MON ONCLE: Spectacular Spring Affair

Last night in New York, The Lenox Hill Neighborhood House held its annual Spring gala, "A Spring Affair" at Cipriani 42nd Street. More than 460 attended and they raised approximately $1.4 million.

The evening featured 50 tables—each decorated by a different, renowned designer.Outgoing President Thomas J. Edelman received a special recognition / honor and spoke of the organizations philanthropic history.

Lenox Hill Neighborhood House is one of New York’s premier nonprofit organizations, begun 120 years ago. In his speech last night Mr. Edelman explained how more than a century ago, the Upper East Side had a different face.

Who knew. . . .the wealthy lived on Fifth and Madison Avenues. Park Avenue was still known as Fourth Avenue and the railroad tracks spewing their sooty smoke ran down the middle of the avenue. There was also an elevated train that ran along the center of Third Avenue which served as a dividing line between the wealthy and the working poor. I'm not sure where the working non-poor lived, but I'm sure it was lovely and soot free.

Guests at the cocktail hour before the dinner were all gussied up in black tie apparel. The evening was glamorous and attended by the who's chic of the design industry, generations of altruistic volunteers and members. It began at 7 with cocktails (full open bar) and a preview of the designer tables. Dinner was served at 8:30.

This year’s design chairs include VERANDA magazine's Editor-in-Chief Clinton Smith, VERANDA magazine's Design and Decoration Editor Carolyn Englefield, antiques dealer David Duncan, interior designer Lindsey Coral Harper and ceramic artist Christopher Spitzmiller. Thank you Lenox Hill and Cipriani for the majestic evening.

Spectacular Spring Affair - Lenox Hill