“We wanted to host this event at a venue that felt very New York City, while also allowing us to gather safely,” said Gregory Boroff, chief external relations officer for City Harvest, about the nonprofit's decision to host the event at 620 Loft & Garden.Photo: Lori Cannava
Over the course of the pandemic, the organization has rescued and delivered a record 165 million pounds of food for New Yorkers in need, more than twice the amount the organization rescued and delivered the year prior. “While it is heartening to see our city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in many ways, we know that for many of our neighbors the impacts of this crisis will be felt for years to come,” explained Gregory Boroff, chief external relations officer for City Harvest.
“We wanted the night to bring together our top supporters as a symbol of renewed commitment to helping New Yorkers experiencing food insecurity, even as New York City begins to reopen,” Boroff said about City Harvest’s inaugural Spring Dinner, which was the first in-person event the organization has hosted since the pandemic began last year.
He added that the event’s 40 guests were required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test in order to attend. Temperature checks were also performed upon arrival, and the venue staff wore masks. Guests who were not fully vaccinated were asked to wear masks and social distance during the event.
Long-time City Harvest supporters Lise and Michael Evans hosted the event, in collaboration with gala co-chairs Sandra and Eric Ripert, Carola and Robert Jain, Christine and Richard Mack, Kristen and Patrick McMahon and Shirley Madhere-Weil and Michael Weil.
The rooftop venue was dotted with round tables adorned with floral print and fresh lime green linens—emulating a scene from the popular Regency era drama, Bridgerton.
“Bridgerton became an instant hit on Netflix during the pandemic, partly due to its breathtaking scenic design filled with bright colors, over-the-top floral arrangements and elegant decor,” Boroff said. “We wanted guests to walk in and immediately feel like spring was in the air. Colin Cowie and his team took this vision and brought it to life in such a dynamic and tasteful way. Everything from the flowers to the table settings was spot on and elevated the event.”
Great Performances provided the catering for the seated three-course dinner. The seasonal meal included homemade gnocchi with morels, ramps, asparagus and parmesan frico; roast chicken with spring peas, crispy fingerling potatoes and herbes de Provence jus; and red berry pavlova with strawberries and raspberries for dessert.
In addition to the menu and decor, the evening’s entertainment played an integral part in setting the scene. “[On The Move Entertainment] were critical to making the event theme come to life from start to finish," Boroff said. "When guests arrived, harp players dressed in English Garden attire were in place along the stairs, really immersing guests in our version of the Bridgerton universe. From there, [On The Move] created a nonstop night of music and performances, including four call-out numbers of 'Palladio,' 'Edge of Seventeen,' 'Empire State of Mind' and a Diana Ross medley.”
Keep scrolling to see more from City Harvest’s inaugural Spring Dinner.
