche of Tzatziki and Tarama along with a dish of grilled halloumi cheese, served with fresh figs and a fennel salad glazed with balsamic.
Following that was the “Xtapodi Sti Skara,” or Grilled Octopus served over Santorini fava with caramelized onions. It was only about the third time I’ve had octopus, but even I could tell that everything was perfectly cooked and flavored. And as much as I liked the octopus, I loved the next dish: the “Orzotta Thalassino,” a seafood orzotta featuring octopus, shrimp, mussels, and calamari. When I go back to Nerai (which will definitely be soon), this is 100% what I will be ordering.
To finish up what had already been an outstanding meal, the chefs at Nerai whipped up a “Paidakia Sti Skara,” or lamb chops served with honey glazed carrots, dolma, and oregano jus, and then followed it with a decadent dessert: A Tsoureki Bread Pudding filled with almonds, chestnut gelato, and praline cream. And is all of this doesn’t already sound amazing, just know that In addition to the fine food, Nerai had their talented Wine Director, Mr. Michael Coli, choose the wine pairings for each course. I don’t think there was single person by the end of the meal who was not only happily stuffed, but a little sloshed -- in the classiest way possible.
Special thanks to the host, Evageline Plakas, and Grigoria Kamaterou, for sharing their enthusiasm and love of Greece!
Grand Holiday Bazaar
Just in time for the holidays, Grand Bazaar NYC (100 W. 77th Street, Manhattan) will welcome artisans and independent dealers to showcase their products at their annual holiday market on Sunday, November 25th, and every Sunday in December from 10am - 5:30pm. Find-one-of-a-kind handmade holiday decorations, fashion, vintage accessories and collectibles, handmade jewelry, furniture, food and more.
This special event will feature a carefully selected roster of over 150 vendors both indoors and out with an opportunity to find unique gifts you won't find elsewhere. Vendors include Stonehill Design, Science Seeds, Rose Suds, Elemental Hardware, Ayala Naphtali, aQK, Stephanie Putter Jewelry, Dyer & Sparks, JD Prints, Pierre Laborde, Wavelength Antiques, Lua Belle and more. Food and treats will be provided to purchase from DownEast Lobstah,Maze-Maze, Little Red Kitchen Bake Shop and others.
Grand Bazaar NYC supports local artisans and independent dealers by providing them with much needed affordable retail space. Also, part of Grand Bazaar NYC’s mission is to give back to the local Upper West Side community. Every time a vendor commits to selling their goods at the market, four schools in the surrounding area including PS 87, The Computer School, PS 334 and M.S. M247 Dual Language Middle School benefit1 00% of the net profits from the booth’s rental cost benefiting over 4,000 public school children by providing them with much need school supplies, books, art enrichment and sports programs.
Grand Bazaar NYC is located at 100 W. 77th Street at Columbus Avenue. The indoor and outdoor market is open rain or shine every Sunday from10am – 5:30pm. The Holiday Bazaar will be open November 25th and December 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th. To find out more, visit, www.grandbazaarnyc.org.
The Essence of Lightness
On October 24, 2018, Nello Petrucci, an Italian artist from Pompeii, presented another one of his mesmerizing artworks: The Essence of Lightness.
The piece, which was inspired by Petrucci’s life in Pompeii and background in the film industry, took up a full wall on the 45th floor of 3 World Trade Center. Surrounded by the panoramic views of New York City, Petrucci took over six months to complete the piece., even relocating here to dedicate all of his creative focus and direction into manifesting his work.
The artwork, which more closely resembles an installation due to its unusual size and location, remains true to Petrucci’s fashion of creating collages using movie posters, brush strokes and several layering techniques.
Just as with his previous work, The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci used film, concert and ad posters as a base for The Essence of Lightness. He walked around New York City and tore down old and new posters. After completing the collection process, he began the intricate layering process. Two or more additional images or posters were added, followed by strokes of paint. As with The Pompeii Collection, Petrucci included some parts of Pompeii within his work through photos of the Pompeii paintings on the surface, fusing them with the layers of posters.
Yet, what is unique about The Essence of Lightness is the continuous motif of butterflies. If looked at from a distance, an observer might not notice that there are butterflies spread out from the beginning to the end of the painting. However, once an observer gets closer, they will realize that the butterflies are flying through the painting, representing time.
According to Petrucci, the beginning of the artwork represents the past. It represents the history of Pompeii and various thoughts and experiences that we, as human beings, lost sight of. The middle of the painting represents the present. It is everything that we are experiencing at the moment, whether it is delight or worry, we are living in the moment. The butterflies get higher and spread wider as you approach the end of the painting. The end represents our hopes and dreams for the future. If the observer steps back and takes a look at the overall piece, it is reminiscent of the course of life and everything we have experienced, are going through and shall expect.
