Yesterday evening, The American Cancer Society held its 11th annual Taste of Hope Benefit. This year’s three worthy honorees were famed chef David Burke (Culinary Honoree), iconic New York restaurateur Drew Nieporent (Corporate Honoree), and tireless philanthropist Jean Shafiroff (Philanthropic Honoree). Jean was wearing a show stopping fuchsia gown with black embroidery designed by Peter Copping for Oscar de la Renta. It’s safe to say that the philanthropist and humanitarian won’t be taking this, or any of her fancy evening gowns with her when she soon heads off to Nicaragua on a weeklong animal rescue mission with her daughter.
Sponsored by the Taste of Hope volunteer committee, event chairs were Jamie Koff and Mark D. Friedman. Hosts for the evening were CBS News Anchor Chris Wragge and the actor, Richard Kind. Over $1.5 Million has been raised thus far to support the American Cancer Society’s mission and goal of eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
The Metropolitan Pavilion, 125 West 18th Street, could not have been a more perfect setting for an event that is not only a major fundraiser, but a major culinary event. Guests were able to walk around and sample a dizzying variety of great food, wine, spirits, and creative cocktails from some of New York’s most popular restaurants and beverage vendors who set up stations throughout the sprawling loft like space.
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| Benziger Family Winery |
Among the participating restaurants that offered up their signature dishes: Nobu, BLT Prime, Fresco by Scotto, Serendipity 3, Barney Greengrass, Ben & Jack’s Steakhouse, Todd English, La Fonda del Sol, Magnolia Bakery, Rock Center Café, and Luke’s. My oversized lobster necklace turned out to be a perfect accompaniment to my lobster roll lol. Sips were provided by Benziger Family Estates, Sapphire Bombay, Tommasi Family Estates, Allegrini, Cesari, Domaines Paul Mas, and more.
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| Marilyn with her lobster roll at Luke’s |
There was also a live auction of 89 items that ended at 9:30. Categories were Beauty, Health/Fitness, Fashion, Travel, Home, Technology, Sports, Experience, and Dinner and a Show. At the top of that list was a ticket for two to see the 16 time Tony nominated hit “Hamilton” this fall. The starting bid was $2500. The winning bid was $3000. Its value was described as “Priceless”.
But not as priceless as eradicating cancer from the face of the earth.
– Marilyn Kirschner
