Photos by Rob Rich

C

HILDREN of the City’s annual benefit gala at Chelsea Piers was a star splendid affair. Superhot Super Model Selita Ebanks set male hearts aflutter.　Three of cable TV's hottest men had women racing for their fans.

Damage’s Noah Bean, Nip-Tuck and now Unforgettable's Dylan Walsh, and Mad Men's Bryan Batt provided in person charm galore. Holt McCallany,　star of The Gangster Squad, was excited to meet his new co-star, Anthony Mackie.

Joined by Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Olympic boxer Eric Kelly and football great David Tyree, star power lit up the room. The evening was a love fest of stars, celebrities and guests.

VIPs celebrated with founder Joyce Mattera, for her 30 years saving some of the city's most at risk children.　

"Thirty years ago I saw these hurting children and knew I had to do something to help," Joyce said. "Over the years, so many celebrities have joined in helping rescue our most at risk children."

Eric Trump and Amanda Seyfried

Bret Michaels

Trumps For St. Jude's

Photos by Rob Rich

E

RIC TRUMP hosted his fifth annual Golf Invitational & Gala at Trump National in Westchester,　 New York. Celebrities and VIPs made the trek from the city to the suburbs to help raise money for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

It was a bright sunny day for tennis star Andy Roddick, Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez, New York Knicks legend John Starks and Yankees great Darryl Strawberry. Super hot actress Amanda Seyfried came with her new boyfriend and old friend of Eric Trump, Andrew Joblon.

Super model turned actress Brooklyn Decker strutted her stuff on the red carpet and shared the date with husband Andy Roddick. Larger than life Nick Mangold, coming off a huge Jets victory, showed his support by saying a few kind words on behalf of the charity. Poison front man Bret Michaels rocked the stage.

The Trump clan was in attendance to support Eric and this wonderful charity. Not only did Donald Trump provide his club as a venue, he even donated his personal helicopter for a day as an auction prize! Ivana Trump donated $25,000. New mother Ivanka Trump, husband Jared Kushner, older brother Donald Trump Jr. and wife Vanessa Trump also attended.

Kerry Kennedy
Lily Chang and Kerry Kennedy	Catherine Saxton and Patrick Harvey
Tim Gannon, Kerry Kennedy, Catherine Saxton and Jamie Figg

Exquisite Emperor’s Banquet and Feast

Photos by Rob Rich

T

HE Emperor’s Banquet served up a luscious and lavish TEN course feast at the New Tang Dynasty Television’s 10^th anniversary gala at Chelsea Pier 60 in New York. A combination of the finest of Imperial China and the delicious delectables of 21^st century America were served.

The stunning Han couture fashion show, where the most beautiful Chinese models strutted in 500-year-old exquisite dresses, wowed the crowd. Violinist Corin Lee transfixed his listeners with his classical performance, earning a standing ovation from the audience.　 And to wow the audience, swordplay maestro Long Fei, had a few fluttering hearts as the mighty sword slashed through the air, but no-one’s head was lopped off!

A special presentation during the evening was made to Kerry Kennedy, president of the RFK Center for Justice and Human Rights. Their mission is to realize Robert Kennedy’s dream of a peaceful and just world by advancing human rights. Ms. Kennedy gave a riveting speech and quoted the eloquence of her father.

Food Network celebrity Marc Summers served as a special guest host. Patrick Harvey and Catherine Saxton, co-chairs of the event; Zhong Lee, chairman of NTD; Samuel Zhou, vice president of public relations and development; Pia Maria and Stephen Norris, Bob and Paula Butler, Dick and Donna Soloway, Ava Roosevelt, Jane Holzer, Tim Gannon and Jamie Figg enjoyed the banquet.

Maribel Alvarez led a glittering Palm Beach contingent that included Judy Grubman.

Joshua Bell and Celeste Holm

African Brazilian Carnival

Bringing The Audience To Its Feet

A

cademy Award winning actress and Broadway star Celeste Holm brought the crowd to their feet and left them in tears when she sang one of her early Broadway hits. Grammy Award winning violinist　Joshua Bell wowed the crowd with his virtuosity.　 Star power lit　the room　at the　fourth　annual Broadway Salutes, Arts Horizons Gala at the Edison Ballroom. John Devol, founder, and executive director Elizabeth Halverstam, celebrated 33 years of helping more than eight million public school children discover the Arts.　　

Metropolitan Opera singer Frank Basile serenaded his wife　Celeste Holm　with a selection of her most famous Broadway songs. The energy and excitement in the room was palpable when　94 years young Ms. Holm　made her way to the podium to collect her award. She sang for the crowd and received a heartwarming standing ovation.

Joshua Bell,　world class violinist, was on hand to perform　and accept the Paul Newman　Award for Services to the Arts and Children. He completed his set to a roaring standing ovation, and was thanked by　Melissa Newman on behalf of the family, for having played to legendary Paul Newman during his final illness.

African Brazilian Carnival presented the Capoeira, a dance　combining　the speed and agility of martial arts and acrobatics. Celebrities and a long list of VIPs added to the excitement and glamour of the event. In the SRO　room was　actor and theater director Delroy Lindo, famed Broadway producers and past honorees, Bonnie Comley and Stewart Lane,　along with Rodgers & Hammerstein Foundation head Ted Chapin.

Nick Oresko, Dakota Meyer

The Pride Of A Nation

F

ROM America's oldest Medal of Honor　recipient, Nick Oresko, 94, who served in World War II, to its youngest and newest, Sgt. Dakota Meyer, veteran of four tours in Afghanistan, America gave thanks to its Military and their families on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2011.　

As the current wars have stretched on, America's recognition of the service and sacrifice of its Military families has grown. Grateful crowds lined the Fifth Avenue parade route, and tears of joy and sadness were shed for the lives given in honor of Service and Sacrifice. We will never forget.