17th Annual Living Landmarks Black Tie Gala

Last night in the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza, several hundred prominent New Yorkers gathered for a celebration at the 17th Annual Living Landmarks black tie Gala of the New York Landmarks Conservancy. They honored Graydon Carter, Howard Dodson, Larry Silverstein, Marlo Thomas and Phil Donohue, Jonathan Tisch and Bunny Williams with another Living Landmark, Our Lady of New York Liz Smith hosting the ceremonies and yet another Living Landmark, Peter Duchin and his orchestra providing the music for song and dance (with the incomparable Roberta Fabiano on the vocals).

This is an evening of great fun, with an extremely serious objective: saving our city. After the Landmarks Conservancy President Peg Breen welcomed the guests and introduced a video with interviews of each of the night’s Living Landmarks.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy since its founding in 1973, is the only private organization that provides both financial support and technical expertise in preserving and protecting iconic buildings and unique neighborhoods that define New York. Since it was created, it has either loaned or granted more than $35 million to help people save their homes, and their cultural, civic and religious institutions. Their work creates jobs, promotes tourism and enhances the quality of life in our great city.

Peg Breen told me that this year, with this evening, the Landmarks Conservancy had one of its most successful fundraising. And last night’s guests had a great time in return for their contributions and their patronage thanks to Liz and Peter and the Living Landmarks gang – it’s a big group now as you can see from the roster. 

Article and Images courtesy of NYSD