Spring Benefit '05

"Going once.going twice.SOLD!" For the second year in a row, the Carter Burden Center's Spring Benefit has featured a live auction of wonderful packages. Executive Director Bill Dionne served once again as the fabulous and funny auctioneer at this year's event, which was held at the Union Club on April 11th. Blue paddles from Sotheby's were going up and down all over the room as bidding wars ensued for prizes such as golf at Shinnecock Golf Club, a mini iPod and a ladies spa day. "Remember, this is one of the top three golf courses in the country," Bill Dionne taunted, egging on bidders to keep raising the price as well as reminding them that their bids were going towards a very worthy cause of helping New York City's seniors. Mr. Dionne was able to do another amazing job as the auctioneer with the superior tutelage from auctioneer Jamie Niven of Sotheby's.

This annual event began with a cocktail hour in the grand foyer, where guests chatted with friends and perused some of the items going up for auction. Debi Wong, a Carter Burden Center staff member, served as a model for a lovely gemstone necklace from Scully & Scully, and many women hoped to covet the prize.

To continue building the excitement, the evening's musical entertainment took to the stage after the auction. John Pizzarelli, a jazz guitarist, played as a trio with a bassist and drummer. Using greats like Nat "King" Cole and Frank Sinatra and the songs of writers like Sammy Cahn and Jimmy Van Heusen as touchstones, Pizzarelli is among the prime revivalists of the great American songbook. Guests tapped their toes along to the upbeat jazz songs such as "Route 66" and lovely ballads.

After the event, Angel ticket holders were able to meet Mr. Pizzarelli at a lovely dinner held at Board Member Susan Burden's home. This successful evening of auction and music raised over $65,000 for the Burden Center.

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