Even if you were Nancy Kissinger (former Mrs. Secretary of State Henry K.) and celebrated Co-chair of the Animal Medical Center’s (AMC) “Top Dog Gala” at the Waldorf Astoria, the long blue line of New York’s Finest that guarded President Bush’s address for the night was impassable. Nevertheless, we saw Nancy sweeping the streets with the train of her floor-length satin ball gown as she made a series of SOS cell calls — to no avail! Nancy, as well as all the black tie luminaries emerging from their long black limos had to — gasp — wait!
Safely in, AMC Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Phipps introduced Mistress of Ceremonies Barbara Walters, who opened the evening of dinner and dancing by introducing event honorees Kathy and Alan (“Ace”) Greenberg. Ace, who’s a well-known philanthropist and respected animal trainer, regretted that their Papillon dogs (Brutus and Sampson) weren’t among the pet-loving throng.
Gala guests included Henry Kissinger, Brooke Astor, Henry and Louise Grunwald, Annette de la Renta, Richard Grasso (the deposed honcho of the New York Stock Exchange), Jean Doumanian, Jamie Niven, Carroll Petrie, Henry Kravis, Wendy Vanderbilt, Daisy Soros, Mario Buatta, CeCe Black, Hilary Geary, Lilly Phipps, Presidential niece Lauren Bush, Co-Chairs Page Hershey and Emilia Fanjul Pfeifler, Shoshonna Lonstein, Serena Boardman, and Judge Kimba Wood.
One Center patient (Pasha, the miracle dachshund) stole the show with a video depicting his accident, paralysis, and surgery. Escorted onto the stage by his owner, Selva Czelli, with Jane Seymour, he paused for a “phodog op,” then paraded, jumped, and barked to a rousing round of applause.
