We wanted to take the time to share some of the many who have displayed generosity and kindness during this pandemic. From celebrity hairstylists Patrick Kyle, Iron Chef Marc Forgione, Elisabeth Holder of Laudrèe USA, Harry’s Italian, and Da Claudio Restaurant, to Howard Hughes Seaport. You will read their words and see their photos as we salute their selfless acts.
Last Thursday was a day Patrick Kyle will never forget.
My buddy, Jordan @jordanehni (Infectious Disease Director @mountsinai_bethisrael ) was looking for barbers and hairstylists to volunteer to give health care workers much-needed haircuts. After discussing protective measures, I agreed to participate. Over 400 people entered a raffle for the cuts. Six were chosen to meet me in the “Wellness Room” for haircuts. I had full PPE (scrubs, mask, gloves and face shield). Clients were given a fresh mask and robe as they walked into the room. I felt completely safe. The love and appreciation I received will stay with me forever. Little did they know I felt normal for the first time in weeks getting to do something I love — servicing my clients
Celebrity hairstylist Patrick Kyle @patrickkyle_ generously donated six haircuts to front line employees at Mount Sinai Beth Israel. Patrick is a freelance hairstylist whose credits include Cosmopolitan, Seventeen, and New York Fashion Week.
Employees entered a raffle, and six lucky winners received a haircut and styling, snacks, music, and aromatherapy treatment as a part of a larger wellness plan to help keep COVID-19 frontline workers rejuvenated for the long journey ahead. We are all missing access to basic services, and we are grateful to Patrick for volunteering his time and truly connecting with our healthcare heroes.
Winners: Millie Rosario, emergency department tech; Dr. Arielle Sasson, first-year resident; Marco Makkar, emergency department registrar; Dr. Anthoney Lim, medical director of the pediatrics ER. #selfcare #frontlines #COVID19 #msbibettertogether #wellnesswednesday
So grateful for the true heroes that work tirelessly behind the front lines!
“After delivering 100 more dinners (thanks to YOUR generosity) it was so heartwarming to hear the #clapforourcarers for all essential workers risking their lives to keep us safe! THANK YOU! We are especially proud of our small but mighty team that is currently working together to ensure we bring our entire team back when this is over! It is a reminder that we are collectively #strongertogether #spiritofsolidarity is alive and well!” #DaClaudioNYC https://www.instagram.com/nyphospital/
One of our favorite sweet spots in New York, was right there front and center, taking the time to give. “We keep sharing the love with all the health workers who are doing an amazing job taking care of our families, friends, and communities.”
Merci! Thank you! Ladurée
Mar Forgione and his partners at Khe-Yo showed their support.
“Another hospital delivery today with @tasteoftribeca at @nyulangone. Thank you to everyone who has donated to the fund to feed hospital workers and @snowdancefarm @la_boite @gargiuloproduce for the delicious ingredients!”
When New York City shut down, brothers Frank and Salvatore Buglione decided with their co-owners at the restaurant group HPH NYC –
‘WE JUST PULL UP TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND DROP OFF FOOD’: WHY HARRY’S ITALIAN DECIDED TO STAY OPEN
to keep both their Harry’s Italian locations open. “You always hate to see any restaurant go completely dark,” HPH partner Paul Lamas told the Downtown Alliance. “We wanted to try and keep some of our key employees, key staff working. Everybody wanted to work. We really wanted to do something to help the community.”
Beyond their neighborhood regulars, HPH and the Bugliones identified plenty of other mouths to feed in Manhattan. They tapped a number of their food purveyors and liquor vendors to see who’d be willing to chip in — the restaurant would match any donation — to serve first responders (e.g. NYPD’s 1st Precinct, Engine 4 and Ladder 15 on South Street, NewYork-Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital). “We’re not here looking to make money or make this any publicity stunt,” Salvatore told the Alliance. “We do our best work when people are not looking. We just keep dropping off food — we don’t even ask any questions. We just pull up to the emergency room and drop off food.
“I always feel we do the easy part,” Salvatore added. “Okay, we’re dropping off some food. It’s more about what these hospital workers are going through. They’re dealing with patients every day.”
The Bugliones work 18- and 19-hour days to do what they’re doing. At around 7 or 8 each morning, they turn on the ovens and wait for the orders to come in. Before they know it, Salvatore said, “we turn around and it’s 11 o’clock at night.” They’re not even tired, he said. “It’s unbelievable: You don’t realize 15 hours went by and you’re still strong.”
Lower Manhattan property owners came together on the evening of March 19, 2020, to offer a symbol of hope and strength in the midst of the global health and financial crisis.
One World Trade Center, Pier 17 at the Seaport District, Brookfield Place, 111 and 115 Broadway, 55 Water Street and 20 Exchange Place will be participating in this effort, while other Downtown buildings are working to join them over the next several days. Buildings throughout the entire city are encouraged to follow suit and add their own “lights of hope.”
“This is a moment to band together, show pride in a tough time, and light up the Lower Manhattan skyline with hope,” said Jessica Lappin, President of the Alliance for Downtown New York. “Whether it’s red, white and blue or with a single white beacon, buildings across Lower Manhattan will light themselves in honor of our determination to endure and recover.”
“In this time of need, we as New Yorkers and Americans are looking for symbols of hope—both in our communities and across the country,” said Saul Scherl, President of the New York Tri-State Region of The Howard Hughes Corporation. “We wanted to unite our community and light up the buildings of Lower Manhattan together to show our solidarity, our resiliency, and our persistent hope for the future.”
Stay tuned for more generosity from New Yorkers taking the time to give back during this unprecedented time.
The Downtown Team
