A terrific evening for the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai
Two nights ago, I hosted the second annual gala for the Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai. This is a special project I have been involved with for more than five years and is something very dear to my heart. When it opened, I dedicated the center to my beloved mother, who passed away two years ago this month at the age of ninety-three. The Center for Living is designed to provide out patients with whole patient care, including medical examinations, advice about diet and exercise, and the all important need for care giving. Simply stated, the main focus of the center is to teach how to grow old gracefully, something we should all start focusing on around the age of fifty.
The gala, held at my office in the Starrett Lehigh bulding in Manhattan, was a huge success with 375 guests in attendance. At the end of the evening, which included an auction, more than one million dollars was raised. The food was exquisitely prepared by Chef Pierre Schaedelin, who is now executive chef and part owner of Benoit in New York City. www.benoitny.com Sir Harold Evans, the legendary editor and journalist was our honoree of the evening and the event was emceed by Liz Smith. I wish to thank all who contributed and a special thanks to Jean Graham, Heather Kirkland, and Erin Fury, from our corporate events department, for all of their hard work in making this evening so wonderful. There is still time to bid on some great items to contribute to the Center for Living by visiting Charitybuzz.com.
1 Tina Brown, Sir Harold Evans, and me DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
2 Here I am with Jim Cramer.
3 My daughter, Alexis, joined me for the occasion DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
4 Here I am with Tina Brown DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
5 Liz Smith, the Grand Dame of Dish, was our emcee for the evening.
6 With Liz Smith and Charles Koppelman - our Chairman of the Board DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
7 Here I am with Ed Victor and his mother-in-law - Florence Boggs - nearly 106 years old!
8 Robin Marino and Kevin Sharkey DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
9 Posing with Cynthia McFadden of Nightline and my niece, Sophie Herbert Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
10 Susan Magrino, her mother Mary Cross, me, and Allyn Magrino Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
11 With my friend, Dan Shedrick Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
12 Dr. Al Siu and me Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
13 With Larry Shire Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 200 © Patrick McMullan
14 Posing with Gerri Kyhill and Charles Koppelman Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
15 Dr. Brent Ridge, me, and Josh Kilmer-Purcell Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
16 Matthew Axe, Alex Postman, and Katie Hatch Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
17 Mark Ingram and me Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
18 Memrie Lewis and Holly Bannister Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
19 Darcy Miller with Sophie Herbert - my niece, and Christopher Herbert - my nephew
20 Michael Citro, Laura Blau, Muffin Dowdle, and Peter Michaelis
21 Steven Doyle - Gael Towey's husband and me Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
22 Here I am with Marc Lowenberg and Greg Lituchi Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING 2009 © Patrick McMullan
23 Jeffrey Brown and Robin Marino Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
24 Bunny Williams, John Rosselli, and me Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
25 Barry and Diana Levinson Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
26 Pomegranate martinis Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
27 Chateau St Jean donated all of the white wine for the evening
28 The vodka for the martinis - Imperia, of course Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
29 The tables were set in the clerestory Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
30 I contributed some of my photographs for the auction.
31 Other various auction items and bidding forms
32 These items were also available for bidding on Charitybuzz.com - some are still open.
33 Here is one of the stations set up for bidding.
34 The room was decorated with large stained plywood squares with silhouettes of bonsai trees made from white and silver vinyl.
35 Another image
36 And another
37 The logo for the Center for Living
38 Chef Pierre Schaedelin and famed Alain Ducasse
39 Pierre's menu taped in the kitchen area for easy reference
40 These racks held the lobster salad awaiting to be dressed and served.
41 The first course was a colorful lobster Salad consisting of lobster, lettuce cup, heart of palm, green beans, avocado, tomato, and grapefruit.
42 Dr. Audrey Chun addressing the room
43 Dr. Dennis Charney
44 Here I am thanking everyone for coming. Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
45 My image up on the big screen
46 Pierre keeping a watchful eye over every detail
47 A very efficient assembly line
48 Pierre manning the ovens
49 The pace was fast in the kitchen.
50 The main course was salmon en croute served with carrot puree, spinach, and tarragon sauce.
51 The parade of food emerges from the kitchen.
52 The auctioneer for the evening
53 The Charitybuzz.com representative received bids by cell phone.
54 Dessert was a wonderful meringue shell filled with chestnut mousse.
55 Piping the filling into each shell
56 Candied marron garnished the top.
57 Cynthia McFadden and Sophie Herbert Photo - DAVID X PRUTTING/ PatrickMcMullan.com====
58 Dr. Nimesh Nagarsheth - the drummer for N.E.D, a rock band made up of six doctors.
59 Karen Hart - Steve Schwarz's daughter on the board of the Brookdale foundation and my friend, Ralph Robbins
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
What a lovely evening- the picture of Kevin Sharkey looked a lot like my father when he was young!
Posted by: KJ | November 12th, 2009 at 2:50 am
Florence doesn't look a day over 70!
