An Evening of Elegant Dinner Parties to Support the Arts
POSTED: DECEMBER 2011
The artist’s palette – and all of its colors – was the theme of this year’s edition of “Dining for the Arts”, the fall fundraiser for the New Rochelle Council on the Arts. The evening, which was sponsored by Modern Paint & Hardware, Sutton Florists and AOC Fine Wines, featured 14 intimate, color-themed dinner parties at gracious private homes around New Rochelle, followed by dessert and dancing at Wykagyl Country Club.
Creative hosts gave the evening panache: Guests of Karina and John Verni accepted the challenge to come dressed in “Flamenco Red” for a menu that featured Iberian fare while the hosts of “Red, White and Blush: A Wine Dinner” sported patriotic regalia to serve American wines paired with food created by William Leon of the Gnarly Vine. Hosts Andrea and Peter Rothberg chose “Dusty Rose” for their theme, complementing the William Morris wallpaper in their Arts and Craft inspired home, while Barbara and Frank Axel created a sophisticated dinner around the idea of “Manhattan, in Black and White.” The swingin’ sixties was the inspiration for Linda and Ken Maier’s “Yellow Submarine” party, while Stephanie and Joe Tomei – co- founders of the Ward Acres Community Garden – took “Green” to new heights with a locavor-icious meal. Despite their very different menus, each of the cleverly themed dinner parties had a common goal of supporting NRCA (www.newrochellearts.org), the non-profit organization that has revitalized the arts in New Rochelle.
At 9 pm guests made their way to Wykagyl Country Club for a lavish buffet of luscious desserts and dancing. Modern Paint and Hardware created the colorful centerpieces, and volunteers sold chances for a raffle with prizes that included a $200 gift certificate from Modern Paint and Hardware; a $200 gift certificate from Mariano Rivera’s Clubhouse Grill, $100 gift certificates from Alvin & Friends and the Gnarly Vine; a Tiffany decanter; 12 sessions from the Personal Training Institute; a $100 gift certificate from Victoria’s Secret and custom-framed art created by Roy Gilwit.
“Dining for the Arts” co-chairs were Lynn Green, Theresa Kump Leghorn and Angela Derecas Taylor, with NRCA Treasurer Billie Tucker acting as the event treasurer. Hosts for this year’s dinner parties included Angela and Tom Taylor with Mary Jo and Quentin Jacobs and Jennifer and William Leon (“Red, White and Blush: An American Wine Dinner”); Barbara and Frank Axel (“Manhattan in Black and White”); Carey Samuels and Mark Hochberg with Valerie and Barry Fertel (“Earth and Sky: Terra Cotta and Turquoise ”); Ellen and Steve Sonet with Barbara Davis and Stephen Pappas (“Chinese Red”); Theresa Kump Leghorn and Tom Leghorn with Fiorella and Guido Corso (“Red, White and Green: The Colors of Italy”); Berdie and Len Stein with Amy Bach (“The Sunrise Sixties”); Linda and Ken Maier (“Yellow Submarine”); Marcia Nackenson and Bruce Turkel (“Tickled Pink”); Andrea and Peter Rothberg (“Dusty Rose”); Stephanie and Joe Tomei (“It’s Easy Being Green”); Judith Weber , Angie Lorenzo and Eric Woodlin (“Black Orchid”); Karina and John Verni (“Flamenco Red”), and Debbie and Robert Morris with Barbara Reguero and Keith Barbaria (“Siciliano: Red and Yellow”). Kathy and Roy Gilwit organized the event volunteers.
NRCA was created by the New Rochelle City Council in 1975 to stimulate and encourage the study and presentation of the performing and fine arts and the public’s interest and participation therein. NRCA has worked to fulfill that mission by sponsoring art exhibitions, theatrical productions, dance recitals, film screenings, lectures, and concert series as well as city-wide events like ArtsFest and the Sound Shore Shakespeare Festival. Membership is open to artists and non-artists alike, with members receiving a quarterly newsletter, special discounts and invitations to networking events and studio tours. For more information visit NRCA on the web at www.newrochellearts.org.
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