FEATURED UPCOMING EVENTS: Click on the links for more information about each event. Fuller calendar below 

Thursday, May 1, 2008

The National Women’s Division of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine 54th Annual “Spirit of Achievement” Awards luncheon, honoring actress Whoopi Goldberg, Town & Country editor-in-chief Pamela Fiori, founder and CEO of Dylan’s Candy Bar Dylan Lauren, the first female recipient of the Pritzker Prize for architecture Zaha Hadid, and co-founder of Autism Speaks Suzanne Wright.  The event honors exceptional women who have made outstanding contributions in their respective fields, and aims to raise $500,000 for the College’s Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center.  Many influential women have been recognized with this prestigious award including Eleanor Roosevelt, Marlene Dietrich, Meryl Streep, Senator Barbara Boxer and Donna Karan. Sydell Miller, philanthropist and co-founder of Matrix Essentials, will also receive the Sarnoff Award, in recognition of her outstanding volunteer service.  The Children’s Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine diagnoses and treats children with developmental disorders such as autism and language and learning disabilities, while research promises to hasten the discovery of innovative treatments, and ultimately find cures for these devastating conditions. Donny Deutsch, host of this year’s event, is the host of CNBC program “The Big Idea.” Judith Ripka Burke, Nancy Corzine and Andrea Stark from the New York City chapter of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine National Women’s Division are the event chairpersons and are scheduled to attend as well.  Tickets start at $500. For more information please call 718-430-2818 Time: 12:00 noon- 2:00 p.m. Venue: The Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61st Street at Fifth Avenue

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Chamber Dance Project Spring Benefit Cocktail Party at Socialista: Join us at Socialista Lounge Live dancing, guest DJ, silent auction, cocktails and light fare. Tickets $150 and $250 VIP (includes champagne reception with artists at 6pm) all but $50 of the ticket price is a tax-deductible donation to benefit CDP and our NYC Public Schools arts-in-education program. Time:  6:30-9 pm  Location: Socialista Lounge, 505 West Street at Jane St.  Click to purchase tickets 

Freedom and Creativity: Eyebeam Benefit: COCKTAILS | DINNER | SHOW | PARTY HONORING: Craig Newmark, Founder of Craigslist | EVENT CHAIRS: John S. Johnson and Jazz J. Merton  |  COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Tatiana Platt and Bryce Wolkowitz  | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Amanda McDonald Crowley  | PLUS: Jed Alpert, Laura Dawn, Arianna Huffington, Jaime Johnson, Jonah Peretti, Lily Johnson Whitall. Time: 7PM   Location:  Eyebeam, 540 W. 21st St., NYC  Tickets: $500-25,000  Ticket information: For more information, please contact Jayme Rubright at 212.867.1117 or jrubright@innovativephilanthropy.net 

Young Friends of The New-York Historical Society Host “A Tale of Two Cities: Paris & New York” Fundraiser:  Paris and New York are the inspiration for the May 6 Young Friends of the New-York Historical Society fundraiser, featuring dancing, glamorous attire and cocktails on Tuesday, May 6. This festive event will celebrate the cultural and historical connections shared by these two great cities. Proceeds will benefit the New-York Historical Society's educational programming which reaches thousands of New York City's children every year. Benefit Chairs are Lauren Liles and Hayley Van Antwerp. Committee members: include Amy Biasotto, Nancy Dennery Goslee, Alison Harmelin, Joey Koch, Marcy Lerner, Christy O'Keefe, Kate Parker, Polly Ryerson, Aaron Sokasian, Christopher B. Turcotte, and Lauren Willig. Time: The event begins at 7:00 p.m.  Venue: New York Historical Society, 170 Central Park West at 77th Street.  Advance tickets for Tale of Two Cities are $80 for members, $105 for non-members. Tickets at the door are $120 for non-members.

