Lisa Green reports from Germantown. When you need a theme, it helps to look at your honorees’ backgrounds for inspiration. Carey Maloney (RI’s The Wandering Eye) and his husband and co-honoree, Hermes Mallea, principals in the M (Group), provided both the genesis and the decorations for the Friends of Clermont Summer Gala on Saturday, July 30 held on the grounds of the historic mansion overlooking the Hudson River. This year’s gala paid tribute to Mallea’s Cuban heritage and Maloney’s Texas roots, offering mojitos and barbecue and encouraging guests to don cowboy hats or guayaberas. Alas, the accessory de rigueur turned out to be an umbrella, which helped save the turnout for the annual fundraiser. The honorees were lauded for their leadership and support (who do it with “style and kindness”) in their efforts to help preserve the mansion, gardens, meadow and woodlands.
Even on a drizzly day, the view from inside the Clermont mansion is compelling; Liz Pierce with honorary chair Joan Davidson and Edwina Sandys.
Friends of Clermont Executive Director Ted Saad with Penelope Queen, a brand development specialist from Catskill, NY.
Trustee Mary Ellen Ross and honorary chairs Eliot Hawkins and Paula Hawkins; Margaret Davidson and Meredith Kane, both of whom are board members of The Olana Partnership.
Seth Johnson and Marcus Teo, a creative director.
Roberta Murell, formerly the wedding coordinator at Clermont, Joe Murell, the site’s groundkeeper, and Ted Saad; Alison Spear, director of Arquitectonica Interiors, Alex Reese of Obercreek Farm and Owen Davidson of AO Production.
The party scene beside the Livingston estate.
Hudson gallerist Joe Caldwell and Marcy Caldwell, Clermont supporters; NY State Assemblymember Didi Barrett reads proclamations for Carey Maloney and Hermes Mallea, the Hawkinses and Joan Davidson.
Penelope Queen, Wolfgang Brandl and Frank Rosa of Sutter Antiques; Barbara Bohl and writer Greg Cerio.
Manhattanite Louise Bozorth, Marianne Thorsen of Germantown, and Martha Holmes Currie, a trustee.
Dancers from the Dojo Dance Company mambo on the lawn between the raindrops; Christine Kulander and David Sprouls.
Ghent residents Fred Schroeder and Allison Whiting.