Guests at a special champagne brunch hosted by Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets.

The Girl Scout Council of Greater New York celebrated its 18th Annual Women of Distinction Breakfast by honoring five remarkable women: Terri D. Austin, Barbara J. Cooperman, Arlene Isaccs-Lowe, Vanessa Lau, and Nadja Swarovski at the Hilton New York. Deborah Norville served as the emcee. Cheryl L. Swiatkowski was the Breakfast Chair.

Barbara Cooperman, Arlene Issacs-Lowe, Girl Scout Daisy, Patricia Stensrud, Future Woman of Distinction Carolina Torres, Girl Scout Junior, Vanessa Lau, Girl Scout Brownie, Terri Austin, Girl Scout Brownie, Cheryl Swiatkowski, and Carmen Dubroc

Noel Kirnon, Francis Byrd, Arlene Issacs-Lowe, Helen Remeza, Lesia Bates Moss, and Allison Bishop White

Mary S. Phipps, Lynn Foster, Deborah Norville, Carolina Torres, and Melissa C. Morris

Guests included Cricket Azima, Maryam Banikarim, Christine Battaglia, Dale Bernstein, Gale Brewer, Barbara Brodie, Lisa Cuevas, Steve Curley, Lynda Davey, Carmen Dubroc, Heidi Echterman-Torribio, Carol Evans, Heide Gardner, Adrienne Germain, Nancy Glaser, Bernadette Grey, Vita Harris, Fernanda Kellogg, Walter Kicinski, Rose Littlejohn, Kate Maitland, Sherry Matays, Trish McEvoy, Melissa McClenaghan Martin, Alyssa Moeder, Melissa C. Morris, Janet Nettleton Otto, Susan Nitze, Robert Ouimette, Mercedes Pacheco, Angelique Pannell, Christine Park, Mary Phipps, Myrtle Potter, Julianna Prather, Sara Queen, Marie Raperto, Missy Rice, Dorothy Schneider, Rachel Skiastis, Walter Shay, Jocelyn So, Betty Spence, Patricia Stensrud, Cheryl Swiatkowski, Patrice Tanaka, Davia Temin, Sheri Wilson-Gray, Reva Wurtzburger and Paula Zirinsky.

Kendra Liddicoat, Hannah K. Walter, Arlene Issacs-Lowe, Carolina Torres, Vanessa Lau, Irene O’Hare, Lisa D. Richardson, Terri Austin, and Nadja Swarovski

Carmen Dubroc, Lynn Foster, Mary S. Phipps, Susan Nitze, and Patricia Stensrud

Arlene Issacs-Lowe, Vanessa Lau, Future Woman of Distinction Carolina Torres, Terri Austin, Nadja Swarovski, and Barbara J. Cooperman

For more than 98 years, The Girl Scout Council of Greater New York provides New York City’s largest girls-only leadership development program reaching more than 23,130 girls aged 5 to 17. Approximately two-thirds of our girls are from low-income families and we reach girls in virtually every zip code of all five boroughs. Girl Scouts enjoy programs that include college prep and career exploration, financial literacy, science, community service and global citizenship. Today’s Girl Scouts are prepared to lead today as well as tomorrow, fulfilling our mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. Visit www.girlscoutsnyc.org to learn more.

Cheryl Swiatkowski, Future Woman of Distinction Carolina Torres, and Dorothy Schneider

Barbara Cooperman, Cheryl Swiatkowski, Terri Austin, and Vanessa Lau

Marie Raperto and Hannah K. Walter

Board President Patricia Stensrud with Girl Scouts

Mary Phipps with Girl Scouts

Deborah Norville and Carolina Torres

Barbara Cooperman and Girl Scout Brownie

Mariela Dabbah, Davia Temin, Walter Kicinski, and Pat Stensrud

Joseph Hornik, Terri Austin, Victoria Bayoneto, and Angie Lorenzo Woodland

Robin Goodman and Christine Park

Myrtle Potter and Girl Scout Daisy and Brownies

Nadja Swarovski and Deborah Norville

A week ago, last Thursday at the Pierre, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA were honored along with the Miss Universe Organization at the 15th anniversary benefit of Gilda’s Club NYC, celebrating 15 years of cancer support. The Miss Universe Organization received the Bill Modell Heart of Gold Award for their Outstanding Volunteer efforts during the past 12 years. Also honored were Dr. Elliott Sigal and Dr. Andrew Dannenberg for their achievements in breast cancer research and patient care. Among those attending were Rima Fakih, Miss USA 2010, Kamie Crawford, Miss Teen USA 2010, Kristen Dalton, Miss USA 2008, Shandi Finnessey, Miss USA 2004, and Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2003 who accepted the Award on behalf of the Miss Universe Organization.

