News from the Summer Colony

This season has definitely gotten off to a slow start. Leap year has wreaked havoc with the calendar, Easter was earlier than it has been in years, and Memorial Day arrived well before anyone was ready for it. Everyone is looking forward to the end of the school year so they can stop scrambling back and forth. It appears that most people won’t be out here full time until the end of this month. What a bore!

Town is still very quiet during the week, which makes it easy to run errands. However, by Friday night, just try to get a reservation at Red Bar or 75 Main. It seems this year everyone is running to the Club for dinner rather than deal with the invasion that takes place each weekend.

I must take a moment to mention the passing of the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, a true icon of the fashion world. His career spanned more than 50 years and revolutionized the way woman dressed. He made it acceptable for women to wear pants in the evening with tuxedo jackets while keeping their feminine mystique. New York’s beloved socialite Nan Kempner was one of Saint Laurent’s biggest fans.

By mid-afternoon on Saturday, the clubs were deserted, as everyone ran home to get ready for the DDD Gala to benefit the Fresh Air Home. As always, this event brings out the very best of Southampton to support this worthy cause. Thanks to the generosity of the many sponsors, underwriters and donors of the DDD, they have helped to make the Fresh Air Home one of the finest camps for physically challenged children.

The evening was the first chance that the guests had to view the newly renovated campgrounds, which are truly spectacular. We all saw the four new cedar-shingled dormitories and the Health Center, which is designed to meet the campers’ special needs. Construction of the facility was finished only two weeks ago and, thanks to the hard work of Ann Grimm and her team of volunteers, including Crystal Meszkat and Linda Beck and a fabulous group of designers, they transformed the camp into a spectacular marketplace that would rival any Designer Showhouse.

Seen enjoying cocktails were: Debbie Bancroft; Jack Grimm, lending his support to wife Ann, who looked fabulous in a white bouclé jacket with black grosgrain trim; Gillian and Sylvester Miniter—Gillian looked lovely in a Lela Rose design of coral lace overlay; James Alan Smith; Ann Madonia; Gary Crain; Christie Hansen; and “Sopranos” stars Lorraine Bracco and Aida Turturro. In her usual style, Aida flew through the buildings slapping “sold” stickers on everything.

The live auction, which was once again run by John Block, was a big success, as everyone was rushing to bid on the wonderful array of goodies. Everyone had their eye on the “Adventure on a Vintage Yacht,” which included lunch for six on a fully restored 73-foot 1930 motorboat with full staff. This item was so popular that it was auctioned off twice. Other notable items included golf for four at the exclusive Sebonack Golf Club, a private tour of our nation’s Capitol building, and an all-terrain vehicle by BMX.

Also seen shopping: John and Melanie Wambold, Kevin Maple, Pamela Snyder, Ellen L’Esperance, Camille Campbell, and Susan Fore and Hunter Kushing. The Farkas clan was out in full force, with Jonathan and Somers, and Jonathan’s daughter Blayre with Brian Spengemann. Blayre was wearing an updated chic Lilly Pulitzer navy dress with a ruffle collar. Lilly has come a long way, so young and fresh; have you seen her new Madison Avenue Boutique? After your panini at St Ambroeus, it is worth the walk up Madison to her shop, which has something for even the most city-savvy dresser. It’s not all pink and green.

Many people came up from Palm Beach for the event, including Annette and Gerald Geddes, Tina Roberts with her husband, Joel Berman, as well as Doran Mullen. Saw the charming Sheila Fuchs in a leopard print scooped neckline sleeveless little number that I overheard her tell someone she bought on a recent trip to Paris. Michael and Jessica Schessel were beaming as they were lucky enough to snap up the baby grand piano for their son, who is only 15 months old. No pressure, kiddo.

I wish I could be at the camp on opening day to see the faces of the returning campers as they see the new facility in all its splendor. We all go to many benefits and charity galas; it is so wonderful to see the good work being done with everyone’s donations.

Just a reminder: Next weekend is the “Midsummer Night Drinks” for God’s Love We Deliver. This year the event will take place at Rory and Elie Tahari’s private home in Sagaponack on Saturday, June 14, from 6 to 9 p.m. For tickets and additional information, please call (212) 294-8143. See you there!