Long Islanders attended the much anticipated “5th Macabre Faire Film Festival” at the Mill River Manor Best Western Hotel on January 17 through January 19, 2014.

(Long Island, NY) TwitchTwitch Productions presented Long Island’s only film festival catering to horror flicks in the sub-genre categories. The horror festival showcased independent films from around the world for the 5th Macabre Faire Film Festival and united filmmakers, directors, actors, producers and fans under one roof for three days of movie madness, live band performances and and fantastic awards presented to all that showcased their films at the festival.

The Macabre Faire Film Festival takes pride in being the first and only Film Festival on Long Island occurring several times a year connecting with Independent Filmmakers around the globe bringing a collection of over forty titles to every film festival. This 5th installation of the Film Festival was a celebration in honor of independent film-making regardless of the films budget. Spreading the word about the Macabre Faire Film Festival is one of the most effective ways of helping these filmmakers get their films noticed and distributed. The Macabre Festival has make it possible through their contributing efforts for more fans to view these films and have distribution companies to take notice of these unique films.

Many Film distribution companies attend the event which provides a platform for these artists to get National and International Distribution deals. Hours of independent films submitted by dozens of filmmakers were screened in four separate screening areas along with workshops/discussions/presentations hosted by the attending filmmakers and actors themselves. Film Festivals like the MFFF are making a difference and that difference is taking place in Long Island, NY. Films are rated PG, PG-13 and R (parental guidance is suggested).

Special Guests on the roster included Long Island filmmakers: Scott W. Perry creator of the “In Fear Of” series, Patrick Devaney creator of “Zombie Hunters” reveals his new film piece “Aemorraghe”, Margaret Villano with “Feed Me” and Ben Fiore with “The Interrogation”. In addition to these local filmmakers the festival was flooded with filmmakers from Texas, Los Angeles, Canada, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York and more from around the country for this celebration of independent filmmaking.

The event kicked off with the first Red Carpet night on Friday, Jan 17 at 7pm – 1am. Guests, filmmakers and Actors were dressed in formal wear and designer gowns as they walked down the red carpet while cameras flashed and anticipation builded for the evening’s presentation of the “Macabreite Award”. This was the humble beginning stages of what some may consider to be the Academy Awards for films dedicated to the “Macabre” whether through a Drama, Sci-Fi, Animation, Comedy, Documentary and yes… Horror, as the Best of the Best for 2013 got awarded. The Red Carpet Gala included an open bar and gourmet dishes for all who attended while “Melissa Otero” entertained the audience with her tunes. The midnight hour had everyone enjoying some tea sipping and “Tales of Poe” with Long Island actor Carl DiModugno as the storyteller. Saturday, Jan 18 the Macabre Faire Fil Mestival began at 12pm and ran straight through until 1am. Dozens of films were screened in four rooms along with workshops/discussions and more. Live performance by the “Slipppery Chickens” for some electric Rockabilly melodies hit the stage at 9:30pm then capped off with Dj music. For Sunday, Jan 19, the day began at 1pm with more films and workshops then NJ performers “A Halo Called Fred” geeked out on the stage at 7pm with their music. Immediately following at 8pm, the “MFFF Awards” where film laurels were awarded in over a dozen different categories to filmmakers. The ceremony was open to all attendees for their first hand witnessing of the winners for Jan 2014.

Here is the list of Winners for the 5th Macabre Faire Film Festival:

• Best Sound: “Mosaic 33”
• Best Screenplay: “Ceramic Tango”
• Best Editing: “Fist of Jesus”
• Best Soundtrack: “One More For the Road”
• Best Cinematography: “The Wretched”
• Best Special Effects: “Fist of Jesus”
• Best Actress: Jennifer Campbell (“Bruised”)
• Best Actor: Roger Floyd (“The Confession”)
• Best Director: Drew Dammron (“Little Goat”)
• Best Short Film: “Little Goat” (Dir. Drew Dammron)
• Feature Films
• Best Sound: “Art of Darkness”
• Best Screenplay: “Nightmare Box”
• Best Editing (tie): “Art of Darkness” and “An American Terror”
• Best Soundtrack in a Feature: “Art of Darkness”
• Best Cinematography: “Sea of Dust”
• Best Special Effects: “Truth or Dare”
• Best Actress: Joanne Stanton (“Nightmare Box”)
• Best Actor: Ryan Kaiser (“Truth or Dare”)
• Best Director: Haylar Garcia (“An American Terror”)
• Best Feature Film: “Nightmare Box” (Dir. John Keeyes)
• Other Categories
• Audience Choice Best Short: “Baggage” (Dir. Jeremiah Kipp)
• Audience Choice Best Feature: “Sea of Dust” (Dir. Scott Bunt)
• Honorable Mention: “Aemorraghe” (Dir. Patrick Devaney)
• Best Movie Poster Artwork: “Zombie Casserole” (Dir. Sanj Surati & John Iwasz)

For more information please visit www.MacabreFaireFilmFest.com

Cognac Wellerlane

(Long Island, N.Y.) Long Islanders and the Lawrence community attended the New Year’s Eve ALS Fundraiser for Shirat Devorah at Congregation Beth Sholom in Lawrence New York.

Shirat Devorah ALS Foundation provides funds and resources to Jewish patients with financial burden that healthcare and ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) places on them and their families.

It was An Elegant Fundraiser to Fight the dreaded disease ALS.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews at “Shirat Devorah ALS Foundation” Fundraiser in Lawrence Long Island. Emcee for the Evening Was Jeff Neckonoff. Due to the generosity of all the vendors, 100% of the proceeds will go to the Shirat Devorah ALS Foundation, a registered 501c non profit. Devorah is just one of the beneficiaries of the ALS foundation.
For more info on Devorah, please see her blog: www.shirat-devorah.com

DJ Jeff Neckonoff was Emcee for the Evening.  The evening also featured entertainment with a live performance by Moshe Hecht, musical entertainment by Azamra  and Walk-Around Magician & Mentalist, Marc Garfinkel.

Due to the generosity of all the food vendors who sponsored the event, one hundred percent of the proceeds went to the Shirat Devorah ALS Foundation, a registered 501c non profit.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS subsequently leads to the patient’s death. When the motor neurons  fail, the ability of the brain to initiate and control muscle movement is gone. With voluntary muscle action progressively affected, patients in the later stages of the disease eventually become paralyzed.

ALS was first described in 1869 by French neurologist Jean-Martin Charcot, but it wasn’t until 1939 that Lou Gehrig brought national and international attention to the disease when he suddenly retired from baseball after being diagnosed with ALS. Most commonly, the disease strikes people between the ages of 40 and 70, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. ALS has cut short the lives of many talented, famous and courageous individuals as Hall of Fame pitcher Jim “Catfish” Hunter, Senator Jacob Javits, actors Michael Zaslow and David Niven, creator of Sesame Street Jon Stone, television producer Scott Brazil, boxing champion Ezzard Charles, NBA Hall of Fame basketball player George Yardley, pro football player Glenn Montgomery, golfer Jeff Julian, golf caddie Bruce Edwards, British soccer player Jimmy Johnstone, musician Lead Belly, photographer Eddie Adams, entertainer Dennis Day, jazz musician Charles Mingus, composer Dimitri Shostakovich, former vice president of the United States Henry A. Wallace and U.S. Army General Maxwell Taylor.

