I don’t get dolled up too often, but last night I donned my best threads to take my girlfriend to the The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children’s (NYSPCC) second annual Gala Wine Dinner benefit at the ritzy Metropolitan Club in New York City.

I admit I was a bit spry in the feet as I strove down 5th Avenue with her, as I thought I looked rather dapper. But boy, oh boy, was I under-dressed for the evening, as I saw once we entered the gala. We’re talking Yves, Gucci, and Valentino, not the Men’s Warehouse, if you know what I mean. My girlfriend looked gorgeous, as always, and, as a self-proclaimed fashionista, gave me the lowdown on some of the finest shoes, dresses, and suits making an appearance at the benefit. There were some seriously killer styles there.

We had the opportunity to sample a variety of delicious wines from around the world, featuring some excellent ones from the Napa Valley vineyard Tournesol. Bob and Anne Arns, Tournesol’s proprietors, were the evening’s honorees, honored for their outstanding support of the NYSPCC.

The benefit featured a menu designed by renowned Chef Anita Lo, of Annisa, and author of Cooking Without Borders. Jay McInerney, best-selling author and wine critic, served as “Sommelier of the Evening“.  The evening’s host was journalist Deborah Norville.

The evening raised more than $530,000. Proceeds from the event benefit The NYSPCC’s Trauma Recovery Program, which provides free mental health treatment for children who have experienced traumatic events, such as physical and sexual abuse, neglect, and family violence.

– Michael

About The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC), founded in 1875, is the first — and one of the most highly respected — child protection agencies in the world. The NYSPCC responds to the complex needs of abused and neglected children, and those involved in their care, by providing best practice counseling, legal and educational services. Through research, communications and training initiatives, they work to expand these programs to prevent abuse and help more children heal.

The NYSPCC’s unique work is used as a model for child welfare agencies across the nation. Since its founding, The NYSPCC has investigated more than 650,000 cases on the behalf of over two million children, and has educated over 46,000 professionals on how to identify and report child abuse and neglect. Please visit www.NYSPCC.org for more information.

Photos by Adriel Reboh/Patrickmcmullan.com and anniewatt.com