Sir Sean and Lady Connery to Host Dressed to Kilt

New York City will host its highest profile Scottish event tonight, Dressed to Kilt. It's an evening of fun, music, celebrities and fashion, all of which raises funds and awareness about Sir Sean Connery's charity, Friends of Scotland, and a number of other charities.

This year, the event will benefit the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Wounded Warriors organization and the Erskin Hospital in Scotland. Additionally, they'll be offering scholarships in the medical field to help returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. The organization is totally apolitical but feels strongly about acknowledging the debt we all owe to courageous men and women who fight for their countries.

I had a chance to talk with Mr. Connery himself about the charity and event. You can listen to the full interview over at StyleList blog, but I have a few quotes to share here, too!

Tonic: Mr. Connery, what can you tell us about Friends of Scotland and your involvement?

Connery: Well, it really started with James Baron and I coming up with the idea of developing a U.S. charity that would focus on modern Scotland and its ties with the United States, and we felt the focus on contemporary Scotland was needed. That was 2001.

While we're on the subject of contemporary Scotland, I would like to remind everyone that this is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the world renowned poet, oft quoted by Abe Lincoln and many other great statesmen. So Scotland is commemorating this with a year-long Homecoming Scotland 2009. There will be hundreds of events, right across the entire country. I hope [you'll] take the opportunity come and visit us in Scotland.

Tonic: Please tell me a little about the Dressed to Kilt event.

Connery: The title was chosen by the producer of the event, Dr. Geoffrey Scott Carroll. When he did the first Dressed to Kilt in New York, it was intended to be merely a one-off fun event for a few dozen ex-pats and friends, and it just took off from there. It's a fun, high-energy event, and it's probably the highest profile Scottish event in the United States, and most certainly in New York.

Tonic: Will you and Lady Connery walk the runway?

Connery: Well, that sounds like a paradox — walk the runway (laughing). But, I'll tell you what. I suggest you come to the event and see for yourself.

If you're in the area and would like to attend, you can find all the information you need on the website.

Photo: Actor Sean Connery and wife Micheline speak on the runway at the Johnnie Walker Dressed to Kilt fashion show at St John Divine Cathedral on April 3, 2006 in New York City. (Photo courtesy of Brad Barket/Getty Images.)