Dress for Success, the non-profit organization that advances low-income women's economic and social development and encourages self-sufficiency through career development and employment retention held its annual gala dinner and auction “April in Paris” two weeks ago at the Marriott Marquis Hotel.

Fashion industry veteran Audrey Smaltz, founder and CEO of The Ground Crew is “La Grande Dame” who chaired a high profile committee of designers, fashion executives and celebrities which included Lorraine Bracco, Denise Rich, Dionne Warwick, L. Marilyn Crawford, Nurit Kahane, Barbara Tober, Jamie Drake and Constance White. Tommy Hilfiger and Clarence and Jacquie Avant were Honorary Chairs. For this special evening, the Marriott Marquis Ballroom was transformed into the City of Light.

The Raffles Canouan Resort is between Mustique and Barbados in the Grenadines has become a secret hideaway for celebrities, athletes and the business elite. Golfers are attracted to this spectacular Jim Fazio-designed Trump International Golf Club which has been named one of the “Best Golf Courses” in the world by Robb Report in 2005, offering one of the most exciting and challenging 18- hole rounds of golf.

Eulala Scheel and Eamon Rush

Last month Gina De Franco of De Franco Media Group, and her team organized two events per day for five fabulous days at the Raffles Canouan Resort that were tailor made for the golfing, dancing, and dining connoisseurs.

Guests flew in from Japan, New Zealand, Paris, London, and good ole New York. Matt Barelle, Australian borne out of London and producer of the new Disney movie “Goal!” which will premier at Tribeca Film Festival on April 29th, was joined by his girlfriend, Brazilian super model Ana Cunya. Eric Watson, hailing from New Zealand, CEO of Elle McPherson Intimates came with his beautiful girlfriend, Swedish model Lisa Henreckson and their son Lucas. South African borne entrepreneur and co-founder of Marquee Jets, Robert Hersov. Denise Rich flew in on her private jet with Kieron Kawall, Vice President of Denise Rich and 785 Records Corporation. Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill was joined by her son, Max Gelber and with his girlfriend Jenny Hornsby. Also joining the fun early was Marcia Gay Harden joined by her husband Thaddeus Scheel, daughter Eulala Scheel and twins Hudson and Julitta. The fashionable Mme. Anne Marie de Ganay brought her beau Arnaud de Minvielle. Also, Meghan Glennon, in from Malibu. David and Ina Bond from London, Troy Eldridge.

Wednesday night opened the long weekend with a Moroccan buffet in the Amrita Spa, where the glass bottom flooring reflected the Caribbean aqua waters by the illuminating full moon. Each night was designed by Lady Henrietta Spencer-Churchill prodigy Eric Lysdahl, who had a month to prepare and get everything shipped, turning the event into quite the beautiful spring fete.

Flying in on Thursday were New Yorkers, the Four Seasons Restaurant’s Julian Niccolini and his wife Lisa, along with Court TV’s Catherine Crier, and Karen “Duff” Lambros of MTV fame with her family, the Andrew Rockefellers from Boston, Lisa Rockefeller from Washington D.C., Rubin Singer head designer of Kai Milla’s fashion with Zack Dobbins, all joined together to celebrate Giovanni The Margarita King’s Birthday Party.

Also Robert Hughes co-owner of Clive Christian’s Kitchens with his family, models Crystal Renn and Ashley Graham joined the group on Friday. Ana Cunya joined Natalie Leeds Leventhal and the Silbersteins, Melky Jean.

Highlights of the event included the Saturday Night Gala at the Villa Monte Carlo Ballroom designed by Eric Lysdahl who also won the grand prize of a Swarovski Crystal bowl. Catherine Crier took second place in the Trump International Golf Tournament for the women, and Washington investment banker Peter Connolly took first place in the men’s tournament. Another highlight was the sunset Veuve Clicquot champagne cruise where Guillaume Jamet, manager of the US Division of Saint James, surprised the guests with chic boat neck t-shirts and striped purses.

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