*LOVE, NOEL

Bay Street Theatre welcomes Broadway luminaries Christine Ebersole and Edward Hibbert as they perform Love, Noël: The Letters and Songs of Noël Coward. The performance intertwines the music of Coward and letters between him and his famous friends, which are newly collected in the critically acclaimed book The Letters of Noël Coward, edited by Barry Day. This is sure to be an enchanting evening filled with wonderful talent. 8 p.m. Bay Street Theatre, Sag Harbor. Call: 631-725-9500.

*ARF ARF
ARF (Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons) will host a preview cocktail party at the newly renovated ARF Thrift & Treasure Shop to celebrate its grand re-opening. The shop will be transformed into a stunning Designer Showhouse featuring 10 rooms designed by renowned interior decorators including Geoffrey Bradfield, Thomas Britt, Peter Hallock, Sandra McConnell, and Priscilla Ulmann. Preview 5 p.m. Sagaponack.
Call: 631-537-0400 x216.

SUNDAY, MAY 29

*HEAT WAVE

The Heat Wave oceanfront benefit for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic will include special guest Andy Cohen of Bravo. Guests will enjoy an art show and sale, pop-up boutiques, silent auction, music, film, fashion, fun, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres. 6:30 p.m. Bridgehampton Tennis and Surf Club, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-240-1128.

JUNE 2011

TASTE OF SUMMER

Kick off summer with the Central Park Conservancy’s Taste of Summer, an al fresco event under the stars in Central Park. Guests will enjoy a delicious buffet dinner prepared by over 40 renowned New York chefs, as well as a luxury-filled silent action and dancing to one of the city’s hottest DJs. Join committee members Gillian Miniter, James Andrew, Muffie Potter Aston, Ashley Baker, Mario Buatta, Lauren Bush, Sharon Bush, David Patrick Columbia, Somers Farkas, Peter Max, Patrick McMullan, Hunt Slonem, and Felicia Taylor. 7 p.m. Central Park bandshell at 72nd St. Call: 212-310-6691.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Join Erica Jong, author of 21 books, including the groundbreaking Fear of Flying and her most recent work, Love Comes First, at Literacy Partners Food for Thought Series Luncheon. Support Literacy Partners’ mission of providing free literacy programs for adults and families in New York City. 12 p.m. Le Cirque. Call: 646-237-0105.

MOVING IMAGE

United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Women Who Care Luncheon will be hosted by Donna Hanover and include honorees Lauren Bush, Roxanne Mankin Cason, Carolee Friedlander, Petra Nemcova, and the Trush family, the founders of Daniel's Music Foundation. Chairs Robin Givens and Paula Zahn, as well as many celebrity guests, will be in attendance. 12 p.m. Cipriani 42nd Street. Call: 212-683-6700 x205.

*BREATH OF FRESH AIR

Breathe fresh life into your home at the Decorators-Designers-Dealers Sale, Auction, and Cocktail Party to benefit Southampton Fresh Air Home’s camp programs for physically challenged children. The event will feature items from top names in fashion, travel, fine dining, jewelry, entertainment, sports, health, and beauty, as well as rare antique furniture pieces. 5:30 p.m. Southampton Fresh Air Home. Call: 631-283-5847.

FORGET-ME-NOT

Join the Alzheimer’s Association for its annual Forget-Me-Not Gala emceed by Tony Award winner David Hyde Pierce. The evening will include a cocktail reception, silent and live auctions, dinner, and dancing. 6:30 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 646-744-2998.

BALLET SLIPPERS

The School of American Ballet’s Workshop Performance benefit, honoring Robert Fribourg, is the most anticipated event of the year. This annual performance is the only one open to the public, and is a rare opportunity to get a sneak peak at the rising stars. The performance will be followed by an elegant dinner. Chairs include Chelsea Clinton, Elizabeth McCreery, and Amanda Brotman. 5:30 p.m. Peter Jay Sharp Theater, Lincoln Center. Call: 212-769-6600.

GUARDIAN ANGELS

Attend the Guardian Angels; gala to raise funds to help keep neighborhoods, schools, and cyberspace safe from bullying, gangs, and violence. Chairs include Henry Buhl, Curtis and Mary Sliwa, John and Margo Catsimatidis, Donna and Dick Soloway, Rita Cosby, Evie Moldaver, Cristyne Nicholas, and Sylvia Roth. The Frey Family Foundation is the event sponsor, and the guest of honor is Police Commish Raymond Kelly, with a special presentation by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. 6 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 917-699-0850.

