Dans Papers - May 25, 2007 - Pop! Benefit for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic

After seeing Andy Warhol's Green Car Crash (Green Burning Car I) sell for $71,720,000 at Christies' Postwar and Contemporary art auction on May 16, which brought in an estimated $385 million in sales, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic (PPHP) is definitely happy about the timing of their Pop! Benefit.

With the art market booming, Warhol's painting went for $36 million more than the highest presale estimate and PPHP is hoping to take advantage of the renewed interest in the 1960s culture and the Pop Art movement. Pop and Op Culture happen to be the focus of PPHP's 20th Annual East End Benefit.

"For the last 20 years we have very much appreciated the support and generosity of the Hamptons community and this year is no exception," Reina Schiffrin, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic, said.

The June 2 benefit will feature an auction of 1960s inspired art, furniture and vintage fashion. The auction will include art by Roy Lichtenstein, Tom Wesselman and Alexander Calder. One of the items up for auction is Lichtenstein's silkscreen work "The Oval Office." There will also be photographs by Bert Stern and Burt Glinn, designs by Steuben, Robert Wilson, Bertoia, Verner Panton and vintage fashion by Emilio Pucci, Geoffrey Beene, Marimekko, Courreges and Pauline Trigere up for grabs.

PPHP's benefit committee members Greg Turpan, Russ Steele and Zesty Meyers have been in charge of curating the furniture portion of the event. Turpan is the owner of Turpan's in East Hampton, the former proprietor of Turpan Sanders in SoHo and the creator of the Calvin Klein Home collection. Steele is the proprietor of R.E. Steele Antiques in East Hampton, which sells unique pieces of 20th Century furniture. Meyers is one of the principals of the Tribeca gallery, R 20th Century. Meyers' gallery specializes in international objects, lighting and furniture from the mid-century modern movement through the current day.

The event will take place at the art-filled Sag Harbor home of Lisa and Richard Perry from 6 to 8 p.m., overlooking the Peconic Bay. Lisa Perry, herself, is an avid collector of vintage fashion from the 1960s. She recently started a clothing line under her own label with a collection inspired from the 1960s. Perry is also known for her efforts in supporting reproductive rights.

"Our host, Lisa Perry is not only an outstanding advocate for reproductive rights, she inspired the Pop theme of our event," Schiffrin said. "She has worked tirelessly to make certain our event is a success and we are thrilled that it is anticipated to be our most successful event ever."

The Honorary Chairs of this year's event include Alec Baldwin, Loraine Boyle, Christie Brinkley, Leslie and Chuck Close, Ina and Jeffrey Garten, April Gornik and Eric Fischl, Isaac Mizrahi, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick, Susan Ringo and Barry Sonnenfeld, Toni Ross, David Salle and Kathleen Turner.

Proceeds from the benefit will help PPHP to sustain and expand local medical services and programs on the East End. For almost 75 years, PPHP has been providing reproductive health care, education and counseling services in Suffolk, Westchester, Rockland and Putnam Counties. Its mission is to educate individuals to make responsible choices regarding their sexuality and sexual health. Planned Parenthood says it has done more to reduce the incidence of abortion and unintended pregnancy than any other health care provider or advocacy group. Planned Parenthood also prides itself on giving affordable and confidential healthcare to its patients. Last year, PPHP's six centers in Suffolk County served over 20,000 people.

Tickets to the event range from $250 to $5000. Call (631) 240-1134 for more information.