Leslie Gordon and Sonja Tremont Morgan. (Courtesy Photo: On Point Publishing)

New York City - On October 20, 2011 at the Pierre Hotel, the American Friends of Blérancourt honored Baroness Philippine de Rothschild as the first recipient of the Anne Morgan Award of Excellence. Anne Morgan, daughter of JP Morgan along with 350 women volunteers rebuilt war-torn Picardy following WWI. The Château de Blérancourt, her former home, now houses the Franco-American museum she founded. The Anne Morgan award was created to recognize a woman who has similarly responded to a challenge in society, the arts and in business.

Baroness Philippine de Rothschild, also from a successful family is the head of the Bordeaux wine empire of Château Mouton Rothschild, known for the unique wine labels featuring leading artists. Baroness Philippine de Rothschild and was the first woman to head up this wine company and successfully double the sales and expanded the company. For this elegant affair, she donated sumptuous bottles of Opus One from her personal collection. Three bottles of 1988 Chateau Mouton Rothschild were auctioned off and won by Peter Heydon.



Upon receiving the Ann Morgan Award of Excellence in the form of a Lalique Ochidée bowl, Baroness de Rothschild stated that she and Anne Morgan were both heiresses, both had chateaux and both a desire to contribute to making life more enjoyable. They differ, however, in that Anne Morgan wanted to spend more time in France, while Baroness de Rothschild preferred America.

The gourmet dinner prepared by Chef Stephane Becht was created to accompanied the outstanding wines from the Rothschild vineyards and champagne from Paul Goerg. The 120+ guests included French Ambassador Francois Delattre, the Consul General of France, Philippe Lalliot and his wife Laurence Folliot-Lalliot, Founder and CEO of American Friends, Baroness Bernard d'Anglejan-Chatillon, Mr. Jean-Pierre de Beaumarchais, husband of Baroness de Rothschild, Mr. Miles Morgan, Mr. Jay Paul, Jeri and George Sape, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Darlington, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Gehman, Mr. and Mrs. James Gerard, Housewife of NYC, Sonja Tremont Morgan, corporate sponsors from Dassault Falcon Jet, Mr. Mrs. Jean Rosanvallon, Coca Cola, Ms. Janet Howard, and Mr. & Mrs. Mario Rinaldi of Champagne Paul Goerg, Ce Ce and Lee Black, Mr. and Mrs. Nicholas Kirkbride, Mrs. Anne Bricker, Bonnie Pfeifer-Evans and Kathleen Springhorn.