Written by:
Demetria Daniels

P: 212-332-9991

718-885-6576 A chatty, informative column of New York events featuring places, people and personalities and celebrities. demetriadaniels@gmail.com

 
THE ELLIS ISLAND AWARDS, started by William Dennis Fugazy under NECO, the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations was formed to honor the finest representatives of their heritage who meld the traditions of their ancestry with the values and vitality that keep American strong
Past winners were Presidents Clinton, Ford, Carter, Nixon, Bush as well as Frank Sinatra, Bob Hope, Michael Douglas.

A beautiful spring day greated us as we sailed to Ellis Island where marching bands, Irish dancers, 10-year old violinists and USO singers entertained the 1000 guests and 100 awardees.

Lee Iacocca welcomed everyone and Thomas Dressen emceed the evening.



Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao and her Father Dr. James S. C. Chao received the award for the first daughter/father team. Privately she told us how she buried the word CANT in a shoebox in Queens when she was young. She had been past President of the Peace Corps. She thanked her parents and her husband Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky.


PENNY MARSHALL, director of BIG starring TOM HANKS and A League of their Own starring MADONNA was waiting for a call from her daughter who was expecting any second and went to look for the Italian family name on the wall. (The baby came and is named ISABELLA-CONGRATULATIONS)

After the ceremony and dinner we sailed back to watch the Gruccis fireworks with the Ambassadors from China and H.E. Abdoulaye Diop from Mali who both said "God Bless Amercia".


posted by Demetria at 2:21 PM

 
AN EVENING IN INDIA was the theme for the WILDLIFE TRUST'S second annual International Award gala held at he manificent Gotham Hall where ROBERT REDFORD and
JANE FONDA recently attended separate events.

CO-CHAIR of the event was the creative filmaker ISMAIL MERCHANT who's long list of movies include many Hollywood stars and screen legends.

The Indian God Ganesh welcomed all who entered the vast hall to watch Dr.Madhav Gadgil, PHD receive a beautiful crystal Rosenthal elephant for ecological sciences.

Indian puppets were the centerpieces, elephant napkin rings held napkins and wonderful Indian dancers danced, arranged bySargam Entertainment.

President Mary C. Pearl said "tongith we celebrate our work in India where we have been helping humans and elephants co-exist in crowded landscapes"

Deputy Consul General of India, Ashok Tomar remarked "the dinner highlighted the scientific work done in India, and was very tastefully done".. Sundaraam, of Sundaram Gallery said
the colors and display were the most beautiful he has ever seen.
posted by Demetria at 12:49 PM