The mojitos and margaritas flowed like rivers at flood stage as close to 600 revelers took over Hudson Lounge for the annual rocking charity bash known as "A Night in Havana." As the 9-foot tall Fidel Castro patrolled the club interiors and patio, guests lit up Cuban cigars and swayed to the spins of DJ Senega, accompanied by his sidekick drummer Tain Chi Chi.
Castro wasn't the only character joining the party as Big Bird, The Thing (from the Fantastic Four) and burlesque dancers on lighted boxes each contributed their special brand of exotica. As John Andell, one of the three dozen hosts, emailed, "It was B-A-N-A-N-A-S . . . one of the best ones yet actually."
The sixth annual fundraiser, aimed at the twenty-ish and thirtysomething crowd, featured Circulo Tequila. The brand's Silver label and the smoother, more sophisticated Reposado kept this rollicking crowd well hydrated.
Each year, the host committee of young professionals selects a different charity as beneficiary of the night's high spirits. Rescued Pets Movement, which places homeless cats and dogs in homes throughout the country, was this year's recipient of funds raised.
Abiding by the "cabana chic" dress code in all manner of linens and fedoras were guests including Stacy Andell, Lee Willeford, Andrea Audish, Kerry Gaughan, Emile Brown, Sharon and Errol McLaughlin, Emily and Scott Jackson, John Sartorious, Dr. Romy Mitchell and Amanda Kirkwood.
Dr. Romy Mitchell, from left, "Castro," Andrea Audish and Kerry Gaughan.
