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Updated: August 11, 2009, 7:59 pm	Share    Print    Email

Aerin Genatt, three-years-old of Bridgehampton on pony ride Photos by Christy Smith

Bridgehampton - Cover Girl Christie Brinkley and the National Women's Division of Albert Einstein College of Medicine rounded up over 1,200 guests on Sunday, Aug. 9 at the Ross School in Bridgehampton for the 20th Annual Wild, Wild, West Carnival and raised over $350,000 to benefit a new clinical research program at Einstein's Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center in the Bronx, NY.

Christie Brinkley acted as host of the 20th Annual Wild, Wild, West Carnival, which raised over $350,000 to benefit a new clinical research program at Einstein's Children's Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center.

The cutting edge program provides evaluation, diagnosis and treatment services for children with serious developmental disorders such as autism, language disorders and hearing impairments

The Family Fun Day came with plenty of fringe benefits like Western Hairstyles by Cozy Cuts for Kids, Arts & Crafts, a mini soccer camp, cookie decorating, making personalized Havaiana sandals, an obstacle course, pony rides, yoga classes, water slides, face painting and much more.

Many cowgirls experimented with interior design and architecture at the Campion Platt virtual 3-D dollhouse experience. Campion Platt was recently listed in New York Magazine's "The City's 100 Best Architects and Designers."

Budding architects designed a beach house by choosing from hundreds of furniture pieces, wallpaper and carpets, as well as determining the locations of bathrooms, bedrooms and kitchens. Afterwards, each child was given a photograph of their dream house to take with them.

Talia Cohen, five-years-old, from Water Mill at Wild, Wild, West Carnival. "The face paint was my favorite part of the carnival" exclaimed Talia.

"With the digital dollhouse my goal was to create an awareness of design, architecture and history in a playful and dynamic online environment for mothers and daughters," said Campion Platt. For more informantionon the digital dollhouse, go to www.digitaldollhouse.com

A diverse silent auction kept moms and dads busy, bidding on everything from Christian Dior Sunglasses and cosmetic services from Dr. Howard Sobel to Yankee tickets, golf afternoon outings, a Judith Ripka ring and a Disney vacation.

For the seventh year in a row Brinkley was the honorary chair for the afternoon festival and was presented with the first "Spirit of Family Award." She graciously accepted the award and gave a short, moving speech highlighting the importance of the work being done at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

"I was introduced to Einstein through a luncheon I was attending in New York City," revealed Brinkley. "They showed a film where they highlighted all of the medical advances and achievements that the Einstein College of medicine has done. I couldn't believe all the advances they were making with breast cancer and children with autism. I was astounded and wanted to get involved and help anyway that I could."

Brinkley, jauntily dressed in a plaid Scoop NYC top and Ralph Lauren blue jeans and cowboy boots didn't let the overcast weather dampen her spirits, instead she strolled around the carnival with her mother Marjorie and brother Greg, signing autographs, posing for pictures with kids, decorating sugar cookies and petting the ponies.

Sophia Halpern, six-years-old, doing arts and crafts with her father, Richard.

After I commented on the intricate design of the turquoise earrings she was wearing she opened up about her new line of jewelry.

"The name of the company is Celebrate," said Christie. "It's casual in tone but very eclectic. The first collection is called "Flowers," very feminine and girly and then we have the Southwest collection and my Signature collection that incorporates the sea and curly cues. Right now I'm working on a Hamptons collection - it's stuff that's sporty, great to wear at the beach that won't fall off when you dive through a wave, and stuff you can wear to events and parties at night. I want it to be laid-back casual. You can check it out at christiebrinkleyjewelry.com."

In between the scavenger hunt, freeze dance, hula-hoop contest, water balloon toss, the mad science show, and the potato sack race, exhausted parents found refuge in the Marquis Jet Lounge while the kids munched on spring rolls, veggie wraps, quesadillas, hummus, French fries, popcorn, chocolate chip cookies and fresh fruit.

Marquis Jet, Northville, Loehmann's, Hamptons Magazine, The Art Farm, Sarah Merian's Photography, tasti D lite, Eleni's and Smart Water were just a few of the sponsors that graciously lent their support to the event.

"My favorite thing about the Wild, Wild West Carnival is that it's a day for the whole family," said Brinkley. "It's one of those rare events where you can, and should, bring your kids."

For More Photos, Visit The Following Link(s)

Wild, Wild West Carnival