Watermill, N.Y. August 21,2009.
Anthony Kennedy Shriver,
the Founder of Best Buddies
was unable to attend due to the
recent loss of his beloved mother Eunice
Kennedy Shriver. Eunice was
a leader in the worldwide struggle
to improve and enhance the lives of
individuals with intellectual
disabilities. Her life's
work will live on through Anthony
and his achievements with Best
Buddies.
200 Hamptonites
showed up to support Best Buddies,
most in chic western attire as the
invitation requested. Anne Hearst and
Jay McInerney were very gracious
hosts. Co-Chairs of the event were
Tatiana and Campion Platt, Anne
Hearst and Jay McInerney, and Haley
and Jason Binn. Guests wore western
boots, hats, handkerchiefs and just
about anything that could be viewed
as a fashion statement. Some of the
guests were New York Governor David
Paterson, Kick Kennedy, Sharon Bush,
Amanda Hearst, Alejandro Santo
Domingo, Princess Yasmin Aga Khan,
Kathy and Rick Hilton, Tommy Quick
and many more.
Buddy Ambassador
Rachel Lipke made a heart warming
speech about her childhood and how
it felt to be teased because she was
different. Governor Paterson shared
a story about his disability and the
effects it had on his life. After
the speeches a live auction to
Sponsor-a-Buddy Leadership
Conference Program in contributions
of $1000 was conducted. Hands were
raised throughout the room to raise
a total of $28,000. The Gala,
presented by UBS, raised nearly
$275,000 cash and in-kind for Best
Buddies International.
Best Buddies was
founded by Anthony Kennedy Shriver
in 1989
to establish a global volunteer
movement treat one-to-one
friendships, integrated employment
and leadership development for
people with intellectual and
developmental disabilities .As a
result
of their involvement with Best
Buddies, people with intellectual
disabilities secure rewarding jobs,
live on their own, and make lifelong
friendships.