Overall, The Essence of Lightness was an innovative way to represent such an intense and magical piece. Surrounded by the night skyline of New York City, it becomes almost surreal and yet Petrucci managed to conquer it all and spill it on canvas.
The Essence of Lightness is not available to the public at the moment, but here is a short clip about the making of the fascinating installation.
Guggenheim International Gala Pre-Party
On Wednesday, November 14th, the Solomon R. Guggenheim museum hosted a glamorous pre-party to kick off the 2018 Guggenheim International Gala. Made possible by Dior, the annual event supports the museum’s internationally renowned exhibitions as well as its educational and public programming. This year’s Gala honored the Edmond de Rothschild Foundation and philanthropists Dimitris Daskalopoulos and Alice Walton.
In a celebratory precursor to the Gala’s Thursday night benefit dinner, nearly 600 guests filled the emblematic rotunda of the Guggenheim gallery to sip champagne, listen to music, and experience the museum’s featured exhibition: Hilma af Klint: Paintings for the Future. The collection showcased the Swedish artist’s colorful and abstract imagery which she deemed too radical for the early 20th century artistic sphere, keeping her works private to reserve them for future audiences.
The event in itself was a spectacle of visual culture, from the paintings of the Klint exhibition to the atmospheric purple glow of the Guggenheim spiral which, along with a colorful, interactive photo booth, presented the perfect photo opportunities for stylish celebs, many of whom wore designs by Dior. The evening was lively with beats from DJ AMRIT and featured a powerful performance by R&B singer-songwriter Jorja Smith.
The dinner on November 15 featured a menu by Gunnar Gíslason, Executive Head Chef of Agern, as well as a special performance of the oldest song in the world, the “Hurrian Hymn,” arranged by Nico Muhly and commissioned by Works & Process at the Guggenheim.
Over $2 million was raised in support of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation, advancing a range of internationally acclaimed exhibitions and educational programs, while providing stewardship for the Guggenheim’s modern and contemporary art collection and its building.
Other guests included Maria Grazia Chiuri, Olivia Palermo, Winnie Harlow, Sofia Hublitz, Eleanor Lambert, Rebecca Dayan, Sophie Auster, Zosia Mamet, Gideon Adlon, Janet Montgomery, Anna Baryshnikov, Jon Batiste, A$AP Ferg, Sam Beckerman, Cali Beckerman, Hannah Bronfman, Juana Burga, Jessica Clements, Brendan Fallis, Daniella Garcia, Amalie Gassmann, Kat Graham, GoldLink, Gala Gonzalez, Charlotte Groeneveld, Mckenna Hellam, Anne Huntingon, Makenzie Leigh, Danny Mapes, Selah Marley, Chantal Monaghan, Harley Viera Newton, TK Quann, Cipriana Quann, Rachele Regini, Camille Rowe, Charlotte Sarkozy, Ryan Jamaal Swain, Duckie Thot, Geraldine Viswanathan, Brittany Xavier, Gemma Ward, Nicole Warne, and Tiffany Zabludowicz.
Photos by Guggenheim
About the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation
Founded in 1937, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation is dedicated to promoting the understanding and appreciation of art, primarily of the modern and contemporary periods, through exhibitions, education programs, research initiatives, and publications. The Guggenheim constellation of museums that began in the 1970s when the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, was joined by the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, Venice, has since expanded to include the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao (opened 1997) and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi (currently in development). The Guggenheim Foundation continues to forge international collaborations that celebrate contemporary art, architecture, and design within and beyond the walls of the museum, including the Guggenheim Social Practice initiative, Guggenheim UBS MAP Global Art Initiative, and The Robert H. N. Ho Family Foundation Chinese Art Initiative. More information about the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation can be found at guggenheim.org.
The Water Tower Bar
The Williamsburg Hotel (96 Wythe Avenue, Brooklyn, New York) is thrilled to announce the much-anticipated opening of The Water Tower, a sleek, intimate lounge and nightclub, which is set to open its doors today, Friday, November 16.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower, located high in the sky above the hotel’s rooftop, boasts unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows encased in steel. With cozy sofas throughout the intimate space, the unique bar transitions from a sophisticated lounge to a contemporary nightclub in the later hours, featuring nightly live entertainment from a rotating list of DJs from around the world.
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The beverage menu offers inventive libations, all created by renowned mixologist, Rael Petit, whose forward-thinking approach to mixology led him to celebrated restaurants like L'Orange Bleue and The Standard, before taking the helm at The Williamsburg Hotel in May 2018.
