Recognize any of these women in the photograph? I didn't think so. But they are celebrities in New York and some in Hollywood.
On the left is Manhattan's top real estate producer and a client of my friend Jennefer. Next to her is Ellen Burstyn, actress and class-act; then this year's Mother of the Year Marcia Gay Harden, twice nominated for an Academy Award for best supporting actress. I can't remember the name of the other woman in the photo.
But this I do know. Not one of these women can hold a candle to Jennefer, FON (Friend of Nannygoat), owner of The Boreland Group public relations firm and chairwoman of the event I attended as her date. Not one of them or anybody in attendance can outclass my Jennefer, seen below, as she was coordinating celebrity photo shoots before she introduced the Pajama Program founder Genevieve Piturro, a friend whose one-woman desire to bring new pajamas and bedtime stories to children in shelters and without homes landed her on Oprah a few months ago.
Jennefer is Genevieve's friend, and like any good friend, she joined the board of the Pajama Program before anyone outside of a small circle had heard of it. She gives it as much attention as she would a paying client and volunteers her heart out. She earned the right to bask in the success of the organization as it has spread across the U.S. and outside its boundaries.
Underneath that glamorous exterior is a woman with superhero abilities, someone who will not let rain nor snow nor sleet nor the traffic and pace of Manhattan or the Bronx (where she grew up and still lives) to keep her from her appointed rounds. She is the hardest-working woman I know and one of the kindest, smartest and funniest. Her laugh could melt the hearts of the Hezbollah and bring an end to pointless wars. Her determination could put a stop to global warming. Her heart is big enough to heal the wounds of thousands. And she is one of my dearest friends.
It wasn't all glamor, thank the Lord. Despite rain, drizzle and frigid temps, we walked around Riverdale, went to a church rummage sale, met her best friend Laura for dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, wove a tapestry of family stories, ate and solved all of the world's problems, right there in the Bronx.
She treated me like royalty, waiting on me hand and foot, but she also took me in just as she found me, in jeans and Crocs and no makeup, a woman in need of refuge and TLC. And when it was over, and George arrived to pick me up, we said a tearless good-bye only because we have plans for another week-end in August: That one will be "Patti, Jennefer and Nannygoat Do Spa Week-end in Berkeley Spring, West Virginia."
You rock, Jennefer!
Oh, and Al Roker? Forgeddabboudit, as they might say in Brooklyn.
6 comments:
It makes me happy to see you having fun and smiling. It sounds like just what you needed! Not my lifestyle; but glad you enjoyed it-welcome home!
Jennefer looks like a fun friend-glad you have her.
btw, I did recognize Ellen Burstyn !
Not Nanny's lifestyle, either, but it's nice to walk into a friend's life and share it with her for a spell, huh? :)
I'm so glad you went, but why would Marcia Gay Harden receive Mother of the Year instead of YOU? I guess I'll google that one!
Because I'm not a celebrity, silly, but with Jennefer's help, I could raise my profile. ;)
Yes, you could! Maybe we could even combine forces for ????
it wasn't so terrible then?
Hi sweet grandchild. The event was exhausting, but I would have made you proud. I didn't spill anything or make a scene or stick out my tongue at Al Roker for being a jerk. Turns out who I am is just fine. Meredith Viera even came up and said good-bye. (Is she on one of the morning shows?) She was just a plain and nice person. Being with Jennefer once the hoopla was over was the best part!
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