Priscilla Ruffin, President & CEO East End Hospice. Photos by Eileen Casey

Bridgehampton - The 8th Annual Box Art Auction was held at the Ross School Lower Campus on Saturday, July 12. A silent auction of approximately 100 boxes began at 4:30 p.m., with opening bids set at $100 with $25 increments. A live auction of 30 works began at 6 p.m. with Eliza Osborne of Sotheby's acting as auctioneer, with most opening bids beginning between $200 and $250, with increments of $50 to $100. A special raffle of a World Culture Box made by Ross School students was also included in the evening's events.

Priscilla Ruffin, President and CEO of the East End Hospice for the past 18 years, commented that "The relationship between the artists and the East End Hospice has been a natural fit, and each year the tremendous contribution of the artists has raised more and more funds for the Hospice." Additionally, Ruffin wanted to thank all of the artists involved "For the beautiful artwork and their time and energy. In particular, I want to acknowledge the wonderful idea that [event founder] David Porter (1912-2005) and his wife Marion developed in originating this concept as a means to connect artists with the work of the East End Hospice." Ruffin stated that last year's event raised approximately $75,000, and that each year the monies received from the Box Auction have increased. The East End Hospice provides care and comfort, including social, emotional and spiritual support for terminally ill patients and their families and loved ones living in communities on the East End. This event was underwritten by Ben Krupinski; with delicious food provided by Gloria's Catering.

Artist Karyn Mannix With Her Box Confessional.

The Box Art benefit committee is headed by Arlene Bujese, and the Honorary Committee includes Edward Albee, Alec Baldwin, Eric Fischl, April Gornik, Sheldon Harnick, Susan Kennedy Zeller, Mercedes Ruehl, and Marion Porter.

The live auction moved briskly, including bids from absentee bidders. Some notable bidding included April Gornik's box which fetched $3,100, the highest of the evening. Well-known artist, Ralph Carpentier's box went for $1,300, and the gavel came down on Stan Goldberg's piece at $1,600. Goldberg has been drawing the covers and titles for the "Archie" Marvel Comics since 1968. An impressive wad of cash (wooden) by artist Randall Rosenthal was exchanged for the real thing at $3,000 for his box. Bujese herself walked away with the box by Pamela Topham for $600; and Lewis Zacks' box depicting a painting of the Lunch-Lobster sign in Nepeague garnished $800 from a bidder. Many of the artists included in the live auction were in attendance and under the skilled direction of auctioneer Osborne, impressive and considerable funds were raised for the 30 boxes contained in the live auction.

Boxes in the silent auction were available for bidding beginning at 4:30 p.m., during the live auction, and for 10 minutes at the close of the live auction, provoking a frenzy from bidders to line-up and to enter their bids for unusual, beautiful and detailed works by some of the East End's well-known artists, including, but certainly not limited to, Kathleen Bifulco, David Slater, Carolyn Beegan, Michael Knigin, Eric Ernst, John Battle, Janet Culbertson, Tracy Harris, and Josh Dayton among others.