Thursday eve was the benefits of all benefits. Young Philanthropists hosted their 2nd Annual Midsummer Social event for the Cancer Research Institute at Tenjune. The Meatpacking District is never at a shortage of young hot professionals, and last night was definitely no exception.

The mood lit venue was shoulder to shoulder with gorgeous fashion mavens and suits, all gathered to support CRI. Although it was laborious to maneuver though the plethora of YPs, it was utterly invigorating to witness an immense crowd of the next generation of philanthropists.

“I received some updated numbers this morning… including the raffle and additional ticket sales, we raised just over $25,000 from the event. That’s a fantastic number, especially in this economy.” stated Brian Brewer, Director of Communications for CRI, “We’re thrilled at the level of support we received. It’s a testament to the strength of our YP Council members, who worked very hard to make the event so fabulous.”

The Cancer Research Institute Young Philanthropists are a network of young professionals committed to philanthropic giving and volunteerism for the purpose of supporting research in cancer immunology.

Over 300 attendees enjoyed a top-shelf open bar, snacks, and cupcakes, and a VIP raffle with prizes collectively valued at nearly $10,000, including: a weekend stay at The Premier at the Millennium Broadway; a Diane von Furstenberg wrap purse and signature towel; a Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge “Lucky Party” for Eight; and a dinner for two at Aureole. Other raffle items included: a Coach purse; a Marc Jacobs hobo; Arbitrage custom men’s dress shirt, tie, and cuff links; sporting packages; signed professional sports paraphernalia; gift certificates for several of New York City’s finest restaurants; and many other fun prizes that appeal to young New Yorkers.

CRI YP Council Chair Alexis Feldman greeted everyone who turned out to show their support for the Institute. Feldman briefly spoke of the Institute’s mission and gave a special thanks to the evening’s sponsors and the Benefit Committee, who helped make the event such a success. She also applauded the hard work of the YP Council: Abigail Cusik, Sarah Kassoff, Ali Lapinsky, Ryan Phillips, Melissa Phillips, Blake Reidy, Peter Siegel, Marissa Schneider, Meredith Stampler, Elizabeth Tatkow, and Josephine Vella.

Completely impressed with the event and Ms. Feldman, I had to sneak in a few questions before she could fully savor a little R & R.

SBS: How did it all begin and what was/is your vision?

AF: Last summer, CRI hosted the first Midsummer Social and from that we found was, some great 20-30 yr old professionals looking to get involved with the cause. The board was put together around September 2008 and I was asked to be the chair. Since then, I have had two goals: putting together fundraising events and building our board. Raising funds for and awareness of CRI is our main objective and hopefully we did a lot of both last night.

SBS: What is your relationship to CRI?

AF: I met Jill O'Donnell-Tormey [CRI Executive Director] and Lynne Harmer last summer with my father and immediately wanted to get involved with their organization. I was impressed with the work they were doing and the different approach to fighting cancer.

SBS: Are you affiliated solely with CRI or as Council Chair of YP, are there other foundations you champion?

AF: I am also very involved with the Mentoring Partnership of New York as the Young Professional Advisory Board's Event Chair. We host the Luke Boisi Memorial Benefit every summer, this was our 6th year, and we raised over $55,000. I also like to support other organizations such as UJA, ASPCA, and the Tribeca Partnership.

SBS: Last night was a smashing success, was it what you had hoped for?

AF: Last night was absolutely everything I had hoped for. We sold over 300 tickets, which wasn't even our goal, we were trying to sell 200! We had an amazing raffle that exceeded our expectations and at the last minute, put together gift bags for all attendees because of the incredible support from some generous companies. Our board worked hard on last night's event and it paid off. I was so proud of the work we had done and the turn out and happy guests made everything worth it.

SBS: I loved your dress, who's it by?

AF: My dress was Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent. It was perfect actually to be in bright neon orange, when CRI staff members or Tenjune staff had to find me I was easy to pick out of the crowd!

SBS: Girls were getting pretty possessive of those cupcakes! Who can we thank for those delicious delights?

AF: The cupcakes, this is an incredible story... my friend went to a bakery to ask them to donate 200 cupcakes to our event. She told them about CRI, our board, the evening, everything. The bakery happily declined. When she turned to leave a woman in line behind her asked, "What were you asking for?" So my friend described everything again, mentioned that her mom had just had cancer and luckily survived, and the bakery as not interested in making the donation. The woman said, "I'll donate the cupcakes!" So she purchased 200 cupcakes in CRI colors (white and blue) and arranged for them to be delivered the day of the event. Just some woman with no affiliation with CRI or my friend, probably looking to buy a cupcake, maybe a coffee, spend a couple bucks, ended up buying a perfect stranger 200 cupcakes, doing an incredibly good deed and giving us an amazing contribution to the evening.

SBS: That gives me goose bumps! What's on tap next for YP?

AF: The Young Philanthropists are going to take a few weeks off! And then get back together in the fall with a planning session for the year to come. We've got a lot of ideas for more events and how we'd like to move forward. Last night was just the beginning. I'm excited for what the future has to hold for us. It’s a great group of dedicated people, looking to work hard for CRI.

SBS: Any plans to relax after such a beautiful benefit?

AF: For me, I'm taking the next 10 days off and relaxing in Southampton. I'm so happy that the event went so well and the hard work is over, I'm taking a nice long break.

For more event photos, please visit: Be Fabulous Gallery

The Institute extends its gratitude to the event sponsors: Ben Lyons of E!, Theory, Diane von Furstenberg, Millennium Broadway Hotel, Arbitrage, and Coach. CRI also gives a special thanks to the Young Philanthropists Council members and the Benefit Committee.


