China Institute Gala NYC

Tonight China Institute presented the Blue Cloud Award to Chen Feng, Chairman of HNA Group and David Henry Hwang, Tony Award-winning playwright and librettist.
This was followed by a special performance by China Institute’s internationally acclaimed Musician of the Year, Wu Tong.
The Event was held at Cipriani 42nd St.
It was fun to see so many women in red
To view all the photos please click on this link China Institute Gala

Ailey at the Apollo

Last night I jumped in a taxi and headed up to Harlem to that landmark that is so exciting to visit, The Apollo Theater.

It was Ailey at the Apollo honoring Leslie and Tom Maheras. Leslie was overcome with emotion as she thanked everyone for attending.
Toni Braxton, the honorary Chair rushed passed me being pulled by her publicist in the hall way, so I didn't get to photograph her until she was on stage.
It was great to see David Monn who was a co-chair along side Lynne & Anthony Carvette and Almaz & Marc Strachan.
There were 6 dances performed. One of the pieces included children from the summer program. They won my heart as they took to the stage.
After the show everyone moved into the tent which of course had been designed by David Monn. It was fabulous. It did not take long for the dance floor to fill.
To view all the photos please click on this link Alvin at the Apollo

Hope Funds for Cancer Research

Last night Hope Funds Program Event at the Pratt House in NY.

After a dinner for the Trustees there was a panel discussion.
Guests were invited to attend a very informative evening followed by dessert.
It was a time for old and new friends to gather and to hear what the experts in Cancer research had to say about funding and the importance of grants.

To view all the photos please click on this link Hope Funds for Cancer Research

The Met On Stage Dinner

Sunday night was one of my most favorite nights of the year. It was the Met Opera Dinner on Stage. The event that started at 7 with cocktails on the grand Tier was followed by dinner on the stage.

To view all the photos please click on this link The Met On Stage

On Saturday Night I was invited to photogrph an Ambassadorial Dinner to benefit Great Dixter House and Gardens, one of England's most treasured historic gardens and estates.

The evening was hosted by Sir Mark Lyall Grant, and his wife, Lady Sheila Lyall Grant. Sir Mark is the Permanent British Ambassador to the United Nations.

It was a small group of Anglophiles and garden enthusiasts who met for the evening.

After cocktails there was a slide presentation with an amusing and witty commentary by Aaron Bertelsen followed by dinner in the dining room.

To view all the photos please click on this link Great Dixter House

The Soldiers Sailors Marines Airmen and Coast Guard Club of NY 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Brunch

Today was the The Soldiers Sailors Marines Airmen and Coast Guard Club of NY 3rd Annual Kentucky Derby Brunch held at Harry's Cafe and Steak.

Hosted by the Junior Committee, the ladies showed up in an array of hats while many of the men came in seersucker suits and bow ties.

There was a bit of confusion as to the tying of some of the gents ties so I lent my hand. I have developed quite a few skills as a wedding photographer and you just never know when they will come in handy.

To view all the photos please click on this link SSMAC Brunch

2012 Harry Edmonds Awards Gala for International House

Last night the 2012 Harry Edmonds Gala for International House was held at the St Regis Hotel in NYC, raising more than $430,000.

International House was conceived by the late YMCA official Harry Edmonds following a chance encounter with a lonely Chinese graduate student in 1909. The philanthropy of John D. Rockefeller Jr. and the Cleveland H. Dodge family led to its construction at 500 Riverside Drive in 1924.

Described as a mini United Nations, "I-House" attracts graduate students from around the world, bringing them all together where they meet, experience cross-cultural exchange and leadership training, and form friendships that last a life time.

James Gorman, the Chairman & CEO of Morgan Stanley who resided at I-House while attending Columbia Business School, was honored along with Stanley M. Rumbough Jr., a Life Trustee of I-House, and the Lee Foundation of Singapore.

Former US Federal Reserve Chair Paul A. Volcker, who presented the award to Gorman, was himself acknowledged for his 14 years of service as Chairman of International House.

After the awards presentation everyone took to the dance floor and some of the students showed off their moves.



To view all the photos please click on this link International House 2012

The 30th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon

Yesterday was the 30th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon held in the Conservatory Garden of Central Park in New York City.
Despite the rain over 1200 well heeled women and a few brave men showed up in a fabulous array of hats and spring fashions.
This year the azaleas were in full bloom and made a perfect back drop for some of my photos. Bette Midler looked radiant and she graciously stopped and posed for me on her way in.
More than 3.2 million dollars was raised to support the Conservancy’s work in maintaining and preserving Central Park. The benefit committee has completely underwritten the event so that 100 percent of the ticket purchases went toward the operation of the Park.

To view all the photos please click on this link Central Park Lunch 2012

American Federation of Arts Spring Lunch

Yesterday was the American Federation of Arts Spring lunch. Held at a club in NY the guest speaker was Adam Gopnik who is an astute and entertaining interpreter of contemporary life and who has been a writer for the New Yorker since 1986. He is also the author of numerous critically acclaimed books, most recently, The Table Comes First: Family, France, and the Meaning of Food (2011)

The American Federation of Arts is a nonprofit institution that organizes art exhibitions for presentation in museums around the world, publishes exhibition catalogues, and develops educational materials and programs. For more information, visit www.afaweb.org.

To view all the photos please click on this link AFA Spring Lunch 2012

The BCRF Spring Gala 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria NYC

April 30th was The BCRF Spring Gala 2012 at the Waldorf Astoria NYC.
Mr Lauder arrived flanked by his beautiful grand daughters.
Liz Hurley was there to lend her support with her new Aussie guy Shane Warne by her side.
As always the room was full of the color PINK. Guests arrived at cocktails where they were served to Mike's Pink Lemonade.
Sir Elton John who performs every year came solo and played a tribute to Evelyn Lauder pledging his belief in and admiration for BCRF.


To view all the photos please click on this link BCRF Spring Gala 2012