15th Annual Military Ball

Fall is in full swing and one of the best ways to start off the benefit season is with the Military Ball. The event benefits the Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club located at 283 Lexington Ave. The club, more affectionately called the SSMAC, is a New York institution which has been around since 1919, helping to serve those who serve our country. Notable guests at this year's ball included SSMAC chairman Prince Ivan Obolensky, Tony Sirico, Dr. Robert and Kate Wickham, Margo Catsimitidis, Marvin Scott, Allison Chase, Bob and Susan Frederick, Minnette Boesel, Mary Elizabeth Dooner, Tiana Idoni-Matthews, Rachel Kirwin, Gregory T Angelo, Camille Fesche, and Love Brigade's Devan Markiewicz.

SSMAC Junior Committee Derby Day Brunch

The Junior Committee of the Soldiers', Sailors, Marines', Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club hosted their first Kentucky Derby Champagne Brunch this year at Harry's Cafe and Steak in Lower Manhattan. The millenry was the fashion focus of the day with girls donning their racing day best for the event. The event was populated with perrenial SSMAC supporters Sherry and Bruce Laue, Tiana Idoni-Matthews, Erika and Benoit Meister, Allison Ecung, Dana Markiewicz, and Mary Elizabeth Dooner. The event included speaches from SSMAC Junior Committee chairpersons Rachel Kirwin and John Vricella. With such a spirited, and champagne filled afternoon behind us, I for one hope this will become an annual Derby Day tradition.