NEW YORK- JUNE 2: Sanctuary for Families hosted the 14th annual Zero Tolerance Benefit on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers, Hudson River at 23rd Street, New York City, NY. More than 1,500 prominent New Yorkers from the entertainment, fashion, business and legal communities attended the Zero Tolerance Benefit to support the fight against domestic violence lead by Sanctuary for Families, New York’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to helping victims and their families. As the economic downturn takes its toll on unemployment rates and stress levels, more and more families are turning to shelters for assistance and protection. The benefit raised more than $1.3 million, which will allow Sanctuary for Families to continue offering their diverse services in the midst of the increase in demand. Event Chairs: Francisco Costa & John DeStefano, David A. Gordon and Rita A. Hernandez & Darnley D. Stewart. Special Guests included: Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New York City” star Bethenny Frankel, Calvin Klein’s Creative Director Francisco Costa, Handbag Designer Lauren Merkin, and New Jersey Devils Left Wing Brendan Shanahan and renowned Event & Floral Designer Jeff Leatham. Other notable attendees included Anna & Tim Harrington (lead singer, Les Savy Fav), Stephanie & Michael Ferdman (Managing Director/Partner of Firstborn Multimedia), Belle Burden Davis, Barry and Sheryl Schwartz (former Chairman and CEO, Calvin Klein), and Carole Hochman (Carole Hochman Designs). After Bethenny dropped by the Literary Associates launch party and handed off new book, “Naturally Thin” to Caroline Kennedy, she then headed to the Zero Tolerance Benefit at Pier Sixty Chelsea Piers, where she dropped bank at the Jeff Leatham-designed Giving Tree. She contributed to the cause by purchasing several items such as children’s sports equipment and school supplies. The inspirational Giving Tree as well as other floral decorations were designed by high-profile Event Designer Jeff Leatham on behalf of his new TLC show to air this fall. As part of this year’s event, Sanctuary for Families honored Melissa & Daniel Berger (Zero Tolerance Award), Fujifilm (Corporate Vision Award), and Latham & Watkins LLP, (Law Firm Leadership Award). Following the award ceremony, a party commenced, featuring Celebrity DJ Grandmaster Flash. Photo Credit: Jeff Zorabedian MEDIA CONTACTS: Nicole Hernandez / Andrea Werbel Schultz | Parasol Marketing Group | tel: 212-372-7629 / 212-372-7630 | e-mail: nhernandez@parasolmarketing.com / aschultz@parasolmarketing.com