NYC high society events worth attending by paying?

I've noticed that there are a ton of all kinds of charity galas out there in the city every single day. Many of them appear to be the "high society" ones. I've been curious about this kind and apparently I have zero connection within. So without being able to get invitations, I wonder if it is worth buying tickets aka. "donating" (ranging from $250 to $1500) to get in. I'm currently thinking to purchase some from next year. Even though I've been well aware of the sole nature of all these events for the "high society" attendees: to pretend they are the hottest & coolest and the tax purpose.
Wonder if any of you frequent this kind of events?

 
ReadLine:
Only if you're an absolute beast at in-person networking.

networking, whenever I hear this word, I sense desperation. why not just chill?

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
midtowngal:
ReadLine:
Only if you're an absolute beast at in-person networking.

networking, whenever I hear this word, I sense desperation. why not just chill?

Because chilling doesn't get you shit? Actually, I'll go with you if you're a 7+/10 and we have sex in the limo home.

 

I'm not trying to network at all. I will only respond to people whoever approach me. I want to get the kind of experience and more importantly, to witness how superficial and hypocritical those folks could be. The real reason, is, uh, I've got some stunning gowns which I have to find some occasions to flash. I've been tired of going to cocktail parties. Next, black ties only.

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
midtowngal:
I'm not trying to network at all. I will only respond to people whoever approach me. I want to get the kind of experience and more importantly, to witness how superficial and hypocritical those folks could be. The real reason, is, uh, I've got some stunning gowns which I have to find some occasions to flash. I've been tired of going to cocktail parties. Next, black ties only.
Everybody here knows that you're a man. Please stop leading these people on.
 
prospie:
midtowngal:
I'm not trying to network at all. I will only respond to people whoever approach me. I want to get the kind of experience and more importantly, to witness how superficial and hypocritical those folks could be. The real reason, is, uh, I've got some stunning gowns which I have to find some occasions to flash. I've been tired of going to cocktail parties. Next, black ties only.
Everybody here knows that you're a man. Please stop leading these people on.

Phew, then I have to ask you to escort me to one of my next events. I will be at Cipriani around new year. Be there and dress sharp. we'll see. I'm serious.

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
prospie:
I'm down

very good. don't forget to remind me when the new year approaches, will shoot u where to meet and greet. btw, you are a presentable guy with good sense, right?

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
TNA:
Wow, so much hate for nothing. I go to a handful of black tie and charity events throughout the year. Great way to give back and be part of something that means something to you.

good for you. one question: how much value of jewelry are you expected to wear to these events? I find it bothering me. I don't want to waste money on buying useless shit. I'm curently thinking about "renttherunway"

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
midtowngal:
<span class=keyword_link><a href=/company/trilantic-north-america>TNA</a></span>:
Wow, so much hate for nothing. I go to a handful of black tie and charity events throughout the year. Great way to give back and be part of something that means something to you.

good for you. one question: how much value of jewelry are you expected to wear to these events? I find it bothering me. I don't want to waste money on buying useless shit. I'm curently thinking about "renttherunway"

I am a dude so I have no clue. Just wear a nice evening gown and whatever jewelry you wear. I wear a tux or if a charity event, a suit.

 
captainradio:
Don't forget to pre-game. It makes the whole experience so much more fun.

Why would you pay $250-1500 to make a fool of yourself? I think you're confusing 'charity gala' with 'cheap nightclub where you go to grind with other drunk people'. I'm going to take a guess and say you can't handle your liquor with the gravitas of Hitchens. More likely:

Hedge Fund Guy: So sad Gore Vidal passed this year. Senior Lawyer: I remember him speaking about the City and the Pillar at Yale.... You: Durrrrr. Hey Guys! takes another sip Did you say Al Gore died? Hedge Fund Guy: ...Ahem. Excuse us...

