Charity Register: May/June 2013
Six opportunities to give back.
April 29, 2013
American Ballet Theatre
What: ABT kicks off a spring season that will feature Tchaikovsky’s Onegin, among other performances. Celebrity guest chairs for the opening night gala, which will be sponsored by Christian Dior Couture, include Kim Ca ttrall, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Uma Thurman. A dinner reception under the tent at Lincoln Center will be held.
When: Monday, May 13
Where: Metropolitan Opera House, Lincoln Center Plaza
Friends of the High Line
What: The annual Highline Spring Benefit will honor John Blondel, Robert Hammond, CSX Transportation, and Ethan Hawke for their support of the Friends of the High Line.
When: Tuesday, May 14
Where: Hudson River Park’s Pier 57
Central Park Conservancy
What: Goldman Sachs Gives and Brooks Brothers will sponsor the Playground Party, an event for children under 10 years of age. This popular annual event, cochaired by Adelina Wong Ettelson, Jennifer Evans, Nina Garcia, Sarah Kurita, J ill Ross, and Sharon Teles, is a must event for many well-known New York families.
When: Wednesday, May 22
Where: Heckscher Playground, Central Park South and Seventh Avenue
Contact: centralparknyc.org
New York Public Library
What: The Spring Dinner for Education will benefit the library’s many education programs. The event, which includes cocktails and a dinner reception, will be held in the Stephen Schwarzman building on Fifth Avenue. Chairs include Meryl and James Tisch and Elyse and Michael Newhouse.
When: Monday, June 3
Where: New York Public Library, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Fifth Avenue and 42nd Street
Brooklyn Botanic Garden
What: The Spring Gala this year will celebrate the one-acre addition to the Native Flora Garden, a gorgeous expanse filled with plants native to the region. The event will include a tour of the gardens, cocktails, dessert, and dancing.
When: Thursday, June 13
Where: Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue, Brooklyn
City Harvest
What: Summer in the City, the annual cocktail party and tasting event to benefit City Harvest, will feature sample dishes from some of the city’s top chefs, as well as specialty cocktails and wines. A raffle and silent auction will help raise funds to feed millions of hungry New Yorkers.
When: Wednesday, June 19
Where: The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street
Gardens of Dreams Talent Show
Children facing obstacles participated in a celebrity-studded talent show.
April 18, 2013
On Tuesday, April 16, 2013 a packed house watched in awe as the curtains went up at New York City’s iconic Radio City Music Hall. A few famous faces graced the stage, but that wasn’t really the focus at this event. Children—all of them facing issues like serious illnesses, tragic losses, and poverty—were the headlining acts at the Garden of Dreams’ seventh annual Talent Show.
With MSG Network’s Knicks reporter Jill Martin and Fuse News anchor Matte Babel as the evening’s hosts, the free admission public event kicked off with guest announcer/Talent Show creative director Darryl McDaniels. Better known as DMC, the renowned hip-hop artist performed an impromptu part of his popular song “It’s Tricky” before launching into a rhyme about the Garden of Dreams. Celebrities and sports stars from New York teams like the Knicks, the Rangers, the Giants, and the Liberty then wished the young performers good luck on a big-screen before over 20 singing and vocal acts from 14 of the Garden of Dreams’ partner organizations got underway.
The numbers ranged from a heartfelt rap by Kasean Session, to a moving dance performance from Alexis Stewart, to a vocal and dance act by Garden of Dreams group “Uniquely Made” of Children’s Aid Society, who took the stage with two Rockettes. Performances were presented by celebrities like the New York Giants’ Victor Cruz, The Today Show’s Matt Lauer (who had flown back from covering the tragedy in Boston especially for the show), Queens-born rapper Waka Flocka Flame, Sports Illustrated model Genevieve Morton, Victoria’s Secret model Doutzen Kroes, actor Isiah Whitlock Jr., and more.