*All photos by Dylan Armajani for SBS

June 23rd, 2009, Hamptons Undercover and Simply Chic PR, threw Socially Superlative, the blog that covers parties, launches, fashion shows, shopping events, and cultural events, a One Year Anniversary party at Inc Lounge. The fete was also to benefit City Harvest, a fantastic organization that helps to end hunger in NYC.

Being fairly new to the NYC social scene, I merely wanted to see what the buzz was about, and of course, check out who was wearing what. Well, I nearly missed Inc Lounge, as it was cleverly hidden in the tourist filled area on 49th st., inside the Time Hotel. Just as I thought to turn away and second-guess my navigational skills, a dapper doorman asked, “Are you looking for the party?” Ha! Now that makes up for what I first considered was a fabled locale. He personally escorted me inside the elevator, pressed #2, and wished me a wonderful evening. What can I say? This girl still loves a bit of chivalry.

I entered the packed swanky lounge to camera flashes and funky beats. I walked about and tried my best to get a feel for the room. Before I knew it, I ran right into the founder of Socially Superlative herself, Ms. Mo (Mosaka Williamson -Editor in Chief) and was able to steal her away for a few minutes.

Scene B Seen: Hey Mo, nice turnout. Can I ask you a few questions about the site?

Mo: Sure of, course

SBS: How did Socially Superlative get its start? 

Mo: Well, to be honest, it was just a hobby. I’m really in shock that it turned out to be this big and [it] has been so much fun! I’m just so very thankful.

Enter Von (Yvonne Lee, Managing Editor).

SBS: What did you guys do before this?

Mo: Well, I was in Book Publishing and Von here….

Von: I still have my full time day job in product development.

SBS: Wow. Well, I guess that makes for a busy week! So when did you officially see SS start to grow like wild fire?

Von: Oh, my, I have to say the Spring 09 fashion week this past fall…. It was crazy but so much fun! We were able to meet and talk to so many people about the site.

SBS: How did you get into the shows?

Von: Oh, ha. We had to work it… A lot! I mean, when we first started going to parties and didn't know anyone, or anything about the party scene. During Fashion week we coordinated coverage with PR firms.

SBS: Has SS conception changed since its’ inception?

Mo: Ha. Oh yes. My first website will remain nameless, but yeah, very different, so glad I changed it! 

SBS: And since you’re out on the social scene so much, what’s been the best party to date you’ve attended?

Mo: Oh, I have to say the 901 Tequila launch at Tenjune last week. Justin Timberlake actually came. And the process to get in the door… Genius! I think everyone had a secret password. Mine was Pepino or something, ha, either way it was so creative to do.  And I still can’t believe that Justin showed.

SBS: What’s one of the best highlights at some of these parties?

Mo: Uh, the swag of course!

SBS: Ha, I should’ve known that one ; )So what are your future goals for SS?

Mo: Well, to inform and reach more people. And to get those people even more tips on where to party and get free drinks! Oh, and of course to have fun!

I must say that throughout my fifteen minutes with these two ladies, the thing that struck me most was their down to earth attitudes. They were just so genuine and sweet. You’d think being in this industry, people could and would turn a little pretentious, but not these girls. They were definitely Socially Superlative, by every account.

After bidding adieu to the fab SS girls, I turned around and immediately noticed a dress worn by one of the Chic Pr girls. “Well, Ms. Sabrina, where did you get this wonderful dress?!” And before I knew it Sabrina Chapman escorted me directly to the designer herself, Ms. Allison Parris, who also wore quite an amazing strapless number, I remember feathers… A very chic black strapless LBD with a feathered mini skirt and a zipper all the way up the back, g-o-r-g-e! I was able to snatch up one of her look books of the fall season. May I just say, I am now officially a huge fan of Ms. Allison Parris!

As I was falling in love with the Parris collection, an amazing jewelry piece caught my eye. I took the bait and followed to ask where it had been purchased. “Actually I m just modeling it tonight for the designer who s over there by the bar.” Of course, I went straight over. I was introduced to April Torres, couture jewelry designer and founder of Isabella Grace Originals. All I could say was ‘Wow’. What great stand out conversation pieces! She gracefully thanked me and began to explain that each piece is a one of a kind and handmade from recycled vintage originals. They like are pieces of glorious art that can spruce up an everyday outfit or an elegant evening gown.

After making the rounds one too many times too many, I decided my cute shoes were finally taking their toll, but not before trying two of the goodies accompanying the evening’s events… The fresh organic rum cocktails made with Cuca Fresca, and a build your own cupcake made by Ivy Bakery. I sipped on a delicious Caipirinha, whilst ordering my vanilla cupcake with cream cheese frosting. Heaven. A perfectly delicious ending to a decadent evening of divine hosts, guests, and delectable fashion.

With all of my senses completely satisfied, I was walking toward the door when I was stopped and offered one of the aforementioned “swag” bags. Mo definitely hit the nail on the head. It felt like 5 pounds and was chock full of amazing goodies including, e.l.f. cosmetics and a generous gift certificate for One Little West 12th. I m still not quite sure if it was an actual Socially Superlative birthday or a Socially Superb night made for just me. Thanks girls!

-Melissa Nicole for sBs

Photo and Wardrobe Stylist

*Photo 1 by Fedele Spandafora: Designer Allison Parris and Danielle

*Photo 2 by Fedele Spandafora: Enrique Crame III, Matt Fox of Fine and Dandy Shop, and Michelle Smollerphoto

*Photo 3 by Phil Nee: April Torres of Isabella Grace Originals- showing jewelry

*Photo 4 by Steven Rosen: Yvonne Lee, Andriis Verschelden, and Stefan Goossens