As New York Fashion Week, Spring '12 drew to a frenzied finale, an intimate group of supporters gathered in Lincoln Center's Smart Courtyard, as Circa CEO Chris Del Gatto, Veronica Webb, and New Yorkers for Children toasted French designer Sophie Theallet in anticipation for their upcoming Fall Gala, which was this Tuesday.
Del Gatto, a recently appointed NYFC Board member, along with NYFC's Susan Magazine and hosts Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, and Julie Macklowe welcomed champagne-sipping guest like Tinsley Mortimer, Steven Kolb, Nacho Figueras, Adelina Wong Ettelson, Alison Brod, and Marisa Brown.
Naturally, the to-die-for Circa jewels were displayed in cases everywhere, but with the colder weather (there was a significant temperature drop that evening, which actually forced the organizers to move the event into the "indoor" portion of the courtyard) seemed to come a somewhat more sober mindset, as NYFC founder and former New York Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta gave a touching speech about the services his organization has provided since its inception in 1996. There are nearly 15,000 children in foster care in New York City, and New Yorkers for Children has made a difference in the lives of these youth through college scholarships, tutoring programs, job training, and networking opportunities.
As someone who has witnessed the evolution and growth of many New York-based charities over the years, I can honestly say that what makes NYFC truly special has been its ability to expand and yet never forget its roots. All of the Board Members and Young Friends are actively involved in mentoring these children -- they aren't merely lending their name to a benefit invitation. So, if I may be so bold, I think that is the key to NYFC's continued popularity, be it at small soirees like this one, or at their Fall and Spring benefit galas.
After the onslaught of parties and shows that was Fashion Week (or really, Fashion 10 days), this event reminded us that being a true New Yorker was also about giving, and I can't think of a more appropriate means to conclude Fashion Week -- or any week.