For some of the evening’s personalities, the show and the Garden of Dreams’ overriding mission to help youths facing obstacles has special meaning. Babel said that he felt a real connection, since he dealt with similar issues growing up. “My parents divorced when I was really young,” said Babel. “And there was a period of time before my mom remarried that I was kind of in a situation; being like, myself, my brother, single mom working two jobs, trying to make ends meet. And my mom is white—I’m biracial—my dad is black. My mom was a little worried that I wasn’t around the black side of my family as much, so she actually signed me up for this thing called Big Brothers. So I ended up getting this ‘big brother’—this young, African-Canadian guy who was really cool. So I kind of can relate to the kids.”
Cruz, who was presenting for the second year, was excited to be back. “I came last year and presented one of the acts, and I just saw the looks on these kids’ faces—how excited they were, how proud they were to be up on the stage, how nervous some of them were,” said Cruz. “So I just felt like it was a great organization to be a part of and it was fun.”
Although the dances were movingly choreographed and the piano pieces beautifully arranged, the most touching part of the evening was watching a group of children who all possess one common “talent”—remaining courageous and positive despite difficult challenges.
New York Rangers Casino Night
The hockey team traded their jerseys for tuxes to support the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
March 05, 2013
The New York Rangers gathered just steps from Madison Square Garden Friday night (March 1) at Gotham Hall, trading their usual red, white, and blue jerseys for stylish tuxedos and suits. Rangers Casino Night presented by Unilever welcomed over 500 guests to benefit the Garden of Dreams Foundation, MSG’s official charity organization that supports children facing obstacles.
The event stands out from other Blueshirts-backed Garden of Dreams events since the entire current team attends, in addition to a few storied alumni and coaching staff. This year, current Rangers favorites such as goalie Henrik Lundqvist, captain Ryan Callahan, and young star Michael Del Zotto, joined legends Adam Graves and Rod Gilbert. Guests enjoyed Rangers-themed blue margaritas and assorted small plates served buffet-style while participating in casino games like blackjack and roulette alongside Rangers players.
Silent and live auctions took place throughout the evening, with items up for grabs like a dinner package with Mark Messier, game-used and signed hockey sticks from Lundqvist, a team-autographed jersey, and other exciting experiences and memorabilia. Attendees also heard the touching story of the McCabe family, whose son—an avid Rangers fan—is affected by spina bifida and has realized his dream of meeting and interacting with many Rangers greats like Graves through the Garden of Dreams.
Although the event was only a few hours long, the Rangers’ relationship with the Garden of Dreams is far-reaching. Graves, who has been involved with Garden of Dreams since its inception in 2006, feels privileged to create memories that will last a lifetime. “For some of these kids, [we’re] putting them in an environment where some of them would never have had the opportunity to go—down to the Garden to see a game, let alone go down, sit in a box, have popcorn, hats, t-shirts, and music going,” he said. “That, to me, is a capsule, and [we’re] creating capsules that you hold on to for your entire life.”
For Del Zotto, it’s about building a special bond with all the Garden of Dreams kids, particularly Liam Traynor, a youngster who battles cerebral palsy. “He texts me every single game and says, ‘good luck!’ to me,” said Del Zotto. “We talk after every game. He gives me the analysis of my game. We’ve become really close friends.”
And Lundqvist, who is the Garden of Dreams’ spokesperson, is thinking up creative and new ways to support the organization. “I sold a couple of [hockey] masks,” said Lundqvist. “I was at a rock concert with John McEnroe. We started a clothing line that we sell at the Garden where part of the profit goes to Garden of Dreams. Right now, there’s a great project going on where famous photographer [George] Kalinsky, [who] shoots a lot of different sets at the Garden, is taking photos of me and a couple of Knicks guys and the Sopranos.” [Editors note: the artwork is on sale at steinersports.com/GardenOfDreams.html]
Aside from supporting a good cause alongside all their teammates, the Rangers agreed that their favorite parts of the evening were the dress code and interacting with fans. “We had to dress up for this, which is kind of cool, because some guys are wearing different things, ” said Del Zotto. “Boyle [Rangers teammate Brian Boyle] is wearing a black tux with blue shoes.” And, as the fireworks-like flashes of cameras demonstrated, event attendees were big fans of the dapperly dressed Rangers. “The support that the players and the organization get on and off the ice is unparalleled,” said Graves. “An event like this, for me, is really unique because of the access. You can just go and interact—if you want to get a picture taken or if you just want to talk.”
