Called "A Journey Through the Peace Market," the event recreated the experience of a Middle Eastern bazaar. Susie Wiesenfeld, director of events for Seeds of Peace, hired Michal Dagan Designs to create the look of the fund-raiser, and the Usual Suspects to handle technical production. "Since [Seeds of Peace] couldn't take everyone to the Middle East, they wanted to bring the Middle East back here for everyone to experience," said Michal Dagan Levison, creative director of Michal Dagan Designs.

"I wanted to create an experience for everyone to really feel what it's like to be in the region. So there was an actual marketplace, with a courtyard, there was a hookah tent, and the V.I.P. lounge was more luxurious, like being inside a restaurant. I wanted to capture an indoor/outdoor feel, [where people could] go in and out through different pockets and have different things to do," Levison said.

The long hallway near Skylight's entrance became a gallery, with photos and stories of graduates of the Seeds of Peace program hanging on the walls. Further inside, the 900 guests wandered around the bazaar, passing by stalls filled with spices, fruits, baskets, jewelry, coffee, and tea; food provided by restaurants like Django and caterer Annemarie's Feast; and henna tattoo artists and an Arabic calligrapher. Much of the merchandise, including the coffee and tea, as well as the services of the tattoo artists and calligrapher were donated for the event.

The sweet tobacco smoke filled a hookah tent, along with rugs, stools, throw pillows, and tables that made imbibing more comfortable. A V.I.P. tent held tables, rugs, and candles with a similar look and included passed hors d'oeuvres and food stations so guests didn't have to battle the bazaar crowds for a snack. The menu from Annemarie's Feast included vegetarian potato-pea samosas with cilantro pesto, mini falafel with lemon tahini dipping sauce, and minced kabob of lamb kofta drizzled with yogurt and minced garlic.

Levison decorated a courtyard area with rugs, padded brocade-covered stools, and tables with mosaic hurricane candleholders and votives. A belly dancer worked her way around the tables. Several Seeds of Peace graduates gave speeches; later in the evening, Middle Eastern vocalist Smadar Levi and Grammy winner John Legend performed. MTV's Gideon Yago was the M.C. of the event, which included a live and silent auction.

—Erika Rasmusson Janes


Photo: Keith Gerchick (hookah lounge)

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