Mercedes-Benz Polo Challenge at Blue Star Jets Field, where athletes compete from all over the world and spectators either revel in divet stomping the torn up turf during half-time or sip cocktails under the coveted invitation-only VIP tent. The field was covered with East-end influentials, socialites and celebrities. But the day’s buzz came from reality television personality Jon and Kate Plus 8 playboy, John Gosselin, who attended Polo with his new BFF, Lindsay Lohan’s dad. What an unlikely pair considering Michael Lohan’s history with his own ex-wife.
The Hamptons evening continued with benefits supporting everything from cancer research to wounded war veterans.
At MacDella Cooper Foundation’s (MCF) “Champion of Education” benefit at the Four Seasons in Southampton, I had the opportunity of speaking with The Real Housewives of New York couple and co-chair of MCF, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen. Since they live with their two young boys in Brooklyn, it seemed only natural to ask them if their success would mean a move to Manhattan. “We love Brooklyn and it’s great for the kids.” van Kempen said. “I’m not moving until I am so old that I can’t walk up and down the stairs in my apartment anymore,” McCord echoed.
The mission of MCF is to empower Liberian orphans and abandoned children, by providing education, food, clothing, and shelter. The goal to raise $500,000 to open the first-ever tuition free school in post-war Liberia. Supporters include David A. Paterson, Michelle Trachtenberg, Matt Dillon, and Paul Allen, Co-founder of Microsoft.
Other events included the Watermill Center and Rock the Farm’s concert series with Dan Akroyd, but the most spontaneous encounter came during a drop by at Trata on my way home. My hips came crashing with tambourine-shaking NYC reality star Ramona Singer strutting her way inside the restaurant with her husband Mario trailing behind. It looks like the housewives were anywhere but home this weekend.
- Lori Vadala Bizzoco