Miss Teen USA 2010 Kamie Crawford, Bill Zadiinski, Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey, Nick Nicolaides, Miss USA 2003 Susie Castillo, Rod Dausch, and Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih

David Shapiro, Elyse Stock, Torsten Hoon, Rachel Humprey, and Renzo Panetta

Enough time has passed that many do not know about Gilda Radner whose fight against cancer inspired Gilda’s Club. Gilda, who came to stardom on the original “Saturday Night Live,” was one of the funniest women of her generation, an enormous talent. She was also loved and adored by her friends and millions of fans. Her untimely death from the disease was a heartbreak and a very great loss not only to her husband but to millions all over America.

Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford, Pauls Shugart, Miss Ireland 2010 Rozanna Purcell, and Miss USA Rima Fakih

Dr. Andrew J. Dannenberg and Dr. Elliott Sigal

Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford, Lily Safani, Rozanna Purcell, and Miss USA Rima Fakih

Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford,Dr. Andrew J. Dannenberg, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, and Dr. Elliott Sigal

Jasmine Ferrer, Jasmina Venner, and Debra Yu

Kim Thiboldeaux and Robert Easton

Miss USA 2003 Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey, Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford, and Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih

Robert and Joan Easton

Lily Safani, Dr.Elliiot Sigal, Dr. Andrew J. Dannenberg, and Robert Easton

Paul Settelmeyer, Bernadette Settelmeyer, Ken Handal, and Mary Francina Goldin

Carla Crawford and Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford

Peter Wohlsen and Lily Safani

Andrea Hutchinson and Meera Gopalan

Randy Palombella, Nancy Palombella, and Ann Russo

Andrew Coop, David Shapiro, Fouad Namouni, and Ron Peck

Robert Easton

Christine Poster and Brooke Raphael

Paula Shugart and Ann Russo

Jami Rubin and Dr. Elliot Sigal

Colleen Wilson and Brianne Leary

Sean Ramer, Mark Powell, Steven Scypinski, and Doug Manion

Diana Williams

John Elicker and Peter Prankovich

Ellen and Merrill Roth

Alex Denner and Jasmina Denner

Peter Wohlsen

Francine Lefrak, Rick Friedberg, Miss Teen USA Kamie Crawford, and Carla Crawford

Francis and Ann Russo

Winslow and Karen Tucker

Tracey Doolin and Jamie Klimberg

Mark Alles

Diana Williams

Lily Safani and Peter Wohlsen

Nini Vhang, Desiree Lau, Ms. Cundari, and Christina Bitt

Dr. Andrew J. Dannenberg and Mark Alles

Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih and Jennifer Jones

Miss USA 2004 Shandi Finnessey, Miss USA 2003 Susie Castillo, Miss USA 2010 Rima Fakih, and Miss Ireland 2010 Rozanna Purcell

Several dozen Iraq and Afghanistan wounded warriors and their families had the opportunity to view one of New York’s legendary traditions, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, from a prime perch overlooking Times Square at a special champagne brunch hosted by Los Angeles philanthropist, arts patron and injured vets activist Patricia Kennedy, founder of Step Up 4 Vets. The veterans and their spouses and children had an eye popping view as the balloons passed by the windows. For many it was there first time seeing the parade. For the last three years, Ms. Kennedy a long time patron of dance has successfully bought at auction at the Career Transitions For Dancers Annual Jubilee, the brunch to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from their offices overlooking Times Square.

Patricia Kennedy with War Vets

As she has done with Career Transitions For Dancers Jubilee Gala, her guests were not captains of industry, celebrities or socialites but America’s most devastatingly wounded warriors. Ms. Kennedy says, “They never got a parade when they came home so Step Up 4 Vets and Macy’s is saying 'Thank you' for your service on Thanksgiving Day." Alexander Dube, Executive Director Of Career Transition for Dancers and his staff turned their conference into a balloon & toy filled romper room for the children who wrote messages to Santa on balloons which they later tossed out the window when Santa passed by.

Patricia Kennedy and the kids

It was hard to tell who was having the most fun – the children or Ms. Kennedy and the rest of the adults. Many of the vets are part of The Warrior Transition Unit at West Point's Keller Army Medical Center and from IAVA, (Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America). Ms. Kennedy launched Step Up 4 Vets in 2008 to partner in the transition of our injured veterans as they readjust, rebuild and redirect their lives.

