During the Gala, the Kravis Center recognized its “leading ladies” for their efforts and dedicated service over the past 15 years and for their continued support of the mission of the Kravis Center. The members of the Honorary Gala Committee were: Carol Cohen, Patricia Cook, Lore Dodge, Renate Dreyfoos, Elaine Gimelstob, Nicki Harris, Elaine Langone, Hillie Mahoney, Chris Marden, Helen Persson, Janna Rumbough, Mary Schott, and Kathryn Vecellio.

Kravis Center Chairman Alexander W. Dreyfoos gave special recognition to Julie Khoury who made a $1 million gift to the Kravis Center’s Encore Capital Campaign, the fund-raising effort to pay for the Cohen Pavilion expansion project.

Mr. Dreyfoos thanked the couple on behalf of fellow board members and presented the Khourys with a Tiffany & Co. tray as a memento that has traditionally been given to generous donors who contribute $1 million or more to the Encore Campaign.

Proceeds from the Kravis Center’s annual Gala Benefit make it possible for the Center to continue with programs that have introduced school children from five surrounding counties to the wonder of the performing arts. The funds are also used to present innovative programs such as master classes, lectures and performance opportunities for both children and adults. Ticket sales and rental revenue alone do not cover the cost of operating a not-for-profit facility like the Kravis Center. It is only through generous contributions and benefits like the Gala that the Kravis Center continues to succeed in making the best of the performing arts available to the entire community.

Herbert and Elaine Gimelstob generously sponsored the public performance, Back to Back to Broadway. Grand Sponsors Lewis and Mary Schott and Carl and Ruth Shapiro sponsored the gala décor and dinner, respectively.

Other sponsors of the evening included Julian and Carol Cohen (dinner entertainment), Alexander and Renate Dreyfoos (dinner-dance orchestra), Kenneth and Elaine Langone (cocktail reception), Jane Mitchell (invitations and programs – design and printing), Paul and Marilyn Mulach (photography), Helen K. Persson (table centerpieces), Van Cleef & Arpels (dessert extravaganza) and The Breakers (bar and wine service).

Celebrations: Patricia Field, the celebrated fashion and costume designer threw a birthday party for herself and her nearest and dearest at Cielo. Field who gained fame as the costume designer for “Sex and the City” for which she was nominated six times for an Emmy, was nominated for an Oscar for her work as costume designer for the film “The Devil Wears Prada.”

Meanwhile, down at Michael’s one night last week, another celebrity-fame maker, public relations guru Susan Blond celebrated the 20th anniversary of her very successful firm with a big party. Blond who first came into the public eye as a protege of Andy Warhol (and appeared in his film “Bad”), has repped a wide array of stars including Michael Jackson, Boy George, and Prince to Usher, Star Jones Reynolds, Hulk Hogan, and Christine Ebersole. At Michaels there were also vid tributes from Clive Davis, Ronnie Spector, Sean Paul, and Paul Shaffer.