NYC Culture/Style: ARTS AND CULTURE NIGHT Benefiting Retail Orphan Initiative (ROI)

reporter/photographer: Miguel Dominguez

Vinus & Marc, an authentic Vintage Cocktail Lounge, Wine bar and Bistro celebrated its first Anniversary on August 19, 2014 by hosting "Arts & Culture Night from the Prohibition Era," a food tasting event benefiting Retail Orphan Initiative (ROI) to promote their inspirational volunteer initiatives.

Venus & Marc owner Paula Levy with artist Ron Ferri

Retail ROI (HMI) is the nation's oldest and largest LGBTQ youth service organization, providing academic enrichment & job readiness programming, health & wellness services, arts & culture programming, hot meals and clean clothes. HMI provides a safe space where LGBTQ youth can express themselves; interact with a community of their peers and access resources to help them achieve their full potential. HMI serves more than 2,500 young people annually from more than 350 zip codes.

Ron pointing to detail of one of his auctioned paintings to publicist/model Debbie Dickinson

The evening featured four speakers; Artist Ron Ferri, Interior Decorator Jean Pierre Borg, Fashion Designer Maggie Norris and Culinary Writer/Publisher Doug Singer with the introduction of Executive Chef, Luis Dominguez to New York’s Society.

Maggie Norris speaks as one of her fabulous jackets is being modeled

Vinus & Marc is also a non-for-profit organization which brings together Broadway talent and celebrities to promote LGBT equality through song. Launched in June 2011, it has received support from Carol Channing, Channing Tatum, Nathan Lane, Joy Behar, Wendy Williams and many others! Broadway Sings for Pride is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a nonprofit arts service organization.

Charmaine and Doug Singer of Daily Food & Wine, with Maggie Norris

Maggie Norris, Phil Sieves and wife Denise with Debbie

Debbie, Paula, Alexander Erickson, and food critic Boston Scarlette

Debbie models one of Maggie's
fabulous hand beaded gowns

Grilled Steak on crostini with chipotle aioli, lobster and crawfish gruyeres, Tomato bruschettas, polenta cakes with goat cheese and grilled red peppers were the choice hors d'eouvres Frank Locker, a globally recognized authority in wines and founder and owner of Vinus & Marc, decided to dazzle the gatherers with. Pairing with hand crafted cocktails by Aziza Omar and food by Chef J. Luis Dominquez, they created and experience as fresh and exciting as their ingredients.