The Quest for "it"

Cancer 101 Bigtop on the Bowery

Hi!

The first ever Cancer101 benefit got under way last evening without a hitch. Cancer 101 held its much anticipated Big Top at the Bowery --a successful four hour soiree at the Bowery Terrace at the Bowery Hotel --to celebrate cancer patients, survivors, and their caregivers.  The evening hosted by the Today Show's Hoda Kotb and John Mahdessian was a delight for the eyes, and a true labor of love come to life for Cancer 101 founder Monica Knoll.  Several hundred guests attended the lively, vibrant, circus-themed cocktail party that offered popcorn, cotton candy, candy apples, SOTOGO icecream, and live performances by the Donnell Adler Inc., and the renowned Broadway in South Africa troupe, including aerialists, acrobats, jugglers, stilt walkers, tarot card reader, magicians, and hula hoopers.

Most impressive for this particular evening were the silent auction items by the city's most popular luxury retailers; standouts included offerings from Designer ChoCheng, Cleo Spa & Salon, Anisha Lakhani, Tumi, LaPerla, MODO for Jennifer Creel Sunglasses, Tibi, Warren Tricomi,Calvin Klein and many others.  A standout for our evening in particular was the in-person presence of lead sponsor John Mahdessian-President of Madame Paulette, who spoke of his involvement with Cancer 101 as a year long partner.

The evening yielded an eclectic mix which included the city's socials, captains of industry and even fashion designers which included:  Erin Lucas, Miguelina Gambaccini, Maggie Norris with model Trevon Warren, Kristian Laliberte, Euan Rellie, Ann Caruso, and many others. All seeking a bit of solace from the surrounding excitement were able to slip away into the Solerno VIP lounge. We caught several attendees blissfully sipping Solerno Bellini's in the dimly lit area of the VIP which filled quickly once the passed hors d'oeuvres began.   All in all, a special night for a very special cause with a good time had by all.

For more information on Cancer101 please visit www.cancer101.org

*photos by David X Prutting/Patrick McMullan

Hamptons Weekend Report: The American Heart Association's 13th Annual Heart of the Hamptons Gala at Hayground School

Hi,

The Hayground School in Bridgehampton, New York proved to be the perfect setting for the American Heart Association's 13th Annual Heart of the Hamptons Ball this past Saturday.  Despite this year's grey skies and eventual downpour, hundreds of attendees gathered, many from Long Island's Medical and corporate communities along with special guests--The honorable Rudolph W . Giuliani and Judith S. Giuliani, Isadore Rosenfeld MS, FACP, FACC; J.P. Mohr MD, MS, and  Bill Hemmer FOX News anchor, who all set alongside Charity Brands CEO Stephen M. Adler.  A special local award was given to the Town of East Hampton for becoming the first Long Island Community to be designated a "Heart Safe Community."

The Heart of the Hamptons Ball, sponsored by Merck & Company, was a fun and elegant evening accomplishing raising funds in a beautiful setting while offering guests heart healthy foods, and delightful local wines.  Staying Alive was the theme of the evening and the red hued tent complete with disco ball and huge dance floor was a hit! Guests took to the floor for dancing to a DJ provided by East End Entertainment, before dinner even began. Between laps around the exquisite auction tables offerings*** and nibbles from the passed hor d'oureves of crabcakes, vegetable sushi, etc..guests were primed for the sit-down dinner.

Celeb attendees Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen were standouts with the efforts of the very social AHA Gala Committee not going un-noticed; there was not an empty seat in the house, thanks to their dedicated hard work of ticket selling.  AHA Junior Committee members that were present included Chair Alissa Adler, Carter Cramer, Leah Bourne, Michael Berkley, among others.  The event was captured by the presence of Hamptons/Long Island media heavy-hitters Go Red for women, PlumTV, Long Island Pulse Magazine, Dan's Papers, Hamptons.com, Hamptons Magazine and WVVH-TV.

