On Wednesday night I had a pleasure of joining leading philanthropists and society insiders in the stunning Pool Room Terrace of The Four Seasons Restaurant for Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur’s special screening of “A Passion for Giving,” a film by Robin Baker Leacock..

The evening, hosted by Phillip Bloch, Gillian Hearst Simonds, Renée Rockefeller and Mary Alice Stephenson among others was a stylish soiree with an inspiring message and brought together quite a few fashion industry insiders: Emanuel Ungaro’s Asim Abdullah chatted with designers Thuy Diep and Andrea Karembelas while Catherine Malandrino generously hugged Phillip Bloch and Baby CZ’s Carolina Zapf congratulated Ms. Leacock on her impactful and inspiring film.

The 50 minute documentary feature film takes a look at the importance of giving, the passion and dedication of those who do give and philanthropy’s impact globally whether on a grand scale or in a simple act of kindness. Subjects in the film range from street poet Mr. Smiley to Richard Branson, Bill Gates, Donna Karan, Fran Liebowitz, Robert Thurman, Russell Simmons (Art for Life), Gael Greene (City Meals on Wheels), and more.

Although these people definitely create impact on our society, the film itself didn't touch me as deep as I've hoped. Perhaps that's because I was surrounded by socialites in their shiny cocktail dresses and fur, posing for Patrick McMullan. I was always curious about the ways philanthropy works, and the process itself of raising and donating money, which many times involves fancy galas and expensive dinners to entertain the donors. When I had a chance to ask the director at the end of the screening why do we need all these to make people donate, she said it works, "As long as they do it from their hearts". I guess she is right, and maybe if I would have left my scepticism at home, I could have enjoyed the movie and absorb its spirit.

If you are looking to get inspired this Thanksgiving season, A Passion for Giving will premiere nationally on PBS on November 21, at 1PM EST, and later this week on local channels (full schedule is here).