During the Grace In Winter gala, Evidence Dance Company performed "Ebony Magazine: To A Village" which was met with thunderous applause at the Plaza Hotel in New York City. Photos by Kurt Leggard

New York City - Ronald K. Brown and Evidence, A Dance Company had the audience on their feet at the landmark Plaza Hotel in the Big Apple on Tuesday night for their fifth annual "Grace In Winter" fundraising gala and performance, and Hamptons.com was there as one of the media sponsors.

A glittering assemblage of nearly 300 bejeweled and black tie-attired guests were captivated as the company showcased two pieces, "Ebony Magazine: To A Village" and "Two-Year Old Gentlemen" in the newly-refurbished ballroom.

Reginald Van Lee and Renee Syler handed out awards to honorees Susan Taylor and Khephra Burns.

Chaired this year by real estate and hotel magnate Don Peebles and his wife Katrina, the event once again retained its status as the premiere African-American cultural event of the season. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, a fierce supporter of the arts and especially the Brooklyn-based Evidence, was Honorary Chair.

The vivacious Renee Syler served as Mistress of Ceremonies and, along with debonair Reginald Van Lee, introduced the evenings honorees - Noel Hankin, Senior Vice President of Multicultural and Diversity Initiatives at Moet Hennessy USA; Susan Taylor, Editor Emerita of Essence magazine and founder of National CARES Mentoring Movement; and author, producer, and noted philanthropist Khephra Burns who each received watches and mementos to mark the occasion.

Between the elegant three-course dinner and the two performances, New York's most fashion forward individuals perused the luxury items up for sale in the silent auction. There were sparkling earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces from Judith Ripka; two pairs of tickets to anywhere Continental Airlines flies; handbags from Tory Burch and Shoshanna Lonstein; and fabulous spa and vacation packages.

When it came to the live auction Syler really got the room in the spirit of the event as earrings to furs were paraded throughout the ballroom. A Sandor Camille portrait of President Barack Obama held the rapt attention of the room and bids flew. Steve Johnson of Curacao Tourism took to the stage and with Syler picked the names of two lucky winners who received trips to the magical island courtesy of Curacao Tourism and Air Jamaica.

Andre Rojer, Nina Truman, and Steve Johnson enjoy the evening.

Though it was 20 degrees outside, there were plenty of bare shoulders in evidence with glamorous ladies wearing strapless gowns for the occasion including Vice Chair Joyce Mullins-Jackson, publisher Jocelyn Taylor, Board member Pamela Joyner, Michelle Miller Morial, Emmy award winner Lynn Whitfield who added a deep blue fox boa to keep her neck warm, LuAnn Moore, Brie Bythewood, and Constance White. Of course lots of ladies like Susan Taylor, Joanne Hill, and Rene Syler went for the always-in-fashion little black dress.

But it wasn't just the ladies who put out the extra effort. Always ahead of the game Evidence's Chairman of the Board Reginald Van Lee sported a fawn gray John Varvatos dinner suit with a Louis Vuitton-print bow tie. Vice Chairman Neil R. Lowe, CEO of fashion house B Michael, wore what else but cutting edge B Michael. And gents like Dr. Ancy Verdier and Reginald Canal of sponsor HSBC were suitably attired in the best from Hugo Boss and Ermengildo Zegna, respectively.

Joining in the thunderous applause during the evening were Prince Kunle Omilana of Nigeria with wife Keisha, Alicia and Daniel Bythewood, Peg Alston, Peggy Cafritz Cooper, "Law & Order" star Anthony Anderson, National Urban League president and former mayor of New Orleans Marc Morial, The Honorable Bernard Jackson, Andrea Hoffman, Leslie A. Mays, Lisa B. Walker, Monica F. Azare, Sandra Jackson-Dumont, Zaid Abdul-Aleem, Debra Martin Chase, Baraka Sele, Lisa Walker, Charisma Dezonie, Dwayne Ashley, designer B Michael, and James Sullivan.

While the evening was a success and raised well over $60,000 with auction items alone, plans are already underway for the annual "On Our Toes In The Hamptons" summer gala held in Bridgehampton in late August.

Evidence Board Members and dancers, and friends pause during cocktails - Reginald Van Lee (far left), Clarice Young, Joel Sule Adams, Lilli-Anne Tai, Joyce Mullins-Jackson (center in red), Tiffany Quinn, Arcell Cabuag, Otis Donovan Herring, and Francine E. Ott.

 • To view more of Kurt Leggard's photos, visit the website at photographybykurt.net