What Does Tim Gunn + John Varvatos + Fashion Forward Equal? Tim and Jason’s First Trip To the Catwalk!

Jason and I watching the fashion show

Though Jason and I do think of ourselves as stylish gentlemen, Tim Gunn (of Project Runway and Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style) gave us the rude awakening we need to hurry up and get on the proverbial horse (the fashionable horse that is) as he hosted Fashion Forward, an event launched in 2007 by the Gay Men’s Health Crisis to offer much needed support to the fight against the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Tonight we were really in for the complete experience, as the show spotlighted some fashion’s finest including John Varvatos, Michael Bastian, Tia Cibani, Tim Hamilton, Charles Nolan and Betsey Johnson. Now you can understand why we felt a little bit out of our fashion league! It was an education to say the least, and I think we both will be taking a shopping a trip this week to repair our damaged fashion egos. Also, in attendance was our old friend Miss USA, Crystle Stewart, who gladly traded Jason for his medal for a photo op. She offered to make the trade final, which while tempting, Jason ultimately turned down.  Good thinking Jason!

Miss USA with the Silver while Jason wears the Miss USA sash

Comedian Ben Bailey and New Page 6 Columnist Liam McMullan Take their First Stab at Fencing with Olympic Silver Medalists Tim Morehouse and Jason Rogers

 

Olympic Silver Medalist Jason Rogers leads the group in footwork

On Friday, Jason and I hosted our second “Night of Fencing with Olympians” at our club the Manhattan Fencing Center. In attendance was Ben Bailey (host of the highly successful “Cash Cab” on Discovery; www.therealbenbailey.com), Liam McMullan (the newest young-man-about-town who is set to take over Lydia Hearst’s Page 6 gossip column at the NY Post), and Nicole Sawyer (producer of the Fox Business Show “Happy Hour”). Also joining us were our old friends from Teach For America and several members of the NYC media including GuestofGuest.com founder Rachelle Hruska and writer Ari Cohen. 

 

The new fencers with their medals and certificates at the end of our event

Jason and I are confident that fencing can be the next big thing in New York City, and the only thing preventing that from happening is its limited exposure. So upon pondering this dilemma, we figured that there is no better way to educate folks then to get them out there on the fencing strip to see for themselves! We had an amazing group of coaches to train the 20-some odd folks that attended. Our phenomenal staff included NCAA champion Daria Schneider, NCAA All-American Paul Reyfman, Olympic-team member Dagmara Wozniak, National team members Ben Igoe and Matt Zich as well as our teammate, Olympic Silver Medalist James Williams.  We spent about 45 minutes going over the basics and then, in and effort to provide as much individualized instruction as possible, broke up the group into teams to practice the finer points of fencing before the high point of the night, the team event relay match.  Guests teamed up in groups of four and took each other on for the ultimate prize: the world’s smallest fencing medal (hey, it was all we could find!) and all the bragging rights that come along with being the best beginner team on 39^th street in Manhattan. Gone were anyone’s reservations about looking silly as the competition began, and the newly minted fencers dueled it out with gusto!

Jason and I on the red carpet for our after-party at Suzy Wong

By the time the competition ended and everyone was sufficiently “pooped”, guests began to make their way home.   For the brave souls that still have a bit more energy to burn off, Suzy Wong’s in Chelsea served as a excellent venue for the after-party. Even by the end of the night, people still had fencing on their lips. I laughed to myself just before I left as one of our guests uttered the famous last words: “Man, I am going to be sore tomorrow!”

Olympians Visit the World of “Supper Club” Parties

Supper Club Founder Tamsin Lonsdale, with Olympic Medalists Jason Rogers and Tim Morehouse at Haven in NYC

 

American Idol contestant Joanne Borgella with Jason Rogers and Tim Morehouse at Haven in NYC

Our journey through NYC nightlife has certainly been interesting.   Last night, Jason and I attended one of Tamsin Lonsdale’s (the famed London/New York Socialites) Supper Club parties.   They are swanky private parties where you need to be members of the club to attend or a guest.  It requires two people to refer you to join, then only about 25% of poeple are accepted! Additionally, you pay to participate in the club which hosts events at various hot spots around the city.  I guess its kind of like a fraternity/sorority for adult socialites.  We were guests of our friend Richie Rich who sang happy birthday to Tamsin, and he also jumped out of a cake.   The people there were certainly nice and welcoming, and we didn’t get an “elite” attitude fromanyone.  It was held at Haven (on 51st between 2nd and 3rd) where we had been earlier in the week for the Obama girl party.     Doormen are starting to know us now, and the crowds tend to have a lot of overlap so we are making new friends amongst the Socialite circle of NYC.

Its really interesting to see the infrastructure behind everything.   Ever heard of “A Small World”? Its an exclusive invite only internet group of the connected to advertise events and social happenings around the world.    I had no idea things like this existed until a few weeks ago!  So why all the parties?   Its a means to an end for us and our sport. (and also fun for sure.)  We don’t really have a “typical” athlete path to endorsements and promoting our sport so we are essentially inventing our own path.  I have no idea where we might end up, but we are certainly making headway.   A lot of the opportunities that about to come our way (knocking on wood) that I can link back to people we have met out on the “scene”.  Its not that business is done at these parties, but its a great way to meet a lot of people who make things happen in a lot of different fields.  On a final note, Jason and I are both looking forward to meeting some of the kids of Boystown next week, and we are working hard on our New Years Eve Party for the Charity Right To Play. If you’d like to attend, drop me an email.

