The Cocktail Guru and WNBC Anchor Contessa Brewer bring you Bloody Marys to help the hurricane hangover
By Francine Cohen

Thank goodness it’s not often that a storm of Sandy’s magnitude bears down on the NY region like it did, leaving destruction and chaos in its midst. But when it does it is nice to know that there is a game plan in place and a delicious way to help your neighbors get back on their feet.

It’s also nice to know that the hospitality industry and our local media care as much about their guests and viewers as they do about their own friends & family. It is why, before the storm even hit, Jeffrey and Jonathan Pogash of The Cocktail Guru (www.thecocktailguru.com) collaborated with Contessa Brewer of WNBC and member of the Centennial Circle of the American Red Cross Greater New York Region to create a fundraising luncheon titled, “Variations on a Bloody Mary.”

Jeffrey Pogash notes, “Many of our fellow citizens of the Greater New York Region have suffered devastation to their homes and desperately need food, water and clothing. Jonathan, Contessa Brewer and I, organized this Red Cross benefit prior to the disaster, but have asked the American Red Cross to direct the proceeds from the sale of tickets to Hurricane Sandy relief (www.redcross.org/hurricane_aid).

The event, to be held this Sunday, November 18th, from noon-2 PM at the Empire Room in the Empire State Building (350 Fifth Avenue – www.esbnyc.com), offers a fine luncheon, a selection of three Bloody Marys and the knowledge that your $35 ticket price goes directly where it is most needed right now.

Jonathan Pogash concludes, “Our Bloody Mary Brunch to benefit the American Red Cross NY region is of particular significance now that Hurricane Sandy reliefs are under way across NYC. We’ve ensured that 100% of the proceeds will go directly to the hurricane relief efforts. As hospitality industry professionals, we know how important community and support is within the city, so we are hoping to do whatever it is that we can to help those in need during these hard times.”

Won’t you join them for a Bloody Mary? Tickets are available at bloodymarylunch.eventbrite.com.