Once Upon a Hulaween: Scarytales and Deadtime Stories Was a Wild Success

New York Restoration Project celebrated nearly three decades of championing urban green spaces and community gardens with our 27th annual Hulaween gala: Once Upon a Hulaween: Scarytales and Deadtime Stories. Our signature fall celebration raised $2 million to support our community cleaning and greening work throughout New York City.

On Friday, October 27, 2023, the evening over 500 glamorous guests to Cipriani South Street to honor NYRP Trustee Krystyna M. Blakeslee (Greed Goddess Award); entrepreneur and media personality Bruce Bozzi (Green God Award); and legendary music man Clive Davis (Wind Beneath My Wings Award).

This year’s Hulaween celebration featured dynamic live performances by Grammy-nominated musical artist Chlöe, as well as six-time Grammy Award-winning singer Dionne Warwick. Myles Frost, winner of the Tony Award for Best Leading Actor and Grammy nominated for his Broadway debut in MJ the Musical, guided guests through the event as host, while Rupaul’s Drag Race alum Thorgy Thor returned for a third consecutive year as the evening’s Green Carpet Correspondent.

Winners of the much buzzed about costume contest—judged by seven-time Tony Award-winning theater producer and fashion icon Jordan Roth, who wore a show-stopping custom look from fashion designer Zac Posen—included:

• Best Individual Winner: Jon Recor, Twisted Tooth Fairy
• Best Individual Runner-up: Jennifer Wray, Moldy Locks
• Group Winner: Studios Architecture, The Birds
• Group Runner-up: A Cast of Favorite Hollywood Horrors 

Mohar Chaudhuri won the People’s Choice Costume Contest on Instagram after tallying the votes for looks curated by Thorgy Thor.

 

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Following the headliner performances, Brooklyn entertainment collective House of Yes, Boyyyish, and musician Yarden Saxophone kept the celebration going at the afterparty.

“This was another incredible Hulaween for the books that allowed NYRP to yet again connect with old friends, expand the organization’s network to new supporters, and elevate our critical work,” said Lynn Bodnar Kelly, Executive Director, New York Restoration Project. “We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who came out to share in this moment, support our cause, and learn about the work we’re doing to keep clean, green spaces thriving and accessible to all New Yorkers.”

Photos: Yvonne Tnt and Zachary Hilty/BFA.com