Author Archives: Chuck Gregory

Party Pics: Face Africa

March 26, 2016 New York, NY United States: FACE Africa Wash Gala in New York.

March 26, 2016 New York, NY United States: FACE Africa Wash Gala in New York.

FACE Africa hosted its 7th Annual WASH, (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Gala on Saturday March 26, 2016 at NeueHouse Madison Square in New York City. The Gala took place on the heels of World Water Day, (March 22nd) and aimed to bring awareness to the growing clean water epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa. 700 million people globally lack access to safe water supply sources, with 300 million people in Africa alone affected everyday.

Over 300 guests stepped out in sparkling gowns and dapper suits in support of FACE Africa’s work and mission and helped raise $165,000, including $10,000 pledged during a live auction. Proceeds from this year’s WASH Gala will be used to expand FACE Africa’s mission beyond Liberia as well as support the organization’s WASH in Schools (WinS) Program.  The WinS program is an initiative in partnership with the Liberia Ministry of Education that aims to improve the future of school-children across Liberia through the provision of safe water and hand washing and sanitation facilities in schools.

“As always, we were so touched and humbled by the outpouring of love and support from our sponsors, donors and the hundreds of guests who came out in support of our work and mission,” said Saran Kaba Jones, Founder and CEO of FACE Africa. “It was truly a magical evening of celebration, giving and inspiration.”

The event, coined by guests as the “Diasporan Oscars,” was hosted by celebrated journalist Zain Verjee and guests included celebrity stylist Ty Hunter, Grammy nominated artist Jidenna, Entourage star Adrian Grenier, actors Gbenga Akinnagbe and Adepero Oduye​ as well as Opal Tometti, one of the founders of the Black Lives Matters movement.

“It was an incredible feeling to see such a diverse group of community-spirited people, mainly young Africans in the diaspora, coming together for a great cause and I was extremely pleased to serve on the Host Committee again this year,” said OkayAfrica CEO Abiola Oke.

The Broadway play Eclipsed starring Lupita Nyong’o, is partnering with FACE Africa and donating 10% of all ticket sales generated by ECWASH322 code to support the organization’s WASH projects in Liberia. During the evening, a special message from Eclipsed star Saycon Sengbloh was played for WASH Gala guests to announce the partnership. Patrons can use the promotion code until the end of show’s production in June.

Photos by Keiko Hiromi, Cali York Photography & Aida Malik Photography.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged , , , on by .

Party Pics: FJK Dance

fjk001
Ballet lovers Amy Fine Collins, Cathy Hardwick, Michele Gerber Klein and dancer Ethan Stiefel trudged over to the DANY rehearsal studio to preview FJK Dance’s upcoming 2016 season. Founded by the Iraqi born Fadi J. Khoury, who explained the uniqueness of his company which mixes classical ballet with ballroom dancing and Middle Eastern influences. The theme of his season is to bring people from different backgrounds together thorough art and beauty.  His company includes dancers from Colombia, Cuba, Italy, Iraq, Spain, and Switzerland, with  musicians from the US and Israel — Jonathan Rodinelli on piano and Elad Kabilio on cello perform with the group. FJK Dance’s upcoming 2016 season at New York Live Arts running April 6 – 9.

This entry was posted in Parties and tagged , , , on by .

Autism Event

image002

Wednesday, March 30 from 6 to 7:30 pm
Atlas Foundation For Autism 252 West 29th Street 3rd Floor. New York

Author and Father of an autistic son Rupert Isaacson will share his book, THE LONG RIDE HOME: The Extraordinary Journey of Healing that Changed a Child’s Life (March 2016). Rupert’s book combines his talents, as an observer with a gift for breathtaking detail, with the insight of his psychologist wife, to create a portrait of hope that has resulted in The Movement Method, practiced around the world. It’s a story of love and the perseverance to find the child locked within the shell of autism and help him reach his full potential, a potential that may be a gift to the neurotypical world. If you are looking for a great school in Atlanta then check out these private schools in Atlanta.

Joining the program also will be Manhattan-based singer also on the spectrum, Samantha Elisofon, the subject of her Mother’s soon to be released memoir, MY PICTURE PERFECT FAMILY: What Happens When One Twin has Autism by Marguerite Elisofon (Central Park Publishers; April 4, 2016). Samantha is a young adult on the spectrum but, despite all odds, graduated from college with honors and has perfect pitch. She will be performing at 6:30pm during the March 30 program.