For more information on the American Heart Association and its many varied efforts please visit www.aha.org

***-Silent Auction categories offered Luxury Items, Home Furnishings and Improvement Items, Personal & Pampering Items, and Travel & Leisure which included: Assorted items from Tiffany; Raymond Weil Watch; Michael Kors Mink Knit Shawl; A West Hampton Beach Dining Experience; Hampton Classic Horse Show Hospitality Pakcage etc.

*photos by The Quest for "it"

Orlane Paris Throws Cocktails to Benefit Afghan Hands in Honor of Naz Toloui

Hi!

It may have been a balmy Tuesday evening, but it was a great night for beauty, cocktails and a cause. Orlane Paris, the upscale beauty line available only at the finest department stores here in the states, played host to a cocktail party to benefit Afghan Hands at at the Soho location of Longchamp. Afghan Hands, a non-profit organization that teaches skills to help Afghan widows to gain independence, literacy, and liveable wages offered a number of precious hand woven scarves that were available for sale throughout the evening. 

The uppermost level of the Longchamp  space was filled with attendees out in support of the cause. Most notably, actress Claire Danes and fiancee actor Hugh Dancy (see photo above), Designers Joel Diaz and Christina LaPens (see photo above) as were New York Socials Emma Snowdon-Jones (see photo below), and former supermodel Maggie Rizer.  While many enjoyed cocktails and refreshing bites of goat cheese atop squares of fresh melon, courtesy of Convivium Catering, we were in search of Matin Maulawizada.   Mr. Maulawizada,  a celebrity makeup artist who is of Afghanisitani descent shared a bit of background  about the true meaning of the evening..."tonight is a memorial for my really good friend Naz who passed away a few months ago from cancer, she was a board member of Afghan Hands, and this  was a charity very close to her heart."  We also asked about the scarves being offered for sale... "all of the scarves are art pieces that women create themselves, they are little motifs that they take from different ancient pieces that we've had -- that I've collected all my life. A flower is taken from one motif and a stem from another, a leaf from another; then they choose the colors, so it's all of their doing, a project to express themselves."

The evening culminated with guests taking home small bags of precious Orlane products that included: Anti-Fatigue Absolute, Absolute Skin Recovery, S.O.S. Abdomen, etc.

For more information on Afghan Hands and how you can support please visit www.afghanhands.org

*photos by The Quest for "it"

Scenes from The Doe Fund Celeb DJ Series

Hey There!

Not sure if you've heard, but the recent Doe Fund Celeb DJ Series was the BEST live music (deejay related event) we've been to in awhile.  The elaborately planned  evening which recently took place at the Lower Eastside's Angel Orensanz Foundation was one of a series of events.  Entitled the Doe Fund Celebrity DJ Series, the evening was commandeered by rising celeb DJ Berrie with special guests that included the likes of notably Project Runway Winner Christian Siriano, Olivia Palermo, Whitney Port.  Host Committee members included socials Byrdie Bell, Lara Meland-Shaw, and others as well as a slew of New York City scenesters.*** The  Doe Fund, the recipient charity, was definitely in for a treat with a packed house of what seemed like  several hundred young and interested attendees.

Embrace the Blue is the often read slogan of the Doe Fund who are Ready Willing and Able  to help many out there in need of work.  The Doe Fund believes that every human being has the potential to be a contributing member of society. We were thrilled to meet  employees of the Doe Fund, who were on hand to share as much information as possible about the organization.

Outside of the multiple open bars, sumptuous passed hors d'oueveres and silent auction took place, which seem to be commonplace at many upscale charitable events these days; the real attraction of this event though was the music.  DJ Berrie displayed his incredibly masterful skills for hours spinning everything from 80's pop to contemporary alternative and EVERYTHING in between.  We even saw guest recording artist Unique take to the stage, eyeing DJ Berrie's computer set up, and there may have even been a little mixing back and forth by the legendary Kwame--it became difficult to tell. The party rocked on till 11: 00 pm and then several ascended to West Chelsea's Marquee to continue the evening till the wee hours.

We are so looking forward to future events in this AMAZING series ... supporting a cause should always be this well crafted, this diverse, and this ENTERTAINING.