Boys & Girls Harbor's Salute to Achievement: Gala Benefit Celebrating 70 Years of Service to the Children of New York City. Honoree: Edward Conard, Bain Capital. Benefit Co-Chairs: Anthony Drexel Duke, Barry Freidberg and Charlotte Moss, Diane and Tom Tuft. Master of Ceremonies: Stone Phillips. Live Auction conducted by Jamie Niven. Time: Cocktails: 6:30 PM. Honoree: Edward Conard, Bain Capital Venue: Waldorf Astoria Grand Ballroom. Ticket Price: Tables: $50,000; $25,000; $15,000; $10,000 / Tickets: $1500; $750; $350.  Contact: Julia Donaldson | e-mail: jdonaldson@theharbor.org | tel:  646 981 2682 web: www.theharbor.org

Wednesday, May 7, 2008

The Central Park Conservancy FREDERICK LAW OLMSTED AWARDS LUNCHEON: Hosted by the Women's Committee of the Central Park Conservancy, it is affectionately nicknamed the "Hat Luncheon," more than 1,200 guests will attend. FLO is the Central Park Conservancy's largest benefit and perhaps the most enchanting event in New York!  Co-Chairs: Memrie Lewis, Gillian Miniter, Nancy Missett & Tara Rockefeller Honorees: Nancy Paduano Margaret and Ian Smith. Time: 11:00 am - 2:00 pm.  Venue: Central Park Conservatory Garden Tickets: Call 212.310.6618  See Photos from prior years: The 24th Annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon (2006) | The 25th annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon (2007)

American Cancer Society’s “Celebration of Life” Dinner Dance: On Tuesday, May 7th, The American Cancer Society will host “Celebration of Life”, New York City’s major annual fundraiser, at The St. Regis Hotel (2 East 55th Street)  The evening will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and special entertainment by Grammy award winning jazz singer/composer, Ann Hampton Callaway.  The Society will honor Diana K. Feldman, 32-year volunteer and Chairmen of the Volunteer Special Events Committee with the 2008 Humanitarian Award.  Benefit Chairs include Charlotte Ford, Susan Bloomberg, Marilena Greif and Mary Beth Stevenson. Time: Cocktails 7 p.m., Dinner 8 p.m.  Black Tie Optional.  Tickets begin at $750.  For further information please contact  Luis Valero 212.237.3888 luis.valero@cancer.org.  For press inquiries please contact Lauren Larkin 212.580.0835 lauren@rcourihaycpr.com

Phoenix House 40th Anniversary Gala--Celebrating Four Decades of Rebuilding Lives:  Phoenix House, a substance abuse treatment and prevention service provider, will hold its 40th Anniversary Gala Dinner on Wednesday, May 7 at 6:30 p.m. at The Plaza, New York City. Attire is black tie.  The Honorable Peter G. Peterson, Senior Chairman and Co-Founder, The Blackstone Group, will be honored for his support and commitment to Phoenix House programs and people.  The gala will also pay tribute to Mitchell S. Rosenthal, M.D., Founder of Phoenix House. The Gala is co-chaired by Tina Brown and Sir Harold Evans, who are also scheduled to attend the event. Members of the Gala Committee who are also scheduled to attend: Annette and Joseph Allen, Clara Bingham, Rose Marie Bravo, Marie Brenner and Ernie Pomerantz, Cynthia and Steve Brill, Jane and Jimmy Buffett, Ellen Chester and Matt Mallow, Emilia and Pepe Fanjul, Kathy and Tom Freston, Gail and Carl Icahn, Dr. Henry A. Kissinger, Catie and Don Marron, Keith and John Meacham, Liz and Damon Mezzacappa, Judy and Ed Ney, Susan and Alan Patricof, Holly Peterson and Rick Kimball, Sarah Simms Rosenthal, Shirley Lord Rosenthal, Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols, Donna and Marvin Schwartz, Caryn and Jeff Zucker, and Barbara Walters. For 40 years, Phoenix House has served men, women and teens seeking assistance in conquering substance abuse. More than 7,000 people are served by Phoenix House every day across the country, at more than 120 locations across nine states including New York. Tickets start at $1,500 each; tables start at $15,000 each. Contributions are fully tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Contact Marianne Jaycox at (646) 505-2091 for more information. Time: 6:30 p.m. – Arrivals and Cocktails  7:30 p.m. – Dinner  Place: The Plaza, New York

Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Downtown Dinner 2008: With art installations, interactive happenings, and musical performances throughout the overwhelming top floor space of 7 World Trade Center, Lower Manhattan Cultural Council's Downtown Dinner will showcase some of New York City's most innovative culture by artists affiliated with the Council. This year LMMC Honors: Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, First Deputy Mayor Patti Harris, Edward Albee, Kiki Smith. Each year, the Downtown Dinner provides critical support for the Council's acclaimed artist-residency program, WORKSPACE, regarded as the largest and most prestigious in the city, attracting more than 1,000 applicants for 30 spaces.  About LMCC: Lower Manhattan Cultural Council presents, promotes, and supports the arts downtown and throughout Manhattan. Founded in 1973 by David Rockefeller and located in the World Trade Center until 9/11, LMCC offers the public a rich calendar of free events, and its renowned artist residencies, innovative real estate partnerships, and grants and advocacy programs support hundreds of artists and arts groups each year. Time: 6pm.  Venue: 7 World Trade Center, New York, NY.   Contact: Maureen McMahon | e-mail: mmcmahon@lmcc.net  | web: www.lmcc.net  

American Friends of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art 2008 Gala Celebrating Alexander Calder: Honoring: Livia and Marc Straus, Founders, Hudson Valley Center for Contemporary Art - Patrons of the Arts and Tamar Rudich, Vice Chair, AFTAM Board, Tel Aviv Museum of Art Board - Outstanding Service Award.  Gala Chair: Dafna E. Schmerin, Vice Chair, AFTAM Board. Honorary Gala Chair: Alexander S. C. Rower, Director, Calder Foundation.  Gala festivities include silent and live auctions featuring over 50 works by artists including: Zigi Ben-Haim, John Chamberlain, Sandro Chia, Ilana Goor, David Hockney, Paul Jenkins, Jeff Koons, Yigal Ozeri, Philip Pearlstein, Larry Rivers, and James Rosenquist, among others. Auction art works can be previewed at: www.americanfriendstelavivmuseum.org. The American Friends of Tel Aviv Museum of Art (AFTAM) is a non-profit organization founded in 1974 to raise funds for the Tel Aviv Museum of Art in Israel and to seek notable works of art for its collections.  Time: 6:30 pm: Cocktails and Silent Auction. 7:30 pm: Dinner Dance and Live Auction with Jennifer Roth, Senior V.P., Sotheby’s. Venue: Capitale, 130 Bowery, New York City. Ticket Price: $1,000  Contact: Lauryn Gorowitz  Email: lgorowitz@americanfriendstelavivmuseum.org  Phone: (212) 319-0555

Sunday, May 11, 2008

New York Junior League’s Fourth Annual Mother’s Day Race to Erase Domestic Violence: One in four women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. This Mother’s Day, more than 6,000 runners are expected to participate in the Fourth Annual Mother’s Day Race: A Race to Erase Domestic Violence.  The race, a New York Road Runners event, is sponsored by the New York Junior League (NYJL).  All pledge money raised will benefit programs that combat domestic violence and other charitable projects instituted by the NYJL.  The Mother’s Day Race, a qualifying race for the ING New York City Marathon, includes a four-mile co-ed run, a 10-mile women’s race, and kids’ races open to children ages 2 to 12.  Location:  Central Park, New York, NY.  For more information on the Race to Erase Domestic Violence, pledge and registration forms please visit: www.nyjl.org/mothersdayrace or www.nyrr.org  

Monday, May 12, 2008

The Paul Chester Children's Hope Foundation ("PCCHF")* will host an evening of cocktails, food, music and fun sponsored by SoHo House and Christiania Vodka.  The evening will feature an exclusive silent auction of luxury items including a ladies Vacheron Constantin watch from their "Overseas" Collection and tickets to the Emmys.  Raffle prizes include a 2008 Yamaha Vino scooter. Time:  7:00 - 11:30 PM  Venue: SoHo House NY, 29-35 9th Avenue  Tickets: $200 each or 12 for $2,000 and are available for purchase online at www.pcchf.org or at the door.  Proceeds will directly support PCCHF’s upcoming mission to Ecuador in June, 2008. *PCCHF is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

