Last Wednesday night, Colin Cowie, one of the most famous party planners in the world, showed his guests just how connected he really is.  The charming host with his signature sense of humor joked with party-goers, that he had used his special “red phone to the sky” to make sure the torrential showers passed just in time for The Society’s third annual Urban Rooftop Txikiteo, a pre-dinner bar crawl inspired by the time honored tradition in Northern Spain.

Along with his co-hosts Founders Ashleigh Dempster and Amanda Blakley of The Society (who consider themselves a virtual culture club for the creative class), Cowie welcomed members as well as a few of his celebrity friends, DJ Donna D’Cruz and actor Josh Lucas, to his private rooftop to kick off the night’s festivities.

Guests enjoyed two Zacapa Rum cocktails – the Mango 23 and Rhubarb Spritz created by mixologist Yusef Austin of Elite Elixirs before being whisked off by black chauffeured SUVs to two of the city’s most exclusive rooftop terraces, Le Bain at The Standard Hotel and the Roofdeck of the Gramercy Park Hotel.

For those that missed out on, “The Society and Zacapa Rum’s Rooftop Txikiteo hosted by Colin Cowie,” we didn’t conclude our rooftop escapades without convincing chef Kevin Denton of the Gramercy Park Hotel to reveal his original recipe for the Plantation Daiquiri – perfect for all of the sultry summer nights that lay ahead.

PLANTATION DAIQUIRI

INGREDIENTS
2 oz Ron Zacapa
0.75 oz Lime Juice
Barspoon agave
Greenmarket peach puree
Sprig of Mint

MIXING NOTES
Puree 2 or 3 ripe peaches.
Add 2 ounces of the puree to one and a half ounce of Ron Zacapa and the  squeezed lime juice.
Shake and strain over crushed ice.
Garnish with a mint sprig to accent the great aromas of the peach and rum.

The Society is a virtual culture club for the creative class that creates a calendar of cultural activities and events that educate, entertain and enlighten.  Past events have included photography lessons in the park, private supper salons in undiscovered lofts with leading artists, underground boxing matches, DJ Spin lessons and architecture tours of the city by bicycle.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of The Society

Adam Lippes & Natalie Joos | Christina Ricci & Lubov Azria

It may be a socialite’s worst nightmare to have a glass of red wine spilled on her dress at a benefit but for Arden Wohl, it was all in the name of performance art and philanthropy.

At The Whitney Art Party on June 9th, hosted by the Whitney Contemporaries, Wohl was one of the willing participants in the live art installation where four former ISP (Independent Study Program) visionaries – Ellen Harvey, Jason Middlebrook, Liz Magic Laser and Ryan Humphrey - were invited to turn BCBG white dresses into original pieces of art.

There to witness the show, sponsored by BCBG Max Azria, were a bevy of downtown socials, fashion darlings and Hollywood it girls including Christina Ricci, Emilie de Ravin, Lubov Azria, Rachel Zoe, Charlotte Ronson, Ivanka Trump, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs.  As for the boys, who were decidedly more dressed down this year, the list included co-chair Adam Lippes, Michael Carl, Prabal Gurung and Chris Benz, who perused the extensive art auction and sipped signature cocktails by Belvedere and Grand Marnier.

Playing event maestro for another year was designer Bronson Van Wyck who transformed a fresh new venue – 82 Mercer Street – into a tranquil garden paradise. The private rooms were defined by whimsical hedgerows with “windows” cut out of them and spotted with brightly hued peonies for color. Van Wyck’s design was meant to “metaphorically transport guests out of New York City and into a garden maze,” which, with the torrential rains outside, was a welcomed and stylish escape.

Monica Pean & Alek Wek | Bonnie Morrison, Dani Stahl, Michael Carl & Eleanor Yvisaker

Eva Amurri Arriving at the Whitney Art Party

The Enchanted Garden - design by Van Wyck & Van Wyck

Event Designer Bronson Van Wyck | Floating Floral Display

PHOTO CREDIT:  Billy Farrell for Patrick McMullan

A limited-edition kaftan inspired by Pink Grapefruit was designed by Williamson and modeled by Leigh Lezark of The MisShapes who served as muse of the evening as well as DJ spinning upbeat 80′s tunes and indie tracks for a crowd of almost 1000 revelers who spilled out onto the private terrace.

