When A-listers get together for a good cause, they tend to do it in style. The Caron Treament Centers New York Gala last Wednesday, May 26th, was no exception. The event took place at Cipriani midtown where attendees arrived around 6.30pm for the reception and silent auction, which included the usual pre-dinner mingling over cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres.

Buzzing conversations praised the benefits and efficiency of the Caron Treatment Centers for drug and alcohol addiction. Another hot topic- the amazing items featured in the auction: signed gear by athletes and singers such as; Paul Simon, LeBron James, Sean Avery and the Jonas Brothers. Dr. Mehmet Oz happily answered questions from guests and every single person involved with Caron (from board members to volunteers) were more than eager to provide information on this 50 year old not-for-profit dedicated to addiction treatment and recovery services.

Caron's Core Values: Commitment - "Investing in One Another", Leadership - "Walking the Talk", Financial Success - "Mission Possible", and Growth - "Help More People...Better".

By maintaining this mission, Caron has become a leading not-for-profit provider for drug and alcohol addiction treatment, renown for their primary, relapse, extended care, and residential treatments, Caron offers: medical detoxification, residential assessment programs, gender-separate primary rehabilitation, relapse treatment and extended care for adults, young adults and adolescents; outpatient care; educational programs for family members and others whose lives have been impacted by addiction; and student assistance services. In addition to Caron's six facilities which treat more than 4,000 individuals a year (over 1,000 of them from the New York area), Caron NY, located in midtown, offers information, screenings and referral services.

Once all guests were directed to their seats for the dinner, Douglas Tieman, president and CEO of Caron, commenced the introductions for the evening, and by a few words from Dr. Oz and his collaboration with Caron. Alumnus Craig Esposito shared his story of addition and how he recovered at Caron- a very touching story told with humor and simplicity!
 After guests had a chance to enjoy the excellent dinner, the much anticipated award presentation and performance began.

Allen H. Arrow, entertainment lawyer and friend and supporter of Caron since 1992, was honored for his dedication to Caron with the presentation of a short film telling his life story and featuring testimonials from all of his friends and partners involved with Caron... including Liza Minelli. 
Art Garfunkel, of Simon & Garfunkel, received the Caron Artist's Award for Artistic Excellence and Generosity to Caron, which he humbly accepted before performing a song. The pièce de résistance was a fabulous performance by Patti LaBelle, singing about 5 songs. One would never guess she is a 66 years old diabetic, as she proved to be full of energy and still a great performer.

The 2010 Caron Treatment Centers New York City Gala raises awareness of the disease of alcohol and drug addiction and recognizes individuals in the community who have given their time and resources to help those in need. All proceeds benefit Caron adolescent treatment scholarships.

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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

Thursday evening, I attended the Cipriani Wall Street Fashion Series featuring designer Duncan Quinn. Alex Merkin, who relayed the designer’s regrets for not being able to present the collection personally, introduced the menswear collection. Mr. Quinn is currently in Miami in preparation for the opening of his forthcoming Limited Editions pop-up shop in Miami's design district… featuring its own indoor croquet pitch.

The London-born, New York based designer and “recovering lawyer” found inspiration for his featured designs in film and classic works of art; including all things Alfred Hitchcock, The Thomas Crown Affair, James Bond, Eastern Promises and the Mona Lisa.

I found the color palette for the line to be both regal and playful, with heavy plums, burgundy and charcoal tempered by lavender and rose accents in ties, handkerchiefs and dress shirts. There is an intellectual sharpness and meticulous attention to detail in the cufflinks, leather duffels, and umbrellas.

After the show, I caught up with Mr. Merkin, donning Duncan Quinn garb head to toe. The Director of the upcoming film Across the Hall, indulged my questions about the December 4th New York release. He told me that the film, featuring Danny Pino, Brittany Murphy and Mike Vogel, is a thriller about a standoff between a young man, his fiancée and his best friend, who occupy hotel rooms across the hall from one another. I gathered it’s a little dark and scandalous, a delicious combination.

Later into the night, I had a lively chat over drinks with Simon van Kempen and stylist Derek Warburton, who lamented over Editor Britten Heft’s absence. It seems they just missed each other at an earlier charity event. Designer Peyman Umay joined us for a spell, offering style expertise and exchanging opinions of the evening’s presentation.

I left Cipriani picturing how dapper and tailored my man would look in a “bespoke Duncan Quinn suit” while defending clients in the courtroom and for all our upcoming Holiday festivities… I think Christmas may have to come early this year.