Tuesday, May 13, 2008

PAX's 10th Anniversary Benefit Gala: At this year's benefit gala, PAX will celebrate 10 years of preventing gun violence and saving lives. The event, chaired by Peter Worth, Chairman and CEO of American Benefits Consulting, will honor Catherine Crier, award-winning broadcast journalist, bestselling author and former Texas State Judge. The gala will also feature a special performance by acclaimed recording artist Regina Spektor. Venue: Cipriani Wall Street, 55 Wall Street, New York City, NY. Time: 6:30 p.m.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Associates Committee of The Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Annual Spring Party- Safari at Sunset.  This festive and glamorous safari inspired evening includes cocktails, dinner, dancing and an exciting live auction of exotic getaways, luxury designer items and exclusive packages.  Event Co-Chairs: Amy Raiter Dwek, Kimberly Flaster, Natalie Leeds Leventhal, Dara O’Hara  Associates Committee Chairman:  Christina Smith  Associates Committee Vice Chairmen: Leslie Coleman, Mary Darling & Leslie Heaney.  All proceeds will benefit a pledge made by the Associates Committee to raise $1.4 million over four years to endow the Clown Care program, a community outreach program of the Big Apple Circus that has been a very important piece of the Center’s Pediatric Department since 1986. Four times a week, year-round, specially trained Clowns from the Big Apple Circus visit MSKCC as “Doctors of Humorology” and do “Clown Rounds” in both the inpatient and outpatient Pediatric units. Endowing this program will guarantee its continuation in perpetuity, which brings so much delight and happiness to all Pediatric patients during their time at MSKCC. Time: 7:00 p.m. Venue: Guastavino’s 409 East 59th Street, New York City. Information/Tickets: Contact Charlotte Reardon at (212) 639-7972 | e-mail: reardonc@mskcc.org  | web: www.mskcc.org   Press Contact: Elizabeth Hewitt | Sharp Communications, Inc. | tel: (212) 829-0002 Ext. 107 / eh@sharpthink.com

The Pink Agenda Annual Spring Gala honoring breast cancer survivor and author of Cancer Vixen
Marisa Acocella Marchetto: With a continued commitment to join fun and philanthropy in our efforts to save the base between first and third, The Pink Agenda (formerly known as Saving Second Base) invites you to its Annual Spring Gala on Thursday, May 15. Join us for cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a silent auction, and a keynote speech and book signing by breast cancer survivor and Cancer Vixen author Marisa Acocella Marchetto. While our name has changed, our mission has not... we remain as committed as ever to engaging today's generation to find tomorrow's cure. This event is no exception, and it has taken on an even greater significance as we honor Lisa Mae Lee, the mother of The Pink Agenda founder Marisa Renee, who recently succumbed to the disease that we're striving to eradicate. She has served as—and will always be—our inspiration. We'll start the night off at Twenty Four Fifth, and we'll follow it up with an after party in celebration of our new name (and, let's face it, because we never like our parties to end) at People Lounge. For more information and to purchase tickets, check out the link to the invitation and visit www.thepinkagenda.org   Our agenda is to raise money, awareness, and hell on May 15. Feel free to put it on your agenda, as well.  Time: 7 p.m.  Venue: Twenty Four Fifth, 24 Fifth Avenue, New York City.

Village Care of New York's 7th Annual "Tulips & Pansies: The Headdress Affair" Benefit: A-List Designers Alvin Valley, Betsey Johnson, Catherine Malandrino & Others Go Glam For A Good Cause at Village Care of NY's 7th Annual Over-The-Top Floral Headdress Runway Show "Tulips & Pansies: The Headdress Affair." This year, a prestigious roster of top tier fashion designers such as Betsey Johnson, Alvin Valley, Catherine Malandrino, Yigal Azrouel, Shoshanna, Lela Rose, Magda Berliner, Cynthia Steffe, Alexis Bittar and others will be paired with NYC's finest floral designers to create a festive, high-fashion runway show of elaborate floral headdresses made entirely from living plants and fresh cut flowers. The event which raises funds for Village Care of New York (www.vcny.org), a non-profit organization providing vital healthcare programs to people living with HIV/AIDS, will be hosted by Full Frontal Fashion's James Aguiar and will be co-chaired by Lydia Hearst and Heatherette's Richie Rich & Traver Rains. Surprise guest judges will honor the headdress design teams in several different categories including "Most Beautiful, Most Original and Most Outrageous." PRESS CONTACT: Jessica Berger at Sunshine, Sachs & Associates /tel: 212.691.2800 or email: berger@sunshinesachs.com  Time: 7 PM-10 PM.  Venue: The Altman Building-135 West 18th Street (between 6th & 7th Avenues) NYC.   Ticket Price: $250 (Tickets are $300 after May 5th, 2007). Contact: Shannon Lanvin  Email: shannonl@vcny.org  Phone: 212-337-5743 