Notable attendees at Belvedere’s luxe pop-up lounge in the Meatpacking District included Kelly Osbourne, Chelsea Handler, Bar Rafaeli, Estelle, Ashley Olsen and Top Chef’s Kelly Choi who sampled signature cocktails such as the Belve Pink Grapefruit Cerveza (with Blue Moon Beer and Campari) and the Belve Mini Pink Grapefruit Snow Cones (with ginger sugar, grapefruit wedge and zest oil over crushed ice) at the VIP bar, which was lacquered in shiny white with a pink grapefruit water wall mounted with real sliced pink grapefruit halves.

As with all of Belvedere’s macerations including, Black Raspberry, Citrus and Orange, the brand uses an artisanal and time-intensive process to draw out the real fruit flavor with no artificial additives.  The result is a flavored vodka with a luscious mouth-feel, authentic taste and aroma.

The Belvedere Collaboration by Matthew Williamson includes a kaftan ($1195) and a jumpsuit ($1695) which are available online.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Marion Curtis for Starpix

Co-chaired by Trusted Translations CEO, Richard Estevez, Molly Birkenes and Mazdack Rassi of Milk Studios with honorary chair actress Kristin Davis, the event raised awareness and funds for the hospital which specializes in treating child patients with cancer and other catastrophic diseases.  Former St. Jude patients and living testimonials of the incredible work of the hospital, Michael Swart and Jake  Marshall told their inspirational tales of survival.

Notable guests including Michael Imperioli, model Audrey Quock, Cuba Gooding Sr., and E! Entertainment Founder Alan Mruvka enjoyed savory hors d’oeuvres by Daniel Boulud, cheeses from Artisanal, wines from the leading vineyards in the world and incredible gourmet chocolates from Godiva from their custom made bar made out of gold Godiva boxes created by Larry Abel Designs.  The innovative format of the event was developed by Estevez and Birkenes (who both wanted to move away from a formal seated dinner) as a fresh way for their guests to mingle, socialize and tap into the energy of the event while sampling an array of delicacies.

The highlight of the night was a performance by the legendary Tony Bennett who sang some of his most beloved songs.  He ended his performance by turning off the microphones and asking the room to hush, as he sang, Fly Me to the Moon, with only a guitar accompanying him.

To learn more about St. Jude Children’s Hospital and to make a donation, visit their web site.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Guest of a Guest and St. Jude Children’s Hospital

The cocktail party and awards show, which was supported by eBay and Hearst Digital Media, was a star-studded event emcee’d by actress Connie Britton of the NBC show, Friday Night Lights, who presented awards to honorees including Access Hollywood correspondent Maria Menounos for hosting Planet Green’s Hollywood Green; actress Alicia Silverstone for her advocacy of veganism; and actress Gloria Reuben for her work as a board member of the Waterkeeper Alliance.

As with most award shows, the most memorable moments came from the acceptance speeches and this year’s honorees did not disappoint.  Highlights included humorous moments by Roger Doiron, founder of Kitchen Gardeners International, who calmed his nerves by telling the audience that he was picturing them in their organic cotton underwear, to heartfelt moments by teacher Greg Perry who spoke about his plans to continue to build the Ultimate Green Classroom with his students while he personally battles cancer.

Of course, all of the elements of the event production were sustainable courtesy of Matthew David Hopkins and Laurie Stolowitz of 360 Design Events who created a product gallery showcasing items from eBay.  To minimize waste, all of the materials used for the event were recycled via donations to various organizations.

The hollow doors used for the product display were donated to Rebuilding Together New York City, a national volunteer organization that rehabilitates low income housing.  The printed fabric wrap was donated to Material for the Arts which collects gently used materials to re-purpose them into public schools and theater workshops.  And, the flowers went to hospice care centers and hospitals via The Flower Power Foundation.

For more information on each honoree, visit The Daily Green.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Hearst

Co-chaired by Cheryl Katz, Paula Mahoney, Ruthe Ponturo, Jerry Ruotol and Melissa Smith with special guest hosts ABT dancers Marcelo Gomes and Craig Salstein, the evening celebrated New York’s culinary world with a selection of the city’s top chefs from restaurants including Gramercy Tavern, Aureole, Nobu Fifty Seven, Cafe des Artistes and Toqueville.