See you next time....

***- actress Denise Vasi, Annabel Vartanian, Kristian Laliberte, Alexandra Alexis etc.

The National Meningitis Association's "Give Kids A Shot!" Gala

Hello,

As we head into the final days of the season's spring galas the celebrations themselves seem to grow increasingly grand. The causes seem to be even more meaningful or heartfelt with each passing event.  On Tuesday May 12th event Co-Chair Sara Herbert Galloway (Herbert Collection) welcomed guests to the first ever National Meningitis Association's "Give Kid's A Shot!" Gala at The Rainbow Room in New York's Rockefeller Plaza.  Joined by the organization's founder Gary Springer (Springer Associates), Nancy Ford Springer,Vice-Co-Chair's Barry Klauberg, Lenor Cooney and others led the way in honoring Paul Offit, MD (Chief, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) and Nancy L. Snyderman, MD (NBC News, Chief Medical Editor).  Melanie Benn, John Kach and Nick Springer were also honored.***

Cocktail hour meant a panoramic view of the city which served as backdrop for a small step and repeat where heavy hitters from film and stage soon stood for flashing lights from a barrage of cameras.  Actor Richard Thomas, Actress Diane Ladd, Broadway legend Lainie Kazan (who later performed).  Richard Thomas shared how he became involved in the momentous evening "I'm a close friend of the Springer family and I witnessed what they went through and became sort of aware of this whole situation. When Gary called and asked me to host I was thrilled...I wouldn't have missed it for the world. They have been through a terrible ordeal as many family's have and if we can do anything at all to sort of diminish the suffering from this disease it would be great."

Mrs. Herbert-Galloway dressed in an elegant, subtle lack strapless Badgley Mischka cocktail dress received her guests introducing various individuals involved to each other. Some were other host committee members, others were supporter of the cause , still others were guests and friends of friends. Cocktails in the initial receiving wrapped into a larger room where a grand silent auction was taking place. Items ranged from a Barack Obama Limited Edition print entitled Inauguration Day Masterpiece collage to a Joe Frazier hand signed autograph  entitled "Staring Past Ali" and many. many other truly one-of-a-kind pieces.

 

Before long the entire room began to clear out as guests headed for the main room for a seated dinner, speeches, and live performance by Ms. Kazan. The National Meningitis Association is non-profit organization founded in 2002.  The organization aims to educate and increase awareness about meningococcal disease.  Their mission is to inform families, medical professionals and others about bacterial meningitis and ways to prevent the disease.  To fulfill their goals, the association collaborates and  partners with key groups, government health organizations and media.

***-Nancy Ford Springer Inspiration Award

*photos by Steve mack/Film Magic

 

The Results of Design On a Dime Benefit for Housing Works

Hello!

Design on a Dime, the annual benefit for Housing Works, an organization “committed to ending the twin crises of AIDS and homelessness” was a raving success and a smashing great time!  For this fabulous event, the Met Pavilion was turned into a furniture showroom with booths from dozens of interior designers and famous folks from the world of interiors. Extreme Makeover Home Edition's  Ty Pennington and  Actress turned Fashion Designer Jaclyn Smith (see photo below) were two of the more well known exhibitors.  I had a laugh with Ty when I jokingly told him just how much I hate “Extreme Makeover” because I am always balling like a baby by the end of it!  He quipped that it probably didn’t help that he is also usually crying his eyes out throughout every show!  And Jaclyn was just a really warm lovely lady, as beautiful on the inside as she still is on the outside.  The food was yummy and supplied by The Works Catering, a division of Housing Works, that contributes its profits to social services, medical care, and job training to the more than 20,000 homeless New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. 

Parker Posey was a delightful co-host and had a funny exchange with a friend of mine.  It seems Parker thought a cute guy was hitting on her.  But my friend told me that she thought he was gay and didn’t have the heart to tell her!  However I am skeptical because this particular friend inexplicably tags EVERY guy as gay!  She recently told me a guy I think is hot on the scene is gay when I know that he isn’t!  So her “gaydar” is pretty regularly off!  Other entertainment notables in attendance included Evette Rios, who I have dubbed “the Latina Martha Stewart” and Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen from “the Real Housewives of NYC”.

