NEW YORK; JUNE 17: A.C.E. Programs for the Homeless: "Henry Buhl's Black and White Ball" honoring their founder with a birthday party on Thursday, June 17, 2010 at The Edison Ballroom, 240 West 47th Street, New York City, NY. On Thursday, June 17, 2010, The Association of Community Employment Programs for the Homeless (“A.C.E.”) threw a fabulous 80th birthday bash fundraiser for its founder, renowned philanthropist and art collector Henry Buhl at The Edison Ballroom. Felicia Taylor, served as the evening’s emcee. Alex Donner and his orchestra set the mood with classics from the American songbook, and guests enthusiastically danced the night away. Punk Prose Poetess Patti Smith provided an interesting contrast to the evening with a soulful set of songs, including a breathy Marilyn Monroe-esque rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Henry. Patti, who donned a shimmery tuxedo jacket, joked that “I’ve never performed in sequins before.” She led the guests in another round of “Happy Birthday” and an incredible five-tiered cake was rolled out. The confection was embellished with intertwining hands, evoking the theme of Henry Buhl’s famous art collection. The evening’s highlight, however, was a Burlesque performance by Brooklyn’s own Veronica Varlow, a.k.a.,The Danger Dame, a beautiful dancer in 1930s pin-up girl attire who seemed to captivate and delight the crowd as much as she did Henry. Ball co-chairs included Robin Cofer and Dominic D'alleva, Kipton Cronkite, Mr. & Mrs. George Kaufman, Laurence Leeds, Jr., Veronica Mainetti, Paola Bacchini Rosenshein and Suzanne Murphy. Guests included: Ruth Westheimer, Curtis and Mary Sliwa, Ambassador John Loeb and Sharon Handler, Countess LuAnn De Lesseps, Sonja Morgan, Nicole Miller, Kipton Cronkite, Veronica Mainetti, Janna Bullock, Lucia Hwong Gordon, Lauren Roberts, Jean Shafiroff, Donna Soloway, Paola and Arnie Rosenshein, Robin Cofer, Suzanne Murphy, Amy Magee & Peter Tunney, Theresa Olszewski, A.C.E. Board member Marianna Olszewski Rounick; Mariana Zois, A.C.E. Board member Elia Zois. Donna Poyiadjis, Royce Poyiadjis, Catherine Saxton, Carola and Robert Jain, Mariana and George Kaufman, Dr. Howard and Gayle Sobel, Lisa Dennison, Jennifer Joyce and Ingrid Seynhaeve. About:A.C.E. Programs for the Homeless enables NYC’s homeless men and women to re-enter the workforce and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. PHOTO CREDIT: ©Manhattan Society.com 2010 by Gregory Partanio | tel: 718.614.7740 | e-mail: GregPartanio@aol.com