SAFARI AT THE ZOO

Enter the extraordinary world of elephants at the Wildlife Conservation Society’s annual spring gala, Elephants and Ivory, hosted by the Central Park Zoo. Guests will enjoy the spectacular outdoor party backdrop envisioned by premier designer and floral architect Preston Bailey. Ian Douglas- Hamilton will be honored for his leading efforts in elephant conservation in the wild. This gala is sure to send New Yorkers on an imaginary safari. 6:30 p.m. Central Park Zoo. Call: 973-233-1150.

*PAWS ACROSS THE HAMPTONS

Support our four-legged friends at Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s
Paws Across the Hamptons Dog Walk. Join Mayor Mark Epley and his wife, Marianne, as well as Southampton Hospital president Robert Chaloner , and vice president Robert Ross, on a trek around beautiful Southampton. Walk with or without man’s best friend or walk a shelter dog and give it a chance to be adopted. 10 a.m. Southampton High School, Narrow Lane. Call: 631-204-0072 or register online at www.southamptonanimalshelter.com.

BON APPETITE

Culinary legends will gather at the 26th annual Chefs’ Tribute to Citymeals-on- Wheels to raise funds for hand-delivered meals to New York’s homebound elderly. Chefs will prepare delectable dishes at tasting stations throughout the Rockefeller Center Plaza for guests to enjoy. The honorary co-chair and emcee for this mouth-watering evening is Sandra Lee, editor-in-chief of Semi-Homemade Magazineand New York Times bestselling author and Food Network celebrity. Chefs attending include Daniel Boulud, Larry Forgione, Dan Kluger, Marco Moreira, Charlie Palmer, Alfred Portale, Jean- Georges Vongerichten and Cedric Vongerichten, and Jonathan Waxman. 7:30 p.m. Rockefeller Center.
Call: 212-687-1290.

HALL OF FAME

Dine with the stars at the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 42nd annual Induction and Awards Dinner. Inductees include John Bettis, Garth Brooks, Leon Russell, Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelly, and Allen Toussaint. Hip-Hop Laureate Drake will receive the Hal David Starlight Award, and Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil will receive the prestigious Johnny Mercer Award. This star-studded event is sure to light up the evening. 6 p.m. Marriot Marquise.
Call: 212-573-6933.

SUPERSTAR DINNER

PAL will hold its 39th annual Superstar Dinner in honor of John Castsimatidis, chairman & CEO of Red Apple Group, who has been a dedicated member of PAL’s board of directors since 1984. Chairs include Donald Trump, James Orphanides, Joseph Grano Jr., and Maurice Greenberg. NBC news anchor Brian Williams serves as the evening’s emcee. 6:30 p.m. The Pierre. Call: 212-477-9450 x310

*MIDSUMMER NIGHT DRINKS

Join God’s Love We Deliver at its 11th annual Midsummer Night Drinks gala to raise funds to provide meals to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-altering illnesses who are too sick to shop and cook for themselves. Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of cocktails, music, and Hamptons ambience to support the important work of this organization as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.
6 p.m. Private home, Water Mill. Call: 212-294-8141.

*ARTIST AGAINST ABUSE

Join The Retreat for its 16th annual Artists Against Abuse Gala, hosted by Alexandra Wentworth and George Stephanopoulos. This year, the Great Hall will be transformed into a luxury liner for a nautical-themed evening. On board, guests can peruse the silent auction, featuring original artwork by local artists, and enjoy a delectable dinner. Mariska Hargitay will receive the Hope Award for her passion and commitment to the victims of domestic violence. Sara Friedlander of Christie’s Auction House will be the live auctioneer. 6 p.m. Ross School, East Hampton. Call: 631-329-4398.

*BAREFOOT UNDER THE STARS

Join dinner host Ina Garten (the Barefoot Contessa) and special guest Alec Baldwin under the stars for a magical gala to benefit Group for the East End. Guests will enjoy cocktails and a silent auction followed by dinner with renowned caterer Brent Newsom and dancing to DJ Tom Finn beats. 6 p.m. Wölffer Estate Vineyards, Sagaponack. Call: 631-537-1400 x215 or x216.

