Miami, March 20, 2008 – 375 people attended the <b>Inaugural Best Buddies Palm Beach Gala: Crystal Ball</b> at the <a href="http://www.flaglermuseum.us/"target="_blank">Flagler Museum</a> on Wednesday, March 19th. The event raised nearly $600,000 for <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a>, a vibrant organization founded in 1989 by <b>Anthony Kennedy Shriver</b> to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. Palm Beach resident and noted philanthropist <b>Mark Freitas</b> served as the Gala Chairman. Additionally, Mr. Freitas, the President and Chief Operating Officer of <a href="http://www.fcrystal.com/"target="_blank">Frank Crystal & Company</a>, graciously committed his firm to be the Title Sponsor for the Gala, which featured a cocktail hour with martinis courtesy of <b>Grey Goose Vodka</b>, a formal gourmet dinner, an amazing auction, and a live performance by disco legend <a href="http://www.gloriagaynor.com/"target="_blank">Gloria Gaynor</a>, who encouraged the enthusiastic crowd to sing along to her smash-hit "I Will Survive." One of the evening’s more memorable moments was a tribute to <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/site/c.ljJ0J8MNIsE/b.933717/k.CBF8/Home.htm"target="_blank">Best Buddies International</a> <b>Board Member Tatiana S. Platt</b>, a renowned Internet executive and founder of <a href="http://www.famegame.com/profile/Tatiana_Platt"target="_blank">FameGame.com</a>, who has been involved with <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a> practically from its inception. Ms. Platt, who wore a white beaded <b>Emanuel Ungaro gown and Cartier jewels</b>, was honored with the <b>"Spirit of Leadership Award,"</b> Best Buddies’ highest accolade, for her dedicated service on behalf of those with intellectual disabilities. A new addition to the <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a> Artist Collection was also unveiled during the Gala, by none other than the artist himself, <a href="http://www.huntslonem.com/"target="_blank">Hunt Slonem</a>. The work, titled "Reflections" is part of <a href="http://www.huntslonem.com/"target="_blank">Mr. Slonem's</a> ongoing series on butterflies, which he uses to symbolize hope and transformation – flashes of the ephemeral made real in textured paint. This striking image will later be reproduced and sold, with all proceeds benefiting <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a>. Other highlights of this magnificent evening included entertainment by whimsical cirque performers, speeches by local <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a> participants, and the opportunity to check out some of the latest models from <a href="http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/new_cars/Audi_A4/RS_4.html"target="_blank">Audi</a>, the official automobile sponsor of <a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org"target="_blank">Best Buddies</a>, as well as the breathtaking <a href="http://www.audiusa.com/audi/us/en2/Company/News/thebeginningofanewfriendship.html"target="_blank">Audi RS 4 Friendship Car</a>, a rolling work of art designed by pop artist <a href="http://www.britto.com/"target="_blank">Romero Britto</a>. In addition to the aforementioned individuals, several other notable figures attended the Gala, including Honorary Gala Co-Chairs <b>Alina and Anthony Kennedy Shriver; Sargent and Eunice Kennedy Shriver</b>; and Gala Host Committee members <b>Cece Farris, Michele and Howard Kessler, Talbott and Jack Maxey, and Tom Quick</b>. Several "transplanted" New Yorkers came out to show their support, as well, including: <b>Jay and Anne Hearst McInerney; Patty Raynes; Carl Adams; Gillian and Sylvester Miniter; Robin Leacock; Margaret Luce; Nacho Figueras and Delfina Blaquier; Holidae Hayes; Countess Sharon Sondes; Dr. Carter Pottash; and Lon and Michelle Otremba</b>. <b>Photo Credit</b>: <a href="http://www.luciencapehart.com/new/index.php"target="_blank">Lucien Capehart Photography</a>. For more information, please contact: <a href="mailto:HeatherSchatz@bestbuddies.org">Heather Schatz</a> |<a href="http://www.bestbuddies.org/site/c.ljJ0J8MNIsE/b.933717/k.CBF8/Home.htm"target="_blank">Best Buddies International</a> |100 SE Second Street Suite 2200, Miami, Florida 33131 | tel: 305-374-2233, ext. 207 | e-mail: <a href="mailto:HeatherSchatz@bestbuddies.org">HeatherSchatz@bestbuddies.org</a>. http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB147/272669102_qeHpS-Ti.jpg http://manhattan.smugmug.com/gallery/4621346_khYR6/ 2008-03-30T13:03:16Z Copyright 2009, the copyright holder of each photograph. Some portions copyright SmugMug. All rights reserved. SmugMug <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Campion & Tatiana Platt</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272667889_n9PCw" title="Campion & Tatiana Platt"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB044/272667889_n9PCw-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Campion & Tatiana Platt" title="Campion & Tatiana Platt" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:51:38Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB044/272667889_n9PCw-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 18:41:14 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Hunt Slonem & Tatiana Platt</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272668314_hkGbT" title="Hunt Slonem & Tatiana