Cocktail highlights include the luxe Heart of Gold (Patron Gran Platinum, Cocchi Americano, white truffle-infused aperol), Message in a Bottle (Bacardi 4yr, clarified milk, Chinese cinnamon cordial, blue majik pineapple juice, lemon), Purple Rain (Empress Gin, Cocchi Americano, Pear Williams, Plant People CBD oil) and Les Gnomes (Absolut Elyx, Singani 63, Ancho Reyes, ginger syrup, lemon juice). Guests are also able to enjoy luxurious bites created by Executive Chef Nic Caicedo, like the Seafood Plateau (chef’s selection of fresh local and wild seafood with seasonal accompaniments), White Truffle Grilled Cheese(fontina, comte, smoked gouda, and white alba truffles, on Brooklyn Bread Lab brioche), and Caviar Tastings (Siberian sturgeon, classic osetra, and golden osetra served with traditional accoutrements).
Photo Credit: Liz Clayman
The Water Tower was constructed with industrial materials like steel, glass, and brass, and the decor is punctuated with plush velvet couches and chaises. The lounge is accessible via a VIP elevator, and colorful murals painted by a local artist line the walls, offering an apt mix of grit and glam that pays homage to the neighborhood’s history.
The launch of The Water Tower will mark the opening of the hotel’s sixth property concept, with others including The Ballroom, The Library Bar, The Restaurant, The Rooftop + Pool, and Brooklyn Bread Lab, a warehouse kitchen focused on crafting artisan breads, pastas, pastries, and pizza dough from house-milled grains.
The Water Tower will be open Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00pm - 4:00am. Reservations can be made by emailing watertower@thewilliamsburghotel.com.
For additional information, please visit thewilliamsburghotel.com.
The Angel Band Project with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends
On Monday, November 12th, The Angel Band Project hosted back-to-back sold-out concerts, dubbed "An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends - A Benefit to Support Survivors of Sexual Violence”, at 54 Below. The benefit concerts began with original songs by two-time Tony Winner Norbert Leo Butz and a heartfelt introduction from Law & Order SVU star Mariska Hargitay. Aaron Tveit, Jessie Mueller, Sherie Renee Scott, Lindsay Mendez, Rosanne Cash and John Leventhal also performed with musical direction by Michael Moritz, Jr. The night was sponsored by Rebecca, Hannah and Sarah Gang and White Honey. Survivors Hannah Tombley and Jennifer Hopper graced the stage, using their voices to share their survival stories.
All of the proceeds from the night benefitted The Angel Band Project, which provides music therapy to sexual assault survivors in New York, Seattle and St. Louis. The inspiration for the charity came from an unthinkable tragedy in 2009 in Seattle, WA when a man crept through an open window at the home of Teresa Butz and her partner, Jennifer Hopper raping and stabbing the women, Teresa fought back and according to police, her actions saved Jennifer’s life but cost her her own. After an emotional but musically-uplifting funeral service, lifelong best friends Rachel Ebeling and Jean Purcell got together with the idea of recording a CD in Teresa’s memory. Teresa’s brother Norbert Leo Butz and her surviving partner, Jennifer Hopper, joined their efforts. Their aim was simple: to capture the power in the music they heard to help others heal from the effects of sexual violence. “Take You With Me” was released in 2010 and since that time, the vision has expanded to use music therapy to directly impact the lives of survivors.
In 2014, The Angel Band Project created the groundbreaking music therapy program called Songs of Survival in St. Louis, MO. Where board-certified music therapists work with small groups of survivors as part of their healing process. In late 2016, the program expanded to include Seattle, WA, and in 2017, in collaboration with New York University’s Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Center, The Angel Band Project began serving survivors of sexual violence in the greater New York City area.
An Evening with Norbert Leo Butz & Friends was the first New York City fundraising effort for The Angel Band Project. All of the artists involved donated their time for this event and proceeds will be used to grow outreach efforts in the New York metro area.
“One in five women will be the victim of a sexual assault in her lifetime,” said Angel Band Project Executive Director and co-founder, Rachel Ebeling. “One of the biggest obstacles that victims of sexual assault encounter in the aftermath of being assaulted is the fear of being judged or not believed. A sense of isolation and blame is very common amongst victims of such violence. The Angel Band Project is here to show support, belief, and community for survivors. Until sexual violence is no longer tolerated, we walk in solidarity with survivors on their journey to healing.”
To learn more about The Angel Band Project visit AngelBandProject.org.
Photo Credit - Heidi Peters
Harboring Hearts Gala
On Thursday, November 7th, Harboring Hearts celebrated their annual highly anticipated gala. Harboring Hearts founder Michelle Javian, co-founder Yuki Kotani and Executive Director Missy Rahman welcomed 200 guests to a sold-out benefit evening to support heart patients and their families during their most critical times of need at The Stanley H. Kaplan Penthouse at Lincoln Center. The special night began with a cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by dinner, an awards ceremony and live musical performances from Alex Getlin, Demi Grace and Broadway Star Antoine L. Smith.