So what does the team hope to do with the Garden of Dreams in the future? The unanimous answer was to positively influence the lives of as many children as possible. “I see the impact we have when we host clinics or go to museums and we see how much fun they have,” said Lundqvist. “It’s like an inspiration for them. They might be going through a tough time and for them to have a great afternoon, it can go a long way.” If the success of Friday night’s event—which raised over $230,000—is any indication, that’s a goal that the Garden of Dreams can achieve with the Rangers.
Photography by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images; James Devaney/WireImage
Charity Register: Spring 2013
Seven opportunities to give back this season.
February 25, 2013
NYU Langone Medical Center
What: Join the Committee for the Stephen D. Hassenfeld Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders and the Kids of NYU Langone Foundation Associates for the 12th annual Adults in Toyland Casino Night. Casino games, a DJ, a silent auction, cocktails, and a buffet will attract more than 600 attendees.
When: Thursday, February 28
Where: The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue
Contact: giving.nyumc.org/ait
National Multiple Sclerosis Society
What: Climb to the Top is a timed contest for participants and teams to race up 66 flights of stairs to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck to help raise funds in the battle against MS. Participants will be able to take in unparalleled Manhattan skyline views, while raising money for a great cause.
When: Sunday, March 3
Where: Top of the Rock Observation Deck, 30 Rockefeller Center
Contact: nationalmssociety.org
Guild Hall
What: John Alexander, Walter Isaacson, Nathan Lane, and Mickey Straus will be honored at the 28th Annual Guild Hall Academy of the Arts Lifetime Achievement Awards ceremony and benefit dinner. Guild Hall, a Hamptons-based visual and performing arts center, offers community events and programs to the East End.
When: Monday, March 4
Where: The Plaza Hotel, 768 Fifth Avenue
Contact: guildhall.org
Endometriosis Foundation of America
What: Cofounders and hosts Padma Lakshmi and Dr. Tamer Seckin will be present at the fifth annual black tie Blossom Ball to raise awareness and funds for endometriosis research. An online auction will be held in conjunction to this night of food and entertainment.
When: Monday, March 11
Where: Capitale, 130 Bowery
Contact: endofound.org
Jeffrey Fashion Cares
What: To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this event, host and founder Jeffrey Kalinsky hopes to raise $1 million to help support LGBT and HIV nonprofit organizations. Red carpets will be rolled out to kick-off this evening of auctions, premium cocktails, and a fashion show featuring top international models and designers.
When: Tuesday, April 2
Where: Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum Complex, Pier 86, West 46th Street
Contact: jeffreyfashioncares.org
New Yorkers for Children
What: In order to raise funds for foster children in New York City, New Yorkers for Children will be hosting the 10th annual Spring Dinner Dance, New Year’s in April: A Fool’s Fête. This event is always a star-studded gathering filled with dinner, dancing, and a silent auction.
When: Tuesday, April 9
Where: Mandarin Oriental, 80 Columbus Circle
Contact: newyorkersforchildren.org
Share Our Strength
What: New York City’s finest chefs and mixologists come together to help end childhood hunger in America at Taste of the Nation. This exclusive event highlights New York City’s top food and beverages with the opportunity to meet the elite gastronomists who created them.
When: Monday, April 29
Where: 82 Mercer, 82 Mercer Street
Contact: ce.strength.org
Beyonce Premieres 'Life is But a Dream'
The "Winter of Beyoncé" continues with the debut of her HBO documentary.
February 13, 2013
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
HBO premiered Beyoncé’s highly anticipated Life is But a Dream documentary at the Ziegfeld Theater on February 12, 2013. The 90-minute film reveals the wife, mother, and artist behind the pop star with an intimate, autobiographical peek into her otherwise private life. Guests of the premiere included Oprah Winfrey, Selita Ebanks, Arianna Huffington, and other steadfast friends of Mr. and Mrs. Carter.
