Mayor Bloomberg, iPad in tow, came to the Plaza on June 8 to present the Red Cross of Greater New York’s Humanitarian Award to philanthropists Pat and John Rosenwald. The mayor recounted what he had learned about the couple at a party they threw to celebrate their combined 125th birthday.
“Pat told the story that every day, John says to her, ‘Pat, is there anything I can do to make your day better?’” The anecdote elicited a loud collective sigh from the audience — a response Mr. Bloomberg was expecting. “That’s the same sound I heard at the birthday party — it’s the sound of groans from all the men in the universe.” The ballroom filled with laughter.
The Red Cross brings its famed symbol of care and rescue to the Plaza.
Mrs. Rosenwald avoided more relationship disclosures at the podium, instead delivering a simple message about what it means to be a humanitarian. “I’ve been involved in community service all my life,” Mrs Rosenwald said, “and I know you get more than you give.” Not to be upstaged, Mr. Rosenwald added, “Why wouldn’t someone want to make every day a perfect day for that.”
The larger theme of the evening was of course supporting the Red Cross. There were descriptions of the care the Red Cross has delivered in Haiti, after apartment fires, and when planes have gone down. And there was talk of how essential it is to be prepared for the worst.
Top Row: J. Philip Rosen and Ira Millstein, Red Cross of Greater New York chairman; Univision’s Giselle Blondet emceed; Donna Rey and Stacey Millman (among those in the "red" dress code for the event); Kathryn and Alan Greenberg. Bottom row: Chaitanya Ravi; Karen and Josh Lerman; Erika Millet; Liz Tremain and Diana Taylor.
“I’m as convinced as anybody that New York will be the target of something. And the Red Cross will be there,” the chairman of the Red Cross of Greater New York, Ira Millstein, said.
Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet Member Giselle Blondet, wearing a sexy red gown, served as emcee. The Puerto Rican television host and actress made quite an impression when she declared, “I am so proud to be a Red Crosser.” “I had to have my pacemaker adjusted for that and it was worth every minute,” Mr. Millstein said.
Clockwise from top left: Mayor Bloomberg; Tom Flexner, John and Pat Rosenwald (honorees) and David Glaser; Joel and Evelyn Ullman and Peter Post; Terry Bischoff, President of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, with some of the evening’s special guests
Photo credit: Amanda Gordon
Amanda Gordon, best known as the New York Sun's society columnist, is
a freelance writer and photographer. Events at the Plaza hired
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