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Home › Politics

Politics | 10/29/2008 2:00 pm

Deborah Norville, Liz Smith and New York's Finest Toast to Raise Money for Children (Photos)

Photo Essay

Play Slideshow
2008 NYSPCC Deborah Norville and Liz Smith
Liz Smith, Deborah Norville and Manhattan’s finest artists, philanthropists, entrepreneurs and socialites made a grand entrance at the ultra-luxurious Pierre Hotel Monday night. The invitation called for black tie and droves of tuxedo-clad men and women draped in designer gowns and jewels gathered at the main ballroom to enjoy sushi, caviar, live music, drinks and more. The event helped raise money for the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.


The non-profit organization raised $400,000 Monday through a silent auction of 29 unique collectors’ items — ranging from an electric guitar autographed by the Jonas Brothers (minimum bid $2,000) to an autographed action shot of Michael Phelps at the Beijing Olympics. The proceeds will go to helping create programs and workshops for neglected and abused children.


As Liz Smith, who was honored for her dedication with the agency, chatted with longtime friend and “Inside Edition” host Deborah Norville, the emcee of the evening, they were politely interrupted by guests’ hugs, kisses and “How are ya’ doing, darlings?” While the conversion was awash about stock prices and Sarah Palin, a bittersweet point was also raised at the party: Will charities survive this economic crisis?


Click through this photo essay for more conversations from the party …
Read more about: Art, Arts, Career, Charity, Culture, Deborah Norville, Entertainment, Gossip, Liz Smith, New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Society

13 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Ms. Dee
Liz Smith! You are such a gem! Thanks for yet another glimpse at the glamorous and good-hearted. And who was cutest of all? Why, that would be you!
By Ms. Dee on 10/29/2008 5:55 pm
Liz Smith
Dear Miss Dee and all you Wow readers who follow: How can I thank you enough for the compliments over something I barely knew the Wow staff was reporting. The night was lots of fun and in a very good cause — the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. Everybody was extremely nervous even though they turned out in beautiful gowns and black tie splendor. People are just thinking: "Will I be able to continue my contributions to major charities?" In my acceptance speech I tried to say to the crowd I knew how they felt but that I had lived through the stock market crash of 1929 (I was about six years old) and then lived through the Great Depression, then I also existed through World War II, two lousy marriages and the invention of the Atom Bomb." So I said, "Believe me, you will get through this financial crisis." Also, I do want to say that I was wearing a two piece kind of greyish silver pants and top from the Carlisle clothes group. The owner of this company is a philanthropist named Bill Rondina; he gives away a fortune each year to the Metropolitan Opera and all kinds of cultural causes. And, he gave me this charming outfit. You can only buy Carlisle through appointment, so if ever you are in New York, you can drop by 16 E. 52 Street and tell them "Liz sent me." I call them "the moderate woman’s version of Armani." LOVE TO ALL OF YOU — LIZ
By Liz Smith on 10/30/2008 10:04 am
Ms. Dee
Wow! I’m getting a pen and writing that down…Carlyle…16 E. 52nd St. LOVE TO YOU, TOO LIZ!
By Ms. Dee on 10/30/2008 10:24 am
Mommy Dearest
Ah, Ms. Dee, how right you are. Mah-velous Liz, to be sure.
By Mommy Dearest on 10/29/2008 6:27 pm
Rho
Liz, you are the greatest.
By Rho on 10/29/2008 8:34 pm
barbara young
Way to go Liz! Next time give me a heads-up on where to send art for the auction (90 days ahead of time), a theme, and choice of medium (watercoloor, oil painting), and size to donate to the next auction. If you decide to take me up on the offer, be forwarned I’m to shy to show up for events no matter what the cause concerned. My favorite thing to paint, angels naturally!
By barbara young on 10/29/2008 11:02 pm
Wine Warrior
Liz looks the best and has the best attire—as usual.
By Wine Warrior on 10/30/2008 3:26 am
Chrome Toe
wow Liz the material of that pantsuit looks LUSCIOUS. I’m a material freak when it comes to clothes. I shop by “feel” not by “sight”. and that pantsuit was making my fingers itch lol!
By Chrome Toe on 10/30/2008 7:38 am
rocky rocky
You look beautiful in these photos, as if you were genuinely delighted to be there. Congratulations for being so honored, Liz. Now about the dish: ” :… Peter Rogers … enjoys portraits, he tells wOw, and has done one of Liz Smith. He thinks she keeps it in her office. …” So, where do you keep it?
By rocky rocky on 10/30/2008 3:44 pm
DeBúrca obj
I remember Deborah Norville when she was a news anchor here in Chicago!
By DeBúrca obj on 10/30/2008 11:37 pm
beth willis
What did I tell you? Liz Smith doesn’t write headlines; she makes headlines. To be able to use one’s celebrity to advance humanitarian causes is not usually the intent of a writer, performer, entrpreneur, but extending the time, generosity and graciousness to make this world a better place must be one its grand rewards. Brava, Liz Smith. And I bet I know who’s getting that Jeter jersey. Peace and grace
By beth willis on 10/31/2008 6:51 am
Frannie Em
I say thanks to all the people, especially you Liz, that work for the Society’s success. It cannot be stressed enough that if a child can get a little help and direction in their life, thy can fulfill their dreams.
By Frannie Em on 10/31/2008 3:32 pm