GIVE KIDS A SHOT–NATIONAL MENINGITIS ASSOCIATION GALA

 

If you read no other columns of mine, I beseech you to read this one! It’s not only about a wonderful charity event, but it has vital health information, that no one can afford to miss. And for once, I can truly say that something I’m writing about is not about me!

Everything about The National Meningitis Association fundraiser I attended last week left me in awe. It was perfectly produced and one of the most moving and informative events I’ve ever been to. And what a worthwhile cause…OMG!

I was shocked when I read of new cases of this dreadful disease recently, as I’m sure many of you were. I seriously thought it was a thing of the very distant past, like in my parents’ era. But, really unfortunately, I was very mistaken. Every one of us, especially young parents, must read up on how a simple vaccination can prevent this insidious disease. (Please visit www.nmaus.org for the latest information, like how they’re optimistic that we’ll have a new vaccine against the final existing strain of meningitis very soon.)

Despite the sad nature of what we were there to help eradicate, the Gala was a majorly happy, uplifting event. And so well done! It actually went in the order that I would do my wedding, if I ever wanted to get married, which I don’t. But, as I said, this one isn’t about me.

This one had everything; great guests, delicious food, fun surprises, celeb appearances, and fabulous, intelligent speakers. And the best part was that everyone got along and mingled perfectly. I really think this was the best event ever! Let me laud it in the order that we experienced it.

First of all, it was at an iconic Central Park South location, The New York Athletic Club. I felt classy just walking in! The gentleman who greeted us said that if we didn’t want to go up yet, (because we had arrived there early, which was a miracle to begin with!,) we could choose to sit in the “Ladies Lounge!” I thought I was in the 1920s! The outer room of the “lounge” was actually gorgeous, spacious, and comfortable, but, instead, we passed a few minutes in the regal lobby.

We went upstairs for the cocktail portion of the evening, which featured one stationary healthful foods table in the center, and so many sumptuous passed hors d’oeuvres, (including beef and chicken skewers, spanakopita, and shrimp spring rolls) that we seriously couldn’t eat any more until the next day! And the staff could not have been nicer. The males among them even treated me as though I was still hot! What a bonus for me!

The stunning silent auction was set-up along the perimeters of that space, with one of the greatest collections of items ever featured. (I believe you can still bid on some at www.CharityBuzz.com, so it’s worth a look.)

As we entered the area, we immediately noticed a woman with a really fun hair arrangement. When we complimented her, she pointed us in the direction of where they were doing creative designs for everyone who wanted one! Delirious Hair Designs consisted of two ladies doing unbelievable creations in the hair of anyone who wanted them; the whole process more than added to the already-festive atmosphere. One girl got a nest made out of white pipe-cleaners with butterflies attached, and another wound-up with a Chinese lantern on her head…and it was lit up! My photographer had a red fish between two buns on top of her head, and kept telling everyone its because she’s “a good catch!” I had a braid with a couple of peacocks, which I think is good luck. (It must have already worked, to bring me to this fabulous soiree!) And one woman just had a classy fascinator. It made everyone interact, instead of the usual staid charity event atmosphere. Brilliant move!

Another stroke of genius was to set-up the speeches before dinner, while everyone still had attention, and in the room where the cocktails took place, so we weren’t sitting at big tables. We had eaten enough and had plenty to drink, and definitely didn’t need dinner right away. Hearing what everyone had to say was so much more important than food.

Each speaker was thoughtful and informative, and made us all laugh and cry. (Okay, I have to admit that I was a sobbing mess.) Newswoman Rita Cosby was an enthusiastic hostess, and the celebrity speakers were Richard Thomas, (of The Waltons fame,) and NASCAR champion Kyle Busch, (along with his sweet, skinny wife.) I was most impressed that Massachusetts State Senator Jack Hart showed-up, right after the horrific bombing in his state. That was very conscientious of him, and totally appreciated by the crowd, especially when he cracked us all up by comparing his looks to those of creepy Donald Trump.

But the speaker who just got to my soul was Para-Olympics Gold Medalist Nick Springer. He’s a fabulous, mentally-stable young man about whom I was already aware. About fourteen years ago, he contracted deadly meningitis at a summer camp; no family should have to go through what his did. But they came out of it in the strongest way possible, and they have the most positive attitude of anyone I’ve ever met. If all I had done all night was listen to Nick, and his father Gary, speak, the evening would have been a complete one for me. Please take a minute to research Nick, and his road to athletic glory. I promise you’ll be richer and wiser for having done so.

I was drained and exhausted by the end of the presentations, so when the assemblage moved into the dining area for a buffet dinner that included prime rib, (which looked heavenly, by the way,) I hung back and re-grouped. When I got a second wind, I partook of the dessert and entertainment. We were surprised by a musical performance from a trio of opera singers, who ended their set with a rousing rendition of Nessun Dorma. And then everyone who still had any energy left danced to the group, Current Affair Music, the lead singer of which loved my boots. (I have to wear them to fancy events since I can’t wear heels now, so I was relieved when he admired them because I thought he was on the way over to kick me out for not being fancy enough!)

I have never stayed at an event for so long a time! But I was far from alone. I can truly say a great time was had by all. And, most importantly of course, lots of money was raised for NMA. Now, if any of us who are passing along the message raised your awareness, and inspired you to vaccinate your loved ones, that will be even better than the fun we had at the gala!