The Quest for "it"-Fashion Wk Ed. Fall 2012

SAVE THE DATE: Evidence Dance Company Set to Host 8th Annual Gala

Hi!

Time for a Winter Gala of epic proportions. Evidence, A Dance Company will host its 8th Annual Gala on Monday, February 13, 2012 at New York's Manhattan Center to support the dance company's mission to promote understanding of the African Diaspora through dance and storytelling and to provide sensory connections to history and tradition through music, movement and spoken word.

The Verizon Foundation will receive the 2012 Corporate Award for their long standing support of the arts and Evidence, A Dance Company. Distinguished guests from the arts and entertainment industry and business community will attend the star-studded benefit gala. The black-tie affair will begin with an elegant cocktail reception, followed by dinner, a special performance by Evidence, dessert and Evidence’s signature “Dancing with the Dancers”.  

Actress Phylicia Rashad is the Gala Honorary Chair.  The Gala dinner co-chairs are Monica F. Azare and Larry Satterfield. The Honorary Committee includes actress Lynn Whitfield; former ESSENCE editor-in-chief Susan L. Taylor and writer Khephra Burns;  actress Tamara Tunie and jazz vocalist Gregory Generet; leading U.S. financiersReginald Van Lee and Pamela J. Joyner; and WCBS-TV news anchor Maurice DuBoisand Andrea DuBois.

The Gala will present Evidence's first ever performance of Gatekeepers, a powerful modern dance work that explores the theme of service and intergenerational care giving. Choreographed by Founder and Artistic Director Ronald K. Brown, this work blends Native American myth and African traditions to artistically convey bridging the gap between young people and elders in the community, and the fundamental responsibility for both groups to serve each other as caregivers.

"Evidence is thrilled to present the work Gatekeepers at our annual benefit gala," said Brown. "This majestic new work will capture the audience with its passionate message on the continuity of caregiving among youth and the elderly to strengthen communities and teach respect and collective responsibility.”  The dance company will perform to electrifying music by longtime collaborator and costume designer Wunmi.

Brown said Gatekeepers portrays Evidence's spirited dancers as “soldiers walking toward heaven, searching for the wounded and looking out to make a safe haven for others to follow.”  An internationally-acclaimed choreographer who has also choreographed works for Alvin Ailey, Brown choreographed Gershwin’s masterpiece Porgy and Bess, which opens on Broadway in January 2012.

All proceeds will benefit Evidence's outreach programs, including the Gatekeeper Project, which through unique performances and outreach activities in communities across the U.S., aims to teach young people responsibility and respect for their elders, and help them better understand the meaning of community service.

For tickets to the gala performance and dinner, please visit http://www.evidencedance.com/gala 

Celebrity Apprentice 2012 Cast Announced

Hi!

NBC Today Show Anchor Matt Lauer sat down with Real Estate Mogul turned Celeb Reality Creator Donald Trump to discuss the newly appointed Celebrity Apprentice 2012 Cast.  Boasting an unusually large cast,*** a cross-reference of beauty pageant/recording industry/TV actors as well as the expected TV "personalities" this seaason is sure to be HOT.  

All  celeb contestants compete for a grand prize of $250,000 for their repsective charities, a sampling charities included: GMHC, ABC Foundation, Make a Wish Foundation  and many more.

 ***-American Idol Winner Clay Aiken; TV Actors Lou Ferrigno and George Takei, Real Housewives of New Jersey's Teresa Giudice; Victoria Gotti; pop stars Debbie Gibson, Aubrey O'Day; Tia Carrere, models Cheryl Tiegs, Patricia Velasquez, Miss Universe 2007, Dayana Mendoza; comedian Lisa Lampanelli; Celebrity Magician Penn Jillette, Paul Teutul, Sr. of "American Chopper," Arsenio Halland and Adam Carolla, race car driver Michael Andretti;  80's rock star Dee Snider.

 

Young New Yorkers for the Philharmonic Celebrate a Winter's Night

Hello!

