On Tuesday night I attended a black tie ball at The Plaza. So, you know, just a typical weeknight in New York City!

The Casita Maria Center for Arts and Education was hosting its annual Fiesta, an award ceremony and fundraiser supporting the charity’s mission to empower youth and their families through social, cultural and educational opportunities. It was the first ball I’d ever attended at The Plaza, and I was shocked at how gorgeous it is! Now I know why weddings at The Plaza are so highly sought after!

Everyone who’s anyone in New York City was there, including Carolina Herrera (the gala’s Co-Chair), Prince Dimitri of Yugoslavia (the Dinner Co-Chair), Barbara and Bruce Winston, Veronica Anner, Tina and Simon Beriro, Geoffrey Bradfield, Craig Dix, Sissi Fleitas, Duane Hampton and Mary McFadden.

Photograph by Aurora Rose/PMC

Photograph by PMC

Photograph by Aurora Rose/PMC

Photograph by Aurora Rose/PMC

We started with cocktails where we mingled (and the ladies surreptitiously compared dresses).

We greeted old friends and met new ones, like artist Marco Paui who donated a piece to the evening’s auction.

Then it was time for dinner in a ballroom that was even prettier than the reception room, which I didn’t think was possible.

Photograph by Lieba Nesis

This year Casita Maria honored three exceptional women: Rosaura Henkel, Elizabeth T. Peabody and Julia Salvi.

Photograph by Aurora Rose/PMC

Photograph by Aurora Rose/PMC

After dinner and a remarkably short presentation ceremony (some other balls I’ve been to should take note!) the music began and we danced the night away…

To find out more about Casita Maria’s mission, click here.

~A

P.S. My dress is by Badgley Mischka.