“It’s a great way to get people mingling and visiting all of the food and cocktail stations, instead of staying seated all night,” explained Melissa Smith, a co-chair for the benefit (and recent board member), who grew up attending the ABT as a young girl.  Between tasting the savory appetizers and delicious cocktails from mixologists such as Albert Trummer of Apotheke and Jeff Mancini of Elizabeth, guests enjoyed short “Dancing with the Stars,” inspired numbers with leading ABT dancers including a lively salsa and hip hop number.

For those in the shopping mood, an impressive silent auction featured luxuries for all tastes and interests including an extraordinary safari to Kenya and a custom designed cocktail dress by Project Runway Winner, Christian Siriano.

To buy tickets to the Spring Season of American Ballet Theater at the Metropolitan Opera House, click here.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Andrew Walker / Getty Image

A telling sign of these tough economic times?  The once secretive and exclusive cocktail establishment Milk and Honey has just published its private number (718.308.6881) on its own website for all the world to see.  While early members of the private club (who paid pricey yearly dues) might bash newsletters like Urban Daddy and blogs like Grub Street for spreading the news, it was owner Sasha Petraske who gave up the digits in the first place. [via Grub Street]

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Patrick McMullan

Tasty Tidbits serves up little morsels of news from the best parties, restaurants, nightclubs and bars as collected from around the Web…

The elegant white look of its iconic bottle with its trademark palace and trees has been transformed into a glossy black version with hot pink graffiti including an original tag of the brand’s main character Mr. IX.  Along with its distinctive and edgy packaging, IX has a truly unique taste with a blend of nine ingredients including ginseng, guarana, acai, ginger, sweet almond, jasmine, eucalyptus, three cinnamon and black cherry.

To celebrate the launch of IX, Belvedere has created a New York satellite of Le Baron on East 3rd St. and Bowery.  Notable names such as Andre 3000, Estelle, Mary Kate Olsen, Peaches Geldof, Cecilia Dean and Waris Ahluwalia gathered on Thursday night at the pop-up club to sample new IX cocktails including the Gold Rush, IX Vice, IX jellies and the signature shot, Get Your Rocks Off, served with a slice of grapefruit and a candy pop rocks chaser.

Open for 3 nights only, Le Baron New York has played host to some of nightlife’s favorite DJ’s including Paul Sevigny, a close friend of Andre’s, who took to the decks with Matt Creed and ATrak with Theophilus London on Opening Night.  Friday night’s schedule included DJ’s Max Pask and Mark Ronson with Daniel Merriweather while, DJ’s Cassie and Harley (and perhaps an appearance from James Murphy) are expected to spin tonight.

Belvedere IX will continue to collaborate with Andre for launch events in Miami, Dallas and Chicago along with a global launch event at the 2009 Cannes Film Festival.  Look for IX at exclusive nightclubs across the U.S.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Michael Buckner

Wrapped in vinyl and spray painted with a massive neon graffiti Louis Vuitton tag, the Soho store was transformed for the first event of the evening. Guests including Anna Sui, Veronica Webb, Erin Wasson, Agyness Deyn, Alba Clemente, Donna Karan and Patricia Field enjoyed champagne and hors d’oeuvres such as mini muffulettas served on fluorescent trays by Olivier Cheng Catering while shopping for reissued Sprouse LV bags from 2001. Two limited edition graffiti skateboards with matching hard case monogram trunks and 70 Sprouse T-shirts were also on sale with proceeds benefiting Free Arts NYC, an organization that provides under-served children in New York with art programs.

At the same time, over at the Deitch Projects, another party raged on to launch “Rock on Mars,” an installation of original Sprouse artifacts ranging from artwork to clothing to video. Revelers were then treated to an outrageous after-party at the Bowery Ballroom that featured a performance by Sprouse’s personal friend, Debbie Harry and music by DJ Jus-Ske. The ballroom was drenched in Day-Glo graffiti by Brookyln Guild and custom neon signs by Lite Brite Neon Studio.

