Merci, Citoyens!

After the tremendous success of Tuesday's Francophile fundraiser for the Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Preservation (CECPP), we might be tempted to change at least one of the “C’s” in our long, mission-descriptive name to “Champagne” and one of the “P’s” to “Piaf!”

Thanks to all you friends and fellow citizens who joined in the fun, helping to raise close to $4,000, a king’s ransom considering that CECPP’s landmarks reform efforts—and results—are fueled almost entirely by volunteer zeal (with the worthy exception of our part-time campaign manager, Mark Caserta). Generous contributions covered all of Tuesday night’s food, drink, prizes (see below for a list of the lucky winners) and even the Piaf-style chanteuse(watch the video, above, for a sample of her performance). This means that the funds YOU raised will go directly towards our ongoing initiatives and continued success.

And let’s give a virtual round of applause for the terrific volunteers who help with every aspect of CECPP’s work, from research to errand-running to bar tending! If you’d like to find out about volunteering for CECPP, please email citizens@savelpc.org.

Finally, a very special thank you goes to the evening’s host, Olga Statz, a leader of Save St. Vincent de Paul Church. Don’t miss Olga’s moving online article about this deeply historical and culturally important site on West 23rd Street, a building that has been denied a public hearing by the Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) chair and staff, without input from the other 10 commissioners.

As long as crucial flaws in the policy and procedures of the LPC continue to lead to the destruction of special places like St. Vincent de Paul—and too many other places in all five boroughs—the landmarks emergency is still on. And CECPP will keep fighting. Thanks again for your support.

Marchons!

Photos of the evening's festivities are available here.

If you weren’t able to join us last night, you can still contribute to the cause by mailing a check made payable to “CECPP” to:

Citizens Emergency Committee to Preserve Preservation
c/o Neighborhood Preservation Center
232 E. 11th Street
New York, NY 10003

And the prize winners are…

Dinner for Two at Le Perigord – Françoise Bollack

Three Private French Lessons by an experienced language teacher from France – Brenda Butzel

“Paris in New York” with Tour Leader Justin Ferate – Susan Nial

“Eiffel Tower” Designer Plate & Mug w/Printed Paper Napkins Suite – Carol Clark

Designer Museum-Quality Necklace and Earrings Suite, "Sumerian Gold" – Sue Mellins

Designer Museum-Quality Earrings, "Mysteries of Ancient China" – Rena Schilsky

The makings of the night's signature cocktail, St. Germain & Champagne – Rowena Rossini-Gold

Felicitations!