| HEALTH PEOPLE
Writers and Artists Celebrate
Nobel Nominee Chris Norwood Story by Edward T. Callaghan
Photos by John Wegorzewski  O TOAST Chris Norwood, founder and executive director of Health People, April Gornik and Eric Fischl, E. L. Doctorow and Helen Henslee, Nora Ephron and Nick Pileggi, Barry Sonnenfeld and Susan Ringo, Mary Jane Marcasiano and Ralph Gibson, Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale and Cindy Sherman hosted a lovely fete at the landmark American Hotel in Sag Harbor, New York.
The event benefited the Health People’s Junior Peer Mentoring Program, which works with families affected by HIV/AIDS, diabetes and asthma. Ted Conklin, proprietor of the legendary hotel, generously donated the charming private dining rooms, the wines, champagne and tasty treats – filet mignon, smoked salmon and more. Noted filmographer and concert pianist Andrew Wargo took to the piano and delighted the guests with his holiday tunes and stylish renderings of Cole Porter, George Gershwin and Johnny Mercer. Nominated by UNESCO for a special Nobel Peace Prize, Norwood was visibly touched by the tribute. She spoke passionately of Health People’s 15 years of providing education and mentoring support for South Bronx families ravaged by HIV/AIDS and chronic diseases such as diabetes and asthma. The boldface types applauding Norwood for her remarkable work in combating chronic diseases included Tulla Booth, Walter and Molly Channing, Alvin Chereskin, Myron Clement, Rebecca Cooper, Lorraine Dusky, Connie Fox, Dorothy Frankel, Gail Furman, Judith Hope, Brian Hunt, Sheila and Ambassador Heyward Isham, Amy and George Kane, Janice and Alfred Kelman, Lisa Kerkorian, Palma Kolansky. Also Nancy Konipol, Kate and Jim McMullan, John Norwood, Joe Petrocik, John Norwood, Lee Skolnick, Ned Smyth, Susan Stevenson, Reid Strieby, Ruth Terry, Diana and Laura Weir, Tony Vargas, Patricia Weiss, Lynda and Hugh Wyatt, Bob and Mary Zaino, Benjamin Zwirn and board chairman Hal Strelnick. More about Health People’s vital work at www.healthpeople.org. |
