On October 23, the New England Society in the City of New York honored Patrons and Benefactors of its Annual Dinner Dance at a special reception hosted by Gail C. Gaston. Leigh Keno and Leslie Keno, renowned American antiques dealers and this year’s recipients of the Society’s highest honor, the Reginald T. Townsend Award, were in attendance. The Keno Brothers, who are well-known for their on-air appraisals on PBS’ Antiques Roadshow, are credited with educating Americans about the importance and value of American antiques. They delighted those in attendance with the story of one of their most surprising and successful Roadshow discoveries.
The Society’s 207th Annual Dinner Dance will take place on Friday, November 9, 2012, at the Metropolitan Club. The Dinner Dance Committee is chaired by Carol and Michael Lynch, Lucy Kirk and John Kilbourne. The Dance benefits the organization’s philanthropic programs, including the Scholarship Program, which funds New York City students at New England colleges and universities, and the Central Park Monument Fund, which helps to preserve the Park’s historic statues and monuments. NES is one of the oldest social and charitable organizations in the United States, and was founded in 1805 to promote "friendship, charity and mutual assistance" among and on behalf of New Englanders living in New York. Today, NES celebrates the New England spirit and heritage through its philanthropic outreach, social events and cultural activities. One of its signature programs is the annual New England Society Book Awards which recognize books of merit that honor New England and its culture. http://www.newyorksocialdiary.com/node/1908010