© 77 WABC
(New York, NY) – The energy was different at the 77 WABC Gala. There was an air of uncertainty and even concern at the gala in 2024 — President Trump hadn’t yet been re-elected — and while confidence was up, people were aware of how much hung in the balance. Voters then headed to the polls, and the MAGA train proved unstoppable — and here we are. Now, the concern lies with New York City’s ongoing mayoral race — but on Friday night — the crowd threw its support behind Curtis Sliwa.
Of course, all the polls will tell you that Zohran Mamdani — the Democratic candidate — is a shoe-in. But the gala fell at a fascinating moment in history — just minutes after Mayor Eric Adams had defiantly stood firm and denied any interest in dropping out of the race. There has been rampant reporting and speculation that Adams might take a job with the Trump White House and then end his campaign — but late Friday, hours before the gala — Adams doubled down and said that was false. He was in it to win it and said he had the best shot of stopping Mamdani.
Mayor Adams undoubtedly held his press conference at Gracie Mansion, got his limo down to Cipriani 42nd Street, and joined the festivities as did everyone else. Any talk of jobs in Washington, DC were secondary when Adams was introduced to polite applause — followed by the Republican/Independent candidate Sliwa — who received a hearty roar of support.
But the night was a celebration of America, and it’s impending 250th birthday. 77 WABC owner-operator John Catsimatidis — who by the way celebrates his birthday September 7 — noted President Trump “had his hands full” trying to end the wars in Gaza and Ukraine. Still, the two friends have been consistent in discussing and planning for the ongoing celebration of America’s 250th birthday. And with good reason.
The gala on Friday was a tremendous party and gathering — just as each one has been since John and Margo Catsimatidis took over 77 WABC. It began with a festive and lively cocktail hour, as impersonators brought to life President’s George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Uncle Sam and Lady Liberty on stilts walked around the stunning Cipriani’s Midtown Setting — bringing to mind a classier, gilded age. It was also very present and modern with many people stopping to snap photos with their favorite radio hosts or other dignitaries that had joined the fun — including two of the aforementioned mayoral candidates.
Eventually, it was time for everyone to gather around the stage, where the ageless Cousin Brucie emceed. He noted Tony Orlando was unable to join due to illness, but the crowd was entertained by the peerless pipes of Staten Island’s native son Vinnie Medugno. At one point, the crowd went wild, because the Statue of Liberty emerged from the cake. Overall, the food and service were impeccable, as is to be expected — but the vibes were up as well.
New York City’s spirit was strong and on point, with an especially sharp focus on all that’s to come. With so many questions facing it’s future — so soon after all we went through with COVID — New Yorkers aren’t about to slip up anytime soon. And the entire event and venue was wrapped up in that sort of thinking at the 77 WABC gala.
What better way to mark America’s 250th than coming together with good food, drink, and discussion? It was an event to mark on the calendar, as will be next year’s gala. Everyone breaks out their finery and toasts a place we all love — 77 WABC. Thank you as always to the Catsimatidis for a driving spirit that keeps the radio station going — but also knows how to throw a party! America, 250. Not bad so far.
