Benefit 2013

Last Thursday evening, The Green-Wood Historic Fund held is 6th annual benefit. And it was far and away our best yet!

More than 250 people attended. The evening began with a cocktail party at Tranquility Gardens–around the koi pond there. A jazz ensemble serenaded the attendees. Mike Sheehan shot these photographs that tell the story so well–thanks to him!

It was a peaceful evening as attendees gathered around the pond a Tranquility Gardens to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and jazz.
It was a peaceful evening as attendees gathered around the Tranquility Gardens pond to enjoy drinks, appetizers, and jazz.
Enjoying the evening, left to right, Green-Wood's President Richard J. Moylan, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Board Chairman C. Payson Coleman, and writer/producer Terrence Winter.
Enjoying the evening, left to right, Green-Wood’s President Richard J. Moylan, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Board Chairman C. Payson Coleman, and writer/producer Terrence Winter.

Then it was a sit-down dinner, under a large tent. And it was a good thing that everyone got into the tent just before Mother Nature’s salute to Green-Wood began. Apparently in celebration of the Historic Fund’s benefit, and to carry out the tradition of interesting weather at this event (including a tornado a few years ago), pelting rain, thunder, and lightning made a perfect background for a cemetery fund-raiser. And, thankfully, the tent stayed up and the guests stayed dry.

The crowd inside the tent.
The crowd of 250 inside the tent.

This year, for the first time, the Historic Fund had co-honorees. Both Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President, and Terrence Winter, executive producer of “The Sopranos” and creator, writer and producer the HBO series “Boardwalk Empire,” were honored with the De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence.

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz accepting his De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence.
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz accepting his De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence. Marty, as always, spoke of his love of Brooklyn.
The honorees, together.
The honorees, together.

 

Terrence Winter, writer/producer, accepting his De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence.
Terrence Winter, Brooklyn native as well as award-winning writer and producer, accepting his De Witt Clinton Award for Excellence. Many of his ancestors are interred at Green-Wood–oddly enough, one side of his family is Winter, the other side Frost.
Jane Cuccurullo, Green-Wood's Corporate Secretary who researched the Winter/Frost genealogy.
Jane Cuccurullo, Green-Wood’s Corporate Secretary whose research of the Winter/Frost genealogy was much appreciated by Terrence Winter.

There was another first at this year’s benefit: an auction of cemetery-related items. So, “Sunrise, Sunset” offered an evening tour, (temporary) sleep at Green-Wood, a sunrise tour, and an outdoor breakfast, and was fought over by bidders. “Garden of Your Dreams” provided a consultation with Art Presson, Green-Wood’s horticulturist, on your garden plans. “Who Do You Think You Are” offered a Green-aology workup of your family’s history. Brian Worsdale, who conducts the ISO Symphonic Band at our annual Memorial Day Concert, launched a new career as an auctioneer–and did a tremendous job drawing bid after bid.

Brian Warsdale, making his debut as an auctioneer, did a tremendous job.
Brian Worsdale, making his debut as an auctioneer, was sensational.

Green-Wood’s new book, in celebration of its 175th anniversary this year, Green-Wood at 175: Looking Back, Looking Forward, which features fascinating essays by leading experts, also made its formal debut at the benefit. Many attendees left happy, with a greater appreciation for Green-Wood and its Historic Fund–and with a new book.

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