For more information visit:
www.atlasforautism.org/school/
margueriteelisofon.com/
www.horseboyfoundation.org

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , on by .

Spring Fling

springfling600

Wednesday, May 25 at 7 pm (VIP 6 pm; after-party 9 pm)
The Bowery Hotel, 335 Bowery, New York

Varsity Ticket – $325 – Drinks, Dinner, Auction and After Party, all starting at 7pm. Your donation supports the after-school mentoring and leadership programs.

Prom King or Queen Ticket – $1000 – VIP Pre-Reception, Drinks, Dinner and After Party, all starting at 6pm. Your donation sponsors the summer program for one girl.

Valedictorian Ticket Package – $5000 – 4 Tickets with access to all events. Package includes a program listing and a summertime private Planetarium show at the LESGC’s East Village Planetarium. Your donation sponsors STEM programs for 10 girls.

After Party Pep Squad Ticket – $150 – After Party Ticket for the late night crowd. Dessert & Dancing starting at 9pm. Your donations sponsor field trips and art classes.

Since 1996, The Lower Eastside Girls Club has provided innovative, community-based programs and services for girls and young women.

The mission of the Girls Club is to break the cycle of local poverty by training the next generation of ethical, entrepreneurial and environmental leaders.

You can find them at their state-of-the-art Center for Community on Avenue D, where they are: “Opening Doors, Empowering Women, Building Community, Girl by Girl”
or visit their website at http://www.girlsclub.org/

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , on by .

Face Africa

faceafrica

March 26 from 7 to 10 pm
Neuehouse, 110 E 25th Street, New York

The WASH Gala gives you an opportunity to learn more about the critical work FACE Africa does in promoting clean water access in Sub-Saharan Africa. You will leave feeling connected, inspired and empowered to give back.

The Annual WASH Gala is more than just a party. It’s a gathering of friends. It’s an evening dedicated to giving back. It’s an annual celebration of Africans and Friends of Africa, coming together to make a difference.

Join the growing community of over 350 guests including influencers in development, tech, entertainment and art.

For more information visit http://faceafricagala.com/

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , on by .

Savor the Spring

savorspring

Thursday, April 7 from 7 to 11 pm
Angel Orensanz Foundation, 172 Norfolk Street, New York

The FUNdraisers committee is thrilled to introduce the NYJL’s inaugural epicurean affair, Savor the Spring. Guests will taste signature cocktails and dishes by a host of celebrated New York chefs, while exploring a silent auction featuring a number of unique culinary-inspired and other fine items. VIP ticketholders will also enjoy a private lounge throughout the evening as well as a luxe gift bag. Proceeds will benefit the charitable activities of the New York Junior League, including signature projects such as Playground Improvement Project (P.I.P) and Cooking and Health Education for Families (C.H.E.F.).

In acknowledgment of the New York Junior League’s 115th year of volunteerism, ‘Savor the Spring’ will celebrate the history of the NYJL and the work of founder, Mary Harriman, and the first team of volunteers in the heart of Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

For more information visit https://www.nyjl.org/savor-the-spring/

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , , on by .

Savior

ankomn

Ankomn http://www.ankomn.com  announced today Savior, the world’s most powerful non-electric vacuum sealed container ever made for food, tobacco, marijuana, and herb storage. Featuring Ankomn’s patented vacuum seal technology system, Savior keeps products fresher up to 8 times longer, saving waste, money, and the environment. Winner of the 2016 iF Design Award, Savior keeps everything at the peak of its freshness by forcing air out with each twist, locking out excessive humidity as well as dry air that can make products go stale. Also perfect for marinating meats, Savior keep all food and herbs fresh, including nuts, tobacco, marijuana, coffee, tea, truffles, herbs, fish, meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese, chips, and baked goods – all products will stay fresher longer in Savior’s proprietary vacuum sealed containers.

Based on Ankomn’s research, an American family of five wastes approximately $100 a month throwing out foods when they expire before being consumed. Savior keeps food fresher longer, stopping waste and saving families money (see comparison chart below). Since Savior requires no electricity, it is also great for outdoor activities, such as camping, hunting and fishing. Refrigerator and freezer safe, stacking vertically for space-efficient storage, Savior is a must-have for a modern kitchen and lifestyle. Savior is stain-resistant and easy to clean — just pop the container in the dishwasher and quickly wash out the lid in the sink (lid is not dishwasher safe because of the vacuum components).

This entry was posted in Trending and tagged on by .

