Five years ago this week, I began writing and photographing the Out & About column for The New York Sun, to chronicle the social engine that raises money and promotes the work of nonprofits, artists, writers, and dreamers (as well as fashion designers, decorators, real estate brokers, wealth managers, and deal makers). Crashing a party or two every night (I think my record is five in one evening — and I'm nearly always invited) has taught me a thing or two. While my little black dresses are lovely, I can wear my formal black suits with flats. The world I cover is much more open than outsiders (like me) assume: Even the most closed sets understand it pays to be polite to the press (such folks take particular pleasure in referring to me as a member of the fourth estate). That is not to say that all the courtesies extended to me are superficial: I've seen a good deal of genuine interest and compassion, too.

Despite the glamour, who you are and what you are wearing and even how you behave are not what make an event meaningful. The most critical, enduring aspect of fund-raisers is their demonstration of the commitment of New Yorkers to be good public citizens. Parades and elections happen only so often. But almost every night in New York, one of the city's 30,000 or so nonprofits is holding an event, bringing people together to help our city's great institutions and its less fortunate citizens.

Some people embody the ideal of a good public citizen better than others. Early on, I encountered Brooke Astor at the Great Hall of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Everyone wondered who would inherit her mantle as doyenne of the city's charities. Now she's gone, and I think the answer is that she will have a raft of heirs, because there are more industrious, fashionable, party-loving New York women and men than ever before.

Out & About exists to spotlight these folks. That is why you will not find a photograph of me in this special fifth anniversary edition of the column; I much prefer my cartoon self that is the column's mascot. Instead, I thank all the organizations that have invited me to cover their events, and all the people who have posed for a photograph and talked with me. I thank the people who make these parties fun, particularly those who make their speeches witty and brief. Finally, my greatest thanks go to the Sun's readers who have plied me with suggestions and encouragement. What a magnificent community you are within our wonderful city.

agordon@nysun.com