*HEART OF THE HAMPTONS

Wear your heart on your sleeve at the American Heart Association’s 15th annual Heart of the Hamptons gala to support heart-healthy living. Honorees include Todd Rosengart and Ambassador Charles Gargano. Rosanna Scotto, co-host of Good Day New York, will serve as the evening’s emcee. Highlights of the evening are dancing, a buffet dinner, and live and silent auctions. 6 p.m. Hayground School, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-734-2804.

*SUMMER FUN

Celebrate summer at Phoenix House’s Summer Party to honor Julie and Bruce Menin. The greatly anticipated event will benefit Phoenix House East Hampton’s Residential Facility and Out-Patient Clinic. 6 p.m. Southampton home of Margie and Michael Loeb. East Hampton. Call: 631-329-5480.

*SWING THE NIGHT AWAY

Swing the night away with the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at the Ross School’s 8th annual Live at Club Starlight gala honoring David and Sybil Yurman. The evening will feature dinner, dancing, and a live auction, as well as free swing-dancing lessons. Proceeds benefit scholarships and programs at Ross School. 6:30 p.m. Ross School, East Hampton. Call: 631-907-5232.

*BUSINESS AS USUAL

The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation will honor Eugene A. Profit, Former NFL player and CEO of Profit Investment Management, at its fourth annual luncheon. The gala will feature the musical stylings of celebrity spinner DJ M.O.S. CBS2 news anchor Maurice DuBois will emcee for the third consecutive year. Lewis’s daughter, actress Leslie Lewis Sword, will chair the event. 12:30 p.m. Lewis Estate, East Hampton. Call: 212-690-1363.

*SEASON SPECTACULAR

Attend Guild Hall’s Season Spectacular, celebrating Steve Martin and sponsored by Elie Tahari. The evening will feature a thrilling evening of bluegrass and banjo, including performances by the Steep Canyon Rangers. A private pre-performance reception will be held at the Elie Tahari Boutique. Join Alec Baldwin and Steve Martin for a post- performance dinner and conversation at a beautiful East Hampton home. 5 p.m. Reception. 7 p.m. performance. 8:30 p.m. dinner. East Hampton private home. Call: 631-324-0806 x24.

SATURDAY, JULY 9

*A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S PARTY

Join the New Parrish Art Museum for the highlight of the summer social season, the Midsummer Party, to celebrate and honor the Founding Partners for their generosity and indispensable dedication to the museum. Co-chairs include Deborah Bancroft, Etta Froio, and Dorothy Lichtenstein. 7 p.m. Parrish Art Museum, Southampton. Call: 631-283-2118 x42.

SATURDAY, JULY 16

*ROCK THE DOCK

Rock out at Bay Street Theatre’s Rock the Dock Summer Benefit Gala to support the arts. Guests will enjoy an exciting evening of dancing, auctions, and entertainment with DJ Tom Finn and celebrity hosts Chris Bauer, Richard Kind, and Mercedes Ruehl. This annual event is a gala not to be missed! 6:30 p.m. Bay Street Theatre on the Long Warf, Sag Harbor. Call: 631-725-0818.

*UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

Show your love for man’s best friend this summer by supporting Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation at its Unconditional Love gala. Help raise funds for our lovable pets and companions in a beautiful Southampton setting. The event will honor Karen LeFrak. 6 p.m. Southampton home of Ellen and Chuck Scarborough. Call: 631-329-5480.

AUGUST 2011

*WILD, WILD WEST

Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University, National Women’s Division New York Chapter, and Netjets present the 22nd annual Family Day Wild, Wild West Carnival. The carnival will feature games, rides, and exciting contests. Ongoing activities include a silent auction, arts and crafts, family photos, giant slide, petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, and much more! 10 a.m. Ross School, Bridgehampton. Call: 718-430-2818.

*BRING THE HEAT

Support Southampton Hospital’s Ellen Hermanson Breast Center at HEAT. This not-to-be-missed event will honor acclaimed stage, film, and television actress Laura Linney for her devotion to and support of the center. 6 p.m. Steven Klein’s West Kill Farm, Bridgehampton. Call: 631-329-5480.