Coma

coma

Saturday, March 12 from 11pm
GQ Bar, JW Marriot Marquis, Dubai

An intimate underground house journey in a cool venue… but not for the faint-hearted. The place has a pumping sound system and with residents like Aidin Karami doing his thing most weeks, it’s one of those reliably good house nights! Long may it continue.

See more at https://www.facebook.com/COMA.Dubai/

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , on by .

Sharam

Eden

Friday, March 11 from 10 am to 11:30 pm
EDEN Beach Club, The Rixos, The Palm, 99573 Dubai, United Arab Emirates

From underground classics like Texi, Get Wild and Don’t Say A Word, to scoring international chart toppers, like PATT (Party All The Time) and The One, Sharam’s musical credits are as dynamic as his DJ sets. His production collaborations include artists such as Kid Cudi, Shakira, Patsy Cline, Chris Martin and Daniel Bedingfield just to name a few. He seamlessly navigates between hypnotic underground sets rooted in his rich history of house and techno, while entertaining younger dance enthusiasts of today with laser like focus and dedication to quality. His motto remains ‘entertain while educate’. His sound is Ibiza in Vegas. His style is limitless.
During the Miami conference Sharam rejoined his old buddy Dubfire as the legendary duo “Deep Dish” and performed their first show in over 8 years setting the industry abuzz once again with their set as well as their new single “Quincy”.

Be sure to arrive early to catch some sunshine and indulge in the luxury of the beach club on your very own sunbed or private beach bungalow, or keep yourself cool with a cocktail at the swim-up bar.

Create new memories over lunch with friends at the restaurant overlooking the pristine waters of the Palm Jumeirah. As the sun goes down and Day turns to Night, EDEN will evolve into a party with DJs Kaytek & Trix heating things up before the big guns take over the decks.

Opening hours: 10am – Midnight. EDEN’s door policy applies.
For reservations call or email:
+971 (0) 4 277 1477
reservations@edenbeachclub.com

sharam

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , , , , on by .

Chef Masterclasses

taste-of-dubai1

Thursday, March 10 at 6:30 pm
Friday, March 11 at 10:30 pm
Saturday, March 12 at 1:30 pm
Electrolux Chef’s Theatre at Taste of Dubai

Nathan Outlaw not only has one of the best names in the British dining scene, he also has one of the most solid reputations. The seafood expert has earned two Michelin stars across his family of restaurants, where he has put his experience of working alongside the likes of Rick Stein and Gary Rhodes to good use. This weekend (March 10-12) is his first visit to Taste of Dubai, but he is looking forward to showing off his skills.

“I have done Taste of London before and I know the ‘Taste’ team, so I know what I’ve let myself in for!” he says. “I am actually really excited to be coming over, Dubai is an impressive city and I’m excited to look around and get to know it a bit more. I’ve eaten in some impressive restaurants there, like Coya and Jean-Georges Kitchen, so I know it’s a strong dining scene.”

Nathan will be making regular appearances throughout the weekend, notably in the Chef’s Theatre, where he will be serving up some of his fish-based expertise. He’ll also be taking part in the Cooking Challenge, where members of the public can see if they can follow the instruction of a leading chef and serve up a gourmet meal of their own.

“The Chef’s Theatre will mainly be about preparing fish, which is a crucial component of any seafood dish, and then cooking a couple of simple dishes. For the challenge, I think I’ll be doing scallops poached in coconut milk, which is typical of the kind of food I cook – things that I like to eat myself. It is taken from my latest cookbook, too, which is very much about creating easy-to-follow dishes at home.”

One thing is for sure, though, it won’t be his last visit to Dubai – and he’s not ruling out the possibility his name might appear above a restaurant in the near future. “I have looked at a couple of opportunities already and visited quite a few kitchens to see what ingredients they use, where they source their fish. I can’t believe the quality of the seafood they’re able to get hold of.”

Click to read more

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , , on by .

Shipping and Marine Get-Together

shippingandmarine

Monday, March 14 from 6 to 9 pm
Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Ground Floor, Address Dubai Marina

This meet up brings together business leaders working within the Shipping & Marine industries in the UAE.

Meet Senior Level Professionals
In an Informal and Relaxed Environment
at USA’s #1 Fine Dining Steakhouse

Three-Course Steakhouse Meal
House beverages
300AED per person

NOTE: Pre-Registration is advised as there are a limited number of places

Click here to register

 

This entry was posted in Events and tagged , , , on by .