Let's Dip Our Toes in Nantucket This Summer

            As we made clear in our last post about what’s happening in Greenwich, CT, there is so much more to do this summer outside the Hamptons.  So hop onto the next plane or ferry and travel across the water to Nantucket for parties, galas, live music, and more. We suggest you head to East 35th Street to board the ferry to Nantucket there, easy as that!

Looking to attend an event outside the city and away from your typical Hamptons crowd? How about the 2016 Tim Russert Summer Groove for Nantucket’s Boys & Girls Club.  For the past 14 years, this event has evolved to become a highlight of the summer social calendar with an evening of fine food and drinks and a festive dance party. Great event with a great cause. 

            Another event that is the talk of the island is the Artists Association of Nantucket’s Summer 2016 Art Auction and Gala, which is followed by an after party of sweet treats, drinks, and live music. Here is your chance to rub elbows with a fun mix of Boston and Manhattan elite/socials! 

Feel like a night out on the town? We found four standout places that Nantucket’s nightlife is known for.  The Boarding House, is an award-winning restaurant and bar with an intimate, neighborhood feel that attracts a singles crowd.  If you want less flirtation and more focus on the food, try Cru. This premier oyster bar offers casually elegant cuisine in a visually stunning waterfront setting on Nantucket Harbor.  Next, The Chicken Box is the place for you if you live for live music that includes jazz, blues and reggae in a roadhouse atmosphere.  If jazz isn’t for you and you’re looking for a younger crowd, check out The Muse, which showcases live bands and DJs.  Safe to say there will be endless food and entertainment in Nantucket this summer!
              

All Eyes on the Ladies! Moving Forward with UN Women for Peace Association and Women for Women International

This past March, MK Event Studio teamed up with the UN Women for Peace Association for their Annual “March in March” Luncheon.  UN Women for Peace is a group of incredible women who act as crusaders for the notion that violence against women and girls is unacceptable.  They assert, quite rightly, that not only are these acts criminal, but also silence and inaction are impermissible in the face of this truly global pandemic.  The UN Women for Peace Association is dedicated to activities that promote tolerance and respect with the aim of creating a more peaceful world. This association envisions a world in which women everywhere are afforded equal access to education, opportunities to impact the societies around them in a meaningful and positive capacity, freedom to live in peace, and protection from violence. Learn more at UN Women for Peace Association

            This year's honorees included H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, Mrs. Ban Soon-Taek, Eugenio López Alonso, Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, and Francine Lefrak. The Leadership Award was given to H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, the eighth Secretary-General of the United Nations. He has established himself as a bridge builder, and sought to give voice to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, and has been a staunch supporter of UN Women for Peace.  Mr. Ban’s wife, Mrs. Ban Soon-Taek, received the Peace Award, in recognition of her long-standing patronage of UN Women for Peace.  The International Philanthropy Award was given to Eugenio López Alonso, a widely recognized contemporary art collector and philanthropist.  Next, Princess Camilla of Bourbon Two Sicilies, Duchess of Castro was given the Humanitarian Award.  The Princess has involved herself in myriad charitable activities ranging from opening a “Family House” for women with HIV and their children, the “Camelia Project” to raise funds for women in need, to the “Sensorial Garden” for elderly women with Alzheimer’s.  Lastly, Francine Lefrak, a philanthropist and women’s empowerment activist, was given the Achievement award.  In 2008, she founded Same Sky, which produces beautiful products that are handmade, authentic, and support ethical artisan supply chains around the globe.  Same Sky offers a hand-up, not a handout, by providing women with the dignity of work and the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. These were truly inspiring individuals to meet!

On May 3^rd, MK Event Studio partnered once again with Women for Women International to produce their annual Luncheon.  For more than 20 years, Women for Women International has worked with women in countries affected by conflict, recognizing that a comprehensive program targeting the social and economic empowerment of marginalized women is the most effective approach.  Since 1993, Women for Women International has served nearly 429,000 women in 8 conflict-affected countries.  Their work is truly amazing! http://www.womenforwomen.org/

This year’s Luncheon focused on the role women can play in stabilizing and rebuilding war-torn societies, as well as countering the emergence of radical movements. A part of the Luncheon was devoted to a panel discussion that explored lessons learned from the 2011 Libyan uprising as strong Libyan women are still fighting for their right to a voice in the shaping of the future of their country. Also discussed was highlights of WfWI’s expanded work with Yazidi women and girls who have suffered sexual violence, and female Syrian refugees. The Luncheon featured Alaa Murabit and was moderated by Kyra Phillips.