Honorees included Emile Bacha, M.D., Maryjane Farr, M.D., Jack Copeland, M.D. and heart transplant recipient and official Portraitist of Former First Lady Michelle Obama, Amy Sherald. Dr. Jennifer Haythe spoke about her friend and colleague Dr. Farr’s tireless efforts to help heart patients throughout her career and Elizabeth Moran shared a heartfelt story on how Dr. Bacha saved her little girl. Kevin Pemberton spoke about his partner Amy Sherald’s work after Auctioneer Paul Flores encouraged attendees to raise their paddles in support of this worthy cause. Benefit Chairs Linda J. Addonizio, M.D., Ralf J Holzer, M.D., William Cherry, Robin McArthur-Murphy and Dana Jean Constantino along with Board Members Sergio Lagunes, Sheila McCaffrey, Ryan Melkonian, Jessica Melore, Hope Geier Smith and Russell G. Tisman welcomed special guests including Fashion Designer Derek Lam, Elizabeth Rosecrans and Vincent Geiss. Harboring Hearts extended a special thank you to the LiveOnNY Foundation for a game-changing grant they provided this year.
The night raised over $280,000 for Harboring Hearts, a 501 (c)(3) public charity dedicated to providing critical financial and emotional assistance for heart patients and their families. In 2008, Michelle Javian lost her father to heart disease. For two years while she was by her father’s side at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Michelle witnessed firsthand the lack of refuge and community support for heart patients and their families. Around the same time, Yuki Kotani’s father was in the same hospital, under the same surgeon, awaiting a heart transplant after years of battling heart disease. Michelle approached Yuki with the idea to create a charity to help these families and on April 10, 2009, the 1-year anniversary of Michelle’s father’s passing, Harboring Hearts received notice of their official 501c3. For more information, visit www.harboringhearts.org
Photos Credit: Jordan Rathkopf
Freehold Brunch
The word “brunch” holds a special meaning in the hearts of New Yorkers. Brunch is a weekly tradition for those who live in the city, typically celebrated on Sunday with a good group of friends. There are places all over Manhattan that offer a tasty meal and cocktails to beat the “Sunday scaries.” But head down to Brooklyn and you’ll find Freehold - the refined yet urban restaurant that can do it all.
This well-rounded restaurant checks most of the boxes one looks for in choosing a place to eat, drink, and have a good time. The Freehold has mastered creating a space that has a unique aesthetic and artistic feel. While the Freehold operates day-to-day as a restaurant, coffee shop, and bar, special events offer live music, dancing, and special performances that transform the space from day to night. Sundays at the Freehold usually start off quiet as guests gather for brunch and by mid afternoon- the music turns on.
Known for their savory dishes, the Freehold recently unveiled their newest brunch menu. The selection offers gourmet dishes of both breakfast and lunch favorites such as the “Smoked Salmon Scramble,” cooked over an English muffin; the “Brunch Burger,” a ground patty stacked with Munster cheese, fried egg, and the works, and a simple egg platter, scrambled with meat and made to perfection. Yummy vegetarian options now include the “Housemade Yogurt”, with berries, granola, and honey, the “Everything Salad”, and a plant-based veggie burger named the “Impossible.”
Also introduced were a range of cocktails perfectly crafted for the afternoon. The “Dirty Chai” tastes of chai, cinnamon, and tequila. A fruitier choice is the “Bloodhound,”a vodka-based drink disguised with a splash of grapefruit.
To celebrate, The Freehold generously hosted an intimate brunch in their private dining space. Tables were served courses of each dish, family-style to share and taste throughout the course of the afternoon. Both the food and cocktails were well received by guests, leaving no plate untouched. Overall, the event was very successful in launching their new menu.
Heading to Brooklyn? Make sure to stop by the Freehold to check out their new menu. Or make a trip; it will be well worth it. Brunch at the Freehold is served both Saturday and Sunday, 11am to 4pm.
Photos courtesy of FreeHold
NYSPCC Food & Wine Gala
On Wednesday, November 7th, The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (The NYSPCC) held its sixth annual Food & Wine Gala Tuesday night at The Metropolitan Club in Manhattan. Chef Costas Spiliadis, whose world-renowned Mediterranean-inspired restaurant Estiatorio Milos was the 2017 winner of The Concierge Choice Awards’ International Cuisine category, designed a one-of-a-kind menu for guests, and also donated all food. The exquisite cuisine was paired with world-class wines provided by George Spiliadis, Founder of Cava Spiliadis.
Inside Edition anchor Deborah Norville, who is also a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, served as the evening’s host while Mary Pulido Ph.D, Executive Director of The NYSPCC, gave an inspirational speech about The NYSPCC’s work championing New York’s most vulnerable. Renowned auctioneer Harry Santa-Olalla led the gala’s reverse auction, which raises crucial funding for The NYSPCC’s Trauma Recovery Program. The program offers a specialized therapeutic program for children, ages 5-18, who have experienced physical or sexual abuse, neglect, traumatic bereavement, or who have witnessed family violence. The Food & Wine Gala is one of the major fundraising events for The NYSPCC; the other being the annual Spring Luncheon, which in April 2018 featured an emotional guest speech by Olympic gymnast McKayla Maroney.
