A Funny Affair for Autism
Last Monday evening, my friends, Harry and Laura Slatkin, invited me to a very moving and entertaining event called A Funny Affair for Autism, held at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Autism Speaks Co-founders Suzanne and Bob Wright and New York Center for Autism Co-founders Laura and Harry Slatkin, honored fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger for his commitment to increasing awareness and support of the autism community. Autism Speaks is the world’s largest autism science and advocacy organization. The New York Center for Autism is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the needs of individuals and families who are living with autism spectrum disorder. Following cocktails, dinner, a musical performance, and a hilarious comedy skit, comedian and Curb Your Enthusiam star Susie Essman and Lydia Fenet of Christie’s, conducted an auction of celebrity designed Christmas trees and menorahs, including a tree donated by me! I was so thrilled to hear that the menorahs and trees raised nearly $65,000! In all, this really fun night brought in more than 1.3 million dollars for individuals with autism and their families.
1 The affair I attended on Monday night was held at the magnificent Plaza Hotel in New York City. This beautiful, stately, and romantic room is the famous Palm Court.
2 The Plaza has been decorated beautifully for the holidays.
3 I really loved this glowing red tree.
4 The event was called A Funny Affair for Autism and was held in the Grand Ballroom.
5 Here I am with New York Center for Autism Co-founders - Harry and Laura Slatkin and Autism Speaks Co-founders - Suzanne and Bob Wright.
6 And here I am again with the Slatkins and with the evening's honoree, fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger and his wife, Dee Ocleppo, who served as the honorary chair of the event.
7 Tommy Hilfiger has been a long-time advocate for Autism Speaks and works to raise awareness about the 1 in 110 odds of being diagnosed with autism, encouraging the public to learn its early warning signs.
8 The tables were covered with red tartan tablecloths and had gingerbread centerpieces and Slatkin & Co. pine-scented candles, which were also given as favors to guests.
9 We were treated to an endearing special musical performance by students of the New York Center for Autism Charter School.
10 Tommy Hilfiger’s red, white and blue tree, which went for $10,000 at the evening's auction.
11 My tree, The Star Power Tree, sold for $9,000 and featured white sparkly ornaments. The Slatkins purchased it and donated it to the NYCA Charter School.
12 Peter Alexander, an NBC Nightly News correspondent, emceed along with Donny Deutsch, a television personality and advertising executive.
13 Suzanne Wright gave a moving talk.
14 Followed with another by Harry Slatkin
15 Seth Meyers talked about tourists visiting the tree at Rockefeller Center - 'I don't get why people from Nebraska come all the way to this concrete island to see one tree. That's like New Yorkers going to Nebraska to see the one mugger.'
16 Bill Hader came as his SNL character, Stefon, and Seth.
17 Just as he does on SNL, Stefon said some pretty outrageously funny things, while Seth kept trying to rein him in.
18 Hilarious Susie Essman, of 'Curb Your Enthusiam' with Isaac Mizrahi's 'Flower Power Menorah' with hot pink hues and iridescent flowers. It went to Jim Simons, chairman and founder of Renaissance Technologies LLC, for $10,000.
19 Tommy and Dee were clearly enjoying themselves.
20 Next up for auction was the Hanukkah Song Menorah, signed by Adam Sandler.
21 That menorah featured the faces of the famous people Mr. Sandler sings about in his well-known song.
22 Someone bid an impressive $25,000 for it!
23 The honoree, Tommy Hilfiger also spoke.
24 He said, 'Tonight means much more to me than just an award. It is about honoring the children and families who suffer with the trauma and frustrations that autism brings.'
25 Tommy Hilfiger's tree was called All-American Christmas and featured these adorable lumberjack bear ornaments.
26 And, of course, patriotic American flags.
27 It was topped with a classic star.
28 The Godiva tree was decorated in their signature gold and brown.
29 It had tiny Godiva bags as ornaments.
30 And chocolates, of course!
31 Designer Jonathan Adler fashioned this beautiful turquoise menorah in the shape of a peacock.
32 The candles represent the tail plumage of the bird.
33 He dubbed it 'Peacock Chic.'
34 Jimmy Fallon and the staff of his show, 'Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,' created this lovely tree.
35 This ornament had a real 'heartthrob' photo of Jimmy!
36 Another fun ornament
37 Jimmy's tree was full of comedy, like this ornament of fellow SNL alum, Will Ferrell.
38 This one is in homage to one of the show's bits parodying educational videos from the '80s.
39 Another look at fashion designer Issac Mizrahi's pink menorah called 'Flower Power.'
40 Tiffany & Co. called their tree 'Magic Carousel.'
41 The blue garland was tres Tiffany blue.
42 Who wouldn't love to find all of those Tiffany's boxes under their tree?
43 The Martha Stewart tree was inspired by the holiday decorating article in the December issue of Living called 'Star 'Power'.
44 It includes 3-D glitter stars, starbursts, meteors, shooting stars, sparkling satellites, silver balls, and white lights.
45 The sparkling satellite ornaments are made with foam balls, toothpicks, silver beads, and silver glitter.
46 This is one of our springy shooting stars.
47 The 3-D glitter star ornaments are made with mat board and glitter. You can find the templates for these and other star power ornaments at www.marthastewart.com/star-projects
Martha Pins
Martha Tweets
What a wonderful event and so much money raised.
And, the trees are beautiful.
Thanks, Martha!
Gloria G!!
Posted by: Gloria | December 8th, 2011 at 1:06 am
What a great event and cause! I love seeing all of the trees and menorahs donated! Thanks for giving us a special peek!
