What better place than the Plaza Hotel to host the premiere party for one of the newest, most highly anticipated films of the year, “an unforgettable story about the power of love, the strength of family, and the importance of living passionately and treasuring every day of one's life”?  Walking through the spectacular Grand Ballroom reminds us of those concepts - the power of love and living passionately - and the space is even more compelling when filled with such amazing, inspirational people as Pierce Brosnon, Emilie de Ravin, Chris Cooper, and of course, heartthrob and superstar Robert Pattinson.  Also attending the event was RPatts’ girlfriend, Twilight co-star Kristen Stewart.

Evidence, a dance company kicked off its 25th Anniversary Celebration year at the Grace in Winter Silver Ball with a fabulous dinner at The Plaza Hotel on Monday, February 8, 2010. Jennifer Holiday's stellar performance of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" was as magnificent as her Oscar performance and was filled with so much passion and pathos that it sounded as if she were singing her signature hit from Dreamgirls for the first time.

The tone for nonprofit events this spring is one of optimism, hope and good works underscored by the need to raise funds for organizations that help children, fight disease, protect the environment and defend animals.  Last year taught us one major lesson: in the midst of an economic storm, the generosity of those willing to help – regardless of their own situations - can really make a difference.

On Thursday, January 28th we hosted the From Paris with Love premiere party at The Plaza.  As guests entered through the 25’ caramel velvet drapes, the magic began.  You could hear all throughout the lobby guests exclaiming oohs and ahhs as they saw the Palm Court and Terrace Room in full glow.  The question is, was it the sparkling rooms or was it the high wattage celebrities?

I have done events for royalty, presidents of companies and nations, brides and accountants. None of these prepared me for the Foundation Fighting Blindness gala.  Why would you book the most beautiful, iconic ballroom in NYC at The Plaza and then make the room pitch black? Well, your guests - after enjoying the luxury of cuisine and Plaza service with their appetizer - have an opportunity to experience what the visually impaired have for a lifetime.

I got married two months before I came to Great Performances.  And while I loved my wedding day, I can't help but admit that it would have been incredible to plan it while working for a catering and event company with dozens of connections to designers, florists, stationers, and - to top it all off - a co-ownership of the Plaza Grand Ballroom.