This week reminded me of why I love NYC.
One of the reasons I love New York is that there are so many people doing great things — and ‘tis the season to attend events raising money for so many important causes. Molner and I were able to support two terrific organizations this week. The first was Reisenbach Philanthropies, which was started in 1991 after John Reisenbach was murdered in the West Village in 1990 while making a call on a payphone near his apartment. He was just 32 years old, and already a rising star in the media business. His friends and colleagues started a nonprofit that raises money and provides support to frontline organizations tackling the root causes of crime and to make New York City a better and safer place to work. This week, our good friend Bill Koenigsberg was given a Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering support of Reisenbach Philanthropies and for his extraordinary career. I had the privilege of presenting Bill with the award and I thought you’d like to hear more about him through what I wrote. (The night was made more special because many Katie Couric Media staffers joined the party!)
Then on Thursday night, we went to another event honoring another young man who was taken from us way too soon. Danny Butler was diagnosed with colon cancer when he was just 37 years old. At 39, he was written off by every doctor in LA, except for one, Dr. Heinz-Josef Lenz, a world-renowned clinical oncologist leading research in global clinical trials. As a result, Danny lived five more years and became a golf champion, boater, surfer, fly fisherman, and Colorado lover. His brother Dave, a larger-than-life figure in more ways than one (he played football at Notre Dame for Lou Holtz and is one of the most ebullient people I’ve ever met), has spearheaded “Buying Time,” dedicated to raising money for colon cancer to literally buy time for patients and doctors. This year, my friend tennis great Chrissie Evert was honored. Chris, along with her doctor Elisa Port, were interviewed by sportscaster Hannah Storm, also a great friend. They talked about the importance of genetic testing, (Chris is BRCA positive and had a hysterectomy and a double mastectomy — she realized the need to be tested after her sister Jeanie’s tragic death from ovarian cancer.) They also talked about knowing your family history. (Although remember, having no family history is no guarantee you won’t be diagnosed with cancer…the majority of cases are sporadic with no family history.) It was such an important discussion and a reminder that everyone needs to get screened! It’s such a fun event, full of rowdy people, truly celebrating life.
And finally, we had the pleasure of attending a birthday lunch for the chef of Barbuto, one of our favorite New York City restaurants, on Wednesday. (Molner and I had our second date there, a Sunday afternoon. Much rosé was imbibed, inhibitions were lost, kisses were shared and it’s been known as “Rosé Sunday” ever since.) Jonathan Waxman is an incredible chef and a real icon to so many others who followed in his footsteps. It was, not surprisingly, quite a feast: Delicious salads, pasta with caviar, duck that was out of this world, and a seafood stew. It felt very decadent for a Wednesday lunch, but we totally embraced the occasion as well as the wine. Happy Birthday, Jonathan!
Jonathan Waxman’s birthday party
Lastly, I had to share this delicious salad I made earlier in the week. I needed something healthy and simple to keep my energy up during such a busy time, so I whipped up this simple and delicious salad: It’s just kale, quinoa, carrots, celery, broccoli, roasted chickpeas, pepitas and my personal favorite, dried tart cherries. For the dressing, I made a simple vinaigrette with apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and olive oil.
