Audubon Young Members 2013 Fall Benefit

Photo Credit: Clifford Pickett
Joshua Pino and me

I had the incredible opportunity of covering the Audubon Young Members Fall Benefit at trendy hot spot Avenue in New York City's meatpacking district.

The event featured a silent auction and cocktails. DJ Luther Riggs worked his music magic as guests danced the night away for a great cause.

The Audubon Young Members Group works to empower a new generation of conservationists by raising awareness about current environmental issues, providing opportunities to experience and foster a love for nature, and building a community of like-minded and committed environmentalists.

The Young Members board includes: Monica Brouwer, Ann Morrison Calvert, Alexander Cook, Stephanie Cozzi, Juliet Falchi, Jennifer Ritter, Adrienne Rudkin, Peter Stamm, Teddy Winthrop, Eva Yean.

Host Committee – Chair Ann Morrison Calvert, Minot Amory, Brandon Buchmayr, Christina Eberli, Lauren Douglas, Patricia Dunne, Kate Falchi, Amanda Goss, Taylor Colson Horton, Jessica Houghton, Nicole Howard, Winnie Lewis, Jenna Manula, David Mehlman, Douglas Graham Moore, Jr.,Carolyn Niemann, Arielle Patrick, Joshua Pino, Katie Jo Righi, Jeremy Rosenberg, Morgan Scott, Tucker Sharp, Austin Simon, Rich Thomas, James Tierney Tang, Kim Taylor, Amy Whang and Lizzy Wild.

As a Audubon Young Member you have the opportunity to assist in all aspects of conservation, including the protection of animals, ecosystems and the ongoing fight against climate change. This involves ground-level environmental education as well as advocacy for sustainable lifestyle choices.

For more information about joining Audubon as a Young Member, or to donate visit: youngmembers.audubon.org.

Alex Cook and me

I first learned of Audubon’s work from my friend Alex Cook who serves on their Young Members Board in addition to his impressive fashion career as the Director of Strategy & Operations at Ralph Lauren. I always make a point to comment on Alex’s fabulous attire and again this time is no exception. Alex was dressed to impress in a classic business suit which he accented with a fun print scarf and signature RL shoes.

I wore a Vito Emanuele couture dress which I paired with my new Michael Kors black velvet heels for an old Hollywood spin. Vito, a legendary NYC based couturier is known for combining classic elegance with modern luxury. My dress had the most beautiful criss-cross back which I couldn't resist showing off at almost every photo opp. You can't really see it but the dress like every other one of his pieces is lined with the finest silk for out-most comfort.

Joshua Pino and me

Next, I ran into my fabulous friend, Joshua Pino. Josh is a part of the Audubon Young Members committee in addition to his own philanthropic work he does through his brand Humanity Indigena.

Humanity Indigena is the South American paramount collection by Pino, a lifestyle brand with a unique portfolio of artisan works. Guided by a humanitarian approach, his goal is to promote the cultural heritage of Peru and raise both local and global awareness by bringing high quality artisan works to clientele worldwide.

I had a chance to chat with Josh about his involvement with Audubon and his philanthropically intertwined company.

1. How did you get involved with the Audubon Young Members?

I came to know about the Audubon society through board member and wonderful friend Alexander Cook, at the Young Members Summer social cocktail in June. As soon as I met the Audubon family and amazing chair Anne Morrison Calvert I was compelled to give out Humanity Indigena bracelets and a magical bond was born.

2. What do you think has been your biggest accomplishment at Audubon so far?

Our Fall benefit was such a success and accomplishment for everyone involved! Being part of the host committee was truly an honor, knowing that our collective effort is towards Audubon conservation work. I asked my humanitarian photographer Clifford Pickett (CliffordPickett.com) to come and capture our Audubon photo booth with props. I was so pleased when he committed on the spot, and the pictures are so much fun!

3. Where can young professional sign up to be a member of the Audubon Young Members?

Any young professional in the business, creative, or non profit field with a love of nature and the planet should visit youngmembers.audubon.org and contribute to the conservation work and community.

4. You contributed a lovely piece from your Humanity Indigena collection to the silent auction at the event. Can you tell me about it and the products you currently sell to help the people of Peru?

For this years silent auction I donated on behalf of my charity brand Humanity Indigena, a vintage blanket from Cuzco Peru from 1940-1950. The beautiful blanket went home with the wonderful Falchi family who hosted the Young Members summer social at their beautiful home. Each HI product is selected personally and is comprised of indigenous artisan work. Handmade, one of a kind, and ethically sourced, we spread awareness through curation of sustainable beauty. Proceeds go towards our charity efforts in the high Andes.

Towards the end of the evening in an incredible act of kindness and friendship Josh gave me the Humanity Bracelet that he was wearing. It was one of those special, rare moments that I’ll never forget. Not only was it his own bracelet, but it was also the very last one that he had.

The Humanity™ Bracelet is at the forefront of Josh's philanthropic efforts and 100% of its sales go to help stimulate Peruvian micro economies.

Thank you so much to the Audubon Young Member's team for including me in this event.

A big thank you to my friend Joshua Pino for giving me your Humanity Bracelet, it was truly the highlight of my night and I'm honored to wear it.