The Red Dress Show: Past and Present
As the annual Red Dress Collection runway show kicks off, we take a look at dresses from years past.
February 05, 2013
Dita von Teese in the 2011 Red Dress Collection Fashion Show
Fashion and heart health go hand in hand at The Heart Truth campaign's 2013 Red Dress Collection Fashion Show this Wednesday night at the Hammerstein Ballroom. Now in its eleventh year, the runway show aims to raise public awareness about heart disease in women. With a high-profile time slot on the cusp of New York Fashion Week, the show features new red dresses by top designers—such as Oscar de la Renta, Zac Posen, and Carolina Herrera—worn by a gorgeous roster of celebrity women. Among this year’s star models is Kelly Osbourne, Fran Drescher, Minka Kelly, Wendy Williams, and Kendall, Kylie, and Kris Jenner.
Launched in 2002 by The Heart Truth and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, The Red Dress initiative is a national symbol for heart disease awareness in women. As such, February 1 was National Wear Red Day. On this day, every American is encouraged to wear red, and be aware of heart disease so as to take preventative measures against the number one killer of women. The new collection of red dresses is a call to action. We must remember to protect our heart health and actively prevent and control heart disease risk factors. This year's show is supported by Diet Coke and the ACC (a 40,000-member nonprofit medical society dedicated to enhancing the lives of cardiovascular patients.) Check out the live streaming show on the Heart Truth's Facebook page this Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Highlights from Past Red Dress Collection Fashion Shows:
New York Rangers 'Skate with the Greats'
Beloved New York team laces up to support the Ronald McDonald House New York.
February 05, 2013
On Friday, February 1, New York’s philanthropic and hockey enthusiasts attended the 19th annual Skate with the Greats, which featured the renowned New York Rangers and supported the Ronald McDonald House New York. The all-ages event, sponsored by RBC Capital Markets, Zurich, and Bloomberg, first gave some background on Ronald McDonald House New York’s mission of providing housing for pediatric cancer patients and their families.
Guests then heard the touching story of the Van Vinckles family, who are benefiting from Ronald McDonald House’s services as their son combats a rare childhood cancer. Past Rangers players were introduced next—this year was especially exciting since prominent alumni like Mike Richter, Mark Messier, Adam Graves, Ron Duguay, Stéphane Matteau, and more joined fellow Rangers/event headliners Brian Leetch and Rod Gilbert to support the cause.
After seeing the Rangers on stage, event-goers grabbed autographs from some of the greats like Leetch, Richter, Messier, and Graves. Meanwhile, a live auction offered up items like a skating session with Leetch, rides on the Zamboni at MSG, tickets to Knicks and Rangers games, dinner at the hard-to-reserve Rao’s (a table for eight went for $15,000), and more. A silent auction spotlighted memorabilia like signed pictures and gear. Dinner was served and hors d’oeuvres were passed, and adults sipped beer and mixed drinks while the little ones enjoyed juiceboxes.
The auctions and other day donations raised over $740,000 for the Ronald McDonald House New York. “We’re an organization that’s dependent on public support,” said William T. Sullivan, president and chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House New York. “We have no government, no state, and no Medicaid reimbursement. Everything comes from philanthropy. It is so very important to us and we’re so grateful for that support, and the leadership that comes from our sponsoring organizations.”
Leetch, who was part of the Rangers’ 1994 Stanley Cup-winning team and has been involved with the event since its inception, wanted to recognize everyone who makes the Ronald McDonald House and Skate with the Greats a success. “All of the people that work behind the scenes—all of the volunteers that work at the House who help the kids in the cafeteria, in the computer room, running different events for them—they’re really the ones that make the House so special and who keep it going,” he said. “Anybody that donates certainly deserves a big thank you. They are what make the House a very loving and supportive, great place to be.”
Another memorable part of the evening was seeing storied Rangers skate with fans young and old, many who volunteer at the House or are board members. In fact, the Rockefeller Center rink was so dotted with Broadway Blue that it seemed like everyone on ice was a famous hockey hero—and in a way, they are all part of one, big winning team. For more opportunities to support the Ronald McDonald House New York, visit rmh-newyork.org.
