City Lights Gala

Sunday night, I enjoyed my first post-PDA injury outing and headed over to History Starts Now’s City Lights Gala.

HSN founders Kristina Lee Grandstaff (left), Rachael Lechliter and me at the City Lights Gala

Held at the swanky and intimate Aspen Social Club near Times Square, the event drew about 100 guests supporting HSN’s mission -- to raise awareness for the fight against sex trafficking of minors in the U.S.

Smart and dedicated co-founders Rachael Lechliter and Kristina Lee Grandstaff gave a brief presentation that included the story of a young woman whose sister was trafficked in Queens. You can watch a video with her personal testimony at HSN’s website.

The crowd at Aspen Social Club

The gala featured open bar for the first hour and a yummy selection of hors d’oeuvres. While I was sampling a bite of cheese, email marketer Lak approached me.

“What are some of your favorite ‘cheesy’ events?“ he said, clearly amused by his food-inspired pun.

Lak sat down next to me, telling me about his recent divorce and move to NYC from Virginia and how difficult it is to meet people here.

Given the lopsided guy-girl ratio in Gotham, I was surprised by Lak’s complaint. And equally surprised when he said his taste is very specific, and that he prefers classy women. Since I practically trip over fabulous, single women every day, I’m skeptical of his claim that there’s a shortage of this type in the Big Apple.

“What are you doing for New Year’s?” he asked suddenly.

Though the invitation was a bit much after only five minutes of conversation, I appreciated Lak’s honesty about having to relearn the dating ropes after his eight-year marriage-induced sabbatical.

Equally candid about his single status – IT customer support rep Noah.

While chatting about the charms of the Pacific Northwest, Noah told me that his job requires being on the road 80% of the time, making it impossible to sustain a relationship. I nodded empathetically, newly grateful that most of my traveling is dictated by pleasure.

After taking a bite of the delicious cupcakes from Desserts by Tawny, I thanked the lovely hostesses and called it a night. The work that Kristina and Rachael are doing is truly inspiring. Visit History Starts Now's website to find out how you can be a part of it.

Coming up…being minus a plus one at another wedding and dinner with SingleEdition.com founder Sherri Langburt.

Reader Perk: City Lights Gala Discount

History Starts Now is celebrating the holiday season with its First Annual City Lights Gala -- and offering Single Gal In The City readers a 15% discount on tickets to the event!

Aspen Social Club: HSN's City Lights Gala will take place at this swanky lounge

This Sunday from 6-9pm, the charitable group -- which supports the fight against sex trafficking of minors -- is taking over NYC’s trendy Aspen Social Club. Hosted by James O’Connor of the hit television show “White Collar” and Joseph Perrino of “The Sopranos,” the event will feature complimentary hors d’oeuvres and signature cocktails during the first hour, and desserts by Tawny Treats.

Aspen will be donating 10% of the evening's bar sales to History Starts Now. Gala evening attire is requested.

Tickets for the event are $35, but History Starts Now is offering SGITC readers a special price of $30 at the door. All you have to do is email Jaclyn at press@historystartsnow.info by December 5th to RSVP and mention Single Gal In The City.

Let me know if you plan to attend. I might be there, if my bruised leg is feeling better by Sunday!

Jazz For A Great Cause

Monday night, my friend Rachel and I went to History Start Now’s Live Jazz cocktail benefit at Pranna in Gramercy.

History Starts Now: Rachel and me at the Live Jazz event

Held in the trendy Pan Asian restaurant’s inviting downstairs space, the semi-formal event featured hors d’oevures, signature drinks and fabulous musicians -- and sobering statistics about child trafficking.

Founded last year, History Starts Now uses a multi-media approach to raise awareness for the fight against sex trafficking of minors in the U.S. According to the group, 300,000 children are trafficked in the U.S., with 10,000 trafficked in NYC alone. The average age of most victims is 12-14 years old.

After talking with charming and well-informed HSN co-founders Rachael Lechliter and Kristina Lee Grandstaff, Rachel and I caught up on recent events. I told her about the end of my summer fling and upcoming second date with cute photographer Ali. She filled me in about her trip Down Under to Sydney, her former hometown.

Another charming Aussie ended up joining our conversation, Perth-born musician Mark. Part of a trio called the Out of Towners (his bandmates are from Japan and the U.K. respectively), Mark and co will be performing at Sugar Bar on October 13th.

Speaking of upcoming calendar-worthy occasions, History Starts Now will be hosting a winter event, one of four annual fundraisers. For more info about the group, click here.