Our Events

Gala Launch Party - Wayward Pen Foundation

New York, June 9, 2009

On Tuesday, June 9th 2009 Larissa Drekonja, Klemen Novak and Adam Kiyoshi-Fujita produced and hosted a benefit to honor Wayward Pen Foundation's inception. At a new elegant restaurant/launge Civetta, in Soho, a pleasant evening was opened by Peter Makebish, Rose Bar's resident DJ. He filled the evening air with an eclectic music mix that went deliciously with a glass of Veuve Clicquot, topped with an exquisite Slovenian Sauvignon Blanc donated by Movia. A trio of delicious cocktails ("The Corridor", "Max" and "Little One") was developed by Drew Z to celebrate the upcoming Wayward Pen's production of "The Corridor", an award-winning Slovenian play set to hit the New York stages in March 2010.

Civetta's delicious hors d'oeuvre, including a wonderful tuna ceviche served on fresh artichoke leaves, ensured the guests were having a wonderful time before the evening's next treat was due - three timeless jazz pieces (Feeling Good, Summertime and My Funny Valentine), performed in perfection by Jeni Fujita (vocals), Lenart Krecic (saxophone) and Gasper Bertoncelj (drums). They were followed by Don Carter who presented a powerful highlight from "The Corridor" as the character Max.

Six breathtaking artworks decorated the walls, donated to us by Urh Sobocan, a young, up-and-coming Slovenian artist, whose works were the talk of the evening and we look forward to further collaboration on our future events.

Wayward Pen's array of items donated to us by our sponsors were up for grabs in a silent auction which included Urh Sobocan's paintings as well as an exclusive selection of products and services donated by our generous contributors: Hotel Vestibul Split, Croatia, Jana Water, 1 Oak and Pink Elephant, two New York's hottest venues, Pain D'Avignon, Civetta, Tommy Hilfiger and Sirius Radio.

Altogether, around a hundred esteemed New Yorkers celebrated the foundation's inception by their presence and helped raise over twenty thousand dollars.

Thanks to our patrons: Civetta Restaurant, Hotel Vestibul Split, Jana Water, 1Oak, Pink Elephant, Pain D'Avignon, Tommy Hilfiger and Sirius Radio. , We especially extend our gratitude to our Patrons, Momir Stojnovic, Nenad Nizic and Wesley Wang for their invaluable friendship, trust and support.