The gift bag was an adorable baby blue tote with chocolate handles filled with a set of Jaclyn Smith sheets and some lovely coupons.   To donate much needed money, time, or goods to this wonderful organization, or to book the Works Catering, please go to www.housingworks.org.

-Article by Courtney Henley-Anderson                                                                       ThatGirlAtTheParty

DO GOOD FEEL GOOD Hosts Charity Event to Benefit CRIBS FOR KIDS

Hi!

Thursday night's DO GOOD FEEL GOOD event set to benefit Cribs for Kids was a huge success! The newly opened venue The Gates was the scene for a huge room of late twenty-somethings who all gathered for cocktails and a good cause. Spearheaded by the DO GOOD FEEL GOOD guys which included David X Prutting, Teddy Van Beuren, Alexis Monceaux (see photo at left).

As we made our way to the far reaches of the venue, we found that a modest silent auction was at hand with just enough items to effectively raise BIG funds for the evening.  "Donate A Crib" $100 is what a nearby flyer read.  The $100 donation would be all it took to secure the sweet dreams of one child, while providing a safe sleeping environment including: the crib, the beddings, and all the extras necessary, including the proper education of the parents on safe sleeping practices.  10,000 children in NYC alone are waiting for safe dreams.

Attendees of Kids for Cribs included a certain set of the city's young bachelors including Merkato 55's Daniel Koch, Artist David Foote, GuestofGuest.com's Cameron Winkelvoss, Justin Estill, and others.  Lovely ladies out in support included sexy Girl About Town Chau Ngo,  Socialite Annabel Vartanian, and  Socialite Emma Snowdon-Jones, among others. All partied til a fairly decent hour, and needless to say a good time was had by all.

For more information about the Kids for Cribs Campaign, or how to donate through the Fund for Public Health in New York, please call (212) 266-7824

*photos courtesy of David X Prutting/Patrick McMullan.com

Spring for A Cure at the Chelsea Art Museum

Hello!

The Chelsea Art Museum served as a fitting locale for the The Millennial Society for the Annual Waxman Cancer Research Center Foundations' Spring for a Cure. The well appointed evening meant music, cocktails, a luxury silent auction and amazing food samplings.  We found that beyond the step and repeat set up fro celebrity guests such as the event's chair  Bethenny Frankel, Gossip Girl's Connor Paolo, Zuzann Szadowsky Yin Chang, and of course Dr. Samuel Waxman were a room full of seasoned charitable young professionals.  Many of the evening's guests aware staunch supporter of Spring for a Cure and invested more in the evening than a quick sip of bubbly and a flashbulb smile.

While Bethenny Frankel of Real Housewives of New York City fame was an excellent host bringing at he looming crowd to a whisper the most heartfelt words of the night came from cancer survivor Joey Smith. Mr. Smith recounted his own ordeal with contracting lung cancer just a few years ago at the early age of 24, inexplicably his disease has no known source--he wasn't a smoker.

Spring of a Cure's third annual benefit celebration was set to raise funds and awareness for the foundation through this signature cocktails event including a luxury silent auction and a raffle.  Spring for a Cure this year was presented by: Innocente Tequila, Aramni Exchange, Glenwood Thrillist, and Palm Bay. We enjoyed most he delicious treats from soul food restaurant Melba's notably the catfish bites and later the mini red-velvet cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. Equally as pleasing were the samples of Wine Cellar Sorbets offering guests pinot noir,champagne, and the like in form of icy sweet treat. Far away from the many tables of gourmet this and that, inhabiting the floors above were the works of several talented artists which were being admired by another full room of  yet more young professionals. Raffle tables were  constantly abuzz with attendees seeking to buy tickets and hoping to take a home a unique and valuable item.

