Fundraiser to Save the MOONDANCE Diner: Oldest Extant Diner in NYC!
NEW YORK, N.Y. (April 29, 2007) – A fundraiser to save the historic Moondance Diner, will be held on Thurs, May 3, 2007, from 6 PM to 9 PM at artist Ruth Litoff’s studio at 80 Varick Street, #9E (one block west of Moondance). Diner owner Sunis Sharma, concerned patrons, artists, preservationists, & community groups, are coming together, as Ms. Litoff will auction off her artwork. We hope to spare the culturally & architecturally significant Moondance from demolition, since it is slated to be replaced with a high-rise condo.
Possibly on May 15th, the diner will close its doors forever. Therefore, it is urgent to raise sufficient funding to transport the diner to another site within the 5 boroughs. Freestanding diners were erected on site in one piece, and manufactured to move.
The “1933” Moondance Diner, located at 80 6th Ave in SoHo, is a highlight in terms of its diverse patronage including celebs, and the motion picture, sitcom, & Broadway world (Spiderman, Friends, Igby, Sex in the City, etc). This is also where Jonathan Larson was employed for a decade prior to producing RENT. This railway car-inspired diner, formerly called the Holland Tunnel Diner, retains several original &/or distinctive elements; chrome detailing, a barrel roof ceiling, wrap-around windows, counter & stools, as well as a retro revolving moon sign.
During the 40’s & 50’s eras, freestanding diners numerously dotted the 5 boroughs, and brought together individuals of various occupations in a cozy, personable, & striking ambiance. Today, they are becoming an endangered species at an alarming rate, but the Moondance Diner can be salvaged. Please join us in solidarity to celebrate nearly 75 years of the Moondance’s diverse history, with hors d’oerves, cocktails, & music, and an art auction that will be integral in determining its fate.
Moondance Diner visuals:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/ (Courtesy of Michael Perlman)
**To start bidding on Ruth Litoff’s artwork prior to & post May 3rd, please visit:
http://www.ruthlitoff.com/
For more info about the Moondance Preservation Efforts:
http://www.ny1.com/ny1/content/index.jsp?&aid=69098&search_result=1&stid=8. http://www.amny.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nydine275188959apr27,0,7040122.story
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/29/nyregion/thecity/29moon.html
For more info, contact Ruth at [email protected], (212) 925-0272.