2009 RACC Gala

The RACC 2009 Annual Gala was An Overwhelming Success! We had our best turnout of any of our Galas to date. The Ana Tzarev gallery was filled to capacity with 385 guests. The gala, which was held on October 7, boasted the museum quality exhibition of 20th Century Russian Art, HOMAGE TO DIAGHILEV's ENDURING LEGACY, and the Avant-garde performance, Beyond the Mind. The evening also featured live and silent art auctions, as well as drinks and fine dining courtesy of our incredible sponsors.

Our very Special Thanks to Ana Tzarev for her unflagging support of our Exhibition and Gala and the entire staff of the Ana Tzarev Gallery without whom this event never would have happened.

Our annual Gala is one of our biggest fundraisers of the year, when we reach out to those who could join us in fulfilling our mission as a cultural organization. We at the RACC are honored to have such generous support from Mayor Bloomberg, members of the legislative and diplomatic community, and some of the most sophisticated of Russian-American elites. All proceeds from the event go directly to funding our programs. We hope to be able to raise money to establish a facility for the Cultural Center. It is important that the center finds a permanent home, so that we may continue to present such popular and important cultural events.

Once again, the RACC extends a heartfelt Thank You to our esteemed guests, as well as the many businesses and individuals who made our Annual Gala such an overwhelming success. It could not have happened without your commitment and participation!

October 2009
Update: Serge Diaghilev
a review by by Bella Neyman
- http://objectsnotpaintings.blogspot.com/2009/10/update-serge-diaghilev.html

November 2009 - L.A.Splash Magazine
Russian American Cultural Center 2009 Gala Exhibition: - "Homage to Diaghilev's Endearing Legacy"
by Babbie De Derian, Travel & Feature Editor
- http://www.lasplash.com

Comments
Dear Dr Khidekel,
Your beautiful, illuminating and fascinating catalogue arrived today. Thank you so very much for sending it. I have already learnt a lot from it and will treasure it. Many thanks.
Yours sincerely,
Dr. Alexander Schouvaloff, The Trustee of the Victoria and Albert Museum, the author of the books Leon Bakst: The Theatre Art, Stravinsky on Stage, The Art of Ballets Russess, etc

Regina,
Please accept our sincere (albeit belated) thanks for inviting us to your fantastic party. We are much in admiration of what you have achieved! You have been able to attract a very discerning and distinguished crowd that is hard to please, surprise, or entice. We don't remember when was the last time we have seen such a beautiful European crowd (and so many Louboutin pumps in one place.) Seriously, what you have done is amazing. I've seen others (not individuals - companies!) try to get attention of people at that level - usually with dismal results. What is your secret?
With appreciation and fond regards,
Irina and Sasha Shifrin

Regina,
Thank you for hosting us at the event. My husband and I really enjoyed it and met a few interesting people. I hope to see you soon at another venue. Thank you again!
Regards,
Alla Alenikov

Hi Regina,
I wanted to write and congratulate you on such a wonderful event! I am so impressed that you were able to pull that off on your own! You did a great job! It was beautiful.
Kelly

HONORARY CHAIRS
Honorable Alec Brook-Krasny - New York State Assembly
His Excellency Vitaliy I. Churkin - Permanent Representative of the Russian Federation to the United Nations
Honorable Sergey V. Garmonin - Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York
Honorable Yuriy A. Sergeyev - Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations

BENEFIT COMMITTEE
Chair - Regina Khidekel - RACC Founding Director
Vice-Chairs - Oksana Baiul and Bella Sapir
Tanya Dubrow, Felix Frenkel, Elke & Cyril E. Geacintov, Sheila & Hayward Isham, Natalia Kasyanova, Roman Khidekel, Marina Kolesnikov & Michael Zaitzev, Mark Martiak, Tatyana Pahlen, Anna Poiman, Lana Ratner, Faina Shurer, Zina Sapir, Sonja Starr, Gregory & Evelyn Tolston, Givi Topchishvili

ART COMMITTEE
Grisha Bruskin, Lyndel King, Catharine Nepomnyashchy, Al Orensanz, George Tsypin

6:00 PM Cocktail & Buffet Dinner
Exhibition View & Live Music & Silent Auction
Art Performance
7:30 PM Live Art Auction
8:30 PM Dance Show

The evening's featured performance, Beyond the Mind was a physical, visual movement-based piece created by an exciting team of emerging artists, performers, and live musicians. Inspired by Russian art, theater, and poetry of the early 20th century, the performance explored the shape and geometry of urban routine and the irrationality of everyday life.
The performance coincided with the current exhibition on view and took place at various times throughout the evening.
Artistic Director: Allie Avital Tsypin.
Movement Coach: Emmagrace Skove-Epes
Dancers: Gabrielle Herbst, Anthony Leslie, Jonathon Lyons, Emmagrace Skove-Epes, Allie Avital Tsypin.
Composers/Musicians: Justin Frye, Pat Spadine, Adam Markiewicz, Jordan Bernstein, Doyen Armstrong, Mario Maggio.

The stunning 72-page exhibition catalog written by Regina Khidekel was our gift for our guests.
The dress code this year was chic and arty.

Art, Jewelry and Luxury Goods Live Auction was conducted by experienced auctioneer John Kapon, founder of the Acker Art Auctions.