Posted by: Isle Dance | November 12th, 2009 at 2:51 am
You're a great host Martha - I'm sure everything ran like clock work because everyone looked quite happy and satisfied. Chef Pierre prepares the most beautiful food and as usual after looking at the pictures, my mouth is watering. The lobster salad really had me going. Could you possibly let us know what kind of dressing he used on it; I would love to make a version of it but can’t figure out what makes it yellow.
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It’s always nice to see Alexis with you and also Sophie and Christopher who look like twins with their smiles. I’m happy to see Cynthia McFadden survived her day out on the farm!
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On the show you mentioned that you raised a million dollars for the Center for Living at that Gala which is fantastic! I still think it would be great if all of your twitter followers gave a dollar. A lot of them most likely have already and I’m sure we all have charities that we give to regularly but just one more dollar for your charity would be grand too. Maybe if we concentrate on a mental picture of that happening, it will!
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I saw a clip of you and Rachael Ray together on her show and it sure looked like you two were having a great time. I can’t wait to watch it this afternoon and also your show tomorrow when Rachael Ray is your guest. Have fun! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 12th, 2009 at 10:35 am
Kudos to the chef and kitchen staff what a job and so well done.
Posted by: Margie | November 12th, 2009 at 10:49 am
I always enjoy reading your blog. I especially loved the picture of Florence Boggs. 106 years young!
Posted by: Sofia | November 12th, 2009 at 10:58 am
It’s always great to see a successful gala for a worthy cause. Lots of fun seeing Jim Cramer in attendance…my husband enjoys his show.
My favorite photo is with Florence Boggs. She is an INSPIRATION for everyone! Her “looks” are 35 years younger than she appears. Martha, thank you for sharing your gala with us.
I think there is still time to cast a vote on http://www.fineliving.com for Whatever Martha!
~Gloria
p.s. Was that a vintage Miriam Haskell necklace?
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | November 12th, 2009 at 11:09 am
I have not gotten the chance today to take in today's 2nd annual gala blog, Martha, but be assured that I tho't of you Tuesday evening, knowing your it would be that evening!
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You're just part of my everyday life, that I do consider you a friend - I think of you often - most everyday, as if you were a family member or close friend/confidante!
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I will return here a little later and backtrack to share in your celebration, and who knows (I think we ALL know), maybe I'll write some more comments [another giggle!]
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Grace and peace, my friend,
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=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 12th, 2009 at 6:02 pm
What a fantastic event! Martha...you shine!
Posted by: sherey | November 12th, 2009 at 8:50 pm
Congratulations, Martha! Exquisite setting and presentation. Such a fitting tribute to your Mother, to honor her memory with the Center and to futher its growth with an elegant fundraiser. Everyone in attendance looked elegant. Curious about the doctor in the Wellingtons, though....did he forget his dress shoes?
Posted by: lil | November 12th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
Hi Martha, What wonderful photos of the 2nd annual gala of your wonderful Martha Stewart Center for Living at Mount Sinai in New York City. I am so proud that you developed this fantastic place in honor of your beloved Mother. You are a very special and generous person, Martha. I absolutely loved your presence on Rachel Ray's show today! The two of you were great together and I look forward to her presence on your show tomorrow. I was worried when you didn't start "Ask Martha' at 1PM (Pac Time) today. Hope everything is OK. Wanted to ask you if you were going to the new Costco in your area that opened today. I know you would love all of the fantastic things they have available. Love, Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 12th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
An elegant event for a good cause -- keep up the good work and the good intentions from the MSL circle!
Posted by: Eliza B. | November 13th, 2009 at 12:03 am
My heart is so full, Martha, after viewing all the wonderful photos of your second gala - nothing but smiles, and happy faces! - truly happy times seeing your vision not only coming to fruition but its perpetual blossoming as well!
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It's just w-o-n-d-e-r-f-u-l having all your trusted colleagues, close friends and confidantes, and beloved family members by your side to celebrate your Center for Living...its success...your success - to celebrate YOU!
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In loving memory of your deardear mother...
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Much love,
=^..^=
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 13th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
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Martha,
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What special projects might some of the Mount Sinai funding be going to?
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I'm sure as I voice support for your campaign in my AN EVEN DOZEN initiative(IF EVERYONE GAVE JUST ONE DOLLAR--Nov.9th-4:51pm)there will be interest!
.
Andrea $ Weims
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Posted by: Andrea Spencer | November 13th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
I enjoyed your pictures and comments of your special evening.
I also noticed that your daughter had some comments on her blog about the same evening.
Her's were a little different to say the least!
Posted by: Mel | November 14th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Hi! Martha, This is a wonderful cause.I really enjoyed the various photos your have of the evening. I agree with you that we need to grow old gracfully and with dignity.This is close to my heart also as my beloved mum passed away just recently on the 1st of February this year. She certainly was a wonderful example of how to accept and enjoy the latter years of ones life. Thank you Martha keep up the great work.
Posted by: Heather | February 20th, 2010 at 3:30 pm