Going, Going, Gone... to the Penthouse

A bank that prides themselves for being “the world's local bank” proved they do just that on Wednesday night, when in downtown Nyack hosted party and auction to benefit Rivertown Film.

is committed bringing regular film screenings to Nyack, supporting local film makers and providing diverse educational programs.

But they need some new equipment.

The proceeds from Wednesday's event will fund a variety of high priority necessities, like a state-of -the-art film projector, video conferencing equipment and special screenings. Bid winners had the option of specifically allocating their bid to a specific Rivertown need.

Just minutes prior the the official opening of the doors, Sally Sieler, a volunteer for the gala, expressed her wishes for the evening's outcome. “Lots of people, lots of fun and lots of green,” she quipped.

Sieler's associate, Rivertown board member Sharon Klempner, was quick to add, “It's a wonderful program, film producers and directors come to speak after the films... there's lively discussion and great back stories.”

It's not often people get the chance to party at a bank, but this certainly wasn't a first for HBSC.

“We hosted an event in January solely based on our clients' artwork," explained HBSC financial advisor Patrick Kennedy. "This is a very talented community and the event allowed our clients to showcase their art... it went very well.”

Kennedy and others, including mortgage consultant Arlene Rodgers, had been in discussions regarding the event for a while. “We knew the town is very involved in art and film... many of our clients are involved in the arts so we thought it would be a good idea,” she explained.

Apparently, residents agree.

“Rivertown is so wonderful and the [bank] people are so good,"  said designer, architect and Nyack resident Fritz Kreiger. "I've just shifted my business from Chase to here... they do so many good things.”

In fact, Kreiger was the designer of the multi-million dollar Cape Cod estate in which the luxury penthouse suite, which was up for auction (and garnered a flurry of exciting bids), resides.

Many other gems were won as well, including corporate suite Yankee tickets, suite, Feng Shui consulting, jewelry and a private party.

Roger Wohrle, from Upper Saddle River N.J., offered his antique strewn, multi-acre estate Era-gone to accommodate an intimate dinner party for four in the estate's rain forest greenhouse was another generous donor. About films Wohrle said, “I love them... especially the old films.”

In addition to funding Rivertown needs, Rockland Filmmakers will share in the largesse, as well. David Kaminski, Director of Rockland Filmmakers, hopes to fund new efforts.

“Last year we focused on screenings and this year we will fund educational initiatives to promote the longevity of our program," he said.

Local artist and Rivertown board member Natasha Rabin summed up the evening.

“Everyone was delighted," she said. "HBSC's objective to reach out to the community and support the arts was met. We are well on our way to a new projector."