Third Annual Best Buddies Hamptons Gala
Reporting by Leah
The Third Annual Best Buddies Hamptons Gala was held at thegorgeous Water Mill home of Anne Hearst and Jay McInerney on Saturday, August 21, 2010, and nearly 300 people attended this special event. The Gala, which was presented by Audi, raised $325,000 in total donations for Best Buddies International, a vibrant organization founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver to establish a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Southeast Asian-themed event drew out many New York and Hamptons notables including: Anne Hearst & Jay McInerney; Alina & Anthony K. Shriver; Haley & Jason Binn;Johan de Nysschen; Tatiana & Campion Platt;Lydia & Rudy Touzet; Debbie Bancroft;John Cochran; Nancy Corzine; Benjamin Doller; Countess LuAnn de Lesseps; Florence DUrso; Lisa DUrso; Bonnie Evans; James Nederlander; and Marty Richards.
The Gala included a lively cocktail hour, a gourmet dinner catered by Robbins and Wolfe, featuring Les Compagnons (which fittingly translates into companions) wines courtesy of Jacques Azoulay, a lively auction led by Benjamin Doller of Sothebys, which featured fabulous items such as getaways to the Turks and Caicos and Las Vegas, a dazzling Judith Ripka necklace, a Hunt Slonem painting, Heys Romero Britto Collection luggage, an evening with Miss Universe 2010, tickets to New York Fashion Week events.
Highlights of the evening included a dance performance by Jeanine Mason, So You Think You Can Dance Season Five Winner, and Buddy Ambassador Brett Banford, who inspired the nation with his audition for So You Think You Can Dance. The duos poignant performance also inspired Bravos Real Housewives of New York Citys Countess Luann de Lesseps, to dance while singing her hit song Money Cant Buy You Class, for which she altered the lyrics, crooning, Money cant buy you class, but it can buy you auction items. Following these captivating performances, the audience started dancing to the tunes of Around Town.
Now in its third year, the Best Buddies Hamptons Gala brought together a generous crowd of friends, old and new, said Tatiana Platt, Gala Co-Chair and Best Buddies International Board Member. Best Buddies continues to grow and spread its message of friendship and volunteerism, and the Best Buddies Gala is now a must-attend event on the summer charity calendar in the Hamptons.”
Gala sponsors included Presenting Sponsor Audi, whose breathtaking R8 Spyder was on display, Hearst Corporation, Campion Platt, Fame Game, UBS, DPS Sporting Club Development, Florence DUrso, Penney & Gerry Klingman, Marlyne Sexton, and Lydia & Rudy Touzet. In-kind sponsors included Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, FIJI Water, Nicole Miller, Niche Media/Hamptons Magazine, Patron, Harry Slatkin Candles, Shin Advisors, LLC, and SALONTEA. Vivienne Tam generously dressed several Gala Chairs and Committee Members.
About Best Buddies International
Best Buddies is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant organization that has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Today, Best Buddies seven formal programs Colleges, High Schools, Middle Schools, Citizens, e-Buddies , Jobs and BUILD – engage participants in 46 countries, positively impacting the lives of 700,000 people with and without disabilities, as well as their respective network of family, friends, and employers. As a result of their involvement with Best Buddies, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities secure rewarding jobs, live on their own, become inspirational leaders, and make lifelong friendships.
For additional information on Best Buddies please visit www.bestbuddies.orgor www.bestbuddieshamptonsgala.org.