Monday, May 19, 2008

The American Theatre Wing's Spring Gala will honor acclaimed composer and lyricist Jerry Herman and corporate partner Visa for their innovative and artistic accomplishments to the theatre. CeCe & Lee Black, Bettina & Franz Burda, Carole & Frederick Guest and Chappy & Melissa Morris will serve as the honorary chairs for the evening. At the American Theatre Wing, Sondra Gilman is chairman, Doug Leeds is president and Howard Sherman is executive director. Jon Wilner is producing the entertainment. The not-for-profit American Theatre Wing is best known as the creator of the Antoinette Perry “Tony” Awards®, which it presents annually with The Broadway League.  The Wing’s other activities, dedicated to recognizing excellence and supporting education in theatre, include “Working in the Theatre,” now in its 29th year of telecasts on CUNY TV in New York and on other national cable outlets; "Downstage Center," an hour-long weekly interview program on XM Satellite Radio; “Guides to Careers in the Theatre,” a video series developed for schools and libraries; a grants and scholarship program to New York City schools and not-for-profit theatre companies, which has awarded more than $2.5 million since its inception; the Theatre Intern Group, a career development program for young professionals; and SpringboardNYC, a two-week college-to-career boot camp for young performers moving to NYC.  Visitors to www.americantheatrewing.org can view an archive of “Working in the Theatre” and the career guides and listen to “Downstage Center”, all as free, on-demand streaming audio and podcast. Venue: Cipriani at 42nd Street, New York. Time: Cocktails begin at 6:30 PM with dinner to follow at 7 PM. For Gala information and reservations, please call the American Theatre Wing at 212-765-0606 ext. 302. Individual tickets range from $2,500 to $700. Tables of 10 start at $7,000.

SING FOR HOPE: Dreams of Childhood. An Evening of Music and Movement benefiting Bent On Learning Honorary Chairperson DONNA KARAN | Hosted by GABRIELLE ROTH. Time:  6:30PM-8:30PM | 6:30PM – Cocktail Reception  | 7:30PM – Sing For Hope Concert Venue: THE RUBIN MUSEUM OF ART, 150 W. 17th St (@7th Ave), New York City   Purchase tickets at www.bentonlearning.org

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Children for Children: "The Art of Giving" honoring Sherrie Rollins Westin & David Westin. Time: 6:00 p.m.  Venue: Christie's.  Details from Pam Geiger | Astic Productions | tel: 212-581-1400  | e-mail: pam@asticproductions.com | 850 Seventh Avenue, PH-B NY, NY 10019  | 212-581-1400 x12 – office 212-581-1442 - fax

"Envision Giving":  The Beginning with Children Foundation is a non-profit that operates two charter schools in Brooklyn which aims to be the preeminent model for the highest possible academic standards to the most diverse groups of students. Premium Open Bar |Hors d'oeuvres | Silent Auction Time: 7:30- 10:30  Venue: Blvd (199 Bowery @ Spring)  Tickets: $90 advance / $110 at the door  