Dispatch: Audubon Gala, 'Parker' Premiere
Audubon Society toasts endangered cranes, Marquee lives, and Alexandra Richards spins in the basement of the Hudson Hotel.
January 25, 2013
The National Audubon Society Gala >>Slideshow
January can be a relatively quiet time for New York City’s social scene. The temperatures have been icy. But a few fun events—with Jennifer Lopez and Vanessa Hudgens and a slew of heady society types—livened up the brrr, après-ski atmosphere (cough, cough). On January 17, the National Audubon Society Gala took place at the seriously grand marble and gilt-emblazoned Plaza Hotel. Dan W. Lufkin, the distinguished co-founder of Donaldson, Lufkin, Jenrette, was giving out a prize named in his honor for environmental leadership.
Dispatches spoke with Lufkin’s beautiful wife, Cynthia, as they entered the tony affair. She noted that she and Dan’s daughters faced a dilemma a year and a half ago: “What do you give a guy for his birthday who feels like he has everything he could possibly want?” They decided the prize they funded would recognize his lifelong commitment to preserving the environment. The winner of this year’s prize is Dr. George Archibald. “Forty years ago, when he finished ornithology school at Cornell,” offered Mr. Lufkin, “[Archibald] said, 'My role in life is to protect the 15 endangered species of the crane,' and he set up a farmland reserve in Baraboo, Wisconsin. The crane migrates, and they only continue if they have staging grounds for their migratory patterns. And George’s role in life has been to protect them in the middle of the worst possible environments—North and South Korean militarized zones, Mongolia, Ethiopia, Nepal, Tibet, China—dealing with the administrations and the harshness of those climates.”
“I raised money to help set up the first private nature preserve in Russia," Archibald explained. “Eleven species of crane are still threatened. Some have fewer than 500 birds—some, fewer than 1000. The numbers have actually increased since we’ve started.”
Mayor Bloomberg referred to the joy of such an evening to “bask in the glory of the people here . . . they haven’t had a gala in 10 years.”
Parker Screening at MoMA
On January 25, The Cinema Society and L’Oréal Paris hosted a screening of the crime thriller Parker at MoMA, starring Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez. Taylor Hackford (Helen Mirren’s husband) directed the film. And Statham is sensational in the crazy-bloody thriller. “He was the real deal,” said Hackford, who also called Patti Lupone, who plays the mother of Jennifer Lopez in Parker, “the diva of divas,” but quickly added, “I don’t mean she was difficult. She’s a dream.” And he said that Lopez got the role for her “acting chops.” Meanwhile, when Statham asks Lopez to strip down to bikini briefs in one of the film’s scenes, her bod looks nothing like that of a mother of two. (Wow!) Plus, she nailed the part.
The afterparty took place at Marquee, which reopened last week with a new look. The ceiling in the main room is higher, and the Philip Johnson staircase has been removed to give the club a more open feel. And the music wasn’t thumping, which made the fête more chatty and fun. Appleton Estate created yummy Parker and Palm Beach cocktails for the afterfête.
Nanette and Violet Lepore’s Launch of L’Amour for JC Penney
The next night, Nanette Lepore and her leggy-gorgeous daughter Violet debuted L’Amour for JC Penney in the basement of the Hudson Hotel, where Alexandra Richards was spinning. Violet, still in high school, was the muse for L’Amour. “My mom would come home with sketches and different prints and ask my opinion,” she said, “[she’d] ask, 'Would people your age group wear this?'” Mom Nanette confirmed, “Everything goes past her. She’s the chief critic. I have to listen to what Violet says.”
Vanessa Hudgens, who also stopped by and was wearing the line, felt that the process worked. “If I was 13, 14, I would be rocking this line so hard! It’s just really fun and affordable, really beautiful stuff . . . easy to wear.” Talk then turned to Valentine’s Day: “Last year I was in Paris on Valentine's Day,” said Hudgens. “You have to take care of yourself. I had truffled scrambled eggs and croissants. I’m my own Valentine’s Day girl!” Other reporters asked if she had advice for her pal Selena Gomez. “That girl's so smart and beautiful,” she answered. “I’m just there to hold her hand and have fun with her.” Heart, heart.