Visit the site www.welovesprouse.com to read interviews with Marc Jacobs, Patricia Field and others or just “scrawl the wall” to leave your comment about Sprouse’s influence to fashion, art and pop culture.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Louis Vuitton

For Panebianco, along with Topaz Paige-Green, her fellow co-creator of The Lunchbox Auction – an annual fundraiser to benefit the Food Bank for New York City and The Lunchbox Fund of South Africa– the lunchbox holds an even more important position in their current lives, as a tool for the fight against hunger. Bringing together an impressive array of chefs, musicians, fashion designers, actors, and artists each year, the event offers one-of-a-kind lunchboxes designed by these prominent characters that go up for grabs in a week-long online auction.

Just in time for holiday season with the giving spirit at its peak, celebrities and general do-gooders alike joined this past Thursday at Milk Gallery for the third annual auction, thrown by Gourmet and hosted by Mario Batali and Michael Stipe, with cocktails by Indochine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Double Crown and Public. With 80 lunchboxes displayed throughout on white pedestals, potential patrons got a first look at this year’s selection– designed by personalities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Liv Tyler, Eva Mendes, Cameron Diaz, Paul Rudd, Tom Colicchio, Emeril Lagasse, Spike Jonze, Salman Rushdie, Beastie Boys, Julia Stiles, and the cast of Gossip Girl.

However, easily stealing this year’s show, comedic heavy-hitter Mike Myers designed a 4-foot-tall tin lunchbox—befitting his larger-than-life personality, as well as the message behind his work: “It’s a very hopeful time in the world, so I wanted it to be as big as that hope. Obama is our president, so we’re headed in the right direction.” And with a similar standout piece, CFDA-winning fashion designer Rogan Gregory, who designed a loudly honking box, powerfully states, “I’m trying to make noise about the cause. Especially at this time, given the economic situation, there are a lot of people in need that weren’t even a few months ago. It’s a time to help out your fellow human beings.”

While the event’s attendees may have to wait for the auction’s end to see if they will score their favorite celebrity lunchbox, host Mario Batali made sure guests didn’t walk away empty-handed – providing a special insulated travel tote gift bag (perfect for transporting food), well-stocked with goodies like Boar’s Head salami, Fiji water, a Joy Organic reusable shopping bag, the December issue of Gourmet, and Batali’s own Mario Tailgates Nascar Style cookbook.

~Leann Peterson

To bid on one of the priceless lunchboxes, check out The Lunchbox Auction online, which ends on December 18, 2008 at midnight.

PHOTO CREDIT: Sean Sime

“I don’t know how we pulled it off,” he says, giving props to his staff of 65, a big clue to his cool management style. “We had 800 people for Visionaire, 500 for Vanity Fair, Deitch Projects’ live band Gossip out back, and the after-party for Che with Steven Soderbergh, Benicio del Toro and Rodrigo Santoro in the ballroom.”

Not to mention Kelly Klein’s “Horse” book signing and hotelier Andre Balazs’ sit-down uber-dinner on the patio with Bruce Weber, Marc Jacobs, Ingrid Sischy and Sandra Brandt, Paul Wilmot, and, of course, Calvin. Ah, the usual snowbirds, all Raleigh regulars. I should know. I was a charter member of the Raleigh Pool Club in 1993. (Andre: “Cyn., that was 15 years ago!”)

Pan down to a table in the garden where suprastylista Rachel Zoe shows off her latest snag — black shiny platforms Amanda Lepore would kill for. You go, girl! Omar’s buzzing through the moneyed crowd like a skinny bee to honey, a trilingual bee from Caracas, Venezuela, mind you, schooled in English and French Philology with an Electrical Engineering degree in Microwave Telecommunications from McGill U.

How did he get here? Standing (and smiling and hosting) at all the right places — Mercer Kitchen, Standard Hollywood, Balthazar, Asia de Cuba, Dolce.

His secret: “I love to see people happy, having a great time! This year at Basel, I put everyone together — big, small, rich, famous, not-so-famous. I did it like a fiesta. I created a bar-restaurant-party within a party. I didn’t use partitions to separate each event, just some nice plants to keep the energy flowing. It worked. Every day about 2,000 people were partying here till 5 a.m. In this economy, people are definitely drinking more.”

Cut to Visionaire’s 55th anniversaire sponsored by Krug. Team Raleigh crafted a 12-foot crystal fountain tall as a Christmas tree out of champagne glasses.

Omar’s hard-to-forget, behind-the-scenes moment: At the New York Times’ T fete in the penthouse, artist Takashi Murakami turned up in a Sumo-sized, Chicken Little-y, flower-power costume. How big was he? So big he needed a chair.