A concert, dinner, and dancing were the festivities awaiting the patrons of the Young New Yorker's for the Philharmonic's A Winter's Night Benefit at Doubles. On the evening of Tuesday, December 6, the evening, sponspred by Giorgio Armani and Brequet timepieces, kicked off at Armani Ristorante the swank 3rd floor dinner space of the Giorgio Armani boutique, overlooking 5th Avenue in New York City.  Early to arrive, Benefit Committee Member Valerie Lettan, who spoke of the event in previous years with fondness.  This evening the cocktails would stand alone as special 2 hour event before guests headed a few blocks north for te remainder of the evening.

Vice Chair Barbara Regna and husband Peter later arrived, with Mrs. Regna sharing that her part for the evening was "all set" and waiting the arrival of attendees. Regna, the daughter of a classical instrumentalist  is an avid supporter of the Philharmonic, with serving as Vice chair being a duty that she takes very seriously.  Other chairs present: Holly Macdonald, Penn Egbert, Sandy Kozlowski, Sarah Jane Gibbons, and  Ben Harris and Laura Harris.

Other attendees included: Pablo Ogarrio, Guy Harley, Designer Tiffany Koury, Robert Goodfellow, Melissa Morris, Mark Gilbertson, Elizabeth Baker, et al.

The goal of the Young New Yorker's for the Philharmonic is to support the symphony. It allows individuals to connect with friends who share the same interests all while raising funds for the finest symphony in the country.  For more information on the New York Philharmonic or for Membership levels please visit www.nyphil.org 

Philharmionic violinist Michelle Kim and Joo Young Oh (see photo above) began the second half of the evening with a riveting performance at Doubles.

*photos courtesy of Linsley Lindekens 

  

Cocktails at the Morris Animal Foundation Inaugural Gala

Hello,

Festive was the mood at the Morris Animal Foundation Inaugural Gala, on Thursday, December 8, where a well-heeled sophisticated crowd turned out in droves to an historic undisclosed Upper Eastside venue.  The intimate evening, planned by Social Kate Edmonds, offered a stellar cocktail hour filled with sumptuous bites and flowing beverage, in a grand holiday setting.  Around  a vibrant and towering Christmas tree, patrons viewed silent auction items that were strategically placed on nearby tables for those eager to donate as the evening progressed.  The evening was co-chaired by Jean Shafiroff , Kate Edmonds, David Haworth, and Barabra Regna (see photo above) honored Dr. Phillip J. Bergman, DVM, MS, Ph D.

We spoke with President & CEO of the 63 year old Morris Animal Foundation, David Haworth, who happily surmised the significance of the event sharing "we know that New York City is full of dog lovers and we know that our message should be able to resonate with a lot of New Yorkers because we're the only foundation out there that funds research into the diseases specific to companion animals and wildlife so we're very excited to come into the New York scene."

Just as the dinner bell rang guests were escorted to the dining room, greeted by the dulcet sounds of Alex Donner and his Orchestra.   Attendees, many of whom sported various animal prints in honor of the occasion included: Sharon Bush, Cassandra Seidenfeld (dressed in Roberto Cavalli), Martin Shafiroff, Peter Regna, Katlean de Monchy, Alison Minton, Joy Marks, Lucia Hwong-Gordon, Chiu-Ti Jansen, Geoffrey Bradfield, Gregory Speck, Jessica Namdar, Paige Van Ness, Elizabeth Stribling, and others.  For more information on the Morris Animal Foundation please visit www.morrisanimalfoundation.org

*photos courtesy of Ann Watt 

EXCLUSIVE Q & A: STOPCAIDNow's Lisa Moreno Dickinson

Hi!

A recent chance encounter with a colleague who marveled at the selfless and tireless works of an up and coming advocate and philanthropist Lisa Moreno Dickinson and her annual benefit gala, taking place on February, 25, 2012 at the Ritz Carlton Philadelphia--was all it took.  

