She then pointed out what precious jewels they are, and how fortunate they were to be receiving Ed Doctorow's archive. These evenings are classic in their dry elegance, and at times even stodginess. The guests are often distinguished, accomplished, at times famous. You see people who have no particular interest in social activity, such as public dinner parties. Many positive things come out of these dinners.
Awareness is raised.
Sometimes funds are raised. Sometimes important relationship are forged that lead to greater civic and philanthropic activity. Each of these evenings is like a brick a-building the culture that is New York. And they are a wonder. I had to sneak out of the Fales Library dinner mid-course to get over to the Ukrainian Institute of America which is in the old Isaac Fletcher mansion on 79th Street and Fifth Avenue.