Omar: “Omigod! We ran around trying to find one that fit but his costume was too big, so we put him in the middle of the room and made him the centerpiece. People took pictures then walked around him to the bar.”

Omar’s Favorite Vendors:

Florist: Black-eyed Susans (305) 759-3286

Set Design: Ace Props Miami (305) 756-0888

Cakes, cupcakes: Stella Sweet Shoppe (305) 479-9098

Sweets: MarieBelle New York (212) 925-6999

To host your next event at The Raleigh, contact Omar Hernandez at (305) 534-6300 or via email.

PHOTO CREDIT: Cyn. Zarco

Writer-photographer-webwiz Cyn. Zarco has chronicled South Beach since 1986 when she sublet her East Village apartment to the drummer of the Ramones. For a good read, go to www.SouthBeachForDummies.com

The scene at the magazine’s annual fete felt surprisingly intimate given the 500+ guests that passed through. Glowing fire pits surrounded by overstuffed couches and bars tucked into cabanas helped create cozy little nooks in the spacious garden. DJ Paul Sevigny was on the decks and played for a crowd of fashion, art and media darlings including Marc Jacobs, artist Todd Eberle, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Lisa Anastos, Kipton Cronkite, New York Times editor Horacio Silva and entertaining expert Katie Lee Joel.

Those lucky enough to snag a gift bag – a canvas Tommy Hilfiger tote custom printed with artwork by Jeremy Blake – will have a great keepsake to remind them this year’s art fair and all of its festivities.

PHOTO CREDIT: Billy Farrell for Patrick McMullan

This year the notable waitstaff included actors Michael Imperioli, Hope Davis, Joey Pantoliano, and Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) who served up drinks and chatted with guests during the cocktail reception of the gala, which raises money to support the organization’s development programs for independent film and theater artists.

Overland Entertainment was commissioned to design the Sundance event with the mantra that it was to be the “non-gala,” gala. The design and event production company took its inspiration from the Sundance Institute Artists’ Lab by bringing to life each of the four seasons of the artists’ programs. Roseland Ballroom was enclosed in 12 foot scenic flats with 10 foot photographic collages of the stunning Utah landscape.

“We wanted to bring the beauty of Utah and mesh it with the urban landscape of New York. That’s why we have a fish jumping out of a fire hydrant,” explains Sophie Geidt, senior producer at Overland. For the silent auction, the designers created a series of vignettes that showcased packages of film and TV memorabilia donated by Glenn Close, Ashley Judd and Al Pacino among others.

VIP guests Alec Baldwin, Maggie Rizer, Kenneth Cole, Chevy Chase, and Jane Fonda enjoyed passed canapes by Hudson Yards Catering and a dinner menu created by Top Chef‘s Tom Colicchio, which included a family style spread of Seared Striped Bass with Red Pepper Aioli and Braised Cavolo Nero with Tuscan Kale.

The fundraiser concluded with an after party with DJ and Sundance Alum John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch).

PHOTO CREDIT: Jemal Countess and Jason Kempin for WireImage

When the Queen of New York Nightlife invites you to a party, you have no choice but to attend. When the party happens to be her 40th birthday blowout at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, you start packing your bags before you even RSVP!

This was the case last week when my good friend Amy Sacco (of Bette and Bungalow 8 fame) invited 125 of her nearest and dearest friends from New York and Los Angeles to help her ring in the big 4-0. The family was all there including, Benicio del Toro, Angie Harmon, Dean Cain, Brett Ratner, Michael Shulman, art world queen Yvonne Force Villareal, Bungalow 8′s Nan Lily Cho, Bond Street’s Darryl Gibson and the king of all things hotel, Michael Rawson.

As the current Creative Director of the Hard Rock, Amy knew it was the only choice to host the festivities. Given that it was located in the City of Sin was just icing on the birthday cake!

The night started off with with dinner and cocktails at Ago, the Hard Rock’s newest Tuscan restaurant. Rosé champagne was passed upon arrival while assorted pizza, smoked salmon crostini and proscuitto wrapped bread sticks whizzed by on silver platters. In true Italian fashion, Chef Agostino Sciandri (who flew in from his LA outpost to personally commandeer the dinner) served his creations family style. By the time we finished the first course of penne pomodoro, risotto pesce and trofie pesto, we hardly had room for one of my favorite dishes, sliced NY steak served over arugula and tomatoes!

