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Stefano Spadoni andLaurieDhue

Dr. Acquista with his culinary creationsMediterranean Prescription. Photo by: Stefano Spadoni

Dinner guests

Peter Duchin, Robin Domeniconi, Vittorio Assaf, FabioGranato and Rock Positano Photo by: Rob Rich

Rita Cosby, Joyce Randolph, Francine LeFrak Photo by: Richard LobellHarry Smith Photo by: Richard Lobell

THE BOYS TOWNS OF ITALY

THE MEDITERRANEAN PRESCRIPTION

USO WOMEN OF THE YEAR

Catherine Saxton’s

Four of New York’s most impressive women wer e honored at theUSO of Metropolitan New York’s 40th Annual Women of theYear Luncheon on June 7th. “This is our most successful lunch-eon to date,” USO chairman Stephen Scheffer proudly pro-claimed at the afternoon’s end. But his words came as no sur-prise, since the Grand Ballroom at the Pierre was packed withthe admirers and fans of honorees Francine LeFrak, Abbe Raven,Betsy Bennett, and General Margrit Farmer.

Guests rubbed elbows with TV heavyweights and trendsetters. Harry Smithbrought wit and sincerity to the podium as MC, and Bill Kurtis presented theEntertainer of the Year award to Abbe Raven, president of A&E. Multiple-award-winning producer Francine LeFrak was recognized as Humanitarian ofthe Year, owing in part to her involvement with the Chris and Dana ReeveResource Center. Rita Cosby was there to introduce Francine, and to pay trib-ute to the military men and women in attendance. Ms. Cosby has a uniquerespect for the U.S. armed forces: Her Polish father, a WW II POW, led a dar-ing escape from his prison camp, and was rescued by American troops.

The rest of the night’s never-endingrecipes, all of which Dr. Acquistawhipped up himself, came straight fromPrescription. In this post-Atkins age,the dinner conversation was how anyonecould ever have given up pasta, when itis as tasty as Acquista’s?

Those honored that eveningwere Mr. Vittorio Assaf andMr. Fabio Granato, as “Menof the Year,” Ms. RobinDomeniconi as “Woman ofthe Year,” Mr. RockPositano receiving the“Humanitarian Award” andMr. Peter Duchin as the“Musical Ambassador.”

The elegant Peter Duchin Orchestra broughtguests to their feet to jump and jive as The BoysTowns of Italy celebrated its 61st Anniversarywith their annual Ball of the Year Gala. Held atthe Pierre Hotel on April 7th, guests dined on afantastic four-course meal, and toasted to lifeand happiness!

Among the extravagant silent auction items: atrip to Italy, upscale dinners, jewelry, paintings,home décor and much more! The fund-raiserbenefits the organization, founded after WW II.Fourteen countries participate with refugeesfrom every war torn region around the world.

Renowned physician AngeloAcquista treated friends to recipesfrom his new, hit book, TheMediterranean Prescription. TheMay 23rd guests – including LeeMellis, Lenny Toboroff, and FOXNews star Laurie Dhue – could beheard discussing just one thing:Who knew dieting could taste sogood? Prescription is part healthguide, part cookbook: Its aim is forreaders to live long, live healthily,and live well. Serafina ownersVittorio Assaf and Fabio Granatosent over their newest creation,"Pizza di Angelo," topped with a

wasabi, tuna tartar and caviar.

big events 8/31/06 14:40 Page 8

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Juggling Kid

FANTASMA

FANTASMA

THE NEW YORK POPS

BOMBARDIER PARTY AT AER LOUNGE

Kid Rock, Catherine Forbes, Damon DashPhoto by: Rob Rich

World renownedrecording artist KathySledge and the SledgeSisters performed andbrought the house to itsfeet! Among those inattendance was JeaninePierro, who, while hav -ing to run out, waslured back in for aminute by the darkchocolates Learjetserved at the end of theevening!

NY State Attorney General candi-date Jeanine PierroPhoto by: © Patrick McMullan / Photo:

Chance Yeh PMc

Jahid Fazal-Karim and Denise RichPhoto by:©Patrick McMullan / Photo : Chance Yeh PMc

Meatpacking hotspot AERLounge hosted a party forBombardier Learjet May18th. The event boasted spe-cialty cocktails created espe-cially for the occasion, tospotlight the company’s pre-mier jets: the Challenger, theGlobal and the Learjet.Bombardier continues toshow its commitment to char-ity, as they presented a checkfor $25K to Ms. Denise Rich,founder of the G&PFoundation for CancerResearch.

“O What a Night, I’ll remember, O What aNight!” The New York Pops 23rdAnniversary Gala, “88 Keys for Skitch” wasdefinitely a night to remember! On May 8th,musical greats joined forces at Carnegie Hallto show their support for their dear friendSkitch Henderson, who sadly passed awaylast year. This was not your “average” con-cert at Carnegie Hall. It was a real mosh pitof performances from the sublime LizaMinnelli to hard core Kid Rock to new heart-throb Paolo Nutini to “Broadway’s JerseyBoys.” The guests sat enchanted for most ofthe evening, especially when Mr. Rockscreamed “Get off your ass and dance” orwhen vivacious Elaine Stritch thoughtDamon Dash (hip hop mogul, being honoredthat evening) worked back stage and askedhim to get her some water…oops!

Later on, down the street at The New YorkAthletic Club, guests danced, dined, and bidon one-of-a-kind auction items. It was a longnight of fun for all! Across town, the YoungFriends committee wasted no time gettingdown and dirty at FIZZ Nightclub.Committee chair Catherine Forbes and herfriends even got a late night surprise fromKid Rock, who joined for some drinks!

The NY POPS definitely popped and wentout with huge bang…raising $844,000!

On a serious note, The New York Pops hon-ored legendary Atlantic Records founderAhmet Ertegun, for his musical expertise.There wasn’t a dry eye in sight but thesmiles kept on shining.

Jersey Boys. Photo by: Rob Rich

Abracadabra, Alakazam,Hocus Pocus, Presto-Chango…Do you like magic, bal-loons, puppets, games,make-up, juggling, gaggifts or even watching ananimatronic Houdini per-forming his straight jacketescape routine from theceiling? If your answer isYES, we have the placefor you to visit this sum-mer. FANTASMAMAGIC! You can bringthe kids, go at lunch timeor even bring a date! Itsfun for all ages, anytimeof the day!

Fantasma Magic is locatedin the heart of Manhattanacross from MadisonSquare Garden. Magiciansand illusionists are onCALL 24 hours a day(212-924-8345) and arewaiting to see your smilingface…or even teach you atrick or two!

Why not learn a new tal-ent…experience classes inmagic, ventriloquism, bal-loon sculpturing and jug-gling!

Just remember, at Fantasma, anything can happen!!! And itwill! "http://www.fantasmamagic.com/" \o"http://www.fantasmamagic.com/" www.fantasmamagic.com

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