“HELPING AFRICANS HELP AFRICANS”
GREENHOUSE, VARICK STREET, SOHO
NOVEMBER 19TH 8:30 PM
Words, Images by Judith Ecochard
WHO: Music/business entrepreneur and yoga enthusiast Russell Simmons, the multi-talented hip-hop artist LL Cool J, and edgy magician David Blaine hosted a packed house of well -dressed guys, chic/sleek gals, celebs less the entourages- plus an effortless blend of with genetically blessed models, special guest Miss Africa USA Nyasha Zimucha, fellow musicians like Erykah Badu, O’Neal McKnight…and co-hosts African Angel Ambassador Nicola Breytenbach-Steiner, and Benjamin Steiner.
WHAT: “The Diamond Empowerment Fund is a non-profit international organization founded in 2007 by Russell Simmons, individuals in the diamond and jewelry industries, and others who are committed to the empowerment of Africa. D.E.F.’s mission is to raise money to support education initiatives that develop and empower economically disadvantaged people in African nations where diamonds are a natural resource.”
WHERE: The brand new “eco” GREENHOUSE nightclub in NYC…a 6000 sq. ft Leeds Certified (pending?) …with low impact everything like sustainable Bamboo walls, low-flow water consumption in bathrooms (lather up with Brad Pitt’s Fair Trade Soap), and we assume low energy heating system that was barely operational last night.
Seriously, we saw “smoke” coming out of our mouths when we got there early for the press check.
Mercifully, the space got packed, people got moving, drinks were flowing, and we still didn’t take off our winter coats…but our teeth stopped chattering.
ADDED PLUS: Delish Hors D’oeuvres from Via dei Mille, an awesome, AWESOME sound and LED light system taken full advantage of by DJ Cassidy- who had all the music heavy weights bopping away to the infectious beats.
And us…but we still kept our coats on. Poor coat check person…no tips!
BEST DRESSED: LL Cool J…attired, we assume, in his upscale, urban Todd Smith clothing line that debuted during NY Fashion’s Week.
HOW YOU CAN HELP: Log on to CHARITY BUZZ... and bid on such eye candy confections like Neil Lane Diamond and Platinum Leaf Earrings, or once in a lifetime jaunts like a Las Vegas Escape including rooms at the plush Palms Hotel, eats at N9NE Steakhouse & fun at The Playboy Club.
Or
Donate $200 or more and receive a complimentary Simmons Jewelry Co. Green Bracelet of Malachite with a One Karat Rough Diamond-the symbol of D.E.F.’s cause.
Or
Donate $250 or more-and receive a complimentary sapphire and pave diamond bracelet set in sterling silver, donated by Zale Corp. to benefit D.E.F.
INFO: DIAMOND EMPOWERMENT. ORG
