Mayor Eric Adams made a point to stay in the running for New York City mayor on Friday, and later attended the annual 77 WABC Radio Gala at Cipriani 42nd Avenue, celebrating billionaire John Catsimatidis’s 77th birthday.
The event, which hosted around 500 guests, had a dress code that called for a “patriotic glow mixed with black tie.” The venue’s chandeliers lit up in red, white, and blue, joining a lively atmosphere filled with familiar American expressions, from Lincoln to the Statue of Liberty.
Even with Adams present, attendees encouraged Catsimatidis to consider another run for mayor, though he respectfully declined. However, when his wife, Margo Catsimatidis, was introduced as the “New York City First Lady,” the crowd erupted in applause, according to onsite observers.
Interestingly, the previous weekend had seen President Trump reaching out to Catsimatidis. Meanwhile, GOP candidate Curtis Sliwa voiced his concerns about what a win in November might mean, especially against leading opponent, Zohran Mamdani, from the socialist Democratic Party.
As Adams mingled at the party, country star Lee Greenwood took to the stage to perform “God Bless the USA,” followed by blues artist “Cousin Brucie” Moreau, who is well-known from “SNL” fame alongside Joe Piscopo.
Vinnie Medugno stepped in to sing Tony Orlando’s “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” since Orlando was unable to attend. The Catsimatidis family came together with many notable attendees, including Sliwa and other influential figures from various sectors.
Catsimatidis’s actual birthday is September 7th, and this celebration was in sync with that important date for him and Margo, marking a tradition they’ve held since their previous galas at the Metropolitan Club.
The event has often captivated guests like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, former Governor David Patterson, and the past mayoral contender, Anthony Weiner, supported by the event’s sponsor, Goya.
