Temple of Dendurn, New York (NY), April 22, 2013

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n7Z8x_8FRTg

Ancient and Modern

Models and designers take over the Temple of Dendur for the Society of MSKