Inside City Harvest's "On Your Plate" Luncheon Honoring David Patrick Columbia

[Photos by Scott Buccheit] I had the pleasure of attending City Harvest's annual luncheon fundraiser called On Your Plate. The event was held at the historic Metropolitan Club in midtown. I actually almost didn't get let in due to my lack of neckwear, big faux pas, but was able to schmooze past the fashion police. In this recession the resources of City Harvest are being pushed to their limits and this luncheon alone helps to raise nearly a quarter of a million dollars. The event was opened by Jilly Stephens, Executive Director of City Harvest, who thanked us before introducing the man of the hour, David Patrick Columbia.

DPC at City Harvest's "On Your Plate" luncheon. from Jeff Hirsch on Vimeo.

David Patrick Columbia, is the editor and co-founder of The New York Social Diary. David regaled everyone with his intimate knowledge of New York society, both old and new. He seems to know everybody who is anybody and was named as an inspiration by fellow writer, the newly unemployed Liz Smith. After his speech a short film was shown featuring New Yorkers who use and work for City Harvest. The film was introduced by one of City Harvest's drivers, Haisel Vasquez, who actually looked like he was very comfortable in front of this esteemed crowd.

Following the film and lunch David came back to the podium to host a rousing Q&A session. Usually I can't wait for this part of an event to end, but David's vast knowledge left me wanting more.

Joining my table was Dana Zukofsky, who is the Chairperson of Generation Harvest, the junior arm of City Harvest. Generation Harvest actually has an event this weekend called a Bistro Crawl which sounds like a lot of fun if you are looking for something different to do on a Saturday Night.  Others at my table included Food Network's Emily Silman and Phyllis Wiener, the founder of Love Quotes scarves. Others seen at the event include: Carol Atkinson, Joy Ingham, Emilai A. Saint-Amand, Topsy Taylor. Allison Rockefeller and Anne Ford.

[Photos from Getty]

Gillian Miniter, Joy Ingham, Emilia Saint-Amand, Haisel Vasquez, Carol Atkinson, and Topsy Taylor

Ann Downey, Robert Caravaggi and Blaine Caravaggi

Publicist R. Couri Hay, Ann Rapp and Hunt Slonem

City Harvest Co-Chair Topsy Taylor, guest, Charlotte Ford, Regina Greeven, Jamee Gregory and guest

Honoree David Patrick Columbia and Jamee Gregory