Escape from the City... and No, Not to the Hamptons

            Want to get away from the city but avoid the Hamptons crowd? Venture out to Greenwich, CT for some polo, art, restaurants and shopping. Let these places be hot spots for you to see and be seen.

This summer marks the spot for Greenwich Polo Club’s 35^th season in Greenwich, CT. If you just missed the Monty Waterbury Cup, don’t worry because the Butler Handicap starts July 10^th, followed by the East Coast Open on August 28^th.  Make sure to get your tickets for the East Coast Open though as it is the most popular of the three tournaments.  Watch out for helicopters as Uber Chic Media is the new form of transportation this season. Tickets for the Open range from $40 for lawn seating to $600 to relax under a cabana for a day. Splurge on that floppy hat and bring out your pearls, you won’t want to miss this tournament! 

           Polo isn’t your forte? Let’s try art. While you’re in Greenwich, make sure to stop by the Glass House in New Canaan. Although we just missed their charming Summer Party on June 11, mark it down on your calendars for next year! In the mean time, don’t miss the Robert Rauschenberg: Spreads and Related Works Exhibition organized by David White. This exhibition is a group of paints and works on paper chosen to compliment the Recital (Spread), 1980, which Philip Johnson purchased that same year. You can even take the Glass House Shuttle that picks you up right from the train station.  Talk about easy travel.  Read more here! 

          Calling all foodies! Going back to Greenwich, you need to try the new J House Restaurant, the latest Greenwich hot spot.  It features a vibrant seasonal American menu which takes its cues from locally sourced ingredients.  This trend setting restaurant is a high energy, multifaceted space which brings the indoor experience outside by taking plush furnishings and creation an outdoor living environment complete with full service dining, a convivial bar, and a cozy fireplace lounge area. Great news – they take reservations! In no rush to head back home? Not a problem. The J House is also a boutique luxury hotel in Greenwich.  

       To top off polo, art, and buzzed about new restaurants, why not go shopping? When in Greenwich, you must always take a stroll down Greenwich Avenue. It practically screams luxurious fashion as you walk by.  Stores including Hermes, Free People, Tory Burch, Lilly Pulitzer, Saks Fifth Avenue to Gucci and more, you can’t miss out.

       As you can see there is much more in life than the Hamptons. Stay tuned for our next blog about what to find in Nantucket this summer. 

Flipping the Page to Reach Out and Read of Greater New York and EL Education

For the first time this year, MK Event Studio worked with Reach Out and Read of Greater New York on their Annual Benefit and Auction! We love Reach Out and Read because they give young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together. This year, through partnerships with pediatricians and hospitals, Reach Out and Read of Greater New York will serve over 275,000 children and their families at 201 program sites throughout all five boroughs of New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley.  We greatly admire how Reach Out and Read’s efforts to help families and communities by encouraging early literacy skills.  Learn more about Reach Out and Read of Greater New York here!

The event honored Selina Alko, Sean Qualls, and Dr. Amy Woolever.  Selina Alko and Sean Qualls were recipients of the Mills Tannenbaum Award for Children’s Literacy.  Sean Qualls is an award winning, Brooklyn-based children’s book illustrator, artist and author.  His wife, Selina Alko, entered the world of children’s books by illustrating the dynamic New York City-themed My Subway Ride and My Taxi Ride. In January, Sean and Selina released Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony & Frederick Douglass, which they co-illustrated.  Sean and Selina’s book are too cute! Their books would be a great gift idea for baby showers or childrens birthday parties.

Dr. Amy Woolever was honored with the Literacy Champion Award. Amy is a pediatrician and serves as the medical director of Reach Out and Read at NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Last year, Elmhurst’s Reach Out and Read program distributed books and literacy guidance to more than 7,000 patients!

A memorable twist to this event was voting on your favorite children’s book from a list of all time favorites. Who knew that Goodnight Moon was published in the 40’s and is still such a favorite today!

Another wonderful organization MK Event Studio worked with for the first time, this past April, was EL Education.  We helped them plan and produce their first Gala ever, which took place at the Metropolitan Club.  EL Education works with public schools across the country to inspire teachers and students to achieve more than they thought possible.  We love how EL Education is seeking to expand the definition of student achievement in communities everywhere, ensuring that all students master rigorous content, develop positive character, and produce high-quality work.
Lee Klingenstein, EL Education Founding Chair, was honored that night for his deep commitment to empowering teachers to build classrooms where character and academic achievement are paramount.  Some of Lee’s youngest students created this wonderful portrait as a gift to Lee