Deborah Danielle Schochet is just one of the beneficiaries of the ALS foundation.  Deborah is  39-year-old mother of four struggling to get back on her feet after her home was destroyed by Sandy when she was suddenly diagnosed with ALS.  Because this disease has no cure she has been given two to four years to live as her body degenerates.  Deborah and her family need to still repair their home, and while doing so, their hopes are to make it more accessible for her growing adaptive needs.

Medical treatment, including a stem cell trial, which is not covered by insurance, is also an absolute necessity.

The organization has hit their initial goal of $100,000, but Deborah’s expenses just to repair her home are in excess of $140,000 plus there are medical treatments and adaptations required for her home to make it livable as her physical needs change.

To contribute support and participate please visit http://www.rootfunding.com/campaign/3660

For more info on Deborah, please see her blog:
www.shirat-devorah.com

Cognac Wellerlane

(Long Island, N.Y.) The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences featured their awards ceremony on Monday evening November 25, 2013 at the New York Hilton Hotel in Manhattan. The gala was attended by over 1000 international television professionals and hosted by Comedian John Oliver.

Two Special Awards and Ten Emmy statues were presented by the International Academy during the evening. Winners spanned six international countries including Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, South Korea and the United Kingdom. Brazil film and television legend Fernanda Montenegro received the Best Performance by an Actress category for her role in “Sweet Mother.” British Actor Sean Bean won the Best Performance by an Actor category for his role in “Accused.” There was a tie in the Arts Programming category with 2 winning programs.

“Star Trek” Actor Zachary Quinto presented the International Emmy Founders Award to film & television Writer/Director J.J. Abrams. The International Emmy Directorate Award was presented to RTL Group Co-CEO Anke Schäferkordt by world heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko.

The ten International Emmy Award Winning programs and performances are: Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender and Hello?! Orchestra (TIE in Arts Programming), Sean Bean (Best Performance by an Actor), Fernanda Montenegro (Best Performance by an Actress), Moone Boy (Comedy), 5 Broken Cameras (Documentary), Les Revenants (The Returned) (Drama Series), Go Back to Where You Came From (Non-Scripted Entertainment), Side by Side (Telenovela), and A Day for a Miracle (TV Movie/Mini-Series). Complete winners information follows this release.

“The International Emmy Awards is the premiere global platform for the world’s best television programming and performances,” revealed Academy President Bruce L. Paisner. “We congratulate tonight’s winners for their outstanding achievements and for inspiring audiences worldwide with their great work.”

Below is a list of Winners for the 41st International Emmy Awards.

Arts Programming-TIE

Freddie Mercury: The Great Pretender
EMP / Mercury Songs for Eagle Rock Entertainment
United Kingdom

Freddie Mercury was one of the most charismatic, complex, and fascinating characters in British rock music. The story of Queen is much told, but this documentary focuses on Freddie and the solo projects he worked on outside of the band. Using extensive archive footage of interviews with Freddie as well as concerts, video shoots, and personal material, a portrait of Freddie Mercury emerges which is very different from his flamboyant stage persona.

Hello?! Orchestra
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC) / CEN MEDIA
South Korea

Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill conducts an orchestra of 24 children from multicultural families. Raised in a multicultural family himself, Richard understands the discrimination these children face, and he attempts to unite and heal them through music.

Best Performance by an Actor

Sean Bean
In Accused
RSJ Films
United Kingdom

Simon is a shy, lonely, English literature teacher with a secret. He has a transvestite alter-ego, Tracie. Tracie goes out to clubs at night. She is flamboyant, funny, and loud, and in search of love.

Best Performance by an Actress

Fernanda Montenegro
In Sweet Mother
TV Globo / Casa de Cinema do Porto Alegre
Brazil

Dona Picucha is 85 and wishes to live independently in spite of her age and the concern of her children. She feels ready to try new experiences, like dancing.

Comedy

Moone Boy
Baby Cow Productions Ltd / Hot Cod Productions / Grand Pictures / Sprout Pictures
United Kingdom

Set in a small Irish town in 1989, ‘Moone Boy’ follows the adventures of the youngest member of the Moone family, 11-year-old Martin. In order to survive life with his chaotic family Martin relies on his friend, Sean Murphy for company. Sean is no ordinary pal, he’s imaginary: a grown man with a beard, whose middle name, Caution, gives him something of an edge. Together, Martin and Sean negotiate various obstacles, from his sisters’ pranks to the pressures of being an altar boy.

2013 INTERNATIONAL EMMY® AWARD WINNERS

Documentary

5 Broken Cameras
Alegria Productions / Burnat Films Palestine / Guy DVD Films / France Télévisions
France

5 Broken Cameras is a personal, firsthand account of life and nonviolent resistance in Bil’in, a West Bank village surrounded by Israeli settlements. The film was shot by Palestinian farmer Emad Burnat, who bought his first camera in 2005 to record the birth of his youngest son, Gibreel. The film is structured in chapters around the destruction of each one of Burnat’s cameras, and follows the Burnat family’s evolution over five years of village upheaval.

Drama Series

Les Revenants (The Returned)
Haut et Court TV / Canal+
France

A small mountain community is rocked to its core when several local people who are presumed dead suddenly reappear at their homes. Despite having passed away some years earlier, these ghostly characters appear in human form, they have not aged, and they are completely unaware of their own fatality. Determined to reclaim their lives and start over, they slowly come to realize that they are not the only ones to have been brought back from the dead.

Non-Scripted Entertainment

Go Back To Where You Came From – Series 2
SBS / Cordell Jigsaw Productions
Australia

With the asylum-seeker issue still dominating national debate in Australia, the series ‘Go Back To Where You Came From’ returns for the next stage of its social experiment: to challenge the strongly held beliefs of six Australians on a journey to see the world through the eyes of refugees. This time, the stakes have been raised. The participants are going to the most desperate and dangerous corners of the world, and they are all high-profile Australians who represent different – often opposing – sides of the asylum-seeker debate.

Telenovela

Side by Side
TV Globo
Brazil

Laura and Isabel are two women from different social classes. One’s parents are former aristocrats, while the others are former slaves. The two families developed a solid friendship. Laura and Isabel fall in love with two young idealists, Edgar and Zé Maria. Amid the early Republic comes the emergence of samba, the arrival of soccer in Brazil, the end of the tenements, and the beginning of the slums (favelas) in Rio.