Moreno Dickinson's interests have always been to help others be the best they can be, help children and adult with self confidence, help those who are less fortunate see how fortunate they are, help those who struggle with illness not define themselves by the illness, to get those who need help the assistance they need.  

She has founded StopCAIDnow where she accomplishes the aforementioned to the fullest. Serving as a perfect example of the empowered MODERN woman. Read on about Moreno Dickinson's StopCAIDnow orgazination and her inspirational story. 

Who is Lisa Moreno? Lawyer, Advocate...both?

 LMD: "Advocate/Founder for StopCAIDnow, Stop Childhood AutoInflammatory Diseases."

Do you practice law currently?

 LMD: "No, I did, worked for the Police Department  and majored in Criminal Justice with a double minor in Psychology and Nutrition."

What inspired you to form StopCAIDnow and what are the current goals for the organization? 

LMD: "I was going to go back to working at the police department and get into forensic Psychology, I had application in hand and at that moment looked at Brody. We finally had a diagnosis after 19 horrific months. However, we did not have a prognosis and are giving him an adult dose of injections daily.  So knowing that I had to do more for him,  I tore up the application and sat at my laptop and created StopCAIDnow. For the first 19 months of Brody's life( who is now 2years old), we did not have a diagnosis for him. I listened to the song" I can only imagine" by Mercy Me, as I rocked him everyday with three hours of sleep bc his pains were so bad. I became Brody's security blanket and treatment and sometimes that was not enough. I knew with my WILL to help Brody, that I could help all children suffering from CAID so I started StopCAIDnow.org. and coined the term CAID to stand for Childhood AutoInflammatory Diseases. If I could find the mechanism to turn off the inflammation process in Blau Disease, then I was going to do it for all Childhood AutoInflammatory Diseases. 

We are not just focused on education...we are helping fund the first Continued Medical Education(CME) for CAID called CAIDology credited by the Cleveland Clinic~called CAIDology.  Our five year plan is to have a wing at one of the top hospitals for CAID and starting a fund for CAID families who can't afford treatment, transportation to hospitals or insurance." 

What  are the plans for the White Carpet/Black tie gala, what sponsors and celebs do you have on board fro 2012? 

LMD: The celebrity list keeps growing and I am amazed by the support of many wanting to make this EVENT successful. Our red carpet host is Chance Spiessbach who is so talented and loved by many. A fashion show with models wearing red carpet jewelry. I have no tables, just all white leather sofas, chairs and high tables. We have a lot of media covering the Gala, celebs and performer include: Eddie Bruce and his band, comedian LeighAnn Lords she is Rain Pryor, LeighAnn Josh Nasar from LA, Jason Alexander Peters,  country singer Doreen Taylor,  Mike Quick our spokesperson, NFL( Eagles, Giants, Jet Players), Flyers, ARCA/NASCAR, Marshall Mathers Eminem has helped promote CAID.  Indy Alex and Bronte Tagliani, Mob wife, Joe Duer, Miss Teen USA 2010( who is on our board),  Robin Kasser, Tom Squitieri, Senator Casey, Lisa Ling, Janine Leishear , (CME credited by the Cleveland Clinic, BOOK" Hero In  Me", Secret Launch, Golf Tournament, hero awards, hospital involvement, incredible sponsors from PepsiCo to Eagles..." 

Any tips on being a mother and a business woman in 2011?  

 LMD: "Stay true to your purpose in life, keep a balance and don't lose who you are."

 

 

Patricia Kennedy Gives Veterans a Day of Fun with Their Families at New York’s Iconic Parade

Hello There!

This Thanksgiving, November 24, a group of Iraq, Afghanistan and Viet Nam Veterans & their families enjoyed a birds-eye view of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from a prime perch overlooking Times Square at a special brunch hosted by Los Angelesphilanthropist, arts patron and injured veterans activist Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets. For several of the families it was the first Thanksgiving together in several years due to deployments and their first time at the parade. The families came from as far away as Western Ohio for this once in a lifetime experience.