The Society of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center 2008 Spring Ball: The First Annual Society Spring Ball will debut on May 29th in the newly-renovated landmark Plaza Hotel Ballroom.  This exciting evening, sponsored by BVLGARI, will feature cocktails, dinner, dancing and very special entertainment by Grammy Award Nominee Natasha Bedingfield.  With decor by David Beahm and dancing to DJ Tom Finn this will be a fun, fresh, fabulous party that everyone will be talking about.  Proceeds from the event will provide funding for The Society's patient care, research, and education programs at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  Co-Chairs and Honorees: Event Chairman-Muffie Potter Aston, Libby Fitzgerald and Ashley McDermott. Time: 7:00 pm- 11:00 pm.  Location: The Plaza Hotel, New York.  Ticket Price: $1,000-$7,500 Contact: Louise Hood | tel: 212-639-7972 | e-mail: hoodl@mskcc.org  | Website: www.mskcc.org

Love at First Sight, The Second Annual WGirlsNYC Bachelor/ette Auction, to benefit ChildSight: What you get: A great network of young NYC professionals, an hour of sponsored bar open bar featuring several top name liquor sponsors , drink specials until 10pm, a terrific GRAND prize raffle, all night access to Plumm--one of NYC's hottest spots to party, and a chance to bid on one of NYC's hottest Bachelor/ettes.  What you give: Raise money for ChildSight - an innovative school-based vision screening and eyeglass distribution program designed to improve the vision and the academic potential of students living in poverty. ChildSight strives to "brings education into focus" by offering vision screenings and providing free prescription eyeglasses for students who need them. ChildSight provides this essential service directly to students within the school setting and eliminates two barriers that often prevent children from receiving the vision care services they need: prohibitive cost and limited access. Time: 7-10 p.m  Venue: The Plumm, 246 W. 14th St. New York, NY 10011  Buy your ticket now online for $40. www.wgirlsnyc.com

NYJL End of Year White Party: The FUNdraisers committee of the New York Junior League invites you to don white attire and take part in an evening of dancing, cocktails and hors d’ oeuvres.  Time: 8:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m Venue: The New York Junior League, 130 East 80th Street. Cocktail attire is requested.  Ticket prices are $65 in advance for NYJL volunteers (limit two tickets) $80 in advance for the general public $95 at the door. Advanced tickets must be purchased by Monday, May 26th. To purchase tickets on-line and for more information, please visit www.nyjl.org/eoyp.  Please share the attached invitation with your friends, family, and colleagues. Guests must be 21 or older.  Ticket purchase includes admission to an after-party

Saturday, May 31, 2008

On Saturday, May 31st, renowned interior designers Tony Ingrao and Randy Kemper will open their Woodhouse Park estate for the Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) East End benefit in honor of the organization’s 75 years of keeping the community healthy and informed.  The benefit’s theme is Everything that is beautiful…art, jewels and design inspired by nature and will include tours of the gardens at Woodhouse Park and a fabulous auction. The mission of PPHP is to empower individuals to determine their own sexual health and reproductive futures.  Proceeds from this benefit will help support PPHP medical services, education and advocacy programs on the East End.  6pm-8pm.  Tickets begin at $250.  For more information please contact Deborah Lowen-Klein at 631.240.1128 or  Deborah.lowen-klein@pphp.org.  Press inquiries please contact Lauren Larkin at 212.580.0835 or lauren@rcourihaycpr.com.

Monday, June 2, 2008

2008 Fred & Adele Astaire Awards Honor Excellence in Dance: After a three year hiatus The Fred & Adele Astaire Awards benefiting The Auditory Oral School of New York, will again recognize Excellence in Dance on both Stage and Screen. Nine time Tony Award & two time Astaire Award winner Tommy Tune will receive The Lifetime Achievement Award. In a nod to Fred Astaire’s legendary film career the awards have been expanded to include film performances and will honor the season’s greatest performances and choreography. The black tie gala, long a favorite event on the social calendar has as its honorary chairs Fred Astaire’s daughter Ava Astaire McKenzie and her husband artist Richard McKenzie. Venue: Grand Ballroom, Manhattan Center Studios, West 34th Street & 8th Ave., New York City. Time: 6:30 PM cocktails; 7:30 PM seated dinner; 8:30 PM performances and awards presentation and 9:30 PM dancing. Jennifer Dumas, Executive Producer for the Auditory Oral School of New York and Patricia Watt, are producers of this year’s awards. Proceeds from the evening will benefit The Auditory Oral School of New York, a non profit organization which specializes in teaching deaf and hard of hearing children to listen, talk, think and socialize. Sponsorship packages are available at $15,000, $10,000, $5,000 and $3,500. Tickets are $500 (for prime seating) and $350. A limited number of seats are available at $50 for balcony seating for the awards and performance and an invitation to stay for dessert and dancing. For information about corporate giving, sponsorships and tickets contact Jennifer Dumas, Executive Producer, at 212-655-9377 or jd@auditoryoral.org Media Contact: Edward Callaghan/John Wegorzewski 212-689-4831 - 631-283-9130                                    