“We are the first line of defense for vulnerable children and their families in New York City,” said Dr. Pulido, who delivered a powerful speech about The NYSPCC’s work. “Our Trauma Recovery Program provides life-saving counseling to children who have suffered unthinkable abuse, and we’re so grateful to everyone who attended this crucial event and contributed to their rescue and recovery.”
Additional VIP attendees included Vicky Cornell, the widow of Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell and a member of The NYSPCC’s Children’s Council, President of The NYSPCC’s Board Karl Wellner, Board Member Dr. Penny Grant, Gilligan’s Island star Tina Louise, Delicatessen’s Executive Chef Michael Ferraro, who provided The NYSPCC’s exclusive Food & Wine Gala menu in 2017, Commissioner of the Administration for Children’s Services David Hansell, business executive and former Reuters CEO Tom Glocer and his wife, NYSPCC Board Member Maarit Glocer and New York Jets offensive tackle Brent Qvale.
The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) is one of the most highly respected child protective agencies in the world. Founded in 1875, the NYSPCC helps the most vulnerable children of our community recover from trauma. And, more importantly, it helps prevent child abuse through its work with parents, teachers, children and foster care agencies. The NYSPCC’s amazing work is used as a model for child abuse prevention centers across the nation. The NYSPCC has investigated more than 650,000 cases on behalf of over two million children and has educated over 47,000 professionals working with children on child abuse and neglect issues. http://www.nyspcc.org.
Red Bull X Pac Man
Red Bull recently celebrated the release of their limited-edition Pac-Man inspired cans by hosting a party of retro perfection. The 80’s themed event took place on November 8th in the cozy downstairs of the Flower Shop.
Different patterns and textures filled this hole-in-the-wall pub located in the Lower East Side. The Flower Shop’s unique interior is artistically dated and unconventional, the perfect setting to instill nostalgia for the past. The vibe of the place is truly unique. The couches, flower displays and framed pictures invoked a comfort level similar to that of being at home. The downstairs is finished to be a friendly space to hangout with a fireplace and pool table.
Of course, Red Bull shook things up a bit by adding Pac Man to the decor mix for the evening. A live-action Pac Man game took center stage, and guests were encouraged to beat the infamous “high score.” In true gamer fashion, pinball machines were also a part of the excitement, as well as the newly launched cans that were modeled inside the screens of old-school television sets.
To satisfy every guest’s Red Bull craving, a specialty cocktail menu provided three drink options creatively named Pinky’s Drinky, Level Up, and Ghosted. All were deliciously blended and gave a noticeable kick of energy.
The party was powered with music from Hannah Bronfman and Kitty Cash. Pac Man himself was even there to meet-and-greet with guests, snapping photos with his fans all night.
From start to finish, the downstairs of the Flower Shop was packed, a full house by all means. The location, theme, and occasion were the perfect way to honor the collaboration of Red Bull and Pac Man. The Pac Man designed cans are currently in-stores now, be sure to check them out! The promotion will run from October 29th to the end of the year.
YAGP 20th Anniversary Kick Off
Youth America Grand Prix (YAGP) celebrated their 20th Anniversary Season with a cocktail party at the New York residence of Jean Shafiroff. YAGP alumni dancers attending included Kimin Kim (Mariinsky Ballet), Dylan Gutierrez (Joffrey Ballet), Sasha De Sola (San Fransisco Ballet), Angelo Greco (San Francisco Ballet), Calvin Royal III (American Ballet Theatre) as well as Mariinsky Ballet's Xander Parish,Viktoria Tereshkina, Anastasia Nuikina, Maria Khoreva, Daria Ionova, Yuri Fateev, and Joffrey Ballet's Artistic Director Ashley Wheater.
The hostess greeted her guests in a hot pink Oscar de la Renta dress. The late-night soiree followed a performance of the Balanchine Festival at City Center and went into the wee hours with dancers and ballet patrons sipping champagne around her dining table.
Guest included YAGP board members Sergey Gordeev, Suzanne Hall, Judith M. Hoffman, Christina Lyon, Linda K. Morse, Richard Osterweil, Howard Paley, Elizabeth Papadapoulos, Susan and Greg Pappajohn, and John Sills as well as Edgar Batista, Delin Bru, Valentino Carlotti, Sue Dorn, Joanna Fisher, Marjorie and Ellery Gordon, Peter Hay Halpert, Cathy Hardwick, Sharon King Hoge, Michèle Gerber Klein, Aimee Maroney, Wendy Moonan, Cole Rumbough, Sana Sabbagh, Andrew Martin Weber, and Hal J. Witt.
