* Events in NYC



SUMMER KICK OFF
Kick off summer in style by joining hosts Patsy and Jeff Tarr at Planned Parenthood’s annual benefit including cocktails and hors d’oeuvres by Nick and Toni’s. Auction Host: Christie Brinkley. 5 p.m. Private Residence, East Hampton. Call: 631-240-1134.


* GARDEN GLAMOUR
Don your most stunning gowns and tuxes for a magical evening of cocktails and cuisine, surrounded by lush gardens at the “Conservatory Ball,” benefiting the New York Botanical Garden. Chairs: Maureen Chilton, Mary Davidson, and William Rondina. 7:30 p.m. The New York Botanical Garden. Call: 914-579-1000.


BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Revitalize your home’s look and treat yourself by checking out the fabulous finds in furniture, art, wine, travel, fashion, jewelry, and linens featured at the Southampton Fresh Air Home Decorators-Designers-Dealers sale, auction, and cocktail benefit preview party. Chairs: Heather Leads, Anne Keating, Sarah Senbahar, Catherine di Montezemolo, Ann Grimm, Christl Meszkat, and Emily Chien Mahoney. 5 p.m. Southampton Fresh Air Home, Southampton. Call: 631-283-5847, x16.


* MUSIC & LAUGHTER
Join Jerry Seinfeld and Paul Simon at The Children’s Health Fund’s Gala Dinner for a night of sidesplitting comedy and sensational sounds. 6:30 p.m. Pier Sixty. Call: 212-452-3340.


* SAFETY IN THE STREETS
Support and celebrate the efforts to make the world’s streets safer at the Guardian Angels’ Gala Dinner Dance honoring Samsung’s Peter Weedfeld, Richard and Donna Soloway, WABC radio and Fox News’s Sean Hannity, and Richard and Kristen Thompson. This event will also feature a presentation by Mayor Michael Bloomberg and a silent auction. Emcee: Mark Simone. 6 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-545-7676.


* SHOW OF PRIDE
Enjoy a night of smooth cocktails, fine fare, and an exciting auction at the “Honoring with Pride” event benefiting amfAR and their continuing research for a cure for AIDS. Join presenter, Diane von Furstenberg in honoring David Bohnett, Florent Morellet, and Peter van Rooijen. Chairs: Dr. Mathilde Krim, Don Capoccia, Bill Melamed, and Peter Staley. 6:30 p.m. The Rainbow Room. Call: 212-806-1636.


START YOUR ENGINES
Get revved up at “The Hamptons Auto Classic Bidder’s Preview” party featuring a stunning variety of cars and cocktails sure to get the green light from any car aficionado. The event benefits Habitat for Humanity of Peconic, and includes an auction the following morning at 10 a.m. with an array of sports cars, exotics, convertibles, muscle cars, and a few nostalgic “woodies.” 6 p.m. Sayre Park, Bridgehampton. Call 631-537-1868.


LANDSCAPE BEAUTY
What better way to spend a weekend than to immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at The Parrish Art Museum’s annual “Landscape Pleasures” event featuring a symposium, cocktail reception, and tours of the beautiful gardens, showcasing this year’s theme “The Edible Garden.” Rosalind Creasy, Brian Halweil, and Alice Waters will impart their knowledge of gardening which will end with a book signing. Chairs: Leslie Close, Lillian Cohen, Gale Drukier, and Charlotte Moss. 8:30 a.m. The Parrish Art Museum, Southampton. Call: 631-283-2118, x33.

PARTY HEARTY
Enjoy an evening that will delight your heart & soul while dining and dancing at the 10th Annual “Heart of the Hamptons Gala” benefiting the American Heart Association. Join emcee Ed Bradley in honoring Rudolph and Judith Giuliani for their support in the fight against heart disease. Chairs: Park Ave. Mortgage’s Ellen Bitton, and Jon Gruen who founded Gruen Opitika. 6 p.m. Diamond Ranch, Watermill. Call: 631-734-2804.


* A LITTLE ITALY
Savor the extraordinary epicurean delights of Italy at the “Tutto Italia” event bene.ting Citymeals-on-Wheels. The feast will honor Restaurant Associates’ Nick Valenti, and highlights the talent of the world’s most acclaimed Italian chefs. Chairs: Ninah and Michael Lynne, Susie and Kevin Davis, and Laura and John Pomerantz. 7:30 p.m. Rockefeller Center. Call: 212-687-1290.

