Thursday, November 19, 2009, socials, celebs, and young philanthropists showed up for Once Upon a Time in Manhattan to benefit the Ronald McDonald House of New York City.

The night hosted by Fox 5's Dari Alexander featured with a live performance by Bradford. Although the event was held at the B&T nightclub Marquee, it was a delightful success which included red carpet shenanigans, guest speakers, food catered by Cipriani, cocktails by Diageo Spirits, and music by celebrity DJ Catherine Oulette (a.k.a. "SynCity").

Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. provides a temporary “home-away-from-home” for pediatric cancer patients and their families. The House is a supportive and caring environment which encourages and nurtures the development of child-to-child and parent-to-parent support systems. Ronald McDonald House of New York, Inc. is the largest facility of its type in the world.

The whole club was filled with friends catching up and introducing each other to new friends, thus expanding this staple social do good feel good circle of NYC. As guests chatted and sipped on an abundance of bevs, they checked out the amazing silent auction which featured items courtesy of the Autograph Store, Winspire Travel, Judith Ripka and Steiner Sports.

As if the night couldn't get any better, each guest walked away with a VIP gift bags from a host of luxurious brands. 'Tis the season...

*All photos by Keith Lew

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

Was anyone at Japonais last Thursday, June 4th? I think the question is: who wasn't?! I arrived fashionably late and the restaurant was shoulder to shoulders with fashion friendly people... all hoping to partake in the recession friendly open bar. No sooner was about convinced that I would never find my bestie, Jen Marden, I turned to find her getting snapped with Naked Cowboy.

Ms. Marden was part of the host committee, along with a bevy of young NYC socials, Charlotte Salasky of Priority Films, Michele Vale of Gossip Girl, and Gili Lev. Marie Claire presented the event to benefit the RedLight Children Campaign; a non-affiliated 501(c)3 organization against all forms of child sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and slavery. Child sexual exploitation is a global epidemic affecting over 2 million children worldwide. In the United States nearly 500,000 children, some younger than 10 years old, are being forced to work as prostitutes. In conjunction with an extensive awareness and education campaign, RedLight Children works with governments, policymakers and the private sector to create and implement more effective legislation, policy and economic programs to decrease modern day slavery.

Now, I sincerely hope that all those clamoring to get the bartender's attention, are as proactive about championing RedLight, since that kind of enthusiasm is just what this admiral endeavor more than warrants. For more information how you can help, please visit: www.redlightchildren.org.

I would like to also thank the stellar Japonais staff, especially Dominic, for being uber hospitable and accommodating.

*photo courtesy of Josh Wong for Guest of a Guest (L-R: a guest who's face says it all, Naked Cowboy, and guest)

Thursday night was rife with festivities. The evening began in Soho at B&B Italia for the launch of Esquire The Big Black Book- The Style Manual for Successful Men.

The showroom was shoulder to shoulder with well-primped people and I rather enjoyed sipping bubbly and discussing the cuts and fabrics of the suits that surrounded me and my cohorts de la nuit, Stephanie Newhouse and Jen Marden.

A dashing Scott Lehmann of Esquire made the rounds, and Marty Staff of Joseph Abboud was an absolute delightful addition to the stoic crowd. However, that was the extent of our excitement, so exited gracefully and hopped in our awaiting car.

Our next stop was, A.E.R Walk With Style Event to Benefit CancerCare. Set to host- Miss USA Crystle Stewart, Alex & Simon of Bravo's Real Housewives Of NYC, and exclusive coverage by the fantavulous Micah Jesse. A silent auction, featuring goodies from Judith Ripka and Flip, and a fashion show by Shoshanna.

Intriguing Red Carpet appearences included; my girl Jen Marden, The R&B group- Tha Heights, Michael Boley and Terrence Pennington of our NY Giants, Celeb stylist- Lauren Rae Levy, Scott Herman of MTV's Real World Brooklyn, and DL Hughly.

I have to say, although oddly organized (those of you that attended, know what I am referring to) this was one of the funnest red carpets. This was partially caused by the celebs, but mainly instigated by the sassy Micah Jesse. I, for one, loved it and believe I was not alone. Just look at the great pictures captured by my boy, Jerritt Clark, click here to view.

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