For the after-party, three of my friends had to roll me downstairs to Body English, the famed nightclub at the hotel which boasts over 41 VIP booths and a vintage Baccarat chandelier worth over $250,000. Management wasn’t too happy when they caught me swinging from it a couple of hours later! We had the whole club to ourselves and every table had a bottle of Grey Goose with all the fixings. All we really needed was a bottle with a straw and the night was on its way!

DJ Donna D’Cruz of Rasa Music presided over the turntables in her signature Swarovski encrusted headphones while a Donna Summer impersonator took to the stage and serenaded Amy with Bad Girls. After Donna Summer finished her “Ode to Sacco,” two midgets in black suits, fedoras and sunglasses took to the stage for a tag team version of Michael Jackson’s Billie Jean. It was truly BEYOND! Shortly after midnight, a four-tiered birthday cake of individual butter cream iced chocolate cupcakes, hand-made by hotel pastry chef Nicole Jones, was rolled out alongside four Vegas showgirls clad in feathered head dresses and holding sparklers that lit the room up brighter than Amy’s smile.

The madness continued until the morning light upstairs in Amy’s master suite which came equipped with its very own bowling alley! It was all fun and games until I dropped the ball on my foot! And, like all good things, our night of celebration finally came to an end…but what a night it was!

- Joey Jalleo is one of NYC’s foremost event producers who also presides over J’Adore Joey, his account of all things J’Adorable.

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy of Michael Shulman

To help guests better understand the arduous task of transporting water (which many African women and children endure daily), Tripp Mixx Productions created the Water Walk. An interactive element to the event, the long runway was inscribed with a staggering fact that, “40 billion hours are wasted each year collecting water in Sub-Sahara Africa.” Sponsors such as Elle Magazine, Shutterstock.com, Nautica and Aboutblu donated $120 for each guest that carried two 40lb jerry cans down the runway and back. A total of $60,000 was raised through the Water Walk which is the approximate cost of building 12 wells in Africa.

VIP guests including designers Isaac Mizrahi and Ashleigh Verrier, actress Jennifer Missoni, Paper Magazine’s Mickey Boardman, Tenjune owner Marc Birnbaum, restauranteur David Rabin, gallerist Melody Weir and Emma Snowdon-Jones were served hors d’oeuvres by Thomas Preti and Relish Catering while enjoying a show from Cat Powers. Feeling spontaneous, legendary singer Chaka Khan treated the crowd to an impromptu performance and even donated a kiss to the live auction. Although it should be noted that most of the female party-goers hoped that Adrian Grenier would follow suit.

Produced by Metropolitan Events and Production with the charity: water team, the benefit raised $500,000 through ticket sales, corporate and private donations, the live and silent auctions (packed with coveted luxury items from Prada, YSL, David Yurman & Delano) and sales from charity: water merchandise by Banana Republic. Other generous supporters of the organization include event vendors such as Scharff Weisberg Inc., Party Rentals, Graphic Systems Group, Grey Goose Vodka, Palmes D’Or Champagne, Ecco Wine, State Public Relations and Brand Building Public Relations.

For more information on charity: water or to donate, visit www.charityis.org.

Related Story: All I Want for Christmas is Water.

But, the former party promoter and celebrity event planner was left wanting more. In 2004, Harrison left behind his indulgent lifestyle and traveled to Africa to help the most impoverished people on Earth. What resulted was the creation of charity: water.

It is estimated that the number of people who live without access to clean water is over 1 billion. Harrison’s organization raises funds to build freshwater wells in Africa and increases awareness of the global water crisis.

Charity: water has three donation packages that make giving back this holiday season simple and easy:

1 bottle of water for $20 = clean water for one person in Africa

24 bottles or 1 case for $480 = funds towards construction of freshwater wells

1 $5000 donation = construction or rehabilitation of one freshwater well

Since the cost of the bottled water is underwritten by sponsors, 100% of each donation is used for the charity: water program which includes satellite imagery and photo documentation of the completed wells through Google Earth.

