Party Pictures 7/17/03 - Parrish Art Museum of Southampton Midsummer’s benefit gala

Parrish Art Museum of Southampton Midsummer’s benefit gala

Giovana Stephenson and Greg Papadopoulos

Debbie Bancroft, Eric Fischl, and Duane Hampton

The Parrish Art Museum of Southampton held its annual Midsummer’s benefit gala last Saturday night at the museum’s arboretum (in an air-conditioned tent) on Job’s Lane. This is the museum’s most important annual gala and they raised upwards of $600,000 for the cause. Martin Katz of Beverly Hills and Madison Avenue was one of the main sponsors of the evening and brought along part of his extensive collection of couture and vintage precious jewelry. One lucky guest won a diamond right hand ring from Mr. Katz’ collection.

As always the evening was a beautiful production co-chaired by Anne Hearst, Patty Raynes, Marcia and Richard Mishaan, with honorary co-chairs, Debbie Bancroft, Beth Rudin DeWoody and Katharina Otto-Bernstein. Mark Badgley and James Mischka attended, presenting an informal showing of evening gowns and cocktail dresses from their fall 2003 collection.

Four hundred guests attended the main dinner in the tent surrounded by the luxurious décor provided by Manhattan based event planner Antony Todd. The menu was catered by Sean Driscoll’s Glorious Food and music was provided by the Steven Scott Orchestra. Another 150 attended the Associates dinner. Cocktails began at 7, dinner at 8 and at 10 PM there was an “after party” featuring dessert, dinner and dancing for another 500 guests.

The scene at the Parrish Museum of Southampton Midsummer's benefit gala

In the crowd: Vera Wang and Arthur Becker, Nicole Miller and Kim Taipale, David Yurman, Plum Sykes, Carroll Petrie and John christensen, Jan Cowles, Geoffrey Bradfield, Roberto and Joanne de Guardiola, Jonathan and Somers Farkas, Duane Hampton, Larry and Denise Wohl, Andrea and John Stark, Eric Fishl and April Gornik, Pamela Fiori.

Dinner guests received gift bags from Martin Katz filled with Calvin Klein’s Obsession, Clarins’ One-Step Facial Cleanser for women and Gel Hydrdatant Moisture Gel for men, Dr. Howard Sobel’s Photo-Age Protection Sunscreen, Jane Green’s novel “Bookends,” plus Town & Country and Hamptons Magazines. Corporate benefactors included Town & Country, Martin Katz, and Paramount, Inc. Corporate Patrons included Allan M. Schneider Associates, Del Labs, Excelsior Graphics, Niche Imports Co., Teton Glacier Potato Vodka and Twomen, Lathem Shea & Kelley, LLP.