Tuesday, May 13, 2014 6:25pm 62 degrees
“People, I’m speaking – can you please quiet down?” announced Guy Clark at the prestigious Alpha Workshops Awards where he was being honored.
500+ people attended the thunderous, high-toned award event held in the landmark bank building at 41 Broad Street – just steps away from the New York Stock Exchange. The affair was a stellar mix of high-brow socialites, cafe society celebs and industrious designers and architects. Let it be known that The Alpha Workshops can assemble a good caucus for a great cause.
Kenneth Wampler created the Alpha Workshops in 1995. The Alpha Workshops is the nation’s only non-profit decorative arts studio that trains people with HIV/AIDS and offers employment in a supportive environment. The former owner of a decorative painting firm, Wampler spent the 1980s and early 1990s working with the AIDS resource center – now Bailey House, developing supportive housing for homeless people living with HIV.
The Alpha Workshops has developed into a highly respected vocational training school and decorative arts studio. Year after year, it has expanded its funding base and client list, increased the professionalism and efficiency of its decorative arts training programs.
The 15th Annual Alpha Awards took place at new venue – The Broad Street Ballroom in Manhattan. It was a terrific philanthropic gathering but an even better fashion scene! I had the pleasure of of snapping some very fashionable New Yorkers like Jamie Drake, Harrison Morgan, Michael Boodro, Cindy Allen, John Lyle, Michael Tavano and Barbara Regna …….. all adorned in festive spring cocktail attire. The event offered a full open bar, delicious hors d’ oeuvres at buffet tables and a bevy of waiters refreshing drinks and balancing trays.
How nice it was to have a silver tray follow me through-out the party so I’d have a place to sit my wine bottle . . .I mean wine glass.
My well dressed, bow-tied friend and Interior Designer Guy Clark has been a confidant to the Alpha Workshops in every way possible for almost 15 years. Through commissions from Guy Clark Interiors, Alpha’s custom-finished tables, hand-painted wallpaper and decorative wall treatments can be found in residences in the tri-state area and beyond. Guy served on Alpha’s Board of Trustees for six years, has always been an active participant in Alpha event committees, sourcing many auction items, and generous donor. With an unbounded exuberance, he has been a major ambassador for Alpha and their mission.
Congratulations to Shelley and Donald Rubin, David Sheppard and Guy Clark for being recognized and honored for all your toil and loyalty to Alpha Workshops. Thank you Alpha Workshops for bringing together a sultry silent auction, delightful award ceremony and impressive collection of design stars. It was a splendid evening.
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Michael Boodro (Elle Decor), Harrison Morgan and Guy Clark (honoree) |
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Etienne Coffinier and Kenneth Wampler |
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Etienne Coffinier, Stephanie Odegard, Kenneth Wampler, Ed Ku |
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Princely Guy Clark wears a colorful custom jacket and recites his speech perfectly. He was honored at this 2014 Alpha Workshops event |
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There were some spectacular personal images flashing behind each honoree – this image captures Guy Clark and his 60 acre horse farm in upstate New York (Rose Cottage) |
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My good friend – Guy Clark |
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I think someone in this photo has on my name tag |
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HONOREES Shelley & Donald Rubin receive a sensational applause as they make their way to the stage at the Broad Street Ballroom |
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Donald and Shelley Rubin receive a wonderful introduction from Samuel Botero |
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Shelley Rubin simply said “Thank you” |
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Paul Melo, Mary Hall, Cindy Allen and Nicole Holt listen carefully to Samuel Botero’s uplifting speech |
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Daniel Norchi and Guy Clark’s lovely mother Constance Nelson (wearing Chanel) |
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fabulocity Camille Morgan, fashion designer Harrison Morgan and socialite Barbara Regna |
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John-Caroline-Robin Baron and Rio |
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Interior Designer, Paris Pickett (Jamie Drake) and PR Magician Michael McGraw |
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Adam Cohen (artist) and Alton Murray who works for Con Edison which sponsored the event. |
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Heather Harrison Moran, John Lyle and Jackson McCard |
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well suited Jonathan Kutzin |
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enjoying life . . . .Randi Barr and Hung Tran “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.”
― Mae West |
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Power trio – Alana Frumkes (always colorful), Matthew Patrick Smyth and Michael Boodro |
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Geraldine Nagar (Auctioneer) just finished auctioning off all the fine items at the Alpha Workshops event and shares a moment with Tomas Pedro Georgi |
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The Alpha Workshops conversation with Mr. Wampler and Ms. Nagar |
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Gorgeous Marina Killery (wears Carolina Herrera) |
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Cafe society captured in one of my favorite photos of the evening |
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Camille, Katherine and Dave |
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the party was so much fun – I had to jump on the other side of the camera |
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Fetching book ends Guy Clark and Harrison Morgan stand with Carrie Foster and Anne Manning (both from Manning-Silverstein) |
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Joshua Smith, Paris Pickett, Ben Brooks, Glenn Burmeister |
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Barbara Regna (wearing Dolce and Gabbana) and Noha Mohsen |
#AlphaWorkshops #design #awards #newyorkcity #love #springaffair #makeadifference
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