Obama Girl Party and United Nations Visit

Amber aka “Obama Girl” with Jason and I at Haven in NYC

Jason, James and I at the table in the UN security Council room

On the Ultimate “red carpet” in the entrance-way to the Security Council Room

It’s my first full week no longer on staff at Teach For America.  Its been four years since I’ve not been a part of the staff and its definitely an adjustment.   I’m going to be working full-time now to launch my speaking career as well as promote the sport and train to make the 2009 World Championships team.  I will have some big announcements to make in the upcoming weeks on my plans, but things are still very tentative so will let you know once I have things solidified.  Some exciting stuff is in the works both for me and the sport as well!

Yesterday Jason, James and I traveled to the UN for a private tour and then watched the election results at the Obama Girl party at Haven in NYC.   Having a private tour of the UN was really one of those surreal moments.  We got to take pictures on the podium of the General Assembly as well as visit the security council room.  I can’t even fathom how many important world decisions were made in that room!    What an amazing day of history in the United States.  Anything is possible!  Enjoy! -Tim

Full Set of PIctures at: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2065372&l=a3e48&id=9804644

Tim and Jason Campaign For Charity

Tim Signs on with Right To Play After his team’s spectacular Silver Medal Performance in Beijing (in Fencing in the Men’s Sabre Team Event), Tim has signed on with Right To Play as an Athlete Ambassador and plans to apply the same effort and vigor towards raising money for the organization! Please help support Tim and Right To Play by donating!

US Men’s Sabre snags a Silver in Beijing! The US Men’s Sabre Team was all smiles after their Silver Medal performance at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Just four years earlier at the Athens Olympic Games the team fell just short of a medal after two heartbreaking, one point losses in both the Semifinal and Bronze Medal matches. However, this year luck was on their side, as they turned the tables with back to back one point victories over 2007 World Champions, Hungary, and 2000 Olympic Champions, Russia. It was the best result in the event for the US in 60 years!

To Donate please go to this link: http://membershipus.righttoplay.com/site/TR/Events/General?px=1026481&pg=personal&fr_id=1020&et=1hKPQN-9jOL3kYQXFmSRDg..&s_tafId=1020

The Temporary Socialites: Young Patrons of Lincoln Center Event

As Jason and I attend more events we are starting to get noticed and recognized a lot more.   Its fun to let people know about fencing and our story while we take a break from training.  I’m just starting to get back to practice.   We also have some really great events coming up in the next few weeks to support the Boystown organization as well as our own fundraiser for Right To Play an organization that helps children in third world country have access to coaches and sports while teaching important life lessons.  Big announcements to come soon! -Tim

http://rebelsofromance.wordpress.com/2008/11/01/zac-posen-gala-special-2-im-the-champagne-bitch-shes-the-star/

Attending the Young Patrons of Lincoln Center Event

Tim and Jason Take on Manhattan Nightlife

http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-nightlife/tim-and-jason-take-on-manhattan-and-the-yplc-gala/

Talking to Kids in Newark about Achieving Their Dreams

Jason and I talking to some students at Team Academy in Newark about achieving their goals and dreams.  Always amazing to talk to kids and spread the Olympic movement and its ideals to children!

Fencers are cool!

This article came out today online about Jason and I on the NY nightlife scene.  Its interesting what gets picked up because we spend more time at schools and going to charity functions, but hopefully this stuff will be a means to an ends to promote fencing.

http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-nightlife/introducing-tim-morehouse-and-jason-rogers-temporary-socialites-bring-olympic-spirit-to-new-york-nightlife/

Out on the Town in NYC!

The ride we are on since Beijing has been really unique even amongst Olympic athletes.   There is no infrastructure set up in our sport to capitalize on Olympic success, but despite this obstacle we are making a lot of inroads and our schedules are looking pretty busy even into December with events.   We are truly being, “powered by great people”.   We’ve gotten invited to so many amazing charity events, schools, parties and other things as well as gotten some continued media attention solely based on the people we have met who have been so generous and who have gotten excited to help us get the great story out there.

My hope is that by 2010 we can have a regular fencing event on television and go into the 2012 Olympic Games with many more people understanding our sports, knowing its athletes and excited to see us compete. as well as to secure some sort of sponsorship   This past week, we met some great people and made what will hopefully become some new great friends for us.  I I feel really blessed because we are really doing good things while also promoting.  Thank you again for your supprt! -Tim

Media Mention: http://perezrevenge.com/bronson-arroyo-sings-at-the-country-club-in-ny-city/

Reds Pitcher Bronso Arroyo, John Starks, Jason Rogers and myself at Country Club in NYC where Bronson performed and promoted his new album

Richie Rich and I at his Album Release Party at the Grand opening of Club Citrine (He is super nice!)

Myself, John Starks, Nicole Foster from Fox News show Happy Hour and Jason Rogers