Youth America Grand Prix is the largest global network of dance. YAGP fulfills its mission of dance education through scholarship auditions, master classes, alumni services, performances, educational and outreach activities. 2019 is YAGP's 20th Anniversary season! Over the past 20 years the organization has provided opportunities to 80,000 dancers worldwide and have gifted talented young dancers more than $3.5 million in scholarships to leading dance schools and companies around the world.
Today, more than 10,000 young dancers – ages 9 to 19 – audition annually. 450 Youth America Grand Prix alumni are now dancing with 80 professional companies around the world. 100 of these alumni are soloists and principal dancers. The organization was founded by Larissa Saveliev, who trained at the Bolshoi Ballet Academy in Moscow and toured throughout the world, before defecting to the United States in 1995.
Photo Credit: Credit: Mark Sagliocco For PMC
Vote. Because It Matters.
Election day is Tuesday, November 6. New York offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person.
Voters registered in New York can look up where to vote on New York's site or at GetToThePolls.com.
No early voting
New York does not offer an early voting period. If you will be unable to vote in person on Election Day, you can request an absentee ballot by mail or by visiting your local election office.
What to bring
If you've voted in New York before, you don't need to provide ID to vote.
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, and didn't provide a copy of your ID with your registration, you may need to show ID to vote. Acceptable forms include: a current and valid photo ID; or a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you will be able to vote an affidavit ballot.
Mercado Global Fashion Forward
On Thursday, November 1st, the 6th annual Fashion Forward Celebration was held on at The Bowery Hotel. The annual benefit raised funds and awareness for the work Mercado Global does to empower women entrepreneurs.
At the ceremony, Yael Aflalo, Founder of Reformation, received the 2018 Global Impact Award, presented by Lyndsey Butler; Karla Martinez de Salas, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Mexico & Latin America, received the 2018 Fashion Forward Visionary Award presented by Alexi Lubomirski; and Alida Boer, Philanthropist and Entrepreneur, received the 2018 Ambassador Award, presented by Aaron Diaz.
“At a time when the challenges facing women and families in Central America has been front and center in the news, it was so inspiring to see so many New Yorkers out in support of our work,” says Mercado Global Founder Ruth DeGolia, of the special evening. “The generosity and support of New York’s fashion, finance and philanthropic communities is unbelievable.”
Guests enjoyed Latin-themed chef's tables and cocktails prepared by Baby Brasa Organic Peruvian Cuisine, Toloache, Llamita, and specialty cocktails by Tabernero Pisco, Santera Tequila, Se Busca Mezcal and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Mercado Global is a Brooklyn-based accessory brand and non-profit that empowers rural Latin American women to become entrepreneurs. Through donor-funded business education and leadership programs, we help women create community businesses to support themselves and their families. By designing collections for the international market while using traditional local weaving techniques, we are changing the status quo for women, communities, and the industry.
DeGolia continues: “It was inspiring to see so many New Yorkers come together in support of our work giving a hand up to women and families in Central America. At a time when these women and families face so many challenges, the support and generosity for our Central American neighbors that the New York Community showed last night filled me with optimism and hope.”
It was a wonderful night full of generosity and fun.
Photos courtesy of Mercado
Food Loves Tech 2018
This past weekend, Edible Manhattan and Edible Brooklyn’s all you can eat and drink innovation expo, Food Loves Tech, returned to Industry City. The festival is known for being an experience that brings your mind and your taste buds into the future.
On Friday, the prelude to the expo called the Future of Cocktails took place. Sponsored by Belvedere and Blue Point, this year’s opening night to Food Loves Tech brought together the most forward-thinking bartenders and spirits, taking guests on a bar crawl of the future.
Now in its third year, Food Loves Tech focuses on how technology and innovation shape the way we cultivate and consume food. The two-day festival included immersive installations, tastings, leadership panels, and dining experiences. Guests got to test the technologies of the future impacting the food chain from field and sea to the next generation.
The expo returned with more than 90 food innovators and dozens of experts showcasing their creations as well as many of NYC's most respected chefs, who presented their progressive, awe-inspiring imaginings.
Educational presentation not only included digital technology, but also new alternative ingredients, best practices, sustainability, composting, appliances, and even shifts toward more simplistic approaches of the past. The expo also featured panels on food-related technologies in food genetics, environment, health, homes, restaurants, urban agriculture, and more.
At the two day-long, walk-around event, guests gained an insight into what they will be eating in the future - and how it will be made.
The charity partner ReThink Food will ensure all excess food from the event will provide meals to those in need.