And, to put his former party planning skills and 15,000 member database to good use, Harrison and his team are organizing the 2nd annual charity: ball on Monday, December 17th at the Metropolitan Pavilion (125 West 18th Street). Hosted by Adrien Grenier (of Entourage fame) and model Jessica Stam, the event features a special musical performance by Cat Power and the Dirty Delta Blues as well as several multimedia exhibits, a photo installation and a silent auction. It promises to leave guests with a message of hope—that every person is capable of making a difference.

When we asked Harrison what he wanted for Christmas this year, he answered 50 freshwater wells. To help Harrison reach his holiday fundraising goal of $500,000 which will give 25,000 people clean water, we hope you will buy bottles of charity: water, tickets to charity: ball or just make a donation.

This year over a hundred celebrities including Gwyneth Paltrow, Eva Mendes, Jimmy Fallon, Helena Christensen, Sienna Miller, Billy Crudup, Mike Myers, Zac Posen, Anna Sui, Alice Temperley, Kanye West, David Bowie, Rufus Wainwright, Richard Branson and Mario Batali have each created an original lunchbox that reflects their unique personality. Each lunchbox is signed by the artist and numbered.

To kick off the fundraising efforts, Michael Stipe will host a private, star-studded party on Thursday, December 6th at Saatchi and Saatchi for VIPs to preview the artwork before it goes live at midnight (12 AM EST) on www.thelunchboxauction.org. The online auction runs through Friday, December 21st, 2007.

To donate food, money or time to the Food Bank for New York City which supplies food to 1.3 million people in the city, visit www.foodbanknyc.org.

To find out more about The Lunchbox Fund which provides lunch to school children and AIDS orphans in South Africa, visit www.thelunchboxfund.org.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Photos by Seth Sabal  

To find out I attended the launch of Stewart’s newest resort, the $70 million, five-star, all suite Mediterranean Village at Sandals Grande Antigua. To celebrate the opening, Stewart retained powerhouse public relations firm BWR to create a lavish, over-the-top weekend of events that highlighted the property’s super-luxe amenities for a select group of Hollywood stars, media personalities, press and local luminaries.

On Thursday, October 4th, the resort and spa welcomed celebrity couples including Kimora Lee Simmons (star of the Style Network show Life in the Fab Lane) and her new boyfriend Djimon Hounsou, Brooke Burke and David Charvet as well as Stacy Keibler and Geoff Stults. All VIP guests including Gossip Girl’s Blake Lively, Rumer Willis, Teri Polo, Melissa Rivers, Stephen Colletti, Kelly Killoren Bensimon and Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos and Tony Potts were invited to experience Stewart’s new Luxury Included Vacation complete with spacious suites, private plunge pools with waterfalls and even personal butler service.

Opening night had a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by “The Taste of Antigua” – a dinner of signature culinary dishes from the island and a parade of dancers and musicians outfitted in vibrant costumes typically worn during the annual Antigua Carnival. Grammy Award winning artist Shaggy performed on a massive sound stage built by Bralco Group overlooking the Sandals pool.

Friday was full of rain showers which meant a soggy beach party but not dampened spirits. After an energetic show by reggae artist Sean Paul, guests piled into the British Pub for late night snacks and a lively set by DJ Splyce, one of Hollywood’s top DJ’s, that had guests bumping and grinding (literally) until the wee hours of the morning.

Thankfully, the sun came out in full force on Saturday so the silky white sand beach on Dickenson Bay became the place to be seen. A friendly yet heated game of beach soccer initiated by Access Hollywood had everyone cheering as well as ducking for cover. I might add that the highest scoring team members were all women – Blake Lively, Maria Menounos and Rachel Zalis, style correspondent for We TV.

Closing night celebrations were held poolside with an elaborate buffet of chilled lobster and shellfish, sushi and a dessert table that seem to go on for miles. An incredible fireworks show ushered in an unforgettable night at the resort. VIPs headed up to the tower for an all night dance party with DJ Splyce playing a mix of hip hop, rock and 80′s including a few crowd pleasing favorites from Journey, AC/DC and Michael Jackson.

After a weekend as a guest of the Stewart family, I began to realize that their resorts were so much more than just idyllic locations, luxe amenities and celebrated partnerships with wedding designers Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock. According to Butch’s daughter, Managing Director Jaime Stewart-McConnell, the heart of Sandals is really about fulfilling all of your needs, desires and dreams.

