Hosts George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth. (Eileen Casey)

East Hampton - The Retreat held their 16th Annual Artists Against Abuse Benefit Gala at the Ross School Lower Campus Field House on Saturday, June 25, 2011, drawing supporters and well-wishers in support of the wonderful and meaningful work The Retreat has been engaged in for more than 20 years.

Actress, Activist, Founder and President of Joyful Heart Foundation Mariska Hargitay, and Nw York State Senator Kenneth P. LaValle, both received this year's Hope Award for their passion and dedication to the victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

The evening was hosted by George Stephanopoulos and Alexandra Wentworth, while Gina Glickman Giordan acted as Mistress of Ceremonies.

This year's nautical theme, designed by Maria McBride and Russell Kolody of Maria McBride Productions transformed the Field House into a beautiful 'luxury liner' which ran ship-shape while guests enjoyed cocktails and were able to bid on works of art from well-known local and international artists during the silent auction, and preview works of art for the live auction, conducted by Auctioneer Michael Nardy. Sara Friedlander of Christie's was originally scheduled to act as auctioneer, but unfortunately had to cancel due to a death in her family. Nardy is the CEO of Electronic Payments, one of the nation's fastest growing technology companies, and was recently named an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist. He has supported The Retreat and his community for many years.


Artists completed original 11 x 14 canvases for the silent auction, and included Shari Abramason, Bobbie Braun, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Darlene Charneco, Barbara Maslen, Pat Moran, Daniel Pollera, Steve Romm, Harriet Sawyer, Victoria Selbach, Arlene Slavin, and Lewis Zacks. Additional silent auction items included trips, wine parties, private chef dinners, baseball tickets, and cooking classes, among other items.

Legislator Jay Schneiderman and Julie Stone. (Eileen Casey)

Guests stayed on board for the delicious delights provided at the sit down 'Captain's Dinner' provided by local chef Peter Ambrose of Food for Forks. Ambrose will be launching Peter's Endless Summer catering on July 1.

The live auction offered excitement for works from participating artists Audrey Flack, Burt Glinn, April Gornik, Roy Lichenstein, Malcolm Morley, Jeff Muhs, Dan Rizzie, George Segal, Frank Stella, and Bob Tabor.

Among the evening's guests were actress Debra Messing, who revealed "Mariska is my best friend and I'm very proud of the wonderful work that she does for the Joyful Heart Foundation, and also that she is receiving this award from The Retreat for such an important organization that she has shown such support for." Both Ramona and Mario Singer, as well as Countess LuAnn de Lesseps with Jacques Azoulay; Legislator Jay Schneiderman and Julie Stone; local artists Frank Roccanova, Lenore Bailey, realtors Janette Goodstein, Barbara Blumberg and pals, as well as participating artists Bob Tabor with his lovely wife Randi, Jeff Muhs with wife Beth O'Neill, Steve Romm, Bobbie Braun, and numerous others were all on deck for a spectacular evening.

Mario and Ramona Singer. (Eileen Casey)

Art Chairs Ann Chwatsky, Arlene Slavin and Eileen Ekstract, as well as Artists Against Abuse Committee members Richard Demato (Chair), Helen Barer, Carolyn Kendall Buchter, and Barbara Olton should all receive a loud ship horn blast for ensuring such a delightful evening enjoyed by all, and for once again offering beautiful, and various works of arts from artists committed to the mission of The Retreat.

About The Retreat
The Retreat is the only domestic violence agency on the East End of Long Island offering comprehensive services to both women and children. The Retreat provides shelter and support for victims of domestic violence, educates the community about the issue of domestic violence, goes into schools, hospitals and other social service agencies to develop programs that will help end abusive behavior, trains personnel to recognize domestic violence and make appropriate referrals, and works together with the criminal justice system to hold offenders accountable.