Superman’s Champions

Christopher Reeve's daughter Alexandra Reeve, Host Francesco Clarke and friend Scott Buccheit at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Event

The legacy and inspiration of Christopher Reeve (aka Superman) and his heroic struggle to walk again following a riding accident which left him paralyzed lives on today through his foundation and its New York City supporters are making sure his work continues by raising money and awareness with great events. 

Last week, Jason Rogers and I attended one of those events— a fundraiser for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation hosted by Francesco Clarke at the private club Norwood in Chelsea.   Francesco’ story is truly inspiring– despite being paralyzed in a diving accident in 2002, he has risen above his tragedy to be a successful business man, founding the Clark’s Botanical Products, as well as helping to advance the mission of the foundation.

Supermodel Maggie Rizer

In attendance was the beautiful and extremely gracious Alexandra Reeve, whose British accent threw me off at first (She was raised partially in London!), supermodel Maggie Rizer, our friends Scott Buccheit, Carrie Baker, Grace Brea, Tammy Karakis and about a hundred or so guests.  Alexandra and Francesco thanked the crowd and shared the importance of the continuing efforts to cure spinal cord injury.(Very inspiring people!)

The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation– whose mission to help fund research to cure spinal cord injuries is now carried on by his children Matthew, Will and Alexandra Reeve as well as a great group of “champions” in New York like Francesco and has many supporters including celebrities like Meryl Streep, Glenn Close and Wilmer Valderrama who all attended their annual gala last year where our friend, former NY Ranger Mike Richter was honored along with his teammate Brian Leetch.

You can learn more about the foundation and their future events at:
http://www.christopherreeve.org/site/c.ddJFKRNoFiG/b.4444141/k.E454/Champions_Committee.htm?auid=4426633

You can also read about our friend’s Scott experieces that night at: http://guestofaguest.com/nyc-events/cott/

Michael Phelps Honored as SI “Sportsman of the Year” as NY Giants Eli Manning, Brandon Jacobs, NY Ranger Legend Mike Richter and Olympic Silver Medalists Tim Morehouse and Jason Rogers Turn out to honor Him

Tuesday night at the Gehry designed IAC building, legends of New York City sports and several hundred guests turned out to honor Michael Phelps as the Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year.

Special guests included New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, (perhaps a long lost brother of Phelps?), running back Brandon Jacobs, NHL Hall of Fame Ranger Mike Richter, Super Mom Deborah Phelps, NY Giants legend Harry Carson, several NHL players and yours truly Olympic Medalists/Good Guys/Fencing Promoters Jason Rogers and Tim Morehouse.

Why the rave reviews? Cabanas, amazing food, synchronized swimmers performing in the pool mid-party (seriously!), women’s soccer team members doing conga lines with their gold medals, every athlete in attendance(post competition of course!) and the list goes on and on…

Sadly, in Beijing there were no SI parties (although any rumor of one spread like wildfire), but luckily they had this one in NYC!  And true to form, the party did not disappoint. The AIC space was decked out with the SI logo (pillows on the couches to the logo on the napkins), the music was rocking and a cool electronic wall sported various sponsors logos and Olympic highlights. And as would be expected, copious amounts of the Michael Phelps SI issue were strategically placed throughout the space.

Super Bowl Ring Meets Olympic Medal

Brandon Jacobs proudly showed off  his super bowl ring (so big  that it would be a bracelet for most people), Eli Manning was extremely gracious, staying long after most athletes had left to talk to fans, take pictures and sign autographs. Mike Richter chatted about the good old days of the Rangers, and super mom Deborah Phelps was even in attendance and she mixed and mingled with all the athletes like a true pro while keeping a motherly eye on her son .

Where will we be next?

You can catch up with us from 6:30pm-9pm on Friday at our Holiday Cocktail Party at Rock N Sake (139 W. 25^th).

Long lost brothers???

Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year Party

Read More: http://timmorehouse.wordpress.com/2008/12/03/michael-phelps-honored-as-si-sportsman-of-the-year-as-ny-giants-eli-manning-brandon-jacobs-ny-ranger-legend-mike-richter-and-olympic-silver-medalists-tim-morehouse-and-jason-rogers-turn-out-to-honor/