Platt"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB047/272668314_hkGbT-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hunt Slonem & Tatiana Platt" title="Hunt Slonem & Tatiana Platt" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:49:20Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB047/272668314_hkGbT-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 18:41:59 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Anthony Shriver, Anne and Jay McInerney</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272668729_jRVvf" title="Anthony Shriver, Anne and Jay McInerney"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB063/272668729_jRVvf-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Anthony Shriver, Anne and Jay McInerney" title="Anthony Shriver, Anne and Jay McInerney" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:49:06Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB063/272668729_jRVvf-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 18:48:06 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Helmut Koller, Alina and Anthony Shriver, Mark Freitas, Helga Wagner, Cynthia Friedman, and John Elwood</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272669102_qeHpS" title="Helmut Koller, Alina and Anthony Shriver, Mark Freitas, Helga Wagner, Cynthia Friedman, and John Elwood"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB147/272669102_qeHpS-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Helmut Koller, Alina and Anthony Shriver, Mark Freitas, Helga Wagner, Cynthia Friedman, and John Elwood" title="Helmut Koller, Alina and Anthony Shriver, Mark Freitas, Helga Wagner, Cynthia Friedman, and John Elwood" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:48:50Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB147/272669102_qeHpS-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 19:14:53 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Cocktails in the courtyard</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272669622_T96KN" title="Cocktails in the courtyard"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB161/272669622_T96KN-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Cocktails in the courtyard" title="Cocktails in the courtyard" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:48:21Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB161/272669622_T96KN-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 19:21:55 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Hunt Slonem & Eunice Shriver</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272670040_dUaHo" title="Hunt Slonem & Eunice Shriver"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB199/272670040_dUaHo-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Hunt Slonem & Eunice Shriver" title="Hunt Slonem & Eunice Shriver" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:46:33Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB199/272670040_dUaHo-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 19:38:46 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Anthony & Eunice Shriver, Tom Quick, Alina Shriver</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272670440_Qtunb" title="Anthony & Eunice Shriver, Tom Quick, Alina Shriver"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB228/272670440_Qtunb-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Anthony & Eunice Shriver, Tom Quick, Alina Shriver" title="Anthony & Eunice Shriver, Tom Quick, Alina Shriver" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:45:26Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB228/272670440_Qtunb-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 19:45:05 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Tatiana getting the “Spirit of Friendship” Award</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272670924_3Jhwr" title="Tatiana getting the “Spirit of Friendship” Award"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB252/272670924_3Jhwr-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Tatiana getting the “Spirit of Friendship” Award" title="Tatiana getting the “Spirit of Friendship” Award" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:45:17Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB252/272670924_3Jhwr-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 20:30:41 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272671325_JTZ77" title="Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB432/272671325_JTZ77-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier" title="Nacho Figueras & Delfina Blaquier" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:46:45Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB432/272671325_JTZ77-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 22:23:40 <p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com">manhattan</a><br />Gloria Gaynor performing</p><p><a href="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/4621346_khYR6#272671811_uD7J3" title="Gloria Gaynor performing"><img src="http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB484/272671811_uD7J3-Th.jpg" width="150" height="150" alt="Gloria Gaynor performing" title="Gloria Gaynor performing" style="border: 1px solid #000000;" /></a></p> 2009-01-09T03:44:09Z manhattan http://manhattan.smugmug.com http://manhattan.smugmug.com/2008/Inaugural-Best-Buddies-Palm/BB484/272671811_uD7J3-Th.jpg 2008-03-19 22:54:49