25th Living Landmarks Gala
On November 1, 2018, The New York Landmarks Conservancy hosted its 25th Living Landmarks celebration at The Plaza Hotel. This year’s honorees were: Christie’s Americas chairman emeritus Stephen S. Lash, garden designer Lynden B. Miller, philanthropists Liz and Jeffrey Peek, actress/dancer/singer Chita Rivera, Dr. Thomas Sculco, Publicolor founder Ruth Lande Shuman, Columbia University president Michael I. Sovern, and former MTA Chair Peter Stangl. The sold-out event raised $1.3 million.
Landmark’s president Peg Breen opened the program and introduced the evening’s master of ceremonies, himself a Living Landmark, David Patrick Columbia. Music was provided by another Living Landmark Peter Duchin and his Orchestra. Living Landmarks Arie L. Kopelman and Leonard Lauder served as Honorary Co-Chairs for the evening.
The recipient’s speeches were witty in their own way. Stephen Lash turned his into a live auction. The much-loved philanthropists Liz and Jeff Peek had the crowd in stitches with a David Letterman-style list: "The great thing about being a Living Landmark…is that it sure beats the alternative.” In a moving tribute to her life’s work, Ruth Lande Shuman accepted her award alongside three Publicolor alumni. These students were the first in their families to graduate from high school and college. Dr. Thomas Sculco received praise for giving fellow indomitable honoree Chita Rivera a hip replacement. Michael Sovern's long list of boards and charities drew applause. Peter Stangl recalled the help of Jaqueline Onassis in the restoration of Grand Central Station.
Guests who gathered to celebrate the year’s extraordinary honorees included: Renee and Robert Belfer, Stacey Bronfman, Ellie and Edgar Cullman, Jr., Mayor David Dinkins, Fe and Alessandro Fendi, Carole Bailey French and John French, Barbara and Peter Georgescu, Yaz and Valentine Hernandez, Marlene Hess and James Zirin, Louise Kerz Hirschfeld and Lewis B. Cullman, Harold Koda and Alan Kornberg, Margo Langenberg, Linda Lindenbaum, Gregor Medinger, Sylvester Miniter, Laura and John Pomerantz, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Emilia Saint-Amand, Barbara and John Schumacher, Jeanne and Alexander Sloane, Judy Steinhardt, Elizabeth Stribling and Guy Robinson, Patsy and Jeff Tarr, Elizabeth and James Tozer, Lauren and John Veronis, Sandy and Stan Warshawsky, Sue Ann Weinberg, and Candace King Weir.
The New York Landmarks Conservancy honors distinguished New Yorkers as “Living Landmarks” for their contributions to the City. The Landmarks Conservancy is dedicated to preserving and protecting the iconic buildings and diverse neighborhoods that define this extraordinary City. It is the only private organization providing both financial and technical support in this effort.
Photos by James Salzano
ARDI and U.S. Air Force Academy Cocktails
ARDI COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION 2018 BFA
On Thursday, November 1st, ARDI: The Academic Excellence Foundation hosted their first ever Cocktails & Conversation event in New York City at the iconic Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum. The ARDI illustrious visiting professors and programs provide the cadets with real-world challenges and insights, exposing them to diverse viewpoints and ideas that enrich their world-class education.
ARDI COCKTAILS AND CONVERSATION 2018 BFA
The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of ARDI’s mission to enhance academic excellence at the United States Air Force Academy through the perpetual endowment of distinguished visiting professorships and support of other programs and initiatives that cover academic disciplines ranging from Arabic Studies and Economics to Professional Ethics and Space Systems Engineering. For more than 30 years, ARDI's ultimate goal is to build their endowment to provide an endowed ARDI professor in all 27 academic departments at the Academy.
Guests delighted in cocktails and passed bites as they had the opportunity to network with senior leadership from the United States Air Force Academy, ARDI executives and board members, and fellow supporters.
The evening also featured remarks by ARDI President, Mick Erdle, NYC Commissioner of Veteran Affairs, Brig. Gen. (ret) Loree Sutton, MD, and the honorable guests from the Academy.
Product donors for this event included Salute American Vodka, which supports American heroes through the sale of high-quality, American-made craft spirits, as well as Luminox, the notable Swiss high-performance watch brand.
All photos by BFA
About ARDI: The Academic Excellence Foundation:
Since its inception in 1984, ARDI has had one singular focus and mission. ARDI strives to support and fortify academic excellence at the United States Air Force Academy by providing perpetually endowed academic chairs.
ARDI solicits tax-exempt donations to endow distinguished visiting professorships honoring great military and civilian leaders, past and present, selected by the major donors. ARDI intends to establish an endowed chair in each USAFA academic department. ARDI currently contributes approximately $1,009,000 each year in indirect support to USAFA through the endowed chair program and ancillary academic activities.
ARDI was co-founded by Brig Gen Philip J. Erdle, USAF (Ret) (a former Vice Dean of the Faculty and Permanent Professor Emeritus) and Maj Gen William Lyon, USAF (Ret), in consultation with the Honorable Verne Orr, Secretary of the Air Force. ARDI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization incorporated in the state of Colorado and headquartered in Colorado Springs.
