96th Annual Charity Ball

The 9th Manhattan District celebrated on Friday, May 7th 2010 their 96th Annual Charity Ball. 

The Event, held this year at the beautiful Swan Club in Roslyn was sold out with over 170 Brothers, Sisters, Family and Friends attending.

Usually I do not give special recognition to any Guests on these Event Pages (it is too easy to overlook someone), however, I have hardly any choice this time. Special Guests who honored us by their presence this evening were Past Grand Master M.W. Neal I. Bidnick (2006-2008) and the newly elected Grand Master of Free and Accepted Masons in the State of New York, Most Worshipful Vincent Libone.

The Swan Club in Roslyn Harbour is without doubt a beautiful place not just for Weddings but also for other events and special occasions like our Charity Ball.

The Cocktail hour was held in an enclosed outdoor area, overlooking the perfectly manicured grounds of the Swan Club. The main reception room was beautifully decorated and just about big enough to accomodate the 170+ Guests. I know of a few people who's reservations had to be turned down. Speeches were kept short----- that is always a plus! And there was a special treat this evening featuring a Dance Performance - no, not by our District Officers - but by The Lorence Latin Dance Studio. The evening was so enjoyable, it was over way to soon.

The Charity Ball is held annually by the Masters Association of the 9th Manhattan District for the benefit of the German Masonic Home Corporation. In that sense, this occasion was the last "traditional" Charity Ball for us, since we are (hopefully and finally) about to sell our GM Home in Dumont. The new German Masonic Charitable Foundation will replace the "Home Corp", to enable the 9th Manhattan District to continue with their charitable endeavors. Next year's beneficiary is yet to be determined by the new set of Masters. Let this be the rule rather than the exception ..... We should make our reservations early so they (the Masters) can plan and reserve a place or venue large enough to accomodate all the brothers and guests who wish to attend the affair.