TV Movie/Mini-Series

A Day for a Miracle (Das Wunder von Kärnten)
Rowboat Film and TV Production GmbH / ZDF / Graf Filmproduction GmbH / ORF
Germany

In 1998, a young cardiovascular surgeon and ultra marathon runner from Vienna named Markus Höchstmann started his first job in rural Austria. Over two long days that same year he saved a life no one thought could be saved. With his superiors away, a drowned four-year-old girl was brought into the emergency room. Cold and lifeless after having spent 30 minutes under water, she was considered clinically dead. Even though a similar resuscitation had never been accomplished, Markus risked everything to save the girl’s life and made medical history.

The International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is a membership based organization comprised of leading media and entertainment figures from over fifty nations and five hundred corporations from all sectors of television including internet, mobile and technology. The Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the prestigious International Emmy Awards and International Emmy Kids Awards Ceremonies held in New York City, The International Digital Emmy Awards at MIPTV and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, The International Emmy World Television Festival and Panels on substantive industry topics. The Academy was chartered with a mission to recognize excellence in television produced outside of the United States and it presents The International Emmy Awards in the following twenty categories: Arts Programming; Best Performance by an Actress; Best Performance by an Actor; Current Affairs; Comedy; Digital Program: Children & Young People; Digital Program: Fiction; Digital Program: Non-Fiction; Documentary; Drama Series; Kids: Preschool; Kids: Animation; Kids: Factual; Kids: Non-Scripted Entertainment; Kids: Series; Kids: TV Movie/Mini-Series News; Non-Scripted Entertainment; Telenovela; TV Movie/Mini-Series.

Starting in 2014, the International Academy will also recognize US prime-time programming produced 50% or more in non-English languages, with a new category to be added to the 2014 International Emmy Awards competition, early December 2013.

For more information please go to www.iemmys.tv.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Halloween is a special time of year for children as well as adults. Halloween or Hallowe’en also known as All Hallows’ Eve, is a yearly celebration observed in many countries on October 31st, the eve of the Western Christian feast of All Hallows’ Day.

Now more than ever Halloween has become a big celebration around New York City with the Halloween Village Parade.

This year they celebrated their 40th anniversary with hundreds of puppets, fifty-three bands of a variety of unusual types of music, dancers and artists. Thousands of other New Yorkers attended the famous parade in costumes of their own creation.

Their was also a variety of celebrity parties and charity events including Heidi Klum’s Party and Bette Midler’s Hulaween Event that take place ever year. I also joined in and attended some wonderful charity and celebrity events during Halloween.

Animal and pet lovers enjoyed an evening of cocktails, dinner, silent auction and dancing at the Sixth Annual Little Shelter Halloween Costume Ball hosted by Chateau La Mer in Lindenhurst, New York.

Little Shelter Animal Rescue and Adoption Center is a non-profit, no-kill animal shelter nestled on six wooded acres in Huntington, Long Island. Little Shelter has been dedicated to saving abandoned dogs and cats and placing them into loving homes since 1927. Age, physical condition, and socialization issues are never criteria for rescuing a dog or cat whose life is in jeopardy. Through rescue from kill facilities, rehabilitation of sick and un-socialized pets, and a 100% spay/neuter program, Little Shelter hopes to end pet overpopulation and place all dogs and cats in loving homes. All Little Shelter pets receive the highest quality medical care and are spayed/neutered before adoption. Every potential adopter is interviewed and thoroughly screened to ensure the best quality homes. Included on the grounds is Sheltervale Pet Cemetery, which has been the final resting place for companion animals for more than 80 years. Little Shelter Animal Rescue has won Best of Long Island four straight years from 2010 through 2013 for Best Animal Shelter/Rescue!

Little Shelter is also a part of the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC Animals. Little Shelter is the only shelter not located in New York City to be included in the alliance and as a member Little Shelter is regularly called upon by the city’s municipal shelters to take their dogs and cats in need of rehabilitation.

For more information please visit www.littleshelter.com.

On Halloween Night Ghouls, Goblins and Ghosts attended a Halloween Night Event hosted by Keith Collins and Celebrity Photographer Steve Mack. A-listers that attended the event included Former Yankee Billy Sample, Recording Artist Kim Cameron, WABC-TV Eyewitness News Correspondent N.J. Burkett, Designer Esther Nash, Naked Cowgirl Cindy Fox and Author Mark Bego.

Afterwards I attended a fabulous Masquerade Fashion Show Gala presented by Fashion Designer Jason Christopher Peters at Holy Apostles Church Ballroom in Chelsea Manhattan.

The event was created to benefit Freedomladder.com in hopes of stopping child sex slave trafficking. The event was hosted by philanthropist and award winning actress Qurrat Ann Kadwani. The event also featured artwork and art presentations by Tobin Eason (BalletNext, American Ballet Theatre). Guests and supporters enjoyed free gifts and beauty masks from Grand Central Beauty and Elucid Fashion Magazine. Music by DJ J Hooks!

Freedom Ladder uses popular vehicles of education and entertainment, such as comic books, to educate at-risk children about the danger of sex trafficking and empower them to protect themselves and live lives of courage, power, and inspiration.

The Halloween Fashion Gala also featured and was sponsored by Art Shows by BarraVision (www.rebeccabarra.com), Jimmy Aponte (instagram.com/jimmyaponte), Jessica Glick Photography (www.jessicaglick.com), Gylliayn Art (www.thegmedia.com), Lindsay Risk (www.rosybleu.com), and Devon Morgan.

The highlight of the evening featured a Fashion show by Designer Jason Christopher Peters. Regarded as the ‘future of fashion’ by Teen People, Genre, Bleu Magazine and a multitude of respected publications around the world, former model turned designer Jason Christopher Peters is already a rising fashion icon. His newly developed couture brand has finally arrived and hit the fashion scene.

Peters collections have been featured in covers, tear sheets and articles for magazines such as PEOPLE, Cosmopolitan, Star, Us Weekly, Teen People, Sister to Sister, Face On, Beautiful Girl, Style 101, and many more.

Peters dazzling designs can be seen on the likes of many A-listers including Recording Artist Omarion, DJ Quest, Phaedra Parks of Atlanta Housewives, Janice Combs, Brandy, Kat Deluna, and Jersey Shores- Sammie Sweetheart.

His collections have also graced television, on such networks as Fox’s American Idol, MTV, ABC and more! For more info visit www.jasonchristopherpeters.com Twitter: @JasonCPeters.

(Long Island, N.Y.) This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Hamptons International Film Festival.

The Hamptons International Film Festival was established to celebrate documentaries, fiction, independent, long and short films and to introduce a unique and varied spectrum of international films and filmmakers to a varied audience. The festival is committed to exhibiting films that express fresh voices and differing global perspectives, with the hope that these programs will enlighten audiences, provide invaluable exposure for filmmakers and present inspired entertainment for all.

