Given how busy the Red Cross has been lately, a fund-raiser for the disaster relief agency seemed especially timely, and the American Red Cross of Greater New York's centennial celebration ball had a pair of big-draw headliners: The Daily Show's Jon Stewart—a mostly well-received, if slightly
controversial event host—introduced the humanitarian award recipient, former president Bill Clinton.
The simple decor inside the Winter Garden was inspired by the nonprofit's logo. "Our concern was to use the logo and brand the event without oversaturating the room," said Michelle Seligman, the chapter’s director of special events. So she arranged tables with all-red color schemes in the shape of the famous cross, with all-white tables around them. And Seligman and assistant director of special events Annie Trowbridge worked with Eyemag Media to wash the space in red by hanging lights from the Winter Garden's towering palm trees.
Creative Edge Parties’ menu started with chopped Greek salad timbale, followed by black Angus aged sirloin with Bearnaise sauce, fresh corn polenta, and sautéed spinach, onions, and mushrooms. Dessert was créme brûlèe and hazelnut phyllo napoleon coulis and berries.
A live auction, led by John Hays of Christie's, and a performance by Chris Botti with Paula Cole concluded the evening, which raised more than $2 million for the chapter.
—Jennifer Hoppe
Photos: ©2005 Wellington Lee (room shots)
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controversial event host—introduced the humanitarian award recipient, former president Bill Clinton.
The simple decor inside the Winter Garden was inspired by the nonprofit's logo. "Our concern was to use the logo and brand the event without oversaturating the room," said Michelle Seligman, the chapter’s director of special events. So she arranged tables with all-red color schemes in the shape of the famous cross, with all-white tables around them. And Seligman and assistant director of special events Annie Trowbridge worked with Eyemag Media to wash the space in red by hanging lights from the Winter Garden's towering palm trees.
Creative Edge Parties’ menu started with chopped Greek salad timbale, followed by black Angus aged sirloin with Bearnaise sauce, fresh corn polenta, and sautéed spinach, onions, and mushrooms. Dessert was créme brûlèe and hazelnut phyllo napoleon coulis and berries.
A live auction, led by John Hays of Christie's, and a performance by Chris Botti with Paula Cole concluded the evening, which raised more than $2 million for the chapter.
—Jennifer Hoppe
Photos: ©2005 Wellington Lee (room shots)
Related Stories
L.A. Shoah Dinner Is Dignified, Damp
Pencil's Star-Studded Benefit
Elder Bushes Appear for AmeriCares
Harlem Welcomes Clinton to New Office
Tables with all-red or all-white color schemes formed the famous cross logo at the American Red Cross in Greater New York's centennial celebration ball at the Winter Garden.
DeJuan Stroud decorated tables with simple, monochromatic floral centerpieces.
Eyemag Media filled the room with red light.
