It was a blockbuster evening, called “Evening Under the Stars,” and luminaries from the New York television world and the Manhattan and Hamptons social circuIt came out to support a great cause
On Saturday, June 25th more than 500 guests turned up for the American Heart Association’s 20th Annual Hamptons Heart Ball and raised nearly $600,000 to help fight cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
This year’s honorees were Jean Shafiroff, humanitarian, author and philanthropist, who received the Humanitarian with Heart Award. Shafiroff paid tribute to the American Heart Association saying she was involved in the AHA because of her departed father, who “despite having a heart attack at 51 had survived until 94 in part due to good heart health.” Dr. Frank Spencer, MD, Professor of Surgery, at NYU Langone Medical Center, was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Spencer is renowned for his pioneering work in surgical therapy and for bringing contemporary heart surgery procedures to the New York area.
This year’s Hamptons Heart Ball was chaired by Consuelo Vanderbilt Costin, Nicole Noonan, Randi Schatz, and Tracy Stern. Lonnie Quinn, Chief Weathercaster and Kristine Johnson, TV News Anchor, CBS 2 News, served as Master of Ceremonies. Committee members and guests included: Bert and Meredith Cohen, John and Terry Tortorella, David and Jill Kandell, Arnie and Paola Rosenshein, Star Jones, Dr. Aubrey Galloway, Dr. Leonard Girardi, Dr.Jeff Moses, Dr. John Pearson, and Dr. Larry Chinitz, John and Margo Catsimatidis, Dottie Herman, Dr. Greenberg, Cassandra Seidenfeld and Susan Shin.
The three course dinner was catered by the Garden City Hotel. Robbie Gordy of Christie’s conducted a live auction with items including a heart-shaped ruby and diamond ring and a VIP ski trip to Aspen. The special appeal brought Star Jones to her feet as she helped the AHA raise a significant amount of money for the benefit.
