On
June 20, 2009, the Ross School honored Martha Stewart at the sixth
annual Starlight Ball at the Ross School in Bridgehampton, NY.
The annual Club Starlight event benefits Ross School programs, The
Steven J. Ross Scholarship Fund, an initiative that enables 25 percent
of the student body to receive financial assistance, and the newly
established Martha Stewart Scholarship Fund. This year, Martha Stewart
was honored with a namesake scholarship, which was awarded to Ross
student and culinary prodigy Gregory Grossman. Attended by 500 people,
Club Starlight raised more than $500,000 to help ensure that children
from all economic circumstances benefit from a world-class Ross education.
The evening included a cocktail reception, donated by local restaurateurs
as well as Cliff Lede Vineyards in Napa Valley, New York Vintners and
Russian Standard Platinum Vodka. Dinner was catered by the renowned
Ross Café. There was also a comedy performance by Seth Meyers,
musical performances by recording legend James Ingram and Ross alumna
Alexa Ray Joel, and dancing to the sounds of celebrated DJ Ross One.
Ross parent Jay McInerney emceed the event, and acted as auctioneer
with Ross parent Dr. Gerald Curatola for the successful live auction,
which was previewed before the event at CharityBuzz.com. Offerings
included a Harry Winston Avenue C Lady Timepiece in 18k white gold
with approximately 1.48 carats of diamonds with quartz movement and
an alligator strap; a private dinner at Martha Stewart's home;
four VIP tickets to “The Martha Stewart Show” at Chelsea
Studios in New York City, which includes lunch at the Studio with Martha,
as prepared by a chef of Martha's choosing; a VIP package to “Saturday
Night Live,” which includes a signed copy of a script; and VIP
tickets to see Crosby Stills and Nash at Jones Beach on Saturday, August
8, 2009.
Ross school was founded in 1991 by Courtney and Steven J. Ross and
incorporates innovative models to prepare students to meet the challenges
of the 21st century. The academy serves 550 students of diverse
geographic, academic, economic, social, and ethnic backgrounds, from
pre-nursery through grade twelve. The boarding program ensures interaction,
cultural exchange, and international dialogue integral to the Ross
learning experience.
