chronicles
by
DEBBIE BANCROFT
Roger Waters
Lawrence Kudlow
Y
ou’ve now made it through the four weeks that contained both consumption mother lodes—T-Day and Christmas—with a little Hanukkah thrown into the mix. With nary a week that didn’t include some sort of riotous celebration, we’ve all rolled from stuffing and squash (and an annual Bollito Misto), to glögg, champagne and gingerbread. The statistic that claims we gain, on average, five to seven pounds over the holiday season seems to be lowballing it. So perhaps it is fitting that the Silver Hill Annual Gala ushered in the season. Silver Hill is, of course, the psychiatric and addiction treatment center. The benefit, founded in 2009 by a grateful patient, Michael Cominotto, and his husband, Dennis Basso, raised over $4.5 million dollars for the care of adolescents and young adults. Perhaps most touching this year were the personal stories shared by Beverly Orthwein, who bravely described her bi-polar condition and slow path to recovery, aided by her patient husband, Peter (now a Silver Hill board member), and sons, who love her “unconditionally.” Music producer Jonny Podell was also on hand to introduce performer Cyndi Lauper as the friend who “saw me through the dark” during his own recovery. Cyndi took the mike and, in her signature Queens accent, said, “I don’t usually sing in banks, but, hey,
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
Jon Stewart, Caroline Hirsch and Brian Williams Cyndi Lauper
Dennis Basso and Michael Cominotto Beverly and Peter Orthwein
we’re raising money, aren’t we?” She then proceeded to remind us of her vocal chops, with “At Last,” “Fearless” and, of course, “True Colors.” CNBC commentator Lawrence Kudlow was also honored, and shared his story of his 18 years of recovery. Supporters for the gala included: Eva Lorenzotti, Lisa and Donald Jackson, Danielle and David Ganek, Ritchie Howe, Nina Griscom and Leonel Piraino, Nonie and Johnny Sullivan, Kirk Henckels and Fernanda Kellogg, Amy Fine Collins, Bill Smith, Alex Hitz, Valesca Guerrand-Hermes and Gigi and Carl Grimstad. An event for all seasons, and one of my favorites this season was Stand Up for Heroes, presented by the Bob Woodruff Foundation and Caroline Hirsch and Andrew Fox’s New York Comedy Festival. This comedy and music show honors and supports injured returning service men and women, their families and vets in general, many of whom were there. As Jon Stewart said, “It’s so rare to perform for people who are so much better than me.” Though Jon was pretty darn good, the comedian continued, “When I think about your service, tenacity, courage and love of country, I think . . . do any one of you know how to build a f---ing health-care website? It’s like Zappos, but for insurance.” Jerry Seinfeld, Bill Cosby and others kept us laughing that night, till the show came to a standstill for Roger Waters (fresh off his record-breaking tour—the highest-grossing tour for a single performer in history) and the 30-person band from MusiCorps, made up mostly of wounded warriors. Tim Donnelly, who lost both legs in Afghanistan, sang “Hallelujah”; the whole band sang “Imagination”; and, as you can imagine, there was nary a dry eye or unswelled heart in the sold-out theater. Then Bruce Springsteen pushed us over the crazy edge, and Jamie Niven capitalized on the frenzy in his auction of Bruuuuce’s guitar. As more incentives were added—private lessons, a visit to his home studio, his Mom’s lasagna and Brian Williams’ tie (which moved the bidding by $11.00)—the proceeds topped out at $250,000. A drop in the bucket of our debt and gratitude to these folks, but also a fine start. ✦
ADRIEL REBOH/PATRICKMCMULLAN.COM; WATERS AND STEWART: BRYAN BEDDER/GETTY IMAGES FOR NEW YORK COMEDY FESTIVAL
A summary of holiday cheer