South O' the Highway (and the North too)

We hear that the Knicks are heading to the East End again this summer. Former Knicks star John Starks will lead the way with current Knicks David Lee, Nate Robinson, Zach Randolph and Wilson Chandler to conduct two sessions of basketball skills camp at the Hayground School in Bridgehampton. The Knicks Camps for boys and girls ages eight to 17 will take place for three days from August 25-27 and August 28-30. The clinic will consist of a comprehensive instructional basketball program including skills training, full court games and basketball contests for Knicks prizes. Space is limited. Visit nyknicks.com or basketballcity.com for more information.

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Talk and reality show hostess Tyra Banks and the cast of "America's Next Top Model" dashed into Biba Southampton last week to escape a torrential downpour. Tyra and the girls were reportedly delighted to find shelter in the trendy boutique, and had fun shopping for clothes and accessories.

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Russell Simmons of East Hampton and Rabbi Marc Schneier of Westhampton Beach recently hosted the annual Los Angeles Benefit for The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding, of which they are chairman and president, respectively, at the Beverly Hills home of Brett Ratner. The 2008 Joseph Papp Racial Harmony Award recipients were Vicangelo Bulluck, Executive Director of the NAACP Hollywood Bureau and Executive Producer of the NAACP Image Awards, Jay Faires, President of Music for Lionsgate and Daphna Ziman, Founder and Chairperson of Children United Nations.

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Johnny Depp has been shopping in the Hamptons. The actor, who played Raoul Duke in the film version of Hunter Thompson's novel, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, just bought the journalist's private papers through Glenn Horowitz Bookseller in East Hampton.

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The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation will be celebrating its annual Hamptons Summer Soiree at the Pink Elephant Southampton on August 9, from 7-11 p.m. Hosted by Matthew Reeve, the eldest son of Christopher Reeve, the evening will be filled with the music of DJs Berrie and Dojah, as well as good food and special friends. For more information, call 973-379-2690.

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Dr. Carole Hankin of Westhampton Beach was presented with the 2008 Educator of the Year Award by Phi Delta Kappa of Columbia University. This prestigious award is presented annually to an educator making an outstanding contribution to the field. Dr. Hankin was recognized for her contributions as Syosset School District Superintendent. With over 6,000 students in 10 schools, the district has developed ground-breaking programs and unique partnerships.

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Steven Klein's photo of Madonna draped across a horse and a photograph from Linda McCartney's private foundation will be featured at the MANE EVENT auction on Saturday, August 9, at West Kill Farm. Other items in the auction include an Hermes saddle, a custom tack trunk by McGuinn Farms, fashion items by Dolce & Gabbana and Lanvin and a week's stay in the Dominican Republic. All proceeds from the event benefit Amaryllis Farm Equine Rescue. Hosted by Steven Klein and Gwyneth Paltrow, with Madonna serving as Honorary Chairperson. DJ Honey Dijon will spin. Info and tickets: Linda B. Shapiro (631) 329-5480

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Seen out and about in the Hamptons recently were Paul McCartney and Nancy Shevell, sharing a margarita at Nick & Toni's in East Hampton; Jerry O'Connell and wife Rebecca Romijn, who are expecting twins, dining at the Surf Lodge in Montauk; Joan Allen on the Hampton Jitney; and Lauren Bacall, enjoying a meal at Nichols in East Hampton.

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The 13th Annual Ellen's Run will take place Sunday, August 17 at 9 a.m. at East Hampton High School. Named the Best Event of 2007 by Dan's Papers, more than 1,000 runners are expected to participate in the 5K race. Runners, walkers, men, women and children are welcome. New this year is the Ellen's Run Health and Wellness Fair. To register or for more information, call Julie Ratner at 631-907-1952, or visit ellensrun.org.

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Kimberly Goff, Dan's Papers photographer and daughter of Elaine Benson, will have a retrospective show of her 1998-2008 paintings on display at Peter Marcelle's Hampton Road Gallery in Southampton. The opening is August 16.

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