Pix11
Star-studded Halloween costume ball raises money for NYC green spaces
By: Magee Hickey
Posted: Oct 29, 2021
Star-studded Halloween costume ball raises money for NYC green spacesWPIX 11 New York
LOWER MANHATTAN — It’s a disco Halloween costume ball like none other at Casa Cipriani on South Street.
The night’s called Boogie Frights as guests were transported back to Studio 54 but with a spooky flare.
There were incredibly frightful costumes from the 1970s.
“I loved everything about the 70s,” Michael Kors, the fashion designer, told PIX11 News. “New York was falling apart and we had fun. I fell in love with Bette Midler. I fell in love with Studio 54 and I worshiped Halston — and here I am dressed as him,” Kors added.
This ghoulish yet sparkling gala is raising money for New York Restoration Project, which was founded by singer Bette Midler back in 1995.
Midler believed that all New Yorkers deserve beautiful, green, public spaces within walking distance from their homes.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Michael Kors and guests attend the Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Bash at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Antoni Porowski attends the Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Bash at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Gloria Gaynor attends the Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Bash at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Kim Petras attends the Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Bash at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Thorgy Thor attends the Bette Midler’s Annual Hulaween Bash at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images)
“I live in New York and this is the reason it’s not a concrete jungle,” Mario Cantone, actor, and comedian, told PIX11 News. “They open 12 new gardens a year and that’s a lot,” he added.
This is the 25th annual NYRP Hulaween Bash. Last year was canceled due to the pandemic.
This year, Bette Midler’s away filming Hocus Pocus 2, but her daughter, Sophie Von Haselberg, couldn’t be more proud of all her mother has created.
“It’s all her. This whole thing would never have happened without her,” Von Haselberg said. “It’s her brainchild, but it’s no longer about a celebrity. The work stands for itself,” she added.
And the real star of this gala was the woman who sang the anthem of the 1970s, Gloria Gaynor. She delivered a version of “I Will Survive” just for PIX11, and added that the work of the New York Restoration Project “helps everyone to survive.”
I can’t recall Bette ever missing a Hulaween, so I can finally calm down about whether Hocus Pocus 2 is really happening–especially now that a cast has finally been revealed, and the status has changed from “pre-production” to “filming”. I’m really excited about what she has coming up on the horizon, and am still playing the guessing game as to who will honor her at Kennedy Center. At this time, I’m really missing more music from her: a new album, a follow-up to “It’s the Girls”, or a long awaited retrospective box set with lots of missing material, just to name a few possibilities, are on my wish list. I could also handle another season of “The Politician”. Don’t you just hate it when her fans get greedy?
xx
Im the same way about being greedy. Im with you, im ready for some new music. Very interested in KCH’s I will be excited but I know there’s no way they can do justice to her career. Such an interesting arc to her career. Lately I’ve gotten so sentimental. I cry about everything. But that could also be that I’ve just had an unbearable 3 years. I keep waiting for a light or trying to make some kind of light at the end of a tunnel but nothing. But I just keep putting one foot in front of another. I guess that’s the most I can hope for. Xx
I am so sorry life has been such a downer for you these last 3 years. When I really get in the pitts, I slap my tits together and try to come up with things I am grateful for. I call a friend, watch a favorite movie or do something to get out of the house and out of my head.
You are so loved my many who turn to Bootleg Betty for fun and inspiration. You bring those things and more to all your fans through our love for Bette.
Be well and take care, much love,
Martin in La La Land (who’s coming up on his 70th birthday and feeling completely creeped out about it)
Hey, Martin, it is true the last 3 years have been awful, but I can’t find anywhere that I wrote about. Others must have seen it, too.I’ll have to look closer. I must have it written somewhere and Published it maybe by mistake, but I’m also real open. I’ll write this message to all who saw it, I really do appreciate the concern, though. It pit a smile om my face. I had so many things happen at once that doctors said were major stressors. And they said 3 all at once was too much. I’m fighting like hell to get through this, and I will….xx
Mister D,
Just wanted to comment on some of your message, as I know you have gone through so much over the past few years. First, I hope you have adapted well to Florida, and are enjoying your new(-er) surroundings. Moving is a son of a gun, and a major life disruption. I recently moved too, but I’m still close to Vegas–only about an hour and a half away. Nothing as major as what you’ve experienced.
But, mostly, as a Bettehead and avid Bootleg Betty reader, I really want you to know how very much you are appreciated. Yes, by me, but also by the many other readers who, like myself, try to make Bootleg Betty part of their daily fix. I really enjoy the website, and am grateful for every post. It’s still a blend of what’s new, old, relevant, and full of memories. With your personal ups and downs, and trials and tribulations, I’m grateful that you haven’t given up on Bootleg Betty, and keep it going. Perhaps it is your therapy, but reading your posts and getting on your website every day is also my therapy. I thank you, and hope you continue with it, despite the obstacles in your life. The website, like yourself and your commitment to it, has a lot of meaning and success. I just wanted you to know how grateful I am that you are you, and that you’re very special! This, IMHO, is Bette’s definitive website, and you are the architect and wizard that makes it come to life. Hang in there. You have our support. Your contribution is immense!
All the best,
Ron
xx
Hey, Ron, it is true the last 3 years have been awful, but I can’t find anywhere that I wrote about. Others must have seen it, too. I’ll have to look closer. I must have it written somewhere and Published it maybe by mistake, but I’m also real open. I’ll write this message to all who saw it, I really do appreciate the concern, though. It pit a smile om my face. I had so many things happen at once that doctors said were major stressors. And they said 3 all at once was too much. I’m fighting like hell to get through this, and I will….xx