What a philanthropic week we’ve been having! Tonight, we’re toasting our own fortitude at managing to spend a sweltering day in the office with a cocktail at the David Burke Garden in a gala to benefit the International Rescue Committee. With their Summer Party, the IRC is celebrating its New Roots urban-greening initiative with a special menu conceived of by Mr. Burke and a host committee including starlet Rashida Jones and Homeland’s Morena Baccarin. Meanwhile, Just Food and The Sylvia Center are to benefit from a series of private dinners, prepared by chefs with locally grown produce, in the homes of folks like James Frey and Leonard Lopate. Whose bookshelf would you rather root through?

IRC Summer Party, David Burke Garden at The James Hotel, 23 Grand Street, red carpet reception at 6pm and party at 7pm; tickets and information can be found at http://genr.eventbrite.com. Private dinners for Just Food; tickets and information can be found at cityfarmerchefhost.org.

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