NEW YORK-DECEMBER 5: THE NUTCRACKER FAMILY BENEFIT 2009 to Benefit New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at David H. Koch Theater, Lincoln Center, Columbus Avenue and 63rd Street, New York City, NY. Benefit Chairmen were Kristin Kennedy Clark, Sharon Jacob, and Julia Koch. Guests included Ann Reinking, Michael Douglas, Linda Evangelista, Matthew Nye, Lisa Maria and Philip Falcone, Katie von Strasser, Donya Bommer, Franci Blassberg, Michele and Lawrence Herbert, Serena and William Lese, Alexandra Lebenthal, Celeste Boele, and Agnes Gund. New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet joined forces, once again, for The Nutcracker Family Benefit – one of New York’s favorite holiday events for families. The Benefit began with a performance of the timeless classic, George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™. After the performance, guests proceeded to the Theater’s Promenade to enjoy a holiday party decorated with gingerbread houses and plenty of good cheer. The Sugarplum Fairy, her Cavalier, Candy Cane, Chinese Tea, Marzipan Shepherdesses, and children from the cast were on hand to sign autographs and mingle with the guests The Nutcracker Family Benefit is a critical source of support for New York City Ballet’s Education Programs, which serve thousands of children and families in the metropolitan area. The Benefit also provides a vital source of support for the School of American Ballet’s Scholarship Fund. The fund ensures that students studying at the School, many of whom are the most talented young dancers in the country, receive crucial scholarship funds. PHOTO CREDIT:Copyright ©Manhattan Society.com 2009 by Christopher London | tel: Private |e-mail: ChrisLondon@manhattansociety.com***NOTE: More notes, photos and id's to follow by Tuesday, the 8th.*****