Monday, February 22nd: Print and Television media outlets convened at Hudson Terrace for a press conference to learn about Jay William's charity of choice: Rising Stars Youth Foundation.

After the briefing with Jay Will, his lovely Mother and Director of Development/Gifting- Althea Bowman Williams, Director of Operations- Dan Gimpel, and Paul Savramis- Founder/Nation Executive Director, the doors opened up for a kick-off cocktail party for the Rising Stars Gala, which will take place April 27th at The New York Athletic Club.

Jay Williams credits and is grateful to his positive and loving upbringing. However, he also recognized at an early age that while he was blessed with a talent that would ultimately lead to great success, education and a supportive community is imperative.

The one thing I am certain of is that everyone needs to understand the value of education in pursuing their dreams. In addition, they have to make certain that they are surrounded by individuals who can share their passions, provide support and direction, teach them the life skills necessary to be successful on and off the playing field, and make a positive contribution to our society. -Jay Williams

Althea agrees. After experiencing her son go through the Rising Stars program, watching his professional success, and now hands-on giving back to Rising Stars, Ms. Williams stresses the importance of the fundamental intellectual strength that develops in children and the need to capture, encourage, and cultivate it early on. She explained that children join Rising Stars in 4th grade and continue through High School Graduation. Ms. Williams also boasted that the first Girls' Basketball Team at Rising Stars will commence this Spring.

In addition, Rising Stars and the New York Knicks have partnered up to promote sports and education in the community. NY Knicks will conduct a series of clinics based on "instructional basketball through a platform that emphasises education and positive family and social values..."

About: Rising Stars Youth Foundation extends to both the public and private educational and business sectors of our society. Rising Stars outreach programs provide an educational model that develops leadership skills, responsibility, and accountability that prepare youth to make the important choices and decisions regarding their personal lives, education and conduct. With the assistance of trained, qualified educators, coaches and volunteers, Rising Stars has had a remarkable success rate on the outcome of both at-risk youth, as well as those youth who have strong parental guidance.

For more information or to learn how you can help, please visit: Rising Stars Youth Foundation.

*photos by Jerritt Clark

*photo 1: Althea Bowman Williams and Jay Williams

*photo 2: Patrick Tully (PR/PR), Jay WIlliams, Guest, David O'Leary (Irish Tenor)

Our dear friend and birthday girl: Britten Heft, what isn’t there to say? She is thoughtful, loving, selfless, super sweet and is always there when you need anything.... She’s the new girl in town as Editor of Scene B Seen, covering who’s hot, what’s not, and where’s where in NYC and the Hamptons. Obviously, this society gal knows how to throw a party.

Last night it was time to truly be scene and be seen at the utterly jaw dropping Hudson Terrace Rooftop Lounge, for one of the best birthday parties to date. Guests included everyone from the most charming Heft family members to fabulous friends Stephanie and Jesse Newhouse, Jen Marden, designer extraordinaire Allison Parris, host and promoter Malik so Chic, Karen Biehl with cutie patutie Eli the Chihuahua- accompanied by magician Matt Wayne, and publicist queen Hillary Schupf, artist Jenny Belin… to name drop a few.

Whoever said you couldn’t have your cake and eat it too, should have made it to the beautiful bash! Cameras caught the many who stopped by- hugging, laughing, dancing and taking a bite of their very own little slice of delicious life, eh hem, I mean cake. Hey, we are New Yorkers; we know how to do that.

I finally stopped dancing to ask Britten why this Birthday was particularly special, she responded, "I left the east coast when I was 18 and spent the next dozen years moving around the west. I was trying to figure out how I fit in this world. I suppose I was searching, learning, and questioning so much, I forgot to just be. Now, I finally feel like I'm living- triumphs and tribulations." ...and may I add... Back in New York City- exactly where she belongs!

We need more big hearted “Britten’s” in this city, especially in times like these where some of our best organizations are getting hit hard by the lack of donations due to rising unemployment. Prior to the festivities the sensational guest of honor requested as her birthday wish, for those who were able, to donate a small amount to help out a great organization here in our beautiful city of New York: City Harvest.

It’s a small organization with a big feat. Day in and day out, City Harvest helps feed hungry men, women and children all around our city. They collect and deliver excess food to over 600 community food programs every week. Britten knows it is no tiny task to reach over 260,000 hungry New Yorkers find their next meal.

With Britten's many generous and kind friends- such as Walt Freese, Chief Euphoria Officer of Ben & Jerry’s, and two donors she had never met before she made her wish, City Harvest is now able to help a few more people. Britten raised $555 in just two days via Causes on Facebook.

A huge thank you to Britten and all the unbelievably wonderful donors! Happy Birthday, Britten, we adore you!!!!

To see more party picts, click HERE and please visit: Guest of a Guest, Alan Barry Photography, and Marc Stamas Photography

*Photo 1 courtesy of Guest of a Guest by Ben Hider: Stephanie Newhouse, Britten Heft, and Jen Marden

*Photo 2 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Beau Thebault, Hillary Schupf, and Britten Heft

*Photo 3 courtesy of Marc Stamas: Britten Heft

Wednesday July 22nd, the fun and fabulous will gather for a Birthday Celebration for Scene B Seen Editor, Britten Heft!

The festivities will be held at the Hudson Terrace private Rooftop Garden Lounge. The venue that was once "a neglected turn-of-the-century horse stable [has] transformed into one of New York's most elite and desirable event destinations."

Hosted by Stephanie Newhouse, Jen Marden, Victor Medina-San Andres, and sponsored by Absolut, will feature live music brought to you by Fun Music Agency.

So, come join the beautiful people in raising a glass to Britten's birthday fantavulousness!!!! Dance, drink, and be sexy.

To RSVP: click HERE

*Photo by Rosie Hardy: A Play Within a Play