Sergeant Major James Mark Seydler and Gracyn Hope

Capt. Scott Smiley, wife Tiffany, and sons Graham and Grady

Krista, Sgt. First Class Kurt, and Dorothy Horstman

The Rodriguez Family with Patricia Kennedy

John Wegorzewski, Tia and Peggie Walker, and Edward Callaghan

Amanda Miller, Patricia Kennedy, and Tiffany Smiley

Gracyn Hope Seydler and Amanda Seydler

Brothers Major Neal Smiley, Capt. Scott Smiley, Stephen Smiley, with Patricia Kennedy

Major Marco Bongioanni, Audrey Bongioanni, and Elli Papadopoulos

Patricia Kennedy and CTFD Executive Director Alexander Dube

Writing message to Santa

Collin Seydler

Austin Rodriguez sends a message to Santa

IAVA’s Jason Hansman and Major Marco Bongioanni

Enjoying the brunch buffet

Last Monday night at the Plaza, Lighthouse International held its 2010 Annual LightYears Gala Salutes the Art of Film, honoring Robert Osborne, the famous host of Turner Classic Movies, Charles S. Cohen, President/CEO Cohen Brothers Reality Corporation, and his wife Clo Cohen, Dr. Madeleine Sherak, Educator, film producer, philanthropist and Tom Sherak, Revolution Consulting Services, philanthropist. Gala chairs for the black tie event were Katherine Oliver, Commissioner, New York City Office of Media and Entertainment (and past honoree), Beth Rudin DeWoody, Henri Frankfurter, Stephanie Goldman-Pittel, Ronald Polon and Peggy Siegal. The Honorary Gala Chair was Arlene Dahl. Honorary Chairmen are Iris B. Apfel, Mario Buatta, Mica Ertegun, Michael Feinstein, Marvin Hamlisch and Marc Rosen.

Also attending Gena Rowlands, Chita Rivera, Elke and Ben Gazzara, Barbara Taylor Bradford and Jane Powell. Proceeds benefit Lighthouse International's mission to fight vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. Lighthouse has a long affiliation with the arts, and the LightYears Gala underscores the importance design, fashion, film, and music have had in it history. The LightYears Award is one of the most prestigious honors of the Lighthouse, and is presented to those who are light years ahead of all others in philanthropic, civic, and professional service to others and to the community

Alex Donner

Founded in 1905, Lighthouse International is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to fighting vision loss through prevention, treatment and empowerment. It achieves this through clinical and rehabilitation services, education, research and advocacy. For more information about vision loss and its causes, contact Lighthouse International at 1-800-829-0500 or go to www.lighthouse.org [1].

Tom Sherak, Madeleine Sherak, Elaine May, Stanley Donen, Merryn Schlossberg, and Julian Schlossberg

Barbara Taylor Bradford and Robert Bradford

Jennifer and Andrew Kowitski

Mark Ackermann, Arlene Dahl, Robert Osborne, Chita Rivera, and Jane Powell

Roger Goldman, Tom Sherak, Madeleine Sherak, Clo Cohen, Charles Cohen, and Mark Ackermann

Elaine May

Beth Rudin De Woody

Mario Buatta

Roger Goldman, Gena Rowlands, and Robert Forrest

Stephanie Goldman-Pittel and Ron Pittel

Somers Farkas, David Dinkins, and Mark Ackermann

Jonathan Wainwright, Jean Shafiroff, and Marc Rosen

Peggie Siegal, Steve Guttenberg, and Anna Gilligan

Elke and Ben Gazzara

Robert Osborne, Chita Rivera, and Jane Powell

Sydney Weinbera and Robert Osborne

Carole Holmes McCarthy, Geoffrey Bradfield, and Helena Lehane

The Thursday before last, the 13th Annual Collaborating For a Cure Dinner and Auction benefiting the Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation (SWCRF) was held at the Park Avenue Armory. The evening was headlined by Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow.   The yearly fête, among the top annual fundraising events in New York City, was attended by more than 1,200 corporate executives, Board Members and their guests. The Waxman has raised several million dollars to support the Foundation’s research efforts to produce a cure for cancer. Past supporters have included Chevy Chase, Steely Dan, Glenn Frey, Joe Walsh, John Fogerty and Counting Crows.

The Waxman Girls

Sheryl Crow

There was a Live Auction led by Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby’s Auction House. The Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation is an international organization dedicated to curing and preventing cancer. The Foundation is a pioneer in cancer research, focusing on uncovering the causes of cancer and reprogramming cancer cells. SWCRF is dedicated to delivering tailored, minimally toxic treatments to patients. Their mission is to eradicate cancer by bridging the gap between lab science and the patient. Through a collaborative group of world-class scientists, the Institute Without Walls, investigators share information and tools to speed the pace of cancer research. Since its inception in 1976, the Foundation has awarded more than $75 million to support the work of more than 175 researchers across the globe.

Brenda von Schweickhardt and Tammy Ofek

C. Hugh Hildesley

Dr. Samuel Waxman, M.D.

Susan and Elihu Rose

Gwen Darien

Jackie and Jean Shafiroff

Katlean de Monchy

Laurie Schaffran

Bettina and Spencer Waxman

Sharon Blynn

Ceslie Armstrong, Robert Kantor, and Adrienne Kantor

Dr. Samuel Waxman, M.D. and Dr. Ethan Dmitrovsky, M.D.

Robin Lathrop, Michael Neirenberg, and Elin Nierenberg

Photographs by PatrickMcMullan.com [2]; Rob Rich (Gilda's Club); Ann Watt (Step Up 4 Vets)

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