The evening ended on a high note with desserts and dancing and the booming sounds of DJs Swaaan and Indian Giver.  For more information on the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation please visit www.waxmancancer.org

*photo courtesy of Amber DeVos/Patrick McMullan

A Night with Georg Jensen in Honor of Hale House

Hello,

It was a decidedly upscale yet relaxed evening for the select crowd who attended A Night with Georg Jensen in Honor of Hale House on Wednesday, April 29th.  The Madison Avenue pre-gala cocktail event or Hale House Center's 40th Anniversary Benefit was presented by Georg Jensen and  hosted by Frederick Anderson, Valesca Guerrand-Hermes, Douglas Hannant, Eva Jeanbeart-Lorenzotti and Amy Sacco.

Upon arrival guests were greeted by Mr. Anderson with a warm ad inviting smile, and were easily to get additional facts about Hale House or specifically this year's upcoming spring gala.  With a rich legacy of service established by founder Clara McBride Hale, Hale House delivers child-centered, family focused programs, that are responsive to the unique circumstances of each family they serve and the evolving social need within our community and beyond.  As we perused the shop guests sipped on flutes of champagne or sparkling water and is the evening progressed we happened upon many of New York Society's most prominent charitable supporters including: Douglas Hannant,Lady Liliana Cavendish, Prince Michel of Yugoslavia, Campion Platt, Tatiana Platt, Antony Todd, Designer Catherine Malandrino, Designer Maggie Norris and several others.

Y Water a new concept in children's beverages was a unique tie in, inhabiting a small section of counter space with actual samples of organic, low-calorie, functional drink.  Y Water is the first in a new category of "developmental drinks"  which provide the vitamins and minerals essential to child's healthy growth.

Guests departed with a small gift bag in hand containing the lasted Georg Jensen catalogue  of fine sterling silver items,a Georg Jensen VIP discount card entitling the bearer 20% off future Georg Jensen purchases, and an invite to the Hale House Center's 40th Anniversary Celebration (benefit dinner and dance) on May 19th at the Prince George Ballroom.  For more information of the upcoming event please visit Halehouse.org

*photos by Chance Yeh/Patrick Mc Mullan

The Results of Fighting Gravity

Hi!

On a recent rainy evening, the West 14th St private theatrical members club, Norwood, was the setting for Fighting Gravity.  The event produced by Empire 8 Productions and Bettina Prentice Communications, sponsored by 10 Cane Rum with tunes by DJ Stefan, yielded a magical blend of young and refined. The mix of veteran socials and comedic actors that included Rachel Dratch of Saturday Night Live fame, made for a great time.  Beyond the step and repeat, and even beyond the marvelous cocktails and the sprawling brownstone space was a cause destined to be revealed. Fighting Gravity, stood for something, and we found it meant MORE than we'd ever imagined.

The event was set to promote the film Fighting Gravity-a documentary film involving actress Virgina Madsen about a woman's fight to compete in ski jumping events at the 2010 Olympics. Ski jumping--the only sport in which women are prohibited because the Olympic Committee (62 men, 1 woman) claim that the hard landings may effect woman's ability to procreate later in left (this has been disproven).  US jumper Lindsay Van holds the world record of longest jump for any man or woman, but is still barred from competition.  Ten elite female ski jumpers including Van are challenging this blatant gender discrimination in the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

As the evening progressed we spoke with the event's organizer Bettina Prentice inquiring if she'd met her goals with this event--"it's been great, we've had Jessica Jerome and Alissa Johnson here, who are 2 of our ski jumpers, and it's been great talking to them and hearing what they've been going through...donations have been extraordinary,people have really been opening their wallets."  Chessy Wilson one of the event's hosts echoed Ms. Prentice's sentiments speaking with guest after guest about the cause.

The event was attended by the following select New York Socials: Emma Snowdon-Jones, Chessy Wilson, Kipton Cronkite, Abigail Lorrick, Sabine Heller, Zev Eiseberg, Jules Kirby and David Chines.

An wonderful evening was had by all.

*photos by Nick Hunt/Patrick McMullan