Last night guests excitedly gathered at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum for the 27th annual Booked for the Evening event, the library’s signature fundraiser. This is my seventh year photographing this moving tribute exceptional people who have made a difference in the arts.This year’s honoree was the legendary Debbie Allen, producer, director, actress, dancer, author, to name a few of her accomplishments. She is best known for her roll in Fame, the TV series and Gray’s Anatomy, It was a privilege to photograph her and get to see what a kind and caring personality she is.
Fittingly, the night began with young people. Local dancers, including students from The Norwalk Conservatory, opened the program with a performance which you can see Debbie was clearly moved by. She has spent her career mentoring and inspiring young artists through her Debbie Allen Dance Academy (DADA) in Los Angeles and her children’s books. Before the program she greeted sponsors, and spent time with students from the Norwalk Conservatory Lead sponsors were Paula and Tom McInerney.
A video of well-wishes followed, with messages from Debbie’s family, friends and colleagues, including Jada Pinkett Smith and members of the Grey’s Anatomy family. In the audience and with a personal tribute was her Fame castmate Cynthia Gibb, also from Westport.
The heart of the evening was Debbie’s conversation with Shonda Rhimes, the library’s 2022 honoree and her longtime Grey’s Anatomy collaborator. They talked about creativity, mentorship and helping kids achieve their dreams. Library Director Bill Harmer then presented Debbie with the library’s Booked for the Evening award. Hawk, the book of poetry by her mother, Vivian Ayers, was also placed in the library’s permanent collection with a beautiful inscription on a permanent archival book plate.
Catering was by Marcia Selden Catering and the florals by Blossom and Stem. Additional partners were The Delamar Westport, Kindred Spirits Wine and Westport Magazine. Congratulations to the library, to the Booked committee and to co-chairs Stacy Bass, Wendy Brown and Candice Savin on an unforgettable night.