Swiss Society of New York

Swiss Ball 2009 – Guest of Honor Dieter Meier, Musician, Filmmaker, Artist & Entrepreneur
The Swiss Ball was held under the Patronage of Ambassador Christoph Bubb, Consul General of Switzerland in New York with Guest of Honor, Dieter Meier.

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Comments for our attendees:

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Sophistication Redefined :  The Swiss Ball 2009

The only thing more plentiful than the wine was the elegance at this year's annual Swiss Ball, hosted by Beat F. Reinhart and the Swiss Society of New York.  As the weather began to dip on January 31st, 2009 -- the festivities and chatter grew within the Grand Ballroom of the quintessentially tasteful Pierre Hotel.

Even one who has been to her share of balls and galas would be stirred upon entry, greeted by a satin-inspired atmosphere and lit by what would seem innumerable chandeliers. Not one guest was underdressed, and the sheer refinement of it all was, in a word, refreshing.

Post the silent auction and upon seating, the unconventional presentation of the Swiss &American National Anthems inspired awed laughter from the crowd, as Laura Lupinacci and Clarina Bezzola were wheeled out on platforms and dressed as their respective national characters. The version of "Anything You Can Do" that followed will be forever hilariously immortalized.

The crowning point of the evening, however, was the speech given by Dieter Meier. The guest of honor, founding partner of the group Yello and man of myriad talents, addressed the crowd with the charisma Americans have been searching for in a president for a long, long time. The former producer, technology buff, and avid poker player was presented with an award for his achievements and a [replica] Derringer gun.

The remarkable evening closed with what seemed to be endless wine and dancing. And as the band took leave and lights began to dim, a few last guests lingered... no doubt to revel for a touch longer at the elegance the Swiss Society had captured, and to puzzlingly wonder at how so many of them knew how to swing dance.

 - Ashley Avis 

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I wanted to take a moment and congratulate you on an amazing evening. We could see the amount or time and effort you dedicated to create such a fantastic event.  The Guest of Honor, Dieter Meier, was not only fascinating but someone we could all relate to.  The Silent Auction was really vast and Manuel and I spent most of the morning looking through our goodie bags....... he took the Davidoff and I will be shopping at Fogal for sure!!! We are glad we were able to make it eve if only for the second half. We were moved to see how attentive your were to accommodate our late arrival.  We came really to enjoy good company, good music, the festive ambience and to take full advantage of the extended dancing hours!! 

Great Job and Thank You,

Alessandra and Manuel Bessler

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Michelle and I thank you profusely. Many thanks.

You organized a most successful Ball and I congratulate you and your Committee.

Kind regards,

Bernard Reverdin