For more information, please visit http://www.ardifoundation.org/.
The Food Film Festival 2018
Last week, The Food Film Festival returned to New York City for its 12th straight year! The four day Festival featured a series of events where food and film lovers got to Taste What They See on the Screen...right in their seats! The festival offers a unique experience where guests get to actually taste the foods they see on the screen right in the comfort of their own seats. It was a dream come true for food and film lovers alike. That's always followed by an official Festival After-Party with more food, drinks and fun, served up by chefs and restaurants from New York City and beyond.
The four-day festival which ran from Oct 24th to the 28th and showcased independent films accompanied by different dishes featured in said films. This year, the Festival kicked off with the World Premiere of Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown / Lower East Side presented by CNN Original Series.
The episode follows Bourdain on a personal journey through this formerly bohemian New York City neighborhood, as he meets, shares meals and reflects with music, film and art trailblazers including Richard Hell, Deborah HARRY and Chris Stein, Lydia Lunch, Fab 5 Freddy, Danny Fields, Amos Poe, Jim Jarmusch, Kembra Pfahler, John Lurie, Clayton Patterson and Harley Flanagan, whose collective cultural impact in the 1970's and '80's has sustained through the decades. 100% of proceeds from opening night will be donated to the Bronx Letters Foundation, a charity that was supported by Anthony Bourdain.
Thursday night, Guests were treated to an exclusive Eat & Greet with Saxon + Parole Chefs Brad Farmerie and Chef Nicole Gajadhar. Beer, wine, cocktails, films and tastes were all part of the exceptional experience.
Friday night celebrated many dishes of New York City's cuisine in Edible Adventures #16: Stories of New York. An eclectic mix of foods and films made here in New York City were presented to the patrons.
Saturday's festivities featured the magic of cooking meat over fire at Fire and Smoke: Texas BBQ and Beyond, bringing together Black's BBQ from Texas, Izzy's Smokehouse from Brooklyn and more. On scene, were the pit-masters responsible for bringing Central Texas Style BBQ to new spaces and chefs who can harness smokey goodness of fire-roasted meats. Presented were also the world famous brisket from renowned Kent and Barrett Black of The Original Black's BBQ in Austin, Texas.
Finally, the Festival closed on Sunday with All You Need is Brunch!
It has been another amazing year for The Food Film Festival, and they could not have done it without the help of so many - and just to name a few - In The Raw, Bloomberg Philanthropies, CNN Original Series, Schweid & Sons, Mann's, NY Distilling Co., Night Kitchen, and their non-profit beneficiary, The Billion Oyster Project.
Photos courtesy of The Food Film Festival
Big Apple Circus
On Sunday, October 28, the Tinsley Mortimer served as a guest ringmaster for the Big Apple Circus opening night. Fellow Real Housewives of New York Stars, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, and Ramona Singer were all in attendance to support their co-star. The 43-year-old beauty were all smiles as she flawlessly entertained the crowd.
The annual Big Apple Circus is a super outing for people of all ages. If you are looking for quality entertainment in Manhattan, Big Apple Circus cannot be beat. Presented in a traditional big top located in Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park, the show is European style with a single ring surrounded by seats, so no one is more than 50 feet from the action. Even the cheapest tickets are close to the rink.
The world renowned the show featured a roster of super hero talents, including Iron woman Virginia Tuells & her husband Ihosvanys Perez in DUO FUSION, a breathtaking acrobatic act that combines dance, strength, flexibility and passion in which Virginia handles a majority of the lifts; the wildly fun SPICY CIRCUS, created by Andréanne Quintal, whose team of performers will (literally) bounce off the walls in her feisty trampoline act; THE FLYING TUNIZIANIS, a double wide trapeze act showcasing seven fliers & two catchers in addition to the quadruple somersault by Ammed Tuniziani – a feat only successfully landed by ten people in the world – alongside his wife Estefani, brothers Gamal & Dandino, and more; DESIRE OF FLIGHT, a daring and balletic dual aerial straps act; a free-standing ladder balancing act by Emil Faltyny; for the first time in America, the gravity-defying horizontal juggler Victor Moiseev; Big Apple fan- favorite Jenny Vidbel with her cute animals; and the hilarious Mark Gindick &; Adam Kuchler.
The Big Apple Circus was a charming, adrenaline-charged, surprise. Exhilarating from beginning to end. Each act will give you the chills and make you burst out with cheers and hand clapping. Every single performer and animal will grab your attention. There is never a dull moment. I cannot applaud the entire production enough. Get tickets, show up and enjoy!
Big Apple Circus is happening now in Lincoln Center, New York from October 2018- January 2019. Its a New York experience you will not want to miss out on.