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An Evening Under the Stars

August 25, 2007

Shining through Saturday’s Southampton fog, legendary artist and performer Diana Ross gave 500 thrilled guests a 75-minute private performance, taking them on a trip down memory lane and truly providing them with An Evening Under the Stars to remember. Generously underwritten by Jill Viner and Cliff Viner, the extravagant affair held on August 25 raised more than $550,000 for the Diabetes Research Institute (DRI.) On the grounds of Stony Brook Southampton, Miami-based event virtuoso Barton G. conceptualized, designed and catered THE event of the summer, magically transforming a 20,000-square-foot tent into a lux supper club.

“In my wildest dreams, the event couldn’t have been more perfect,” hostess Jill Viner said. “The warmth from Diana Ross was such a gift, and the most significant part of the evening was that we all had a common bond and that we were all there with the same goal in mind, to find a cure for diabetes.”

During the dinner program, DRI Scientific Director Camillo Ricordi, M.D., addressed the audience, extending sincere gratitude to the Viners and everyone in attendance for their support of the DRI, and emphasizing that the Institute’s focus is to cure diabetes in the fastest, safest and most efficient way possible.

Even Ross, herself has had a personal interest in seeing a cure for this devastating disease ever since her father was struck with it. “I am really, really interested in what you are doing,” she told the audience.

Ross gave an awe-inspiring performance. Beginning with a slow crescendo from her band, she belted out "I’m Coming Out" as she emerged from behind curtains, continuing the song with a sparkling smile and the first of three gown changes – a glittering red gown and ruffled wrap. Cheering guests leapt to their feet and began singing along and dancing between tables. Ross regaled her excited fans with 17 of her classic tunes, including “Baby Love,” “Stop in the Name of Love,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” and in no time, the dance floor in front of the stage was packed with grooving fans.

In the equally enchanting hours preceding the concert, guests first climbed a massive, white carpeted staircase. As glass doors were opened, they entered a cocktail reception where champagne flowed freely and elegant bars in all four corners offered other libations. Creative hors d’oeuvres, such as Asian duck-filled pancakes, mini Chesapeake crab burgers, and ice seared tuna and salmon with lime chili dip, were passed on artful serving platters.

Huge wooden doors separated the cocktail reception from the main event, and when opened, revealed the ballroom’s brilliant décor, highlighted by soft colored lighting and wood panel. Fresh roses and orchids adorned each table, encircling the stems of cylindrical-shaded lamps, which changed settings with the touch of a petal. Dinner began with three huge shrimp and a trio of colorful sauces, followed by grilled New York strip steak with a delectable peppercorn sauce. Desserts included the options of Shake and Cake, a vanilla milk shake in a martini glass with chocolate chip cookie rim and a slice of chocolate layer cake, or a Mini Sundae Trio.

After the main event, a select group of lead sponsors and other VIPs attended an elegant After Party, where they had the rare opportunity to meet and be photographed with Diana Ross herself.

Top sponsors included: Martin Granowitz, President and Owner of Bearings Limited; Rosa and Francis Feeney; Mr. Warren Mosler & Ms. Elizabeth O'Tool; Mr. Sanjiv Sharma & Ms. Nadine Allen; Mr. Paul Singer & Ms. Bonnie Loeb; Roberta and Bruce Waller, Bonnie and Jamie Schaefer, and Marla and Steve Weishoff: in proud recognition of The Rowland & Sylvia Schaefer Family Foundation, Inc.; Brian and Cheryl Coughlin; Mr. Ed & Mrs. Holli Gersh; Marc and Esther Goodman; Kovler Family Foundation; Pernod Ricard USA Champagne & Wines - Brancott Vineyards, Perrier-Jouët, Sandeman®, and Ysios; Mr. Robert and Mrs. Hiromi Printz; Risa and Jeff Pulver; Randi and Mark Jacobson Charitable Foundation; Neomi and Michael Dezer and Leslie and Ricardo Salmon; Mr. Richard Schwartz & Ms. Marta Aislant; Holly and David Sherr; University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine; Hampton Style/Dan’s Papers, Hamptons.com, and Wine Spectator.

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DRIF Event Photos