For more entertainment and society news, visit jeffreyslonim.com or follow @JeffreyJSlo on Twitter
photography by Nicholas Hunt/PatrickMcMullan.com (PARKER); Patrick McMullan (Lepore); Diane Bondareff/Invision for The National Audubon Society/AP Images (Bloomberg)
Charity Register: January/February
Six opportunities to give back this winter.
January 14, 2013
East Side House Settlement
What: Seventy-three exhibits of antiques and fine and decorative arts comprise the 59th annual Winter Antiques Show, which benefits the East Side House Settlement. The show launches with an opening night party, which also supports the organization aimed at bringing education opportunities and training in technology to underprivileged students in the South Bronx.
When: Thursday, January 24 through Sunday, February 3
Where: Park Avenue Armory, 67th Street and Park Avenue
Garden of Dreams Foundation
What: Comedians Ray Romano, Robert Klein, Darrell Hammond, Brian Regan, and Wanda Sykes among others will take the stage at the Garden of Dreams Foundation and MSG Entertainment’s Garden of Laughs. The stand-up show, presented by Chase, will support the Garden of Dreams Foundation, which serves children facing serious adversity such as poverty, life-threatening illness, and homelessness.
When: Saturday, January 26
Where: The Theater at Madison Square Garden, 4 Penn Plaza
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
What: The Young Professionals Committee, a Greater New York City affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, will celebrate the fifth anniversary of the annual “Painting Wall Street Pink” fête. The festivities will commence with a cocktail reception on the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, and continue at Cipriani, where DJ Jason Fioto will spin. Money raised will fund local breast cancer grants and research.
When: Thursday, January 31
Where: New York Stock Exchange, 11 Wall Street; and Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street
Metropolitan Museum of Art
What: The Metropolitan Museum of Art promises an evening of family fun at its annual family benefit, this year themed “Heroes and Heroines.”
When: Monday, February 4
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue
Amfar The Foundation for AIDS Research
What: Since its 1998 debut, Amfar’s New York Gala has raised more than $11 million for the organization, which combats AIDS through research and awareness. The evening honors individuals dedicated to the cause with Awards of Courage. Past recipients have included Bill Clinton, Elizabeth Taylor, and Lorne Michaels.
When: Wednesday, February 6
Where: To be announced
Heart & Soul Charitable Fund
What: The Fund will honor American Red Cross President and CEO Gail McGovern with the Forrest Church Award for Humanitarian Service at its 24th annual gala. The evening, replete with a cocktail reception and live auction hosted by Lydia Fenet, will support New York community programs.
When: Thursday, February 21
Where: Christie’s, 20 Rockefeller Plaza
Dispatch: Tarantino Tribute and Film Fêtes
At MoMA with the stars of Django Unchained and on the red carpet with the hot soccer moms of Playing for Keeps.
December 11, 2012
Quentin Tarantino speaking at The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit held in his honor
A Toast to Quentin Tarantino
Shortly after closing time at MoMA on Monday last week, union workers assembled a labyrinth of faux hedgerow that led from 54th Street into The Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit tribute to Quentin Tarantino. Set against the tony greenery, Dispatches asked co-chair Harvey Weinstein why he leveraged his Hollywood muscle behind Tarantino so early in the young director’s career. “He’s the best writer I’ve ever read,” Weinstein informed Dispatches. “And one of the most innovative filmmakers of all time,” he added. Weinstein also mentioned that Tarantino’s next film, Django Unchained, screening this week, is both “ferocious and funny.”
Although Tarantino barely talked to the press, he told Dispatches that he doesn’t, in fact, hate these things. “Oh, no, I wouldn’t be here if I did,” he claimed. “I’m excited.”