Below are my choices for the best films:

Director John Krokidas premiered his film “Kill Your Darling” on opening night at the Guild Theater in East Hampton.

The synopsis involves the meeting of Allen Ginsberg, Lucien Carr, Jack Kerouac, and William Burroughs during Ginsberg’s early days at Columbia University. The group creates a bond looking for a “new vision”––daring each other to innovate and redefine their voices. Eventually they splinter apart when one of them becomes involved in a murder in 1944. The stars of the film Daniel Radcliffe and Dane DeHaan lead an exceptional cast that also features Michael C. Hall, Elizabeth Olsen, David Cross, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Jack Huston as Kerouac and an almost unrecognizable Ben Foster as Burroughs.

John Krokidas received his B.A. in Theater and American Studies from Yale University, where he studied acting before attending New York University’s Graduate Film Program. He wrote and directed two short films at NYU. His first, SHAME NO MORE played at over seventy film festivals around the world and sold to ten countries airing on such channels as Arte and Canal Plus before becoming part of the short-film collection QUEER AS F**K and airing on IFC and PBS in the United States. His second short film, SLO-MO premiered at the Telluride Film Festival and went on to play Sundance before airing on HBO, PBS and the Sundance Channel. Krokidas wrote and directed a PSA starring Jack Nicholson (JACK AND HILL) for the 2008 Presidential Election that was chosen by CNN as one of their “Best Political Ads of the Year.” And in 2011, Krokidas was chosen by “The Advocate” magazine as one of their Top 40 Under 40. KILL YOUR DARLINGS marks Krokidas’ feature directorial debut. He was recently named one of Variety’s Top Ten Directors to watch for 2013.

Actor/Director and Filmmaker Ralph Macchio best known for his role in “Karate Kid” premiered his latest short movie “Across Grace Alley” at the 21st Hamptons International Film Festival.

The synopsis of the film involves a young boy struggling with his parents going through a difficult divorce. He seeks solace in his infatuation with a captivating woman he discovers through a neighboring window.

Ralph Macchio’s debut short-film, “Love Thy Brother” premiered at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival to audience and critical acclaim, distributed to HBO, iTunes and Shorts International. An Executive Producer of “American Gypsies” for National Geographic Channel, Macchio has developed projects for Fox, ABC Family, Nickelodeon and MTV. His FunnyOrDie.com video “Wax-On, F*ck-Off” remains one of the sites most popular of all time. Having worked with a variety of iconic filmmakers, Macchio strives to implement what he has absorbed into his own filmmaking endeavors. Film acting credits include highlights – “The Outsiders,” “The Karate Kid,” “My Cousin Vinny,” “Crossroads” and “Hitchcock.”

For more information about the film please visit www.facebook.com/AcrossGraceAlley.

International Emmy Award Winning Actress Helen Bonham Carter premiered her latest flick “Burton And Taylor” at this year’s 21st Hampton’s International Film Festival.

BAFTA award-winning actors Dominic West and Helena Bonham Carter star as Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor – Hollywood’s most volatile couple who famously played out for the world to see every high and low of their love affairs, multiple marriages and divorces in the public eye. Burton and Taylor made their last stage appearance together in the critically reviled 1983 revival of Noel Coward’s stage play, “Private Lives.” The flick portrays their ill-fated reunion, on and off stage. The film was directed by Richard Laxton.

Renowned Actress Helen Bonham Carter delivers Taylor’s bigger than life persona; what she also does is dig deep to offer a fully realized portrait of a heartbroken woman at a vulnerable point in her life as she reveals in our interview at the Bay Street Theater.

The film can also be seen Wednesday evening on BBC America Network. The evening will be a double feature showing Cleopatra starring Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton and then of course Burton and Taylor starring Helena Bonham Carter and Dominic West.

Helena made her acting debut in a television adaptation of K. M. Peyton’s A Pattern of Roses before winning her first film role as the titular character in Lady Jane. She is known for her roles in films such as A Room with a View, Fight Club, The King’s Speech, and playing the villainess Bellatrix Lestrange in the Harry Potter series, as well as for frequently collaborating with her husband, Director Tim Burton, in films such as Planet of the Apes, Big Fish, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Alice in Wonderland, and Dark Shadows. In 2012, she played Miss Havisham in Great Expectations, and Madame Thénardier in Les Misérables.

For more information about this talented actress please visit www.imdb.com/name/nm0000307/.

The Hamptons International Film Festival headquarters were located at the beautiful c/o The Maidstone Hotel on Main Street in East Hampton.

The Hamptons International Film Festival appreciates the support from their corporate sponsors including American Airlines/Altour International, Capital One, The Wall Street Journal, Silvercup Studios and A&E Indie Films.

For more information please visit www.hamptonsfilmfest.org.

(Long Island, N.Y.) Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is by far Manhattan’s largest fashion media event. The week-long event takes place twice a year during the early part of February and the beginning of September in the tents at Lincoln Center. Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week showcases top fashion designers an international platform to view their collections to over one hundred thousand industry insiders from around the world.

The event brings an enormous amount of individuals from the fashion industry including buyers, editors, retailers and celebrities. Mercedes-Benz Fashion week features more than eighty designer fashion shows in one week. It is known as the premier event worldwide where style, beauty, supermodels, and VIP’s gather to celebrate the finest in the fashion world.

Below are my top favorites from the week:

Charlotte Ronson

Charlotte Ronson’s Spring 2014 is all about the French Mademoiselle in the glamorous cities of Paris, Rome, London and New York.

Her collection is all about Parisian chic with a playful twist on today’s modern young ingénue. My favorites include: the black-and-white asymmetric short dress with a Peter Pan collar, an eyelet jumpsuit with sheer peek-a-boo details, a blue-and-green floral print and a spirited crop top.

During the event Charlotte wore a white leather ensemble that zipped apart completely at the midriff, leaving a standalone top. A-Listers that attended included Paris and Nicky Hilton, Recording Artist Ariana DiLorenzo and Model Devyn Abdullah who is is the first winner of “The Face,” Naomi Campbell’s modeling reality show on the Oxygen Network.

Joanna Mastroianni

Joanna Mastroianni set the pace with graphic black-and-garments that appeared unique, fresh and modern. Special pieces included a white silk satin T-shirt dress with a black hem and full-length zipper.

Unique textures, luxury fabrics, embroideries, mosaic- like patterns and leather pieces were important features of the collection. Inspiration from European countries showcasing feminine curves, architectural shapes for today’s women who wants to embrace a more flirtatious way of wearing clothes!

Other influences included Asian culture. Models strutted the runway with beautiful silk printed pieces displaying floral patterns of orchards, cherry blossoms, and apple blossoms.

Her Spring 2014 Collection was a collaboration of 1960’s retro dresses with sharp edges, to glamorous gowns and kimono-inspired dresses.

