The Preserver’s Celebration, an annual fundraiser for Friends of the Sands Point Preserve, brought a mix of fashion, food and fun to Hempstead House on May 23, for this year’s Jewels of India theme.
The Gold Coast mansion was transformed into a royal Maharaja Palace, treating the 250-plus revelers in attendance to a magical evening. Presented by Syosset-based The Chez-zam Event Group, guests enjoyed traditional Indian culture, as the community celebrated two Sands Point philanthropists and entrepreneurs, Mike and Ashima Narula. “India is a great county, with great leaders like Mahatma Ghandi, businessmen, doctors, scientists, and the biggest entertainment sector in the world, Bollywood,” Mike Narula told the happy crowd.
The evening featured a sitar player and tabla percussionist, traditional Indian and Bollywood dancing – and DJ Sharad spinning popular beats.
Inside the library, guests sampled rye and gin, while the billiard room featured scotch tastings. And there was an abundance of Indian and American cuisine and sushi, catered by the Narulas’ chef and Philip Stone.
“This is really a proud moment,” Mike Narula said. “As I look around the Hempstead House, I see so many jewels here – from India, the United States, and the rest of the world.” It was an especially meaningful evening for the Narulas, who were also celebrating their wedding anniversary.
“The gala committee has done a tremendous job putting this evening together,” Mike Narula said. “We truly appreciate all the hard work – myself and Ashima – of our friends, our parents, family, neighbors, and committee members who had generously supported this event to make it as historic as tonight is.”
The gala raised $135,000, which will help protect the site’s historic buildings and grounds. “The evening also helps generate awareness for the growing number of programs for families and cultural arts events we have at the Preserve,” said Friends’ Executive Director Jean-Marie Posner.
Just before the partygoers hit the dance floor, Mike Narula said, “We’re going to remember this night for the rest of our lives.”
