Bill Clinton and NY Giants' Tiki Barber | CLINTON PRESIDENTIAL FOUNDATION Loyalists Take the A Train To Clinton at the Supper Club Story by Edward T. Callaghan Photos by Rob Rich ORMER President Bill Clinton, more often seen on the streets of Harlem these days, made a special trip to the theater district for the first fundraiser for the William Jefferson Clinton Presidential Foundation and Library. More than 1,000 loyal fans, New Yorkers all, came to the Supper Club, Broadway’s hottest destination. All shelled out big bucks for a library they are unlikely ever to visit. But it was for Bill, who in the minds of many present, should be calling the shots again. Recording artist Wyclef Jean quickly put the crowd of young professionals into a party mood and the grand ballroom was buzzing with the reggae beat. Upstairs in the King Kong Room, Bill chatted amiably with old friends, among them café entrepreneur Jimmy Rodriguez and New York Giants running back Tiki Barber. A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of artist Charles Fazzino’s homage to “Clinton in Harlem” which he donated to the Clinton library. The colorful collage will be mass-produced and sold, with all proceeds going to the Clinton Foundation. Clinton director of domestic policy Clyde Williams pulled the whole event together in just three weeks. “So many folks wanted to be here – we turned away hundreds who wanted to help.” Liz Derringer and partner Michael Weitz did yeomen work to see that the President and his guests had a good time. After two hours of hand shaking and posing for pictures, Clinton was still charming, even posing outside the club with owner Martin Thesing and his golden retriever Sammy! |