Posted by: Heather | December 8th, 2011 at 1:22 am
I loved the peacock Menorah, and I am not Jewish.It was just exquisite. My favorite tree was yours Martha-I loved the theme-Very simple, but elegant.
Posted by: Gail Hildreth | December 8th, 2011 at 7:34 am
Martha, I thank you for so generously supporting this cause. My son has Down Sydrome and is autistic, so this post was of particular interest to me. Bless you!
Posted by: Evelyn | December 8th, 2011 at 8:33 am
Martha,
What a great cause to raise money for - autism! Loved your tree very beautiful! Also, I liked your dress, very cute! Thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | December 8th, 2011 at 9:12 am
You looked lovely Martha. Was your dress velvet? Gorgeous. While all the trees were beautiful, you know that your fans are partial to your Star Power tree!
Posted by: Cindy F | December 8th, 2011 at 9:26 am
Hi Martha, I just love learning about so many wonderful events on your blog and how great that you and so many of your friends attend the special events and contribute to all of them so generously! Many of them are new to me so once again I learn something new everyday from you and your friends-terrific! Having an autism event was really special! These photos tell it all and your comments are fantastic! Those beautiful Christmas trees and other items that were contributed are awesome! Seeing those autistic children performing was outstanding! The Plaza Hotel in NYC was a beautifl place for the event and seeing your photos of attendees was terrific-you all looked so happy! Hope you have another great day, Martha! Won't be long now before you fly to Sydney, Australia and can't wait to see and read about that event! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | December 8th, 2011 at 10:07 am
Thanks, Martha, for supporting such a worthwhile event. Autism rates continue to rise and our family with most families being touched either directly or indirectly... mine directly.
Posted by: Elizabeth Hare | December 8th, 2011 at 11:02 am
Martha, Thank you so very much for supporting Autism. I work for Adams-Hanover Counseling Services, Inc. in Hanover PA. We provide a program called the "Amazing Kids Club" program for autistic children. We currently have 133 children involved. Just a some favor if you will. We are having a "Clutch It UP" Purse Auction in September 2012 which will benefit our Autism Program. Please consider donating a purse to this event to help these children. I, and the kids would greatly appreciate your support. If you could please pass the word to others about this event. Please feel free to contact me and/or check our website at http://www.ahcsinc.com Thank you for caring.
Posted by: Carol C. | December 8th, 2011 at 11:07 am
I do enjoy the blogs each weekday. I look at the website during a lull time at my employment. I tape the Martha Stewart show each day while I am at work & always enjoy domestic tips, cooking segments & guests that appear. Yesterday I so enjoyed the choir from Yale & I had never witnessed Martha singing. Just something about Christmas carols that brings out the best in us. I am also impressed today to see Martha in a dress at the function for autism--so flattering & elegant.
Merry Christmas!
Posted by: Judy Stamper | December 8th, 2011 at 11:53 am
Hi Martha,
Thanks for sharing this event with us and supporting yet another worthwhile cause. The Palm Court is beautiful and so are yours and Tommy Hilfiger's trees. No doubt everyone had a great time with all those comedians in the house! Trish
Posted by: Trish | December 8th, 2011 at 1:20 pm
You looked gorgeous Martha! I love your dress. Velvet is so elegant and luxurious looking.
Such a flattering look for you.
All the best to you at this festive time of year!
Posted by: Barb Kamlah | December 8th, 2011 at 2:00 pm
Seth Meyers just doesn't get it. We Nebraska people love concrete. I think seth must enjoy prairies, too. You look gorgeous and good luck on J C Penny deal..
Posted by: ann | December 8th, 2011 at 3:26 pm
Hi Martha!
I'm a mother of an autistic son (age 4) and a huge fan of yours. Thank you so much for supporting a cause that is so close to my heart.
Heather
Tempe,AZ
Posted by: Heather | December 8th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
My daughter is 3 and has Autism. Im a HUGE fan of Martha and a member of her Dreamers into Doers community. This warms my heart.
Posted by: Frances Cheda | December 8th, 2011 at 9:39 pm
Martha,
Thank you so much for supporting Autism Speaks. My son was six before we finally figured out why he was "quirky". When most people think of autism, I think they picture severe cases of autism. My son often just appears shy, ornery, or sensitive. Many people do not understand the struggles parents have in their homes, in education, and in finding a place in society for their children. It really is a matter of making that puzzle piece fit. Thank you for supporting a cause that not only helps those that experience autism first hand, but also educates those that do not. The more people understand, the more they cam help! Thank you!
Amy
Posted by: Amy | December 8th, 2011 at 11:47 pm
A study done not long ago determined that autism was by far the most stressful type of disability a family could deal with. Just about every part of normal everyday life is a challenge when there is an autistic child involved. The stress can be overwhelming to parents and caregivers without the essential supports. How wonderful to see the contributions by all of these generous individuals! Thank-You, Martha. It was especially gratifying to see Tommy Hilfiger dedicated to this cause. My autistic son, now 20, grew up wearing only Hilfiger clothing. Not at all for the brand recognition, but for the fact that my son had severe sensory issues (as autistic kids often do) and Hilfiger clothes were the softest, most comfortable, most sensory-friendly clothes made. There was nothing even close in retail and I often thought that it was almost as if Mr. Hilfiger had been aware there was a need...
Posted by: kate | December 9th, 2011 at 7:10 am
Loved reading this! Both of my baby brothers have Autism! God bless all the people that participated in this fundraiser!
Posted by: Marie Lester | December 11th, 2011 at 1:35 am
Great cause,wonderful blog entry.I have 4 sons,one of whom has autism,and to see everyone come together to help such a great cause is heartwarming.Thanks and please continue to supoort the autism family.
Posted by: Barbara Parnell | December 27th, 2011 at 10:32 am