Late and rushing by the shrubs, Jamie Foxx, who plays the title role in Django, indicated that he had written some of the words for the film’s rap theme song. “I’m not a rapper, but give me an hour,” he quoted what he’d said on the set. “I think it might be fly.” He then took the time to rap quietly for reporters in the shrubs, “I need 100 black coffins for one hundred bad men. . .”
Nichole Galicia, who plays Leonardo DiCaprio’s gal pal, Sheba, in Django, described her costar as dreamy, yummy, super-nice. “And he’s so funny, which I wasn’t expecting. He has some sexy dance moves. He’s down to earth . . . he’s awesome!” she said.
Matisse, Up Close
The next morning, believe it or not, Dispatches made an 8:15 a.m. breakfast hosted by Farrow & Ball in the antiques-filled patrons' room at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in honor of the new exhibit, “Matisse: In Search of True Painting.”
During the very special tour that Farrow & Ball arranged, Dispatches learned that Matisse had started painting late in life and studied with his close friend Georges Seurat. His early work was attacked for copying the styles of other impressionists. He’d do one version very much in the style of another impressionist master and then a sketch of that work that appeared nearly unfinished. And at some points, he’d base yet another work on a sketch of a previous work. The exhibit displays all the pieces on one wall at the same time, and the interplay is fascinating.
John Krasinski, Gus Van Sant, and Matt Damon at the premiere of Promised Land
Promised Land Premiere
That night, Focus Features premiered Promised Land, written and produced by Matt Damon and John Krasinski, who also starred in the anti-fracking vehicle, directed by Gus Van Sant. “We put a piece of our souls into it,” said Damon about the film.
Rosemarie DeWitt, the love interest of both Damon and Kraskinski’s characters, said she had to do a chemistry reading with Damon at 8:15 a.m. at Bar Marmont, with John Krasinkski playing the bartender. Did they have chemistry? “I think everybody has chemistry with Matt Damon,” she answered, diplomatically. Apparently, Van Sant had tried to punk Damon by getting him to think that DeWitt and Kraskinki were having an affair on set. “Whenever you say goodbye to her, just kiss her on the lips,” Dewitt quoted Van Sant’s instructions to Krasinski. "But I’d giggle every time,” she said.
Jessica Biel and Uma Thurman at the premiere of Playing for Keeps
Playing for Keeps Premiere
On Thursday, the Cinema Society and Chrysler debuted Playing for Keeps at AMC Lincoln Square. Gerard Butler plays an ex-soccer star coaching his young son’s team. The amusement factor is that all the hot soccer moms—Uma Thurman, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Judy Greer—are gunning to land him in the sack.
Noah Lomax, who played Jessica Biel’s little boy in the film, said that Biel entertained him on set with her iPod—it had a camera on it that would “make you look old and fat.” She’ll make great mom someday.
At the afterparty on the rooftop lounge of Dream New York, Butler’s gal pal, Madalina Ghenea, was downing Vikingfjord Vodka cocktails and getting cozy with Butler. Biel, who had changed from a Versace cutout dress to a slightly more comfy green gown, kept to a back booth with new husband Justin Timberlake
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Premiere
On Thursday, the gorgeous soccer moms were traded in for hobbits, dwarves, and elves when The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey premiered at Ziegfeld Theatre. Director Peter Jackson was being very sweet to his daughter, who had on a shoulderless gold number, on the red carpet and protectively hurried her into the theater. Meanwhile, the dwarves in the picture discussed being overdressed on camera to the point of being overheated. “We had cold water pumped through cooling vests,” said actor Peter Hambleton of all the makeup, beards, and fat suits.
"The vests were made out of nylon and filled with ice," said Aidan Turner, now better known as the hot dwarf in the picture. “It’s not that we’re good-looking,” offered Dean O’Gorman, Turner’s hot dwarf friend, also in the film. “We’re just slightly better-looking than the others.”
FYI, The Hobbit, shot in 3-D, ranks with the best of the Lord of the Rings series. And Elijah Wood, who has a cameo, gave a copy of his gold ring, the centerpiece of all six pictures, to a reporter on the red carpet (not me).
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