ADC's White Tie DInner at the Waldorf Astoria

Tonite my friends and I had a great time celebrating the 200th Anniversary of the Abyssinian Baptist Church Gala Dinner at the Waldorf Astoria and its community development arm. It was an amazing evening star-studded full of the creme de la creme of NY's political glitterati and celebrities. The evening began with a VIP reception in the East Room.



Fresh crabcakes and duck-filled egg rolls were served with four open bars. As people mingled, pictures were taken and the room became abuzz when the honoree of the evening, the Rev. Calvin Butts. While we hobnobbed with a whos who of NY, it became clear that the evening was going to be a memorable one. The women were dressed in beautiful designer dresses and then men decked out to the hilt in their finest.



Within the hour, the dinner chimes were going off and we walked to the Grand Ballroom. It was amazing. The centerpiece of out table was a bouquet of peach colored roses that added warmth to the evening. Actresss Lynn Whitfiled walked around the floor towards the good reverend to congratulate him. Dennis Walcott and Mayor Bloomberg schmoozed the crowd as people settled. Media mogul Mort Zuckerman pressed the flesh. The evening began with Cicely Tyson as mistress of ceremonies, accompanied by actor and dancer Avery Brooks emcee. The Abyssinian Choir sang the black national anthem. It was a beautiful rendition. That was followed by words from Charlie Rangel, Mike Bloomberg and Sheena Wright, President and CEO of the ADC. In the meantime, the first entree was served--it was minced beets with goat cheese served on a bed of arugula.


Cicely Tyson then introduced the Dance Theater of Harlem with a special choreography created by Arthur Miller created especially for Rev. Calvin Butts. It was amazing to watch and they were so graceful. Then the main course was served-- a filet mignon served with potato fingers and asparagus in a white sauce. During the meal, Jennifer Holiday belted out a song by Duke Ellington and then the evening really kicked up. You can feel the energy in the air as Jennifer hit her high notes.



Then Sen. Hillary Clinton arrived and received a resounding standing ovation. We whistled and hollered. She read a letter from Barack Obama congratulating all. She re-affirmed her support for the president-elect and again she received a standing ovation. No matter what is said about her, she is adored by the community and we stand by her! She was followed by former President Clinton who presented remarks about the state of the country, support for the new president elect and congratulating the good reverend. Dessert was a chocolate box with chocolate mousse and fresh raspberries on top and gold shavings gracing the lid. The event was a grand time had.