What do a room full of politicians, comedians, fashionistas, and socialites have in common? Investment banker Jeffrey Furman, of course! The Child Development Center of the Hamptons for Special Children (CDCH) held its 4th annual “Kite Dance” at the Pierre to honor Furman’s commitment to disabled children. Glitterati that dressed to the nines and tens for the evening’s ceremony included Donald Trump, Stewart and Carol Rahr, Kristi Witker, Trish and Arthur Backal, Melissa Cohn, Ron Delsener, Audrey Flack and Robert Marcus, Paul Guilden, Suzanne and Hormoz Sabet, Juliana Terian, and president of Time magazine, Eileen Naughton. Robin (CDCH prez) and hubby Fred Seegal chaired the event along with founder Dawn Zimmerman Hummel. Co-Chairs were Jennifer D’Auria, Lisa Kerkorian, and Jane McEvoy Petrycki.

Highlight of the evening thrilling us the most was a live auction hosted by Sotheby’s auctioneer James Niven. Some particularly tense moments kept us on the edge as the bidding for an NBC and NY Stock Exchange tour, which began slowly at several thousand dollars, suddenly skyrocketed back and forth between Kinray Exec Stewart Rahr and a rival bidder. Stepping up to and staying at the plate for his dear friend Jeff Furman, Rahr prevailed with a bid of $30,000, thereby contributing his considerable share of the more than $350,000 raised that evening.

Jeff, who is founder and president of The Jeffrey Furman Foundation (a non-profit organization that supports a multitude of worthwhile charities) currently serves as Co-Chairman of Fortrend International, which specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Furman has led many successful industries, including optometry, real estate, investment funds, security trades, media, and offshore oil drilling (you name the industry, and Jeff’s improved it!). Talking about the Center’s work, Jeff stated, “With my own daughter having special educational needs, I understand how important a safe and nurturing learning environment can be. That’s why I’ve been involved with this organization from the beginning, and why I’m so proud and amazed at its growth and achievements.”

Jeff, you never cease to amaze us here at The Sheet! Congrats!