Manhattan’s Winter Wonderland
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
It was literally a “Winter Wonderland” with an elite set of socialites slipping into their gowns and tuxedos to enjoy one of the most highly anticipated events of the holiday season.
On Friday, December 9, 2016, the New York Botanical Garden held their 18th annual Winter Wonderland Gala Ball with a bevy of guests appearing as if they stepped out of a Disney fairy tale. The gala began with a cocktail hour under the enchanting dome of the Palms Of The World Gallery. During the holiday season, the New York Botanical Garden always takes the opportunity to feature a very naturalistic model train set that spans a large expanse of the area and chugs past miniature versions of New York’s famous historic landmarks such as the New York Public Library. The train set became the object of conversation as the attendees sipped and socialized that first hour. The winter chill took on a warm glow as dinner was served in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. Wreaths glistened from the ceiling and the dance floor gave off the illusion of a sheet of ice, all the while mesmerizing the guests with such an imaginative atmosphere. Snow covered trees even filled the venue as part of the Winter Wonderland.
Georgina Bloomberg, Ariana Rockefeller
Those responsible for putting the entire evening together were a strong set of doers and shakers and included a young set of socialites like Georgina Bloomberg, Angelo Bianchi, Natalie Bloomingdale, Giovanna Campagna, Ariana Rockefeller, Timo Weiland, Martin Dawson, Micaela Erlanger, Gaby Rosen, Gillian Hearst Simonds, and May Kowk; vice chairmen Andrew Warren, Sarah Chilton, Natalie Jackson, Nicole Meyers, Alexandra Porter, Elizabeth Steel, and Zack Thain; and honorary chairmen Alina Cho, Cristina Cuomo, Whitney Fairchild, Emma J.P. Goergen, Alexandra Lebenthal, and Alexandra Lind Rose. Some of this year’s benefit committee members working diligently to make the gala a success were Kipton Cronkite, Jeremy Batoff, Reya Benitez, Gillian Miniter, and Peter Brant Jr.. They definitely pulled it off, collaborating with Burberry and David Yurman.
Dana Auslander, Alexandra Lind Rose, Jennifer Creel
Some of the most exquisite pastel colored gowns could be seen on the Belles of the Ball who wore their choices with style and sophistication. Those dressed in silver and black stood out as confident and vivacious, their gowns sparkling with an energy that was breathtaking. Dana Auslander reminded us of Cinderella in her green velvet gown with full-length side slit and matching handbag.
Most of the guests fell under the romantic spell of the evening and danced the night away. The finale’ of the evening was one of New York City’s favorite tunes. Unity and harmony filled the air as Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” started to play. Even those who had not made their way to the dance floor all evening decided this was the perfect way to cap off the evening’s festivities.
Anne Hathaway, Justin Connor
One of the special guests of the night was award-winning actress Anne Hathaway who was honored to attend with her former Vassar College classmate, Justin Conner. Justin also happens to be the New York Botanical Garden’s publicist.
The evening was a huge success as it raised significant funds in support of the New York Botanical Garden’s own world-renowned Children’s Education programs. The main mission of these programs is to give underserved children living in the Bronx a lifelong connection to nature by means of innovative workshops and hands-on activities.
You might say that this fairy tale had a very happy ending!
Photo Credit: BFA.com/Angela Pham, BFA.com/Joe Schildhorn