For the last three years, Ms. Kennedy a long time patron of the arts and especially dance has successfully bought at auction at the Career Transitions For Dancers Annual Jubilee--the Champagne Brunch to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from the organization’s offices overlooking Times Square. A highlight of the morning is the Balloon Toss- the children & adults write messages to Santa and the balloons – 100s of them– are tossed out the windows when Santa passes by in his sleigh!

An unabashed patriot and supporter of our fighting men and women, Ms. Kennedy launched Step Up 4 Vets in 2008 to partner in the transition of our injured veterans as they readjust, rebuild and redirect their lives. At the brunch, she presented the organization’s Peace One Earth Medallion toStephanie Mahaney wife of Col. PatrickMahaney.

In presenting the Medallion to Mrs. Mahaney, Ms. Kennedy said, “She exemplifies our tireless military spouses who raise families alone while our men and woman in uniform go into harm’s way, especially on multiple deployments.  Their sacrifices are very real and go much unnoticed.  They don’t receive metals or promotions and ask little or nothing in return but that their spouse comes home safely to enjoy the freedom they fought for.  Step Up 4 Vets is honored to present Stephanie Mahaney with the Peace One Earth medallion in recognition of her tireless and selfless contributions to her family and other military families and to the loved ones left behind who must forge ahead without their spouse and parent”.

The lovely hostess, designed a beautifully crafted Peace One Earth medallion to make a statement about what is really important and essential in a peaceful society and to acknowledge the service and sacrifice of our troops and veterans who have given so much in pursuit.  Since then, the Peace One Earth medallion has been bestowed on a number of heroes as well as several individuals who have championed veterans. The Peace One Earth medallion is now available on The Military Shopping Channel with proceeds going to the programs of Step Up 4 Vets.

In recognition of her enormous charitable efforts and philanthropy, she was recently invested Dame Grand Cross in the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of St George, only the second American woman ever to receive this highest honor. At the core of Ms. Kennedy’s beliefs is the concept that dance and theater experiences and, yes, parades can have a transforming effect on the injured veterans and elevate the spirit to aid in the healing process.  For more information, please visit www.stepup4vets.org  

*photos courtesy of Davud Crotty/Patrick McMullan

Parkinson's Disease Foundation's Carnaval at the Copa

Hello Hello!

The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF) is happy to announce that Carnaval at the Copa will take place on Monday, November 14, 2011 at the all new Copacabana Club located in the heart of Times Square in New York City.  The evening will feature live entertainment, dancing, a silent and live auction, casino games and a buffet dinner.***  All proceeds will benefit PDF’s efforts to fund promising scientific research. 

Mike Woods of Fox 5’s Good Day New York served as the Master of Ceremonies for the evening.  Bob Benjamin,Jose Cruz, Peter Dorn, Stephanie Goldman-Pittel,Sharon Klein, Amy Sole, Douglas Stern, and Jeffrey Zygler were the Co-Chairs.  The evening began at 6:30 pm and feature live entertainment by GDO Soul featuring Greg Denard. 

During the cocktail hour we spoke with Host Committee Member Nancy Ozelli who shated " I came to this organzition a few years ago when the Copacabana was at a different location, I 'm here because of Pete Dorn one of the owners of the Copacabana, and a long time friend of mine, who was stricken with Parkinson's a number of years ago, he had early onset. He and the Copacabana subsidize the evening which is why so much of the funds raised can go to directly to Parkinson's Disease Research and there really is no cure. Parkinson's is a dreadful disasease but its truly a fun night and I'm so proud to part of it."

As attendees enjoyed several numbers by live band GDO Soul, they helped themselves to the gourmet buffert and open bar.  Many astepped up to the mezzanine to bid on silent auction items or take part in the Casino games of Craps, Roulette, Black Jack and even Slot Machines.  As the evening progressedm the evening's MC Mike Woods as well as Event Co-Chairs Doug Stern and Amy Sole addressed the crowd.

