Russell Simmons and Kelly Bensimon Host Caron Save-A-Life Gala
Two leading celebrities, the hip hop godfather Russell Simmons (behind numerous clothing labels including Def Jam) and author, actor, editor, and socialite Kelly Bensimon, recently hosted the third annual Caron Renaissance Save-a-Life Gala at the elegant New York Capital Bowery.
This night of swank and goodwill was sponsored by Oster Media and its principle, Avi Oster, a fashion and media specialist well known for hosting networking and philanthropic events throughout the city, including the recent “Southern Crawl” and “360 Induced.” The proceeds of the event went to sponsor the Florida based Caron Renaissance Rehab center, which is well known for implementing a unique treatment style that surpasses the typical regimen.
This system involves early intervention at the facility combined with long term supervised medical, as well as familial, medical, spiritual, and lifestyle considerations. Dozens of celebrities and bold-faced names were present, including Melissa George, Denise Vasi, and Flaviana Matata.
These guests took place in a private concert by the Latin group Papaguyo, raised money at both silent and live auctions, and also listened to a personal address by the author of the New York Times bestseller “Symptoms of Withdrawal: A Memoir of Snapshots and Redemption” Christopher Kennedy Lawford, in which he detailed his own personal struggle with drug and alcohol addiction and its effects on his family and life for over twenty five years. With so many of the audience possessing friends and family involved in this same struggle the address and evening drew tears even through its message of hope.
