$31,000 Lunchbox

This past Thursday evening Andy and I found ourselves at Saatchi & Saatchi- New York cities premiere advertising agency which was host to the annual "Lunchbox" Auction. A celebrity studded gala whose celebrity designed lunchboxes were auctioned off to benefit two hunger-relief organizations - Food Bank For New York City and The Lunchbox Fund of South Africa ($50 donation feeds one child for a whole year).

As Andy and I walked up to the front doors of the building, he was ushered to the press photo junket (he designed one of the lunchboxes) and I went to the donation table to lay down our donations for the benefit. As we reunite at the parties entrance Andy's face immediately became giddy with the celebrity citings such as Michael Stipe, Mike D of the Beastie Boys, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Lisa Marie Presley, Patti Smith, and inexplicable Joyce (aka Janet from "Three's Company) DeWitt.

As Andy headed off to look for his idol Bono, as I decided to look for the open bar. The open bar line was long and furious, as the one lone bartender nervously poured concoctions as three other bartender sat only feet away from him watching him fumble with smirks on there faces. Cocktails hungry patrons grew angrier as the bartender seemed overwhelmed with the simple task opening a coke bottle. I was having none of it. I had a long work day at work and mama needed a cocktail, so I walked to the front of the line saying in my best southern drawl, "Hey Honey, I'll drop you this 20 spot if you whip me up four drinks- two cosmos and two jack and cokes." He obliged (the poor guy had but one dollar tip in his jar as it was) and I asked Andy if he was ready to be double fisted, ehem, with drinks (it sounded much dirtier when said out loud).

With drinks in hand, Andy and I did a few laps around the party. We watched as Maggie Gyllenhaal flirted with her husband Peter Sarsgaard. Legendary singers Michael Stipe and Patti Smith viewed the lunchboxes quietly as did Mike D, whose afro far outshines the one I proudly displayed in the fifth grade.

The crowd itself, while not abundant with celebrities per se was teaming with extraordinarily talented, gifted, and wealthy people. As I chatted up a few of the Saatchi & Saatchi folks, Andy chatted Mike D and Peter "R.E.M" Buck.

Finally the auction started. The Emcee duties where kicked of first by chef Mario Batali holding up a lunchbox designed by Richie Richie of the Heatherettes. I believe the box fetched about grand. Where as Michael Stipes' lunchbox filled with photos he took of Bjork, George Clooney, Heath Ledger, and others celebs wearing his sunglasses fetched $31,000. It always me that someone in this world can say, "Hmm, I feel like dropping $31,000 tonight" and can.

A little buzzed (who knew a $20.00 tip would get you such heavy handed drinks) and happy from the mini cupcakes that were given out- we left the party with a purpose and headed home.
Beso- Maya Contreras