JBFCS SPRING BENEFIT

I was lucky enough to get to another event for a worthwhile charity, this time at a place that’s very near and dear to my heart, the Plaza Hotel! Mr. X And I used to stay there all the time, and it’s still one of the most romantic places on earth. Even without him!

The event was to benefit the Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, and was beautifully done. The generous supporters were treated to quite the fete.

Alas, because my broken back was acting up, I had to bow out before the dinner part of the evening began, but the ballroom looked gorgeous! And I was already stuffed from the sumptuous hors d’oeuvres.

Photos by Karen Salkin.

We began in my favorite part of the hotel, the Palm Court, where afternoon tea is usually served. We continued moving on to the next area, where the body of the cocktail party was set-up. There were half a dozen food stations, all from different restaurants. They featured everything from hand carved turkey sandwiches with homemade cranberry sauce to the thinnest pizza ever to ceviche and sushi. I really can’t imagine how anyone could eat a dinner after all that. I didn’t eat again until noon the next day.

But the highlight for me wasn’t even the outstanding fare this time! It was seeing Mayor Bloomberg speak. I was surprised at how interested I was in seeing him in person. I realized that, despite the huge number of NYC events I’ve attended while he’s been in office, this time was a first for me.

Mayor Bloomberg, addressing the crowd.

He noted how important the JBFCS Is, wished everyone well, and went on his way. More food for us! (And it was all fabulous! No kidding; a colleague of mine, who’s not Jewish, noted that the food was the best ever, and gave props to my people for that. We were invited to a party the next night for a Yiddish theatre production, and she said, “We know that at least the food will be good!” So, yay to my heritage.)

JBFCS is one of the nation’s most respected non-profit mental health and social services agencies. It serves all ethnicities, and is very worthwhile. You should really check into it, especially if you’re in the New York area.

I love that honoree Seymour R. Askin, Jr. (who’s also worked with Big Brothers, and the Jewish Board of Guardians,) told the assemblage that his mother taught him that “people who are able to live well have an obligation to pay it back in some way.” Many of the pampered people I know would do well to remember that! This fabulous crowd that night sure knew to do it. What a commendable group.

For more info on this excellent organization, please visit www.jbfcs.org.