Founder and gala dinner chairs Sharyn Mann and Todd Slotkin were joined by Ellen Barkin and Ron Perelman, Dan Aykroyd and Donna Dixon, David and Julia Koch, Dr. Pat Coyne, Cece Cord, Beth DeWoody, Leba and Neil Sedaka, Michael Milken, Bill and Phyllis Mack, and Mickey Palin, among others, were on hand at the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) Ball at the Plaza. FAI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the research, education, and treatment of food allergies. The glittering event honored Howard Gittis and Drew Nieporent, recipient of the Joe Baum Lifetime Achievement Award. Restaurateurs Sirio Maccioni, Julian Niccolini, and Alex Von Bidder also came out for the FAI, and Robert and Mary Kennedy Jr.—who’ve been out of social commission since the birth of Mary’s sixth child, Aidan—made an appearance for their own personal cause: Their 7-year-old son has been hospitalized nine times because of his allergy to peanuts. Topping the night: a smashing performance by Harry Belafonte.

The organization’s goal is to educate people about this terrible affliction. The evening raised $2,100,000! Not bad for a new charity no one heard of five years ago. Don’t miss the next biggie, December 3, 2002, when Ron Perelman will be honored.