Nyack Oscar Party Benefits Rockland Non-Profit

Oscar Night. Some watch to see what everyone wears on the red carpet. Others watch to see if they can correctly guess which nominees win.

Last night, the Friends of the Nyacks hosted a well-attended Red Carpet Oscar Party Fundraiser at Harbor Hill Bar & Grill. People came dressed in their best in this black tie optional charity dinner, in which portions of the proceeds benefitted Nami-Familya of Rockland County.

“We’ve been planning this since early fall. It’s our first Oscar Party,” said Sally Seiler, planning committee member of the Friends of the Nyacks. “It’s been going wonderful so far. If you step inside, everyone’s having a great time. We’ll see if people like this and if they do, (we’ll do it again in the future).”

Have Pictures? Add them to this Photo Gallery of the event

“I’m happy about what I helped create. I was worried about the turnout, but I think about 100 people are here tonight,” said Steve Katz, of the Friends of the Nyacks.

This red carpet event started with a cocktail hour and appetizers before moving into dinner with a live band. The Oscars were on every TV at Harbor Hill. Ballots were handed out before the Oscars started and the one with the most correct guesses won a very fitting prize: movie tickets.

During the cocktail hour, Friends of the Nyacks Chairwoman Paulette Ross pulled people aside onto the red carpet for fun ‘interviews’ on what they were wearing. Several photographers were there to simulate a paparazzi feel for the red carpet.

“Our cocktail hour is going great and we’ll our dinner, festivities and more surprises. I think this event has been amazing and we have so many people here that are involved in the Friends of the Nyacks as well as from Nami-Familya,” said Ross. “Specifically, our proceeds will go to the free programs of the children with mental illnesses or behavioral problems.”

“I’m so excited to be here at this fun event,” said Rena Finkelstein, president of Nami-Familya. “I’m so pleased to be the beneficiary. We provide programs for families and friends living with a persons with a mental illness.”

This non-profit works toward improving services and resources for individuals living  with a psychiatric disability and their families through education, advocacy and support. 

“I think Nami is a remarkable organization,” said Mary Ann Walsh-Tozer, commissioner of the Mental Health department of Rockland County. “These are individuals who are committed to the cause of working with families with a loved one dealing with mental illnesses. They do it almost exclusively as volunteers.”

For many, the fun part of the night was trying to pick out the winning nominees.

“What a wonderful fun thing this is for the village of Nyack. Paulette Ross and her team did a great job,” said Nyack Mayor Jen Laird-White. “I saw almost all of them (the nominated movies). I loved Argo and I feel optimistic for Argo and Lincoln.”

“It’s a marvelous idea. We have a rich community here so it makes sense to combine Nyack with Hollywood,” said Attendee Berad Langer, adding that he’s seen most of the nominated movies and his favorites are Silver Linings Playbook, Life of Pi, Argo and Lincoln.

Seiler said that she’s seen three of the films, Lincoln, Argo and Beasts of the Southern Wild.

“I’ve seen several of them. I loved Argo and Les Miserables. I wished I saw Silver Linings Playbook,” said Karen Schick of the Friends of the Nyacks.

“We didn’t see them all, but enough to vote. Argo was a surprising favorite,” said Catherine Bass, of the Friends of the Nyacks.

Did you go? How was it? How did you fair with your Oscar Guesses?