 
Best Response
gstackle32:
Don't kid yourself. You don't have enough money to mingle with the 'high society' of NYC. Wasting your time and $

I'm imagining most of you guys will fail at this and come off as fools out of your element (pregaming guy is definitely off). But there is value in this.

I'll use myself as an example: Ivy but had awful grades. OCR interviewing fail. Yet I've had internships and jobs offered to me that most young people would kill for when I've engaged people in person. Including a spot on the production team of a hit new TV show and an assistant position for a foreign correspondent for a major newswire. And this is with 0 relevant experience- just impressing people with talk. And its not just about career. In my experience, it can mean an invite to an awesome penthouse party, meeting minor celebrities and a great seat at a US Open match in Queens. I've even had a guy tell me he can get my application "pushed" at a top 10 US business school if I ever decided to apply down the line. For some people its almost like they're showing off how much they can help/offer you.

So, if it's a social event that you know is going to be filled with hedge fund guys and you already have a good finance job/experience- than the expected value can be pretty high (assuming you can talk the talk and make yourself sound valuable). But 1st you have to get over the I'm not worth it and don't kid yourself and low vs. high society mindset. Remember- mingling is free!

 
ReadLine:
gstackle32:
Don't kid yourself. You don't have enough money to mingle with the 'high society' of NYC. Wasting your time and $

I'm imagining most of you guys will fail at this and come off as fools out of your element (pregaming guy is definitely off). But there is value in this.

I'll use myself as an example: Ivy but had awful grades. OCR interviewing fail. Yet I've had internships and jobs offered to me that most young people would kill for when I've engaged people in person. Including a spot on the production team of a hit new TV show and an assistant position for a foreign correspondent for a major newswire. And this is with 0 relevant experience- just impressing people with talk. And its not just about career. In my experience, it can mean an invite to an awesome penthouse party, meeting minor celebrities and a great seat at a US Open match in Queens. I've even had a guy tell me he can get my application "pushed" at a top 10 US business school if I ever decided to apply down the line. For some people its almost like they're showing off how much they can help/offer you.

So, if it's a social event that you know is going to be filled with hedge fund guys and you already have a good finance job/experience- than the expected value can be pretty high (assuming you can talk the talk and make yourself sound valuable). But 1st you have to get over the I'm not worth it and don't kid yourself and low vs. high society mindset. Remember- mingling is free!

Good post, dude. I'm totally on your side. I have a feeling that you are an immigrant too. Only we immigrants understand the concept of social climbing better than anyone else. Anyway, I'll take you as an arm candy if you are a Wharton guy. So any plans for the next gala we go together?

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
gstackle32:
Don't kid yourself. You don't have enough money to mingle with the 'high society' of NYC. Wasting your time and $

The money is not a problem. and I have my own pride. Not to sound like a pathetic social climber, I'm just from an entirely different background. Dad is a scientist whose name can be found on wikipedia. They are not into any forms of peacocking. But I just want to explore another world.

I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo
 
midtowngal:
The money is not a problem. and I have my own pride. Not to sound like a pathetic social climber, I'm just from an entirely different background. Dad is a scientist whose name can be found on wikipedia.

Go with your dad, or the friend of your dad's friend's friend. A nice referral can open lots of doors, then it's up to you to keep it rollin'.

 

Jeez, tough crowd. I was kidding about the pre-gaming bit, it really dint translate well in text.

I've been to a couple of these events, once with the wife and once with my mom. Both events we attended were for charities that my parents help support.

Fantastic people at both events, and a cousin of mine actually met someone who helped him transition from MBB to non-profit.

We met a couple who hooked us up with passes for the Formula 1 GP in that country, and we ended up in the Mclaren garage with the pit crew.

 

A large % of the people at many charity events are really nice (not sure about the crowd in NYC though), and even though many tend to be within their circles, it's not hard to strike a very good conversation. Going with your dad is not a bad idea either.

 

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I'm feeling like a star, you can't stop my shine---Ridin' Solo

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