From Dan’s Papers – Gina Glickman “Whispers” column…

“You may have seen a flurry of activity around the Ross School in East Hampton all week, thanks to the hands on staff and volunteers at the Retreat, including Jennifer Palmer, Development Director and Development Associate, Heather Fay, Ann Chwatsky, Arlene Slavin and Eileen Ekstract, who have been working non-stop all year to make sure every single detail is in place for their 15th Annual “Artists Against Abuse Gala,” this Saturday, June 26, to benefit The Retreat’s FREE domestic violence services! Jeffery Friedman, Executive Director of the Retreat, told me, “Support for this event means more to us than ever before. Domestic violence services requests are up by 56%, all the while funding continues to be cut or eliminated.” Friedman and his team are pulling out all the stops this Saturday to ensure this year’s gala is a success, including a live art auction, where you can bid on original artworks by such notable artists as: Louise Bourgeois, Peter Bynum, James Croak, Roberto Dutesco, Jimmy Ernst, April Gornik, John Hultberg, Bryan Hunt, Claes Oldenburg, Kryn Olson, Robert Rauschenburg, Denise Regan, Dan Rizzie, Frank Stella, John Torreano, Michael Viera and Gavin Ziegler. And with the help of Jarrell Entertainment, DJ MICHAEL will keep the beats going all night. Plus, Shannen Doherty is the official celebrity host for this Saturday evening. Friedman says, “The Retreat feels honored and privileged to have actor, director, writer and producer Shannen Doherty be this year’s celebrity host. We are thankful that Shannen is taking a stand, with the Retreat by her side, and speaking out against domestic violence. Shannen is in a very unique position, able to reach a mulit-generational audience, which in turn, will allow us to raise awareness among a diverse group of women and younger individuals. We thank her for her generosity and support.” Yet, there is one very special honoree who I predict will steal the spotlight this Saturday evening, and no it’s not me (mistress of ceremonies); it’s a 13-year-old boy, Jordan Bacher. With some assistance from his mom, Miche Bacher, who owns Sacred Sweets in Greenport, Bacher was the mastermind and organizer of a memorable and successful Thanksgiving dinner for Retreat clients. “I wanted to give the women and children residing in the shelter a holiday experience that would make them feel special and like valued members of our community,” said Jordan. Rumor is, Jordan will be presenting a live money donation to the Retreat at the event that he personally saved up and set aside from his Bar Mitzvah gift money. I think Jordan’s philanthropic efforts help make him a true role model for kids worldwide. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to find out that this genius has landed him his own talk show on OWN-Oprah and Discovery’s new TV network scheduled to premiere this fall. Please help keep the Retreat’s domestic violence services FREE for all victims and buy a ticket to celebrate with us this Saturday evening at the Ross School!  To make a donation, call 631-329-4398.”

 

http://www.danshamptons.com/content/danspapers/issue14_2010/11.html

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