DND Celebrates at Pre-Inauguration Reception on New Year’s Eve

“Run DND” Director Laura Hart captured on film Mayor David N. Dinkins celebrating at the official swearing in of Mayor Bill de Blasio at a festive Gracie Mansion reception on the afternoon of New Year’s Eve.  Hart was joined by Producer Nina Streich, One Centre Street Syndicate board member Mark Benoit and official “Run DND” photographer Richard Brathwaite.

Mayor Dinkins held court in a warm parlor replete with holiday decorations as well-wishers queued up to greet him and take selfies.  Mayor Dinkins’ administration was a launching pad for many including former aides Patrick Gaspard, former Ambassador to South Africa under President Barack Obama and now Vice President of the Open Society. 

Herbert Block, Executive Director of The American Zionist Movement whose political involvement was catalyzed when he met and befriended Dinkins at age 13 joined Gaspard to catch up with their former boss at the reception.

Before being sworn in by New York City Clerk (a post formerly held by Mayor Dinkins) Michael McSweeney, Mayor de Blasio and First Lady Chirlane McCray hugged Mayor Dinkins and thanked him for his service to the City of New York. 

Mayor de Blasio expressed his gratitude to Mayor Dinkins in his remarks which mirrored the sentiments of those in attendance.  After his official swearing in Mayor de Blasio paid $9 in cash to the City Clerk for administrative fees.