NEW YORK – Great Performances, New York's largest full-service catering and event planning company with a unique presence in the contract foodservice arena, has been selected by the Fragrance Foundation “FiFi” Awards as the caterer of record for the awards ceremony hosted by Sigorney Weaver which takes place on Wednesday, June 9th, 2004 from 5:30pm- 10pm at the Hammerstein Ballroom located at 311 West 34th Street. Incorporating fragrant spices influenced by some of the most notable parfum nominees, Great Performances ensures that the stellar menu will reflect the essence of the evening. As the chosen caterer for the FiFi Awards, Great Performances will be responsible for all aspects of foodservice.

We cordially invite you to contact Mashariki Williamson directly at 212. 334. 8006 to schedule an interview with Great Performances Executive Chef Gary Coyle. For images of the Great Performances menu please Workhouse Publicity, Mashariki Williamson via email at williamson@workhousepr.com.

On June 9th, the beauty industry will once again fete its fragrance stars with the 32nd annual FiFi Awards held in NYC. The Fragrance Foundation is pleased to announce that actress Sigourney Weaver will host the 2004 FiFi Awards. A red carpet favorite - the much-nominated actress is currently starring off Broadway in A. R. Gurney’s Mrs. Farnsworth with John Lithgow. This year, the 2004 FiFi Awards, will also feature the first ever "Consumer Choice" awards -- 3 different awards that will be sponsored by CosmoGIRL!, Cosmopolitan and Nordstrom stores. Consumers will be invited to participate in this year's voting both online and in-store. However, this year, for the first time, consumers can vote for their favorite fragrances in-store or online. Cosmopolitan, CosmoGIRL! and Nordstrom will all participate in the first "Consumer's Choice" awards to be given out at the FiFi Awards. In addition, fashion icon Oscar de la Renta and Vogue publisher Tom Florio head the 2004 FiFi Committee. This year promises to be an exciting event as Jennifer Lopez, Celine Dion, Ralph Lauren, Carolina Herrera, Diane Von Furstenberg, Narciso Rodriguez, Stella McCartney and Kenneth Cole all have signature fragrances nominated for the coveted Fragrance of the Year awards.

Conceived and established by Liz Neumark in 1979 as a staffing organization, this year, Great Performances celebrates its 25th Anniversary and is the approved caterer at all of New York's leading cultural institutions. Great Performances has exclusive or contractual relationships with the Jazz at Lincoln Center, Sotheby’s, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Asia Society Museum, Big Apple Circus, Ellis Island, Ian Schrager's Hudson Hotel, MoMA QNS, Staten Island Yankees, and Wave Hill. Recent achievements include CBS’s 75th Anniversary, Dave Matthews Band in Central Park— The AOL Concert for Schools and the wedding of the Honorable Rudy Giuliani and Judith Nathan at Gracie Mansion.

The Fragrance Foundation “FiFi” Awards
Instituted in 1975, this illustrious awards ceremony, revered as being the “Oscars” of the fragrance world, celebrates the achievements of the fragrance industry and honors individual brands that have garnered excellence in their chosen niche. Pierre Dinand designed the crystal sculpture which depicts two columns embracing a droplet and has become the internationally acclaimed symbol for the foundation. In 1989, John Ledes, Publisher of Beauty Fashion & Cosmetics World, nicknamed the award “FiFi” and has since been the registered trademark by the Fragrance Foundation. The foundation also awards the “FiFi” to outstanding fragrances, at least 15 years old, which have been chosen by the industry to have the distinction of being inducted into The “FiFi” Fragrance Hall of Fame. What began 32 years ago as a small intimate gala of no more than 250 industry members, has transcended into an international ceremony that in past years have reflected the global fragrance industry. The first European “FiFi” awards were held in 1993 and since then, there have been awards ceremonies in countries such as France, Germany, Italy and Spain. Today, the award ceremonies are held in the city where it all began, New York City and are attended by over 1500 members of the international fragrance community. The awards are presented by celebrities from the fashion, music film and television industries.

Great Performances
Great Performances offers the finest event planning and catering at their exclusive venues as well as off-premise locations. From site location to menu selection, the company offers a wide range of services from event management to creative food preparation. With an Executive Chef devoted to American Modern food, each plate is fused with the brilliant flavors of international cuisine. Great Performances places a strong emphasis on high-quality foods and innovative presentation and their team of event and culinary professionals bring a new level of experience and creativity to every production. Great Performances is also known for its portfolio of contractual partnerships, which provide a wide range of locations exemplifying the high caliber of food that is associated with a high-end off-premise caterer.

From the hotel industry to cultural institutions to the corporate marketplace, Great Performances offers a credible choice to customers who are looking for an alternative to giant foodservice providers. Celebrated as the industry leader in taste and presentation, Great Performances offers a team of culinary experts whose creative flexibility allows for catered events large and small, from formal corporate galas to casual in-office get-togethers as well as outdoor and sporting related gatherings. Great Performances operates several cafes for its cultural institution clients ranging from the Garden Court at the Asia Society and Museum to the Café at Wave Hill, The Café at MoMA, QNS, BAM Café and the wine bar at the Frick to name a few. Great Performances operates a 17, 000 square foot facility located at 287 Spring Street in Hudson Square which includes state-of-the-art kitchens, catering and operations offices, client tasting rooms and warehouses. Mae Mae Café, a forty-seat enoteca di vino owned and operated by the company is adjacent to the offices. The company has the largest on-call wait staff in New York City and prides itself on its training seminars and staff Scholarship program. Dedicated to outstanding events and memorable experiences, Great Performances weaves fine food and genuine service into modern and distinctive celebrations. For more information please visit www.greatperformances.com.