The reception gave benefactors the opportunity to mingle with artists and even a few of their subjects. A woman who posed for a piece by honorees John Ahearn and Rigoberto Torres sat in a chair by the window, just a few yards from her plaster and fiberglass likeness on the museum's sculpture deck.

At 7:30 p.m., the crowd migrated to the mezzanine gallery, where the dining area, designed by Adam Scott of Added Results, provided a canvas for a four-course meal, with stories accompanying each dish. The meal highlighted major ethnic communities from the Bronx, with a course for the borough’s Italian, Asian, Latino, and Jewish contingents. Each plate came with an anecdote about the group or one of its more notable members. Stuffed cabbage with minced meat and rice helped tell the story of the Bronx’s first established Jewish resident, Philip Isaacs, whose expansive 1754 farm now houses most of the Bronx Zoo. Detailed menus topped each place setting at the tables anchored by glass cylinders adorned with 13-inch moss balls.

Honoree Dave Valentín, a composer and jazz flutist, performed with his quintet throughout the dinner. Guests frequently got up to look at the 16 pieces of art up for grabs during the silent auction. Bidding and ticket sales brought in an estimated $330,000.

Fully aware that its location is a bit of a hike for some patrons, the museum shuttled guests from Midtown, and a bus waited to return those who’d lingered when the party finished at 10 p.m.   —Michael O'Connell