“We first met in the year 1206 B.C.,” kidded Peter Marino of his longstanding friendship with artist Ross Bleckner. The famed New York architect, shading his face behind a pair of jet-black aviators, joined the crowd who braved freezing temperatures Thursday night to support ACRIA’s annual holiday dinner.
Bleckner, who helped found the nonprofit in 1991 to research, educate and prevent HIV and AIDS, was among the evening’s honorees at the fund-raiser held at Cipriani 25 Broadway’s majestic Italian Renaissance-style building in lower Manhattan, which was originally built as the Cunard Line’s grand ticketing office.
“Tonight is [Ross’] night and I’m happy to be here for him,” remarked Calvin Klein who later stood in the center of the towering room to present his friend with ACRIA’s Founders Award. “He’s really passionate about this organization.”