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December 9, 2006
Retreat (147 Front St, Brooklyn) is a big converted industrial warehouse. Well, of course it is. After all, I'm in Dumbo. The space includes a cafe, gallery and a free WiFi lounge. Once inside, I made my way back to the huge area where the Gear Bank Launch party was. I met up with fellow MurphGuide.com contributor Nichelle Stephens who was collecting the clothing donations at the door. In order to get in and take advantage of the food and drink specials, guests had to bring either $20 or one or more article of winter gear. I brought a hooded jacket and a sweater. Gear Bank is a new organization that distributes these donations—with the help of NY Cares and the Salvation Army—to the many homeless in NYC. Organizer Christian DeBenedetti is a freelance adventure/travel writer which explains the ‘gear’ angle. Basically, those who are inspired by and lured to the outdoors tend to accumulate an abundance of gear such as down jackets, sleeping bags, hats, gloves, long johns, etc. Eventually the time comes to rid oneself of excess gear. Christian came up with the idea to do this is a socially conscious way. To my surprise, standing by the drink concession was my friend Charina Regino who I had not seen in quite a while. We used to work together at Hachette and were neighbors in Hoboken. I wondered why she was here and admit to being a little slow on the uptake at times. You see, all around me were large posters and piles of the newest issue of Backpaker magazine. Charina works for Backpacker who was involved as a sponsor because Christian has been a featured writer for them. I love NYC for the unpredictable intertwining of lives and the coincidences they bring. I also love how these mysteries unfold at social events with free food and drink.
My drink of choice tonight was the offering from Bulleit Bourbon. Not a bad li’l whiskey, smooth and tasty with a very old-American look to the bottle. Also available was wine from Redwood Creek and beer from Victory Brewing. There was even a pumpkin flavored craft beer from Dogfish Head. I found it amusing that my first drink came in a tiny 4 oz plastic cup. Then next was in a larger 8 oz cup. The third was in a larger still 12 oz cup. I was afraid that, if I ordered another one, they’d simply resort to shoving a hose in my mouth and tapping me straight into a barrel. Music for the evening was provided by The Brooklyn Playboys; a laid back blue-grass ensemble. I stood with my bourbon and a delicious pulled pork sandwich made by one of the volunteers named Candice Hanson. Other food was provided by a local eatery called Superfine. I mentioned to Christian how much I was enjoying this juxtaposition of an industrial loft setting, bluegrass, bbq and bourbon. Later on there’d be music from DJ GFunk. It all added a certain unique quality to the event. The online media job bank MediaBistro.com was another of the sponsors of this party. This meant that I could be a little selfish and do some networking. One guy I met named Mark McKennon—who was snapping pictures for MediaBistro.com—works as a freelance location scout on films. Another photographer was Brian Van Nieuwenhoven who gave me the quote of the night; “I see the situations coming and worry about the outcome later.” This would come to define the latter part of the night as Brian—who is friends with Nichelle—and another friend named Matt Caldecutt—he works in public relations—would lead me to a late night Hanukkah shindig in the West Village where I drank cranberry vodka and played with dradles. For now, here I was watching over 150 guests stroll in with more than 250 pieces of gear and clothing. I'd find out later from Christian that most of the items were brand new. Everyone was smiling and enjoying the party. If there was ever one thing I enjoyed about the holiday season—and believe me there isn't much—it’s this; the spirit of giving and the joy of meeting those who feel the same way. The corny-ass liberal in me wishes it was liek this all year round, but if it takes the witchy ways of an overly commercial holiday like Christmas to make it happen, then so be it. My compliments to Christian and everyone involved with Gear Bank for a job well done. Cheers, Links: |
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