Before he night ended, the truly inspired enjoyed a salsa demonstration and group lessons were given, courtesy of AbsolutleyOn2.  A magical evening was had by all.

***-Support levels were:  Sponsorship levels at $5,000, $2,500, $500, $250 and $175

*photos courtesy of Clint Spaulding/Patrick McMullan

 

 

 

The 14th Annual Collaborating for a Cure Benefiting The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation with Musical Guest Kid Rock

Hi,

The 14^th Annual Collaborating For a Cure Dinner and Auction was yet another great success for the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF). The event took place at the New York City landmark Park Avenue Armory on Thursday, November 17, 2011 at 6:30 pm, and was headlined by singer-songwriter Kid Rock. Performing fan-favorite hits, Kid Rock brought the crowd to its feet with faves“All Summer Long,” “Cowboy,” and “Bawitdaba.”

Known affectionately by New Yorkers as “The Waxman,” the annual fête is considered to be among the top annual fundraising events in New York City. During the coktial hour we spoke with Board Member Jonathan Licht MD (North Western) who attends the gal each year. What makes 2011 different? Licht shared "there's even more promise I think now in cancer research with understanding of the geneome of cancer, understanding all the mutations that might occur, I think there's a lot of promise to try to devise more specific therapies for each individual patient."  

SWCRF Board Chairman Michael Nierenberg introduced the man of the evening, Dr. Samuel Waxman who thanked guests, as well as the Foundation team, for continuing to support the breakthrough work of the SWCRF, “I hope you feel you saved one life and saved the world by collaborating with us for a cure.”

The dinner, auction and concert were attended by more than 1,100 corporate executives, board members, and their guests. The 14^thAnnual Collaborating for a Cure raised more than $3 million to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer, reprogramming cancer cells to deliver tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. The scientists who are funded by the SWCRF have made significant breakthroughs in cancer research, including identifying pathways to deliver drugs and novel therapies to treat cancer.

The evening’s live auction offered guests the opportunity to bid on exclusive items such as a two Yellow Lab puppies for $13,000 each, to meet Kid Rock and take home his autographed guitar for $19,000, a trip for seven to the world famous Golden Eye Resort in Jamaica for $100,000, a week stay at a private ocean front villa in Anguilla with private jet service for $60,000, a five night stay of the ultimate luxury aboard a Private Yacht for $150,000, a fully stocked Viking wine refrigerator with 54 bottles of collectible wines from around the world for $15,000, a stellar wine tasting for 20 at the winner’s home – wines from Palm Bay International, catered by Restaurant Associates and décor from byROBIN for $10,000, a golf outing at Hampton Hills Country Club for $21,000, dinner for four with Petra Nemcova at Lavo for $11,000, two private wine tastings for 25 at Italian Wine Merchants for $55,000 each, “City of Dreams” original by Peter Tunney for $30,000, “Heaven on Earth” limited edition print by Peter Lik for $25,000, private four-course dinner for 16 at L’Artusi for $25,000 and a private villa in Bermuda for six with jet service from Flight Options LLCfor $40,000.

The live auction was led by Courtney Booth of Sotheby’s Auction House. Auction items are currently still available for bidding on Charity Buzz until November 30^th, 2011.

*photos courtesy of Paul Bruinooge/Patrick McMullan

 

Love Heals Celebrates 20th Anniversary Gala at the Four Seasons...

Hi!

On, Thursday,  November 9th, Love Heals, The Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education raised over $675,000 at its 20^th anniversary gala event at the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City. It was special evening indeed as Love Heals Co-Founder Dini von Mueffling reminded us "we do a black-tie dinner in the fall once every 5 years , we want them to be really special, a milestone."  So it was, the evening included cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by a seated dinner and program at which Julianna Margulies, Cristina Greeven Cuomo and Michael Lorber were honored. The evening was emceed by InStyle Editor Hal Rubenstein.

