I’m fascinated by the most elegant fundraising events for the worthiest charities, like the recent Food Allergy Ball at the Metropolitan Museum. Did the cater-waiters serve only empty plates, just to be on the safe side? I attended a gala at the Pierre, with a Winter Wonderland theme, for 100 Women Against Child Abuse. I kept picturing the membership committee, considering a 101st woman, with someone murmuring, “I’m just not sure about Evelyn. I once saw her shove a little girl at FAO Schwarz.” The legendary, irresistible diva Jessye Norman once sang at a black-tie evening where she was given an award as an American Woman of Style. She acknowledged her hosts, saying, “Thank you for helping me to realize a dream I never knew I had.”
November 21, 2013
