Queen Takes Night

Queen Sylvia of Sweden formally introduced stateside supporters of global drug prevention to her European-based Mentor Foundation last Thursday at the Waldorf-Astoria with the organization's first-ever event. Around 250 diverse guests like Queen Noor of Jordan and Celebrity Rehab host Drew Pinsky gathered for the dinner, performances, and auction that raised more than $400,000 for the organization's efforts to identify and execute the best practices in reducing substance abuse worldwide.

In the interest of remaining diplomatic to the international crowd, the decor celebrated all things New York and made ample use of living, breathing New Yorkers. Upon pulling up to the hotel, guests were greeted by ushers dressed in feminine taxi cab costumes that made them look more like 1920s cigarette girls than actual cars. Producers with Wizard Studios also recruited children to entertain guests with short demonstrations of break-dancing and double Dutch jump rope. The scenes took place against a backdrop of autumnal trees and park benches, giving out-of-towners and locals a taste of an idyllic day in Central Park.

At the dinner, foundation honorees Terrence Howard and Mario both performed for the crowd after auctioneers from Phillips de Pury sold off packages such as a shopping spree at H&M, a dinner party with Dr. Ruth Westheimer, and a Mentor Foundation mission trip and safari in Uganda. 

Many got the chance to check out the items up for bid the night before at Phillips de Pury auction house, when Mentor Foundation youth ambassador Britney Snow hosted a more subdued event for the organization’s younger benefactors. The cocktail reception—complete with Swedish mixologists—also included a silent auction of its own to buoy the gala's overall take.