The Inside Jewelry room featured two long tables surrounded by curtains of metallic streamers.Photo: Matt Teuten
"This evening is a beast logistically but amazing to show the different facets of this place," said Marissa Reibstein, director of development, board engagement, and special events. Planning takes place year round before the event is held on the third Monday in May, this year May 20, at the center's Upper East Side home. Reibstein said the goal of the event is to "connect to the soul of the Y."
After a cocktail reception, the 650 guests gathered in the Kaufmann Concert Hall, where the program began with an excerpt of Alvin Ailey's "Revelations," which premiered at the Y 60 years ago, plus remarks and a call for donations. From there, in what event designer Bryan Rafanelli of Rafanelli Events likened to a "military operation," guests moved by group into seven rooms throughout the facility, each with their own theme, decor, and programming.
In the Shakespeare, Continued room, guests heard a conversation with actor Nathan Lane and the writer and other cast members of Gary: A Sequel to Titus Andronicus. Decor had a romantic, Shakespearean feel with golden candelabras, unfussy floral arrangements, and jewel-colored seat cushions.
Another room, Inside Jewelry, presented a conversation between actress Debra Messing and Town & Country editor in chief Stellene Volandes. The room was wrapped in curtains of glitzy metallic streamers, and the two long tables featured smoked ghost chairs and bright florals in bud vases.
Speakers in other rooms included former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, General David Petraeus, and 60 Minutes correspondent Lesley Stahl. All helped inspire the decor in the room.
"It's an organization with a lot of stories to tell," Rafanelli said.
The evening exceeded the organization's fund-raising goals, according to Reibstein, bringing in $4.37 million to support its education and entertainment programs.
