Living Landmarks Celebration 2009
Cipriani 42nd Street
Iris Love and Living Landmark the Baroness Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò
Bill Cosby presents the Living Landmark award to friend George Kaufman
Beth Rudin DeWoody and Living Landmark Robert Morgenthau
Living Landmark A.E. Hotchner
Living Landmark Bill Cunningham
Living Landmark and Host Liz Smith with 2009 Living Landmarks Tommy Tune and George Kaufman
Landmark Peter Duchin and his orchestra play for a crowd of 530 people at Cipriani 42nd Street, Wed. Nov. 4
Living Landmark Tommy Tune dances after receiving the prestigious Cartier tray as Living Landmark Bill Cunningham takes his photo.
Hailed as “one of the best parties of the season,” the Conservancy threw its sixteenth memorable Living Landmarks bash.
More than 530 guests turned out on Wednesday, November 4, at Cipriani 42nd Street to join the Conservancy in celebrating the 2009 Living Landmarks special “Sweet Sixteen” Celebration.
Each year, the Conservancy recognizes New Yorkers who have made outstanding contributions to the City and honors them as Living Landmarks. “Living Landmark honorees represent the best of New York in talent, philanthropy and spirit,” said Conservancy President, Peg Breen.
This year was no exception as the Conservancy was proud to honor renowned New York Times fashion photographer, Bill Cunningham; award-winning author, playwright and editor, A.E. Hotchner; real estate developer and film studio chief, George Kaufman; Italian Baroness and philanthropist, Mariuccia Zerilli-Marimò; legendary New York County District Attorney Robert Morgenthau; and one of the most prolific theater men of the 20th century, Tony-Award winning Tommy Tune.
It was a fun-filled night full of fine food, laughs, song and dance.
Landmark host Liz Smith was honored with an exquisite Cartier pen for her warmth, humor and dedication to the Conservancy.
Landmark Peter Duchin and his orchestra drew crowds to the dance floor with rock and roll classics.
After roasting longtime friend George Kaufman, legendary comedian, Bill Cosby, played a joke on the developer when he pretended to accidentally drop a fake award on stage.
“Well George, I have good news and bad news, “ Cosby said — each hand holding a piece of imposter award. Cosby’s familiar smile revealed the prank as he presented Kaufman with the real award.
Theater man Tommy Tune treated attendees to an unforgettable song and dance rendition of “They Can’t Take That Away From Me” as fellow landmark, Bill Cunningham shot photos of the timeless Tune.
Among the crowd were David Patrick Columbia, Lewis Cullman, Ben Gazzara, Jamee and Peter Gregory, Louise Grunwald, Marian Heiskell, Ray Kelly, Richard LeFrak, Dr. Mathilde Krim, Norris Church Mailer and John Buffalo Mailer, Mary McFadden, Elizabeth Peabody, Hilary and Wilbur Ross, Marty Segal, and Gay and Nan Talese.
