| THE SCOUT 02.23.05 12:00 AM |
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| New York's Top Political & Diplomatic Events 2005 |
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1. Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner
The Scoop: Honoring former New York Governor Alfred E. Smith, this benefit typically draws big players in national politics, and raised more than $1.2 million for Catholic health-care services last year. In lieu of the presidential candidates, former President George H. W. Bush and former New York Governor Hugh Carey spoke. (A Bush and a Carey—get it?) Alfred E. Smith IV was the M.C.
Behind the Scenes: With the Al Smith Foundation under the umbrella of the Archdiocese of New York, its executive director of development Helen Lowe plans the event at the Waldorf=Astoria. Oct. 20
2. Hospitality Committee for the U.N. Delegations Ambassador's Ball
The Scoop: The organization’s largest fund-raiser celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2004 with a Golden Jubilee evening of cocktails, dinner, dancing, and a live and silent auction. Instead of giving its usual Citizen of the World award, the night honored members of the security council and the president of the general assembly.
Behind the Scenes: Co-chairpersons Toney Gordon, Brigitte Roepke, and Linda Walter planned the event for 300 people—including ambassadors, society folks, and colleagues and friends of the committee—at the Metropolitan Club. The Alex Donner Orchestra played and an auctioneer from Christie’s presided over the bidding. Tickets ranged from $375 per person to as much as $10,000 per table. Nov.
3. UNA-USA Global Leadership Awards Dinner
The Scoop: The United Nations Association of the United States of America’s 38th annual fund-raiser honored Oprah Winfrey with the Global Humanitarian Action award for her initiatives in education. CBS Early Show anchor Harry Smith emceed. Among the 800-plus attendees were U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan.
Behind the Scenes: UNA-USA executive director Kathleen Hearst organized the event at the Waldorf. Among the chairmen were Robert Iger of the Walt Disney Company and David Rockefeller. Fall
4. The Inner Circle Show
The Scoop: At the 2004 black-tie cocktail party and dinner, reporters roasted politicians under the theme of “Queer Eye for the Rich Guy.” Mayor Michael Bloomberg fired back with the help of the Broadway cast of Chicago. The more than 1,200 attendees included anyone and everyone in government, politics, media, and business. The proceeds—more than $75,000—went to local charities.
Behind the Scenes: Organized by the Inner Circle of City Hall Journalists, the event is always held at the Hilton. While this year's theme had not been set at press time, the 2005 mayoral election will likely be the focus. This year’s Inner Circle president is James Harney, an editor at The New York Daily News. April 2
More Biggies:
Human Rights Campaign’s Greater New York gala dinner at the Waldorf=Astoria February 5.
Human Rights First’s award dinner in October.
—Ellen Sturm Niz
Posted 02.23.05
Read about the rest of New York's Top 100 Events...
This story originally appeared in the February/March 2005 issue of the BiZBash Event Style Reporter. |
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PHOTO GALLERY |
 | | Alfred E. Smith Memorial Foundation Dinner |
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 | | UNA-USA Global Leadership Awards Dinner |
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