Haute Event: Padma Lakshmi + Tamer Seckin Host Star-studded 3rd Annual Blossom Ball

Last Friday, stars gathered to support an amazing cause for women. Founder Tamer Seckin, M.D. and Co-Founder Padma Lakshmi were joined by Co-chairs Susan Sarandon, Eileen Guggenheim and Cindi Leive, and a who’s-who crowd at Endometriosis Foundation of America’s 3rd Annual Blossom Ball.

The stairs of the New York Public Library glittered recently with flickering candlelight and a star-studded guest list for the much anticipated ball which entertained guests with music by Grammy-nominated songstress Bebel Gilberto.

The fundraising dinner brought out a large crowd of A-list supporters including Dr. Mehmet Oz of The Dr. Oz Show, actresses Bridget Moynahan and Jill Flint, models Joan Smalls and Nicole Trunfio, Film Director Joel T. Schumacher,  Top Chef Judge Gail Simmons, fashion designer Gilles Mendel, celebrity Hairstylist Alma G. of the Alma Salon NYC, The Daily Show’s Aasif Mandvi, Madame Paulette President John Mahdessian, artist DVANDE, philanthropist Jean Shafiroff and New York Giants’ Defensive End Justin Tuck.

As the first to take the stage, Dr. Oz introduced Padma Lakshmi—complimenting her courage and her successful fight against endometriosis. Hugging Dr. Oz, Lakshmi gave a brief speech, thanking all those who attended and believe in the work of the Foundation, as well as acknowledging EFA’s Executive Director Deborah Castillero.

Lakshmi then introduced her co-host, as well as her doctor and friend, Tamer Seckin, M.D.  The foundation honored Keynote Honorees, Dr. Caroline Gargett, BAppSci, MAppSci, PhD and David B. Redwine, MD, FACOG, ACGE, for their tremendous efforts and dedication to fighting endometriosis, as Dr. Seckin thanked guests “for coming for women who are not in the room, but who will one day remember what we are trying to do.” Following the honorees, co-chair Susan Sarandon took the stage and was met by enthusiastic applause, reminding men that, “just because you’re a man doesn’t mean this doesn’t affect you… show her that you care, be a real man!” As a woman previously diagnosed with endometriosis, Sarandon closed her speech by encouraging early education, not just for young women, but for doctors as well.

During the speeches, guests were treated to a seated dinner crafted by Convivium Catering, with drinks sponsored by Terlato Wines. Guests also had the opportunity to bid on an assortment of items from Charitybuzz, which included two tickets to Glamour Magazine’s Woman of the Year Awards on November 7, 2011 and a seven-night-stay at The Grenadines Palm Island Resort.  The online auction will end March 30, 2011. To view items or bid, please click here.

With an exclusive performance by Bebel Gilberto rounding out the night, attendees were treated to a tote gift bag full of exciting goodies from Alma Salon NYC, Angelo David Salon, Glamour Magazine, Lair Restaurant & Lounge, Madame Paulette® Professional Stain Removal Kit, Philippe by Philippe Chow, Popchips, Pure Yoga, Quintessentially Delicious, SARAR, skin by Monica Olsen, SoulCycle® as well as stationary designed by artist Masha D’yans.

The soirée followed the first day of the EFA’s 2nd Annual two-day medical conference in which global experts and opinion leaders on endometriosis came together from the realms of molecular science, research, industry, surgery and those struggling with the illness. Throughout both days of the conference, one significant message was clear: women are suffering, being misdiagnosed and continuously mistreated. The event, chaired by Dr. Seckin, brought together an international panel of endometriosis experts along with Keynote Honorees, Dr. Gargett and Dr. Redwine, and expert speakers.

Endometriosis Foundation of America (EFA) provides a voice to endometriosis, which is estimated to affect the lives of 1 in 10 women. Through extensive research and collaboration with scientists, women’s health professionals and patients, EFA strives to further develop public knowledge and awareness of endometriosis by promoting early diagnosis and effective intervention. EFA tours university campuses, as while as plans and executes scientific and educational events designed to promote dialogue and progress in disease understanding and treatment.  For further information on the Endometriosis Foundation of America, please visit www.endofound.org.

Read more from Martha at her blog, Lela Luxe.

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