"Untitled" by artist John Battle was one of the plates offered during the silent auction. Photos by Eileen Casey.

East Hampton - The 14th Annual Artists Against Abuse Benefit for The Retreat went off without a hitch on Saturday, June 27 at the Ross School, hosted by Kelsey and Camille Grammer with Bill McCuddy acting as Master of Ceremonies and Auctioneer of the live auction, which saw Dan Rizzie's "Jalapa Morning Glory," a 2004 original work, earn the highest bidding at $8,000.

Artist April Gornik's color lithograph "Polar Light" was the first work offered kicking off the live auction after a wonderful buffet dinner. The live auction included works by 18 well-known and highly respected artists, including Ross Bleckner, Robert Reynolds, Jimmy Ernst, Sandra Lerner, Bastienne Schmidt, Will Ryman, Elaine de Kooning, Dennis Leri, Shida Kuo, Catherine Zawierka, Giancarlo Impiglia, Harriet Sawyer, and Toni Ross.

The evening began with a cocktail party and silent auction, offering attendees the opportunity to bid on hand-painted plates by participating artists John Battle, Tulla Booth, Stephanie Brody-Lederman, Peter Dayton, Art Donovan, Miriam Dougenis, Dallas Ernst, Ellen Frank, Julia Greffenius, Jane Johnson, Karen Klugelin, Peter Max, Jill Musnicki, Michael Paraskevas, Stephanie Reit, Steven Romm, and Lewis Zacks. A hand-painted picnic table was also offered by artists Jim Gingerich and Richard Ekstract.

Tulla Booth's "Parrot Tulip Trio.

The images reflected on many of the plates were easily identifiable to anyone familiar with the works of the participating artists, in particular the sculptural lines in Battle's "Untitled," and the floral theme in Booth's "Parrot Tulip Trio." All the plates were significant in that the artists once again offered a personal glimpse of themselves, as well as reflecting the mission of The Retreat. In particular, Romm's sensitivity depicting "the sadness of a woman that can be interpreted in many ways" was direct and to the point - indicating the phrase "no excuse for abuse." Some reflected the geographic environment we live in, as in Dougenis' "Farm Field," and Reit's "Heartland." Zacks once again relayed his fondness for history with his plate "Brooklyn Diner."

Many of the participating plate auction artists were in attendance, as well as several of those artists whose works were part of the live auction ably conducted by McCuddy, with particular urging from Grammer, who himself purchased a number of works from the live auction, including Gavin Zeigler's original mixed media "Untitled" at $1,600.

Michael Viera's 2008 original oil on canvas "Fall Marsh" garnered $6,300, and an etching edition of 150 of Jamie Wyeth's "S.O.S." gathered $5,500 - big money for a worthy cause. Almost all works offered in the live auction sold over their reserve prices set anywhere from $500 to $3,500.

Dan Rizzie's artwork "Jalapa Morning Glory" fetched the evening's highest bid.

In addition to the art being offered during the live auction, some fun (and expensive) items were offered, including a set visit to the CBS drama "Medium" (produced by Grammer) which fetched $4,000; dinner with Lorraine Bracco (Honorary Chair) for $4,200; and the evening's topper - a walk-on role in Grammer's new ABC sitcom "Hank" - the bidding prompted Grammer to take to the stage, promising more 'goodies' to add to the package, including a "speaking line in the show." The charming and charismatic Grammer ultimately raised a whopping $25,000, and eternal gratitude from the audience, and The Retreat representatives in particular.

In addition to the works of art, attendees could also bid on numerous gift certificates provided by Bay Street Theatre, Bobby Van's Restaurant, Donna Karan, Guild Hall, The Huntting Inn, Ina Garten, Loaves and Fishes Cookshop, and London Jewelers, among others.

This year's Hope Award Honorees included community activists Steve and Louise Bergerson, Sgt. Nancie L. Byrne, a 15-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department and Grace LaFemina an East Hampton Town Police Officer. The Hope Award is given "to those individuals who have demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to assisting The Retreat in breaking the cycle of family violence."

Artist Steve Room indicated "no excuse for abuse" on his plate.

A heartfelt thank-you was extended to all participants in making this a special evening by The Retreat Board President, Richard Demato who became quite emotional during his speech, reminding everyone of the commitment the all-volunteer organization has extended to women and children in need of assistance.

Following the evening's conclusion, the room was transformed for the "After Party" hosted by The Love Bar. A new event offered this year following the conclusion of the benefit, tables and chairs were removed; strobe lights were turned on; the bar remained open; and sandwiches were provided. Henna artist Elizabeth Small was on hand to skin decorate, while DJ Ray Jarrell spun some great dance tunes, particularly tracks by Michael Jackson which prompted anyone standing still to start moving and dancing.

Grammer with wife, Camille, acted as the evening's celebrity hosts, entertaining all in attendance with wit and warmth. Photo by Joe Strand