Dan's Papers - June 27, 2008 - Whispers with Gina Glickman

There is only one event you need to know about and attend this Saturday evening, June 28 - the first-ever Denim and Diamonds Gala at the Diamond Ranch in Water Mill, to benefit the American Cancer Society.

For starters, I am honored to be the Master of Ceremonies for the evening. I will make sure each and every guest is having an entertaining time. More importantly, all the proceeds benefit the ACS, and if you are wondering where your money goes, just ask ACS Director of Distinguished Events, Dawn Tropeano, who told me, "Proceeds raised that evening will benefit The American Cancer Society here locally. We have many wonderful programs such as Road to Recovery, Reach to Recover and Look Good, Feel Better. Our patient and family services team works really hard to reach the folks in Suffolk County, and our Hope Lodge facility in New York City. It's all about joining the fight against cancer. We have a live auction that will feature some really cool items such as a complete day of beauty with stylist to the stars, David Evangelista, a Nobu chef tasting and VIP tickets to the 'Jimmy Kimmel' show. Plus, we have a wonderful Detox Boot Camp hosted by trainer to the stars, Jay Cardiello. It's a wonderful spinoff event on July 12, catered by Elegant Affairs that you can bid on this Saturday evening."

The ACS has chosen to honor several deserving individuals, including Congressman Tim Bishop, Edna Kapenhas-Valdes MD, in memory of Roy Scheider, and Bravo's "Real Housewives of New York City" star, Countess de Lesseps (a.k.a. Luann) and her husband, Count de Lesseps. The Countess, with tears in her eyes, graciously revealed her personal connection to the cause: "My father died of cancer, and in the end he was kind of alone. So, it's so wonderful to be honored and to know that a place like Hope Lodge exists, where people can find solace in having people to talk to. I am a nurse and I took care of a lot of people with cancer. I think it's something we have to get rid of. It doesn't go away and it affects everybody, and we all need it." The Countess travels the world but she still calls the Hamptons her home and now, home is a place where she has become a recognizable face. She told me, "Young girls come to me and they say, 'Tell us about your style manners and etiquette.' I get a lot of fan mail asking for that." The Countess was quick to deny those nasty rumors about how some of the castmates really don't get along. "We do get along! Jill and Ramona always have this love-hate relationship going on, but for the most part we do get along." Rumors aside, the Countess revealed that the entire cast is currently in negotiations on season two and yes, she plans on sticking around - yet admits she has several other projects in the works! "I'm working on a book, which is great. I'm thrilled about that. I'm modeling again. I just want to be working on television."

Now, if you can't make the five-star dinner portion of the gala, then you have other options to join the party. $150 buys you a ticket to the cocktail hour, but it doesn't get you into the official ACS Denim and Diamonds afterparty at Lily Pond nightclub in East Hampton, which promises to have a star-studded turnout. Log onto or for details and ticket info. See you this Saturday!

Until next week - Life is short, you only live once, so party on!

Entertainment & Feature Correspondent, Director, Writer and Executive Producer Gina Glickman can be seen on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends starring on News 12 Long Island's "What's Hot in the Hamptons." Log onto for more celebrity action with Gina, on her "Main Street" series. Or visit GINAGLICKMAN.com.