We spoke with Rubenstein during the cocktial hour who shared how and he became involved in the cause. "what brought me here is the ongoing surge of HIV & AIDS, it's been going on for 30 years and unfortunately, I think people have gotten a little bit complacent and a little bit care-less in thinking about AIDS because now there are some kinds of treatment, but there is no cure. As long as there is no cure people will still get ill. The best way to prevent AIDS and HIV is with knowledge and education and that's what Love Heals does."   

Other guests included The Good Wife actors Josh Charles, Alan Cumming and Christine Baranski, and producer Brooke Kennedy; Emily Mortimer, Michael J Fox & Tracy Pollan,Donny Deutsch, Chris Cuomo, CBS News’ Erin Moriarty, Faith Kates Kogan, Dr. Patricia Wexler, Alexandra Lebenthal, Fiona & Eric Rudin, Coralie & Dennis Paul, Jeff Mahshie, Jean Shafiroff, Howard Lorber Susie Gilder & Ed Hayes, Patricia Duff, Adam Lippes, Jennifer Miller, Jill Martin and Debbie Bancroft.  Alison Gertz’ parents Carol and Jerrold Gertz also attended.

Fellow actor and friend, Alan Cumming presented Margulies’ award.  In a heart felt speech, she praised Love Heals co-founders, Dini von Mueffling, Stefani Greenfield and Victoria Leacock Hoffman, for following through on their pledge to their best friend Alison Gertz as she drew her last breaths in 1992 to keep her AIDS education work going. Margulies was moved to tears as she described how rare it was for young people to follow through on a vow and that the trio had educated over a half a million young people about HIV/AIDS since then.

Actress Emily Mortimer took the stage to introduce and present Cristina Greeven Cuomo’s award and emcee Hal Rubenstein entertained guests throughout dinner. Rubenstein presided over an exciting auction that included the opportunity to win a ‘walk-on’ role on the Emmy award winning television show, The Good Wife. When Julianna Margulies suddenly arose from her seat and offered to share her dressing room with the lucky winner, the bidders went wild, netting $10,000 for the prize.

For those who had not yet shed a tear, Broadway stars Daphne Rubin-Vega and 
Anthony Rapp from the original cast of Rentmade certain that there was not a dry eye in the room as they reunited to perform the evening’s finale, an emotional rendition of “Seasons of Love”.

*photos courtesy of  Cindy Ord/Getty Images

Tabber Benedict & Tia Walker Host the First Annual Post-Walk Celebration to Benefit Breast Cancer Victims

Hello!

New York based M&A Attorney Tabber Benedict wrapped up his hard work for Avon Foundation's  Avon Walk for Breast Cancer on Thursday evening Nov. 3rd with Co-Host Tia Walker at the Milavec Hakimi Gallery. The intimate East Village space proved an ideal venue for to toast the success of  the first annual Post-Walk sponsored by ProTexting, The Quest for "it" and Milano Green Vodka.

Greeted warmly by Benedict, who was dresed in black tie, guests gathered to enjoy Milano Green Vodka cocktails while perusing the current exhibit photographic art works.  Overheard were brief conversations on everything from Occupy Wallstreet to what the remainder of the evening would entail.

At 7:45 pm  all assembled to hear Co-Host Tia Walker speak on the results of Benedict's Breast Cancer walk experience.  Benedict, on October 15th and 16th collectively walked over 30 miles and raised over $2500 in total based on online and in person donation.  Each event will now be annual campaigns to benefit breast cancer victims and raise awareness for early reporting and detection. Walker, shimmering in a THEIA cocktail dress and Lia Sophia jewelry thanked guests for their support and re-iterated the importance of early detection.

Notable attendees included: Dawne Marie-Grannum, Berry Brown, Karen Biehl, Matt Wayne, Kim Bates, Julia Weatherall, Paul Johnson Calderon,  and Brian Lehman.

10% of sales of artwork in the Milavec-Hakimi gallery were given to the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer charity.

*photo courtesy of Andrew Toth/Patrick McMullan