“Forget-Me-Not” gala hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter.  This year's Gala will be emceed by David Hyde Pierce, 2007 Tony Award winner and star of Broadway’s Curtains. More than members of New York City’s philanthropic, business and health care communities will join elected officials, leaders of the community, other celebrities and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease.  Attendees will bid at a silent auction filled with a variety of luxurious items.  In addition, in honor of Alzheimer’s disease and the Forget-Me-Not gala, the Empire State Building will be lit purple on June 2. The gala, chaired by Mark A. Zurack, is expected to raise more than $1,300,000. Venue: The Pierre: 2 East 61st Street at Fifth Avenue Time: 6:30 p.m. – Cocktail reception and silent auction; 7:30 p.m. – Dinner and dancing to Valerie Romanoff’s Starlight Orchestra  6:00- 6:30 p.m. – VIP Reception). TICKETS & INFO: For information, visit www.alznyc.org  or call Astic Productions at 212-581-1400

An Evening at the Central Park Zoo is the Wildlife Conservation Society’s (WCS) annual junior event.  Hosted by the WCS Conservation Council, this benefit is touted as one of the most popular parties for young New Yorkers.  More than 800 guests enjoy cocktails, buffet dining and dancing.  Time: 9:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.  Tickets: from $190 to $500.  For more information, please contact The JFM Group at (212) 921-9070 x16.

Central Park Conservancy's Taste of Summer benefit: Sponsored by Miraval Living Condominium, Taste of Summer features a night of sampling the City's best dining and wines; dancing under the stars; and a silent auction showcasing beauty and vacation packages, jewelry and accessories. Now in its 13th year, guests at the event will tempt their palates with tasting plates from over 35 of New York's top restaurants including BLT Market, Brasserie Cognac, Fred's at Barney's, Gordon Ramsey at the London, Orsay, and Telepan Restaurant. VIP guests will be treated to the mega-watt cuisine and style of critically acclaimed chef and restaurateur Jean-Georges Vongerichten. The exclusive VIP Café will offer tastings from all six of his New York restaurants - Jean Georges, JoJo, Vong, Perry St, Spice Market and Mercer Kitchen.  "At Jean Georges restaurant, I can always count on the stunning view of Central Park to make the experience of dining at Jean-Georges so uniquely beautiful," says Jean-Georges Vongerichten. "The Central Park Conservancy works hard every day to preserve the Park, and to give New Yorkers an escape into nature away from the bustle and stress of the City.  Without their hard work, we would not have the beauty and nature of the Park that we have come to rely on today."  Douglas Blonsky, President of the Central Park Conservancy and Central Park Administrator comments, "Our annual Taste of Summer benefit attracts over 1,000 New Yorkers from the celebrity, social, and philanthropic circuits, to raise more than $500,000 to support the Conservancy's restoration and ongoing care of this beloved landscape."  A notable group of charitable New Yorkers has united to organize this annual event.  I. Dolly Lenz representing Miraval Living Condominium is co-chair, and Jay Mandelbaum, Norman Selby and B. Smith are the trustee chairs for the event. The host committee members are Elizabeth Meigher, Frank J. Lourenso, Gillian Miniter, Kristy & Jonathan Korngold, Liz Gateley, Patrick McMullan, Sade Baderinwa, Samantha S. Topping, Sandra Lee, and Susan Shin.  DJ Tom Finn of TOPSPIN Entertainment will keep the crowd dancing into the night.  Special thanks to Miraval Living Condominium, Ed Libby & Company, Inc., GuS - Grown-up Soda, Jose Cuervo, Rosemount Estate, and VOSS Artesian Water from Norway. This ticketed, culinary event is open to the public. Tickets purchased in advance start at $350. Time: 7-11 p.m. Venue: Naumburg Bandshell  For more information or to purchase tickets or tables, please call 212-310-6619 Media Contact: April Croft, 212-310-6658 | e-mail: acroft@centralparknyc.org

