A
bright and sunny Columbus Day in New York. A
holiday for a lot of people. I had a luncheon appointment with Francine
LeFrak at Michael’s. Less traffic because of
the holidays, easier to get around. Except. The parade up Fifth
Avenue. Which I had not foreseen when I left the house (thinking
I could travel to my destination quickly). Michael’s
is on 55th Street (between Fifth and Sixth). Nothing was moving
west of Madison, so I got out and hoofed it. But there was
a crowd in front of the St. Regis, waiting for part of the
parade to pass by. I waited, and watched. Then the moment came – a
break where we could dash across the avenue. Which I did, seeing
out of the corner of my eye, the parade marching quickly toward
us.
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Rick
Friedberg and Francine LeFrak
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Just as I
got to the other side, the crowd let out a cheer. For me? I
don’t think so. I turned to look to see who they were
cheering. Mayor Bloomberg? Giuliani?
The Sopranos? Then, surrounded by officials I saw her: Hillary.
Marching up the avenue to the drumbeat, black pantsuit, streaked
blonde hair. She looked great; great big smile, waving with
the left, waving with the right, big, strong wide stride. I
wondered to myself how she does it all and has all that energy
left to do this, even the way she waves to the crowds.
It was also interesting to see her without Bill.
A solo; the independent entity. She seemed to have more energy
than all the other marchers. She reminded me of what she’s
always reminded me of: that girl in school who was always on top
of her assignments and did a lot of afterschool stuff too.
I stood there for a moment watching,
fascinated by the sight of her. One
block up there were more cheers. And, I think, some
boos. Doesn’t matter, I thought; she’s
used to all of it. I thought of my mother (who passed
away fifteen years ago at 82). She was like that:
got a lot done in a day, everyday, a worker, a lot;
and then could get up for the parade too. I thought
of myself: I’d probably want to lie down and
take a nap (and would).
Lunch.
I’ve known Francine LeFrak for a number of years
now. Daughter of the recently departed real
estate tycoon Sam, she’s a familiar
face on the New York social scene with her husband Rick
Friedberg. She’s also familiar on the Hollywood
scene, having produced eleven films for television over
the past twelve years including: “Prison Stories:
Women on the Inside” (HBO), “Shot Through the
Heart” (HBO, Peabody Award winner), “Blood
Brothers: The Joey DiPaolo Story” (HBO). Award-winning
movies that focus on “social issues of global significance.”
She’s
also produced some plays and musicals on Broadway (“Children
of a Lesser God," “They’re Playing Our Song” – London
production), etc. Plus she’s an active fundraiser for
certain charities as well as an active strategic planner in
community organizations. Another one of those girls who do
a lot, get a lot done and have time for more.
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Francine
LeFrak and Rick Friedberg
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She started
a new business that is synergistic with her producer’s
activities. Producers do a lot of waiting around for phone
calls. Francine knows the game but is one who needs to be using
her skills in the wait time. It’s occurred to her over
the years that through her experience and professional and
social activities, she’s created a well of resources – people
she can call for all kinds of advice, input, influences. People
who wield all kinds of creative, financial and political influence.
She knows that’s how the world works. She also knows
from experience that one of the biggest problems people have
with an “idea” is getting it started, putting it
into play.
So, she started a consulting business called LeFrak
Access to assist people with “high level introductions,
strategic planning and unique enhancement services.” The
objective reads like this: “LeFrak Access will analyze your
true aspirations and then conceptualize strategies to bring them
to life by connecting you to the best and brightest in every discipline.
For philanthropies, LeFrak Access will leverage charitable dollars
through access to advisors, celebrities and corporate sponsors.”
New York, said Eleanor Lambert, is a city where,
if you have an idea, you can find someone to share it with.
Francine is one of those rare industrious individuals who has built
a professional life based on connections and relationships. She
knows just exactly who those are who want to “share those
ideas.” She knows how to organize, strategize and “share
those ideas.” Her mission with LeFrak Access is to put it
to effect.
“Give us your wish list and we’ll get you connected.” That
could be the company motto.
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