And, isn’t that what romance and seduction are all about anyway?

PHOTO CREDIT: Dimitrios Kambouris for Wire Image

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Given my longtime “appreciation” for the band, I could hardly pass up an invitation to meet them at a private party (organized by Epic Records, Magus Entertainment and my friend Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting) at The Xchange (640 West 28th Street) on Monday night. Not only is the 5000 square foot space one of the coolest new industrial lofts in the city but it’s outfitted with an incredible custom Funktion One sound system. It was a real shame Duran Duran did not perform.

Actually, they had played but on the night before at an intimate concert at Hammerstein Ballroom for members of their fan club. Their set included favorites including Hungry Like The Wolf, Come Undone, Girls on Film and Lonely in Your Nightmare. For an encore, a new song called , “Nite Runner,” was introduced.

At least all four members of Duran Duran (Simon Le Bon, John Taylor, Nick Rhodes and Roger Taylor) were at the party to celebrate their upcoming album, Red Carpet Massacre, which will be released in October by Epic Records. Special guest producers and guest stars on the album include Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and Nat “Danja Handz” Hills.

DJ Eve Salvail kept the party hopping with upbeat tunes mixed in with the occasional new Duran Duran song such as “Skin Diver” and “Box Full of Honey.” Chopin Vodka and 10 Cane Rum created specialty cocktails for each new track on the album. The crowd was a diverse group of fans, press, industry types and an eclectic list of VIPs including Moby, chef Rocco DiSpirito, artists John Currin and Rachel Feinstein as well as Mickey Dolenz from the Monkees.

Although I got to hang out with various members of Duran Duran who mingled with the crowd throughout the night, I was drawn to the far corner of the room. A staff photographer was stationed in front of life-size paper cut-outs of Simon, John, Nick and Roger for an ongoing photo shoot with the guests. It was a hilarious and entertaining element to the party.

I just had to get my photo taken. It’s not every night a girl can say she’s with the band…….

To book an event at The Xchange, contact Karrie Goldberg of Kage Konsulting at 646-873-4999.

As the inaugural curator of the H&M High Line Festival (May 9th -19th), David Bowie has become our city’s personal guide to the coolest line-up of music, film, comedy and visual art performance. The artists that he has chosen to showcase are as eclectic as Bowie himself from Brit comedian Ricky Gervais (“The Office”) to French electro-pop duo Air to visionary Ken Nordine, the 87-year old musician who has been performing his beatnik-style spoken “word jazz” since 1955. Arcade Fire, the Montreal based indie rock band, kicked off the 10-day arts festival with a killer performance at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday night.

Buddha Bar with Ty KU, a new sake liqueur, played host to the festival’s launch with a decadent after-party that followed their one-year anniversary celebration – a 250 person VIP dinner and auction (to benefit The Institute for Civic Leadership) for guests such as Kevin Spacey, Denise Rich, Marc Ecko, and Thom Felicia. Produced by my friends at Experiential Agency, Buddha Bar put on a spectacle of a show – a mix of performance art and acrobatics that descended from the vaulted ceiling – while revelers danced to soon-to-be-released tracks by legendary DJ Sam Popat, creator of the popular Buddha Bar compilations. Check out the NY Times video coverage of the event.

The goal of the annual festival, which continues through May 19th, is to highlight the particular taste of the artist curating it and to introduce New York to talented acts from around the world. Performances and events are being held at different venues near the High Line which runs through the Meatpacking, West Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. A portion of proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit Friends of the High Line, an organization working with the City of New York to transform the 1930′s elevated rail structure in a public space in 2008.

There are still some amazing events coming up. To buy tickets for shows including Polyphonic Spree and The Secret Machines, (photo below, left) visit the festival’s web site www.highlinefestival.com. Claude Cahun’s photography exhibit will run from May 18th -20th (photo below, right) in the gardens of the General Theological Seminary (175 Ninth Avenue). Open to the public and free of charge, it is not to be missed.

After seeing the photographer’s work in Paris, Bowie was fascinated and had the following to say:

“You could call her transgressive or you could call her a cross dressing Man Ray with surrealist tendencies. I find this work really quite mad, in the nicest way.”

Which coming from Ziggy Stardust is truly the finest of compliments.