Nicole Miller

Nicole Miller Spring 2014 Collection was inspired by the Palace and gardens of Versailles. Chandeliers and shattered mirrors were all important features when creating her new Spring collection.

The designer got creative with designing floras on a leather moto jacket which she presented with a T-shirt in a filigree motif. Another important piece was a skirt in bold black-and-white stripes that were displayed with sweet flower buds. Other interesting mixable prints included a draped dress that collaborated five patterns that interestingly did not clash.

Nicole also incorporated edgier pieces including a distressed jacquard pants that were slashed throughout. Miller also showcased strong graphic touches with beads and sequins with a glass shard pattern that featured a “kaleidoscope” pattern.

Malan Breton

Malan Breton Spring 2014 Collection this year was featured in the Box at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. His Spring collection was inspired by decadent Victorian age meets 1920s Gatsby theme. Male and female models presented a couples theme and were styled in crushed satin, tons of tulle, bright colored suits and a burst of royal metallics.

The garments were accentuated with the taste of feminine allure and the traditional “Old Hollywood” appeal which seems to always be prevalent in his romantic nostalgic collections.

Apparently he is an avid cinema fan. Monroe makeup and hairstyles were featured on the female models.

His Spring 2014 collection combined textures and patterns of different pieces. Colors became brighter and bolder creating the look of nobility. One defining detail of the collection was the use of the Eastern inspired patterns.

When designing his pieces, Malan’s technique of using bold colors on his textured silks created a luminous reflection and shine with an exotic appeal.

I also had the opportunity to interview Edwin Rivera from Reel Code Media who sponsored Malan Breton’s Spring 2014 Collection in the Tents.

Zang Toi

Zang Toi Spring 2014 Collection was inspired by the Russian ballet. Zang Toi’s evening garments offered the spectacular glamour he does impeccably. My preferred pieces was his black silk gazar tunic and trousers embellished with silver sequins.

His short fluffy short frocks and red carpet full-skirted gowns floated down the runway with over the top trains trailing behind.

Although the collection was for Spring, the mixture of colors were mostly dark with a pop of pink including a matching bubble-gum pink cashmere dress coat ensemble and a ballet pink full skirted ballerina dress with spring blossoms. The gowns were elegant with beautiful details such as floral appliqué and tulle lining.

Capes, evening gowns and billowing trains were prevalent throughout the show. His models dramatically demonstrated the movement in the garments by constantly twirling flirtatiously throughout the fashion show.

Zang Toi’s Spring 2014 collection was glamorous and just simply divine!

Custo Barcelona

Custo Barcelona Spring 2014 Collection featured tribal motif prints and embroideries throughout the line from swimwear to outer garments. His extensive collection, one of the longest shows, included combining two or three textures. The change was beneficial. For example, a sheer white blouse with sweet broderie anglaise accents was featured with a pair of long culottes.

Special pieces included a shimmering rose-gold blouse embroidered with neon raffia at the shoulders and worn with a metallic jacquard short.

Designer Custo Dalmau recognizes the importance branding his line so emphasis has now been on a more homogenize collection appealing to a global consumer who is clued in to current fashions.

Helen Yarmak

Helen Yarmak Spring 2014 premiered her collection at her penthouse showroom in the Crown Building with fun and excitement incorporating bright colors such as hot pink and orange hues to her Spring collection of lightweight furs. Fabulous furs were featured on Mother daughter Super Model duo Pat and Anna Cleveland. My favorites included sheared lamb in capes, boleros and short-sleeve jackets. The show was especially styled by Costume Designer “Sex And The City” Pat Field for an overall “Rock N Roll” appeal.

Helen’s collection incorporated sensational patterns and hues for excitement such as checkerboard, stripes, and color blocking. Traditional furs included mink, fox, lamb, and ermine.

I had a chance to chat with Actress Vanessa Williams during the presentation who was introduced to Helen by Costume Designer and Stylist Patricia Field. “I am here because Pat Field introduced me to Helen while I was play Willemina Slater so as the character I wore tons of fur so Helen was our go-to gal,” revealed Ms. Williams.

Special pieces included a pink fox jacket worn with fishnet babydolls and plush sable hoodies that were worn with graffiti print track pants for the perfect hi-low combo.

For more information about Mercedes Benz Fashion Week please visit www.mbfashionweek.com.

(Long Island, N.Y.) A torrential rain storm and one of the worst East End traffic jams in recent memory proved no match for the most anticipated art event of the season, the second edition of Art Southampton, showcased by Art Miami. The invitation-only preview reception of the premier contemporary and modern art fair in the Hamptons, benefiting Southampton Hospital, drew over 4,200 art enthusiasts and international collectors over the course of Thursday evening.

The event this year expanded to over 90 exhibitors, Art Southampton dramatically increased its art audience while continuing to offer the highest quality of 20th- and 21st-century pieces of art, as well as important emerging artists.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Artist Kevin Berlin, Photographer Jerry Schatzberg, Broadway Producer Wendy Fedeman, President and CEO Robert Chaloner of the Southampton Hospital and Artists John and Jodi Fisano at ArtSouthampton in the Hamptons.

Guests, VIP’s and media arrived at the massive 100,000-square-foot pavilion. The entrance of a sculpture garden was designed by LaGuardia Design with the assistance of Marder’s Nursery. Artists featured included Albert Paley presented by Gerald Peters Gallery; Alexandre Arrechea from Magnan Metz Gallery; and Dietrich Klinge of Galerie Terminus.

Visitors were intrigued by cutting-edge automotive artistry from Maserati North America showcasing their latest high-caliber automobiles, the Ghibli sports sedan and the all-new full-sized Quattroporte.

Art enthusiasts and collectors enjoyed Perrier-Jouët champagne and hors d’oeuvres from the Southampton Social Club while admiring the stunning display of precious jewels exhibited by sponsor Graff Diamonds.

A-listers included: Jean Shafiroff; Dr. Bruce Horten; Ron Ristow; Cynthia and Matthew Mark; Sandra and Stanford Warshawsky, Rolf Heitmeyer, former Ambassador Earle I. Mack and wife Carol; Karl Emil Willers, newly appointed head of the Nassau Country Museum of Art; and Theodore and Ruth Baum.

The glittering crowd also included: famed Model and Richard Avedon Muse China Machado, Playwright Joe Pintauro, Cole Rumbough, Kate Edmonds, artist Paton Miller, Sara Herbert Galloway and Barry Klarberg, Laura and John Wynne, Gregory D’Elia, Zita Davisson, Alexandra Fairweather, Andrea Gurvitz, Jeanette Hecktoen, Cherie Kaufman and Bill Sclight, Dr. Matt Kaufman, Gary Lawrance, Howard Rosen, Brenda Simmons, Max Teicher, Ann Thomas, Howard Teich, Mayor Mark Epley, Steve Bernstein, President of Southampton Hospital Foundation; Robert Chaloner, President and CEO of Southampton Hospital; and Henri Barguirdjian, President and CEO of Graff Diamonds.

For more information please visit www.art-southampton.com.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Philantrophist C.C. Carr and Dr. Harvey Manes Founder of the Manes-American Peace Prize in West Hampton Beach at their First Annual Gala.

Guests gathered at the First Annual Harvey Mane Peace Prize Gala in West Hampton Beach, New York. The fundraiser was hosted by C. C. Carr and Dr. Harvey Manes.

New York Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Harvey Manes founded the Manes-American Peace Prize for those active in the areas of health, education, and welfare, including community safety, fighting poverty and helping undeserved individuals rise to their fullest potential.

Dr. Manes contributed $1 million for starting the fund and has recognized many notable award winners, including: Clark Botanic Garden Crime Stoppers of Suffolk County, N.Y.Guardian Angels, Hope for the Future Ministries, Jewish Museum of New York, Shaman David Cloud, Woodstock Film Festival, and Woodstock Museum. Recent nominees include: President Bill Clinton, Mia Farrow, Angelia Jolie and Yoko Ono.

A committee of three important individuals choose the Peace Prize winners. If interested devoted individuals can apply directly or be nominated by a third party. An outstanding winner can be chosen by the committee without a formal application.

This year the Peace Prize “Ambassador Award” was presented to Kim DePaola, star of the Bravo hit series, “The Housewives of New Jersey,” better known to her television fans as Kim D, Kim DePaola was recognized as an “Ambassador for Peace” thanks to her many charitable endeavors and support of the Manes-American Peace Prize.

George Schwertl of Lloyd Harbor, N.Y. was presented an award for his generous support to the Suffolk Police Crime Stoppers gun buyback program. Curtis Sliwa and the Guardian Angels was also presented an award for countless hours keeping communities safe and setting a great example to youth and troubled youngsters.

For more information please visit www.manesamericanpeaceprize.com.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews Owner Ben Rinzler of the Water Mill Square in the Hamptons and Owner Sally Antonacchio and Brittany Ciera Ortiz from The Artists Company a new multi media and advertising company.

A collaboration of fashion designers, artists, jewelry designers and celebrity photographers participated in a fun Art and Fashion For the Environment benefiting Group East End at the Water Mill Square in the Hamptons.

Group for the East End protects and restores the environment of eastern Long Island, New York through education, citizen action, and professional advocacy. The organization’s mission is to inspire people to embrace a conservation ethic.

The organization was founded in Bridgehampton in 1972 in the hopes to serve as a community advocate for conservation. The Group employs a full-time staff of professional planners, natural resource specialists and environmental educators that bring over 100 years of collective land use, education, and public advocacy experience to the local community.

For many years the Group has developed a reputation for achieving lasting conservation success with the support of broad-based civic, business, and elected constituencies.

Please see their Advocacy and Education pages to find out more about our work in the community. For more information please visit www.groupfortheeastend.org.

Supporters at the event included Fashion Designer Luberry from www.Luberry.com, Jewelry Designer Helena Mykhaylova from Blesk Jewelry, www.bleskjewelry.com, BIBA NY, Julie Brown, Michelle Farmer, Bjorn Benglsson and Sofie Bly. Guests also enjoyed photography from world renowned Vital Aigalow www.vitalphoto.com and Rose Hartman presented by The Artists Company, blog.theartistscompany.com, a multi media and advertising company.

The Water Mill Square is owned by Real Estate Manager Ben Rinzler. For more information about the Water Mill Square please visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/WaterMillSquare.

TV Host Cognac Wellerlane interviews President Bob Chaloner, Jean Shafiroff, Chuck Scarborough and Audrey Gruss at the Southampton Hospital Summer Party.

Glittering Socialites and enthusiastic philanthropists gathered to support the 55th Annual Southampton Summer Party at the Art Southampton Pavilion in Southampton. The annual event is one of the premiere events of the social scene in the Hamptons during the summer season.

News Anchor and TV Broadcaster Chuck Scarborough served as emcee during the annual gala benefiting the Southampton Hospital’s Jenny and John Paulson Emergency Department and the new Audrey and Martin Gruss Heart and Stroke Center which is vital in the 21st Century.

Audrey and Martin Gruss donated 5 million dollars to the Southampton Hospital in an attempt to further expand the hospital’s services and professional health care.

Since 1909, Southampton Hospital has provided the best health care in a compassionate environment.

Through their multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, Southampton Hospital provides access to a wide variety of medical specialties for a full range of clinical services. This unique team approach brings together the work of doctors, nurses and other care providers across multiple specialties to ensure that individual patients receive comprehensive, personalized care at any of their locations.

To contribute please visit www.southamptonhospital.org.

(Long Island, N.Y.) LGBT Supporters gathered for cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction at the Fifth Annual Pride In The Hamptons event.

The gala was organized to benefit Live Out Loud, a non-profit organization devoted to empowering and inspiring LGBTQ youngsters by connecting them with successful LGBT role models in their community.

Live Out Loud’s mission is to empower, energize and enable Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth to live out their dreams by celebrating the richness and diversity of shared experience. It also addresses the visibility of role models and the dissemination of information.

The fundraiser took place at Real Estate Professional Bruce T. Sloane in East Hampton. The organization was founded on the East Coast by Leo Preziosi, Jr.. This non-profit organization is built on a singular premise — to inspire Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth to live proud. The inspiration came from a Metro Source article titled, “The Gun in the Closet.” The article discussed two high school students who committed suicide because of societal bullying. Preziosi dedicated himself to helping young adults connect to role models and leaders in the community. Many years later, nine and still counting, Live Out Loud continues to bring innovative programming throughout the tri-state area. Since its inception, Live Out Loud has had the opportunity to bring over 500 LGBT role models to NY tri-state area high schools and universities, involving renowned panelists from every walk of life. From spiritual leaders to fashion designers to corporate powerhouse and grass-roots activists, Live Out Loud speakers have inspired thousands of lives.

A-listers that attended to show their support included Playwright Edward Albee and Textile Designer and Longhouse Reserve Founder Jack Lenor Larsen.

ArtHamptons has returned and better than ever in its sixth Hampton Season.

This year ArtHampton featured Seventy-five prominent galleries from ten different nations. The much anticipated event among art enthusiasts took place from July 11th through July 14th with a fabulous VIP Opening Preview Party on July 11 benefiting Guild Hall.

The event featured “Forty Feet of Fashion—Larry Rivers: A Public Exhibition” that was on view, courtesy of Tibor De Nagy Gallery as attendees walked between the legs of the artists’ most famous sculptures at the pavilion entrance. On Sunday July 13 David Joel, Executive Director of the Larry Rivers Foundation, discussed the life and times of the late Southampton-based Larry Rivers.

