For its latest benefit, nonprofit ArtsConnection didn't turn to a lavish midtown hotel ballroom or the latest downtown club. Instead, it invited guests to the blasted out space of the first floor of the Carl Fischer Building at 62 Cooper Square, and turned the under-construction look of the space into the event's theme. The sign-in tables were covered with paint-spattered tarps, and the food was served on tables made from sawhorses.
The benefit also allowed real estate development group C-Square Associates to promote the condos and retail space it is creating in the 12-story building, while helping to raise money for ArtsConnection, a nonprofit that works for arts education in New York's public schools.
The event was billed as a 97th birthday party for caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, who sat with members of his family--including his daughter, Nina, whose name appears in his drawings. Three bands performed, including famed a cappella group the Persuasions, Afro-Cuban band Spirit Ensemble and a salsa band, Son Criolla. Between the bands' sets, DJ Steve played music.
The outstanding Italian food, by Campagna Restaurant, included three types of pastas and various plates of tasty antipasti. Marni Mayerson, a brand manager with Water Mills Brand Ltd., was on hand to pour martinis made with Peconika vodka, which was donated to the event by the Long Island-based spirits company. And Charles Brodzinski from nearby restaurant Belgo Nieuw York manned a bar of donated Belgian beer.
--Chad Kaydo
The benefit also allowed real estate development group C-Square Associates to promote the condos and retail space it is creating in the 12-story building, while helping to raise money for ArtsConnection, a nonprofit that works for arts education in New York's public schools.
The event was billed as a 97th birthday party for caricaturist Al Hirschfeld, who sat with members of his family--including his daughter, Nina, whose name appears in his drawings. Three bands performed, including famed a cappella group the Persuasions, Afro-Cuban band Spirit Ensemble and a salsa band, Son Criolla. Between the bands' sets, DJ Steve played music.
The outstanding Italian food, by Campagna Restaurant, included three types of pastas and various plates of tasty antipasti. Marni Mayerson, a brand manager with Water Mills Brand Ltd., was on hand to pour martinis made with Peconika vodka, which was donated to the event by the Long Island-based spirits company. And Charles Brodzinski from nearby restaurant Belgo Nieuw York manned a bar of donated Belgian beer.
--Chad Kaydo