* SURVIVOR’S SPIRIT
Celebrate the birthday and the legacy of Anne Frank at the “Spirit of Anne Frank Awards” honoring Hilary Swank and director Richard LaGravenese for their work on the upcoming film Freedom Writers. Chair: Frank Majoor. Guests: Marisa Tomei, Hon. Bob Hiensch, Cora Minderhoud, H.E. Daniele Bodini, Alessandro di Rocco, Andrew Enschede, Ambassador Arjan Hamburger, and Albert Moses. 6:30 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-431-7993.


* COMING UP ROSES
Stop and smell the roses at “The Rose Luncheon,” benefiting the Little Flower Children and Family Services of New York, where soap opera legend Susan Lucci will be honored with the “Woman Who Makes a Difference Award.” Chairs: Jane Pontarelli, Anna Rhodes Victor, and Tracy Silverman. 12 p.m. Mandarin Oriental. Call: 917-923-9069.


FOR THE RETREAT
Join in the fight against abuse at The Retreat’s “Artists Against Abuse” 11th Anniversary event honoring Dottie Herman. Enjoy smooth cocktails and an exciting auction and raf.e featuring breathtaking works of art and a unique painted Vespa designed by Giancarlo Impiglia. Chairs: Tulla Booth, Richard Demato, Ann Chwatsky, Sandra Morell, and Sharyn Lawall. 6 p.m. Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-329-4398.

WINING AND DINING
Savor robust, bold wines and exquisite cuisine at the “Towns and Villages Celebrating the East End” event benefiting the Group for South Fork and their efforts in protecting the environment. Chair: Ronald Lauder, Soledad and Robert Hurst, Frank Newbold, Dara and Tim O’Hara, Jackie and Peter Schellbach, Nicole Miller, Edwina Von Gal, Aerin Lauder and Eric Zinterhofer, and Ann Colley. 6:30 p.m. Wolffer Estate Vineyards, Sagaponack. Call: 212-245-6570.

ONE SUMMER NIGHT
Toast to the summer at the 6th Annual “Midsummer Night Drinks” benefiting God’s Love We Deliver. Guests will enjoy an evening of fine spirits under the stars, melodious music, and an amazing raffle featuring a Mini-Cooper and a strand of Mikimoto pearls. Hosts: Don Burns and Greg Connors. 6 p.m. Private Residence, Southampton. Call: 212-294-8143.


SUMMER SOLSTICE
Enjoy a night of festive cocktails and live entertainment at the “2nd Annual Solstice Celebration” benefiting the Christopher Reeve Foundation and their efforts to cure and treat paralysis. Chair: Marnie McBryde. Hosts include: Francine LeFrak and Rick Friedberg, Joan Jedell, Cynthia Daniels, Benjamin Doller, Jamie Drake, and Chris Mooney and Eric Ellenbogen. 7 p.m. B. Smith’s Restaurant, Sag Harbor. Call: 973-379-2690, x7114.


LOVE HEALS
Sip martinis at the 7th annual “Love Heals” benefit, featuring a James Bond theme, silent auction, and barbecue from Deforest Gibbs of South Carolina. Proceeds from the event benefit Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education. 7:30 p.m. Luna Farm, Sagaponack. Call: 212-529-7935.

BEACH BALL
Bask under the stars at the annual “Beaches and Bays Gala” honoring author Peter Matthiessen, with proceeds benefiting the Nature Conservancy. Enjoy the soothing sounds of waves crashing and the melodies of the Starlight Orchestra. Chairs: Leslie and Brian Brille, Christopher Brown and Andrew Gordon, Marilyn Breslow, and Emily Baker. 6:30 p.m. Further Lane. Call: 631-329-7689, x19.

MUSIC TO OUR EARS
The Music Festival of the Hamptons is kicking off its month long series (through July 23) of concerts with a harmonious Opening Night Gala featuring the music of Mozart and more, cocktails, and cuisine. 6 p.m. East Hampton Studios, Wainscott. Call: 800-644-4418.


ALL AMERICAN AFFAIR
Step out for a perfect, patriotic family party at the Southampton Fresh Air Home’s 19th Annual “American Picnic Benefit,” where guests will enjoy a feast of American classics, carnival amusements, and a show of spectacular Grucci fireworks. Chairs: Ros and Fran L’Esperance, Pam and Bill Michaelcheck, Christl and Ken Meszkat, Kim White and Kurt Wolfgruber, and Heather and Steven Mnuchin. 7 p.m. Meadow Lane. Call: 631-283-5847, x11.


All photography by Joan Jedell unless otherwise specified. All rights reserved. Reproduction without written consent from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
© 2006, Jedell Productions, Inc.
Tel: 212-861-7861
E-mail: JJedell@hamptonsheet.com