August 9, 2008, 8:00 p.m., Steven Klein's West Kill Farm, 1971 Scuttle Hole Road, Bridgehampton, New York. MANE EVENT:A benefit for Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue. Madonna was the Honorary Chair but not in attendance at event. The event was Hosted by Gwyneth Paltrow (perhaps as a courtesy to Madonna?) & Steven Klein. Yet, the hosts spent most of their time huddled away and not generally available to media or even other VIP Guests who paid between $500-2,500 to attend the event. Gwyneth Paltrow & Steven Klein literally hid from the guests, had their enablers block members of the press from taking photos and having other VIP guests from getting anywhere near them. After less than an hour Gwyneth finally made a hasty exit to go party with Mariah Carey. This might lead one to conclude that perhaps those with iconclastic xenophobic, narcissistic tendencies should reconsider hosting philanthropic events. Or in the alternative just tell the media in advance that they will only "strike a pose" for Vogue and only their pre-arranged photographer(s)will be given a photo op. Co-Chairs: Kelly Klein, Sale Johnson & Marcy Warren were gracious to the media as were other VIP Guests who made themselves available to be photographed. A beautiful forum was wasted for an evening which was confusing to many and led to an early exodus by many guests who seemed disappointed to have paid $500-2500. Under these circumstances not even the best efforts of publicist extraordinaire, Linda Shapiro, could insure favorable coverage. Several guests were overheard grumbling that this was the "worst event" that they had attended in the Hamptons. It is unfortunate as the human love for preserving the health, safety and well being of God's creatures is a high calling and a worthwhile cause to support. The cause of Christine Barrett DiStefano and Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue is a most worthwhile one and I recommend that those who view my site learn about their good works. It is unfortunate when the illusiveness and general unavailability of the hosts of the event for even a reasonable photo op, made the event a circus, frustrating and a disappointment to those who tried only to cover and document a seemingly worthwhile event in a tasteful manner. A word of caution to those who focus their philanthropic efforts around accomodating the whims of iconclastic xenophobes, making them the "hosts" or centerpieces of charitable events, you risk undermining how the public perceives the importance and significance of the cause. Philanthropic Poseurs are certain celebrities who seem more hell bent on cutting deals with Wire Services to perpetuate the legend of their philanthropic good deeds so it makes news around the world while local journalists and guests are "stiffed." SEE ALSO: Rush & Molly: Gwyneth Paltrow's no-show upsets locals | MSNBC: Gwyneth snubs benefit crowd| France: Gwyneth snubs guests at equine rescue benefit PHOTO CREDIT:Copyright ©Manhattan Society.com 2008 by Christopher London | tel:Private |e-mail: ChrisLondon@manhattansociety.com