There’s just something absolutely charming about neighborhoods with homes set back from curb-less streets. It conjures up visions of communities like Loudoun, Greenwich, and Westchester with gargantuan homes with backyards bigger than some counties.
Well, one of those residences was just settling into its home-sweet-home state for Suzanne and Bill Murray, when they hosted the LaunchAbility’s “A Special Evening With Martin Short” patron party on Thursday, March 3.
It was also a post-birthday according to honoree Linus Wright, who had just turned 89 on Tuesday, March 1. According to his way-too-adorable wife Joyce Wright, their story was just too good to be true. Seems they had both attended the same grade school. He was a grade ahead of her. Over the years, they went their separate ways marrying others. But, then single, they attended their high school reunion.
Joyce claims that Linus swears they spotted each other across the room, came together and kissed. The petite Joyce laughed and admitted, “Everyone was kissing!”
Another family attending the reception was the Pendergrass clan including Rebecca and Roy Pendergrass with daughter Emily Pendergrass. When asked who picked out Emily’s light lavender knit top, the trio all agreed, “Mom!”
Across the way LaunchAbility Volunteer of the Year Steve Gendler and wife Reed Gendler were receiving congratulations. It was so very appropriate for Steve, who has been on the board for more than 20 years. It was back in 1995 when he was president of the LaunchAbility board and longtime organization advocate Milton Levy announced his retirement from the board. To honor Milton, the board not only created the Outstanding Volunteer Award and presented it to him, they named it after Milton. And it was Steve who presented the first award.
On Tuesday, April 5, at the fundraising gala chaired by Hilda and Mike Galvan, Steve will be presented the Milton Levy Outstanding Volunteer Award that has been created by artist Brad Oldham.
BTW, if you’ve ever attended a Martin Short performance, you know it’s gonna be a great time at the Meyerson.