Tuesday's Children's 6th Annual "Heroes and Legends... A Night at the Fights" Boxing Event: Please join us for our very special "Sports Legends Cocktail Hour" with special guest appearances from numerous professional sports teams and boxing legends. Enjoy a sit down dinner, and watch the Los Angeles Police Department battle New York's Finest. All proceeds benefit Tuesday's Children. Ringside, Promoter, and Heavyweight Table packages are available for reservation. Venue: Sheraton Hotel and Towers, 811 Seventh Avenue and 53rd Street, New York, NY  Time: 06:00 pm - 11:00 pm  Contact: Kathleen McCarthy | e-mail: kathleen@tuesdayschildren.org | Phone: 212-319-3988

New York City Ballet: "Dance with the Dancers." Chairman: Jennie Tarr Coyne, Tatiana and Campion Platt, and Allison Sarofim Dancer Chairmen: Megan Fairchiild, Georgina Pazcoguin, and Sean Suozzi Time: 8:00 p.m. Details from 212-870-5585  email: specialevents@nycballet.com

Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Spring Gala benefit offers guests the rare opportunity to enjoy cocktails in the exquisite Cranford Rose Garden, followed by dinner in the historic Palm House. The Cranford Rose Garden is a dream to photograph--with over 5,000 rose bushes in full bloom-- and will be even more enlivened with the presence of our Gala guests. Co-Chairs and Honorees:  David Steinhardt and Katharine Desai. This year's Spring Gala honoree and recipient of BBG's Better Earth Award is HSBC Bank USA, N.A. The Spring Gala raises funds for the Garden’s rich array of education initiatives, community outreach, scientific research, and horticulture programs. Time: 6:30pm. Venue: Brooklyn Botanic Garden.  Ticket Price: $500-$25,000 Contact: Kate Blumm | Email: kateblumm@bbg.org | Phone: 718-623-7241

National Academy Museum Benefit "By Invitation Only" An Evening of Art and Elegance honoring Philip Pearlstein, NA, and artist, with the Academy's Lifetime Achievement Award; Ira Spanierman, Founder and Managing Director of Spanierman Gallery, with an award for his Contribution and Commitment to the Study, Presentation, and Exhibition of American Art; and Annette Blaugrund, former Director of the National Academy, with the Academy's Honorary Achievement Award in appreciation of her tenure as Director (1997-2007). The National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts was founded in 1825 to promote American art through exhibitions and education; 183 years later that mission endures as an honorary association of professional artists, an active museum, and a dynamic art school. Gala Chairs:  Janet Y.  Larose, Linda Arnold, Heide Herz, Elizabeth Farran Tozer, and Lynn Syms. Honorary Gala Chairs: Susan Shatter, National Academy President, Will Barnet, NA, Betty Cuningham Gallery, Rackstraw Downes, NA, John Driscoll Ph.D., Babcock Galleries, Richard Estes, NA, Robert Kushner, NA, Wolf Kahn, NA, David Kapp, NA, Everett Raymond Kinstler, NA, Betty Krulik Fine Art Ltd., Robert Mangold, NA, Sylvia Plimack Mangold, NA, and Joan Snyder, NA.  Dress: Festive Attire, Black Tie Optional. Venue: National Academy Museum, 1083 Fifth Avenue at 89th Street. Time: 6:00 pm: Cocktail Reception; 7:30 pm: Dinner and Awards Ceremony; 9:30 pm: After Party - Dessert, Drinks and Dancing. Tickets: Sponsor Ticket: $ 1,500; Benefactor Ticket $ 1,200; Patron Ticket: $ 750; After Party Only $175; APO ticket at the door $200. Contact:  Nancy Brody at 212.369.4880, ext 202 or email nbrody@nationalacademy.org