On Opening night my crew and I was invited to HC&G Artists & Collectors VIP Party. The event was hosted by HC&G (Hamptons Cottages & Gardens) celebrating Opening Preview night of ArtHamptons. Invited guests gathered with HC&G’s editors, VIPs, artists and influencers to kick off the ultimate art event of the season.

CEO, Publication Director Marianne Howatson discussed the benefits of living in the Hamptons, a tranquil place for lovely homes, cottages and gardens.

For more information please visit www.cottages-gardens.com.

During the much anticipated evening I interviewed many artists including legendary African American painter, sculptor and activist Faith Ringgold.

Ms. Ringgold was this year’s recipient of the 2013 Lifetime Achievement Award.

After receiving the award Ms. Ringgold she discussed her art, vision, philosophy and longtime activism. The artist is well known for her painted story quilts, which blurs the line between “high art” and “craft” by combining painting, quilted fabric, and storytelling – which date back to the 1960’s. She also discussed her experiences with her written and illustrated books originating with Tar Beach in 1991. Guests and VIPs mingled with the Hamptons elite collectors while enjoying cocktails. The event was hosted by the Houston Museum of African American Culture, with support from Harold Ford, Sr. and Leonard Jones.

For more information please visit Arthampton.com.

The Empire State Pride Agenda’s celebrated the 21st Annual Hamptons Tea Dance is a fun way to support their work to win equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender New Yorkers.

Guests enjoyed hot dogs, ice cream, cocktails and dancing to nostalgic disco tunes to the beat of DJ Lady Bunny.

During our interview NYC Speaker of City Council Christine Quinn discussed her campaign for the upcoming election for New York Mayor.

As the director of the Gay & Lesbian Anti-Violence Project, Chris worked closely with the NYPD against hate crimes. Since 1999, Chris has served Manhattan’s lower west side in the City Council.

The Empire State Pride Agenda is New York’s statewide lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) civil rights and advocacy group. Their mission is to win equality and justice for LGBT New Yorkers and their friends and families.

For more information please visit www.prideagenda.org.

Guests gathered at the annual ‘ROCK THE DOCK’ Bay Street Benefit Bash on Saturday, July 20, 2013. The gala was hosted by Television Actress and Entrepreneur Susan Lucci.

As the most famous face in daytime television history, Susan Lucci has held audiences captivated for thirty-five years as the sexy, sassy, beautiful “woman you love to hate,” Erica Kane on ABC-TV’s “All My Children.” In May 1999 she won the Emmy Award for “Best Actress,” which was a historic moment not only for Lucci but for all of television. Ms. Lucci received a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 28, 2005 and was inducted into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2006. Susan Lucci has also been named as one of E! Entertainment’s “Top Entertainers of the Year” as well as one of Barbara Walters’ “Ten Most Fascinating People.” VH-1 has also named Lucci one of its”200 Top Icons of all Time.”

Susan Lucci is the host and narrator of Investigation Discovery’s “Deadly Affairs,” which premiered in the Autumn of 2012 and was the second highest series debut in network history. The show was renewed for a second season scheduled for the summer of 2013. Ms. Lucci is now starring in the new series, “Devious Maids,” created by Marc Cherry, who also created the hit series, Desperate Housewives.

The Summer Benefit Bash is Bay Street’s most important fundraising event of the year. Funds raised from the Gala support Bay Street’s yearlong programming including the Summer Mainstage productions. The program for this year includes the current production of LEND ME A TENOR, THE MYSTERY OF IRMA VEP, July 2-28, and A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM, Aug. 6-Sept.1, as well as Educational Outreach Initiatives including Literature Live, Summer College Internships and Theatre Camps and Classes for children.

The Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit 299-seat professional regional theatre situated on Long Wharf, in Sag Harbor, NY, and founded in 1991.

Bay Street Theatre is a not-for-profit regional theater presenting new, classic and contemporary works, with a commitment to challenging and entertaining their diverse community year round. This commitment extends to innovative educational programs that highlight the power of live theater. It is their mission to be an artistic haven for an extended family of artists and audience, while continuing to provide a gathering place to share in the unique collective theatrical experience.

For more information please visit www.baystreet.org.

Annual Hospice Summer Gala an “An Enchanted Evening” and Sports Illustrated Model Ariel Meredith Host First Annual Voss Foundation Benefit At Georgica Restaurant

(Long Island, N.Y.) East Enders showed their support at East End Hospice on Saturday, June 29th. The organization held its Annual Hospice Summer Gala an “An Enchanted Evening” at the Potts family Sandacres Estate in Quogue. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner, dancing, auctions and an exciting night of casino games Vegas style.

The Rev. Dr. Charles M. Cary spoke to me in our interview about how honored he was to receive the 14th Annual Dorothy P. Savage Good Samaritan Award. Radio Host Bonnie Grice once again took the role of Mistress of Ceremonies. I had the chance to interview both CEO and President Priscilla Ruffin and Honoree Rev. Dr. Charles M. Cary.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Priscilla Ruffin, president of East End Hospice and the Rev. Dr. Charles M. Cary. Summer Gala: “An Enchanted Evening”. 7:00 pm. Cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions and gaming. (MC, Bonnie Grice). Festive attire. Honoring Rev. Dr. Charles M. Cary. Sandacres Estate in Quogue

During our interview, President Priscilla Ruffin discussed a new program that is being provided, Camp Good Grief, a new concept East End Hospice is providing. Exceptionally trained bereavement staff members coordinate and lead each day with care and are assisted by skilled volunteers.

The camp has grown to serve children of all ages, and is offered with no fees for its young participants. Youngsters sometimes come back a second and a third time and they are always welcome.

“This is not a sad place,” notes Hospice President Priscilla Ruffin. “Fun is mixed in with therapy, and the important thing is that these children learn they are not alone, and other children have gone through similar experiences. . . . At school and at home they are different from the other children. But here, they are the same,” Priscilla Ruffin adds.

“Intermixed within the careful planning of each day,” adds Bereavement Coordinator Sarah Zimmerman, “are times of group therapy, art therapy, surprises like magicians or making your own ice cream sundaes, and even playing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star’ on harmonicas passed out all around.”

Medical practitioners, Doctors, parents and others in the healthcare field of the East End are urged to recommend Camp Good Grief to the families of youngsters who have experienced a loss. If you are interested in this program please do not hesitate to call Sarah Zimmerman at East End Hospice at 631 288-8400 or for more information please visit www.eeh.org.

Cognac Wellerlane interviews Sports Illustrated Supermodel Ariel Meredith at The First Annual Voss Foundation Benefit cocktail party, sit-down dinner and after-party at Georgica Restaurant in East Hampton, hosted by Sports Illustrated Supermodel Ariel Meredith. Proceeds will go to the Voss Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to clean water in Sub-Saharan African communities and raising awareness of ongoing need in the region. The event was sponsored by SevJet, Uber, Voss, Vita Coco, Jack Wills, Onion Crunch, Starr African Rum, Heineken, Barry’s Bootcamp and Salon Bar

Proceeds were contributed to the Voss Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to providing access to clean water in Sub-Saharan African communities and raising awareness for the necessary need in this region of the world.

Voss Foundation’s mission is to provide access to pure water to communities in Sub-Saharan Africa and raising awareness. The organization employs a unique approach that ensures local ownership and long-term sustainability through partnerships with trusted organizations on the ground. The Voss foundation uses appropriate technology and aligns environmental programs for consideration with the diverse water needs of the community. Founded by the directors of VOSS of Norway ASA as an independent 501(c)(3) public charity in 2008.

Voss Foundation continues to involve a combination of well-digging, rehabilitation, pumping, and piping in restoring clean water to schools, infirmaries, agriculture and irrigation. Voss Foundation incorporates both environmental consideration and the lasting success of the projects into villages’ requirements to create a comprehensive project that meets diverse water needs.

The organization has offices in New York and Oslo, Voss Foundation has altered the lives of over 100,000 individuals in Kenya, Mali, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, and Swaziland.

Important sponsors included: SevJet, Uber, Voss, Vita Coco, Jack Wills, Onion Crunch, Starr African Rum, Heineken, Barry’s Bootcamp and Salon Bar.

(Long Island, N.Y.) East End supporters celebrated the launch of the new model of care, Reach Within, during their Shelter Island Summer Soirée on June 15, 2013.

This marks their first annual fundraiser on the east end of Long Island. Attendees also cheered the team of 25 Reach Within runners in the Shelter Island 10K on as they raced by the event. Reach Within’s mission is to assist vulnerable children into developing social and emotional skills while providing positive parenting techniques to their caregivers.

Karen Lawson is the acting Executive Director of Reach Within. Ms. Lawson established the Bartholomew J. Lawson Foundation for Children in 2003 and is the co-creator of the foundation’s main program, REACH Grenada. Through her dedication with REACH Grenada, she developed the concept for Reach Within, to achieve her primary goal of assisting as many vulnerable children as possible. Dr. Lawson is a specialist in the field of neurolinguistics.

Dr. Lawson worked as the Executive Director of Clinical Associates for Rehabilitation & Evaluation/Center for Cognition and Communication from 1991 to 1996. Prior to her experience as an executive director, Dr. Lawson was a Research Associate at the Institute for Research in Behavioral Neuroscience from 1983 to 1990. Spanning her years of work at these institutions, Dr. Lawson served as an Instructor at the Department of Neurology, at the New York University Medical Center from 1985 to 1993. Karen supports many causes and focuses her attention on youngsters’ issues, healthcare and education. Dr. Lawson sat on the board of the New York Neuropsychology Group from 1986 to 1990 and the board of the Resurrection Episcopal Day School from 1998 to 2002. Karen has earned her PhD in neurolinguistics from the CUNY Graduate Center in 1996 and has been a member of the New York Academy of Sciences since 1985.

Reach Within uses a strengths-based approach that aims to effect long-term health. Developed during the REACH Grenada pilot program, Reach Within’s Caregiver Training Program aims to improve the quality of care that children receive and helps contribute to a healthier, safer environment in which the children can live and grow. The foundation of RW’s caregiver program is capacity building, which serves to educate and coach caregivers in order to increase their own self-regulation capacities, attunement and positive disciplining practices.

To support this cause please visit www.reachwithin.org.

The gala took place on the grounds of Parcells Eschbach estate in Dering Harbor on Shelter Island. This highly anticipated cocktail soiree and silent auction featured a wine reception with a an extravagant delicious menu of hors d’oeuvres created by Celebrity Chef Pierre Schaedelin of PS Tailored Events.

As with many well known prominent chefs, Pierre Schaedelin began his interest in cooking in his grandmother’s kitchen in Alsace, France close to the German border. Pierre started his formal training as an apprentice at Michelin-ranked Au Fer Rouge at the age of sixteen. While learning his fundamental cooking skills, he acquired his long-term objective of securing a position with the renowned Haeberlin family at the picturesque Auberge du l’ill, one of the oldest Three-Star Michelin restaurants in France. After acquiring more knowledge of his craft he was hired as a chef at the age of eighteen and spent several passionate years honing his talents under the tutelage of Paul Haeberlin.

With Chef Haeberlin’s recommendation, the acclaimed Chef Alain Ducasse introduced Pierre to his Three-Star Michelin Louis XV at the Hotel de Paris in Monte Carlo. Through much hard work and determination, Pierre worked his way up through the ranks. Eventually Ducasse offered him the position as Chef de Cuisine at Monte’s, an outpost in London where he created unique dishes for four years.

After deciding to branch out, Pierre set his sights on the United States. In 1999 Pierre accepted a sous chef opportunity at Le Cirque 2000 in New York. When Executive Chef Sotta Khun exited in 2000, Pierre was promoted to the top position where he remained until 2006.

After departing Le Cirque, Pierre dramatically shifted direction when he was offered a fantastic opportunity with Martha Stewart to be both her private chef and to collaborate with her on a book about entertaining. Ultimately Pierre has now embarked on this new business PS Tailored Events.

To date PS Tailored Events has successfully catered and staffed events for Vera Wang, Bergdorf Goodman, Warburg Pincus and of course Martha Stewart. They have also worked with many prominent families and businesses in the New York area.

For more information please visit www.pstailoredevents.com.

Hampton advocates attended the Artist Against Abuse Gala in Bridgehampton, New York on June 22, 2012.

Everyone enjoyed a night of celebrating, bidding and entertainment as this year’s 18th annual Artist Against Abuse benefit goes 60s! The festive evening entertained guests with live and silent auctions, incredible works of art, games of chance and dancing to the sounds of The Fabulous Sixties Rock Show. With the generosity of the community, Artist Against Abuse has raised close to $2,000,000 assisting more than 15,000 families!

The Retreat is a safe haven for families in crisis. They provide numerous services to protect victims, provide safety and help them get back on their feet so they can live productive lives.

Domestic violence is abusive emotional behavior. Victims witness emotional, psychological, physical or sexual abuse that one person in an intimate relationship inflicts in order to control the other.

Domestic abuse includes threats, name-calling, preventing contact with family or friends, withholding money, actual or threatened physical harm and sexual assault. Stalking can also be a form of domestic violence.

Most domestic violence is committed against women by their male partners or ex-partners. It also occurs in lesbian and gay relationships and is common in teenage dating relationships. In a small number of cases men are abused by female partners.

Every victim of domestic violence, whether female or male, gay or heterosexual, has the right to safety and legal relief.

In 1987 the Retreat was founded as a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) New York State licensed domestic violence agency. In 1995 the Retreat’s scope of work was broadened to include all towns in the east end of Long Island including East Hampton, Southampton, Riverhead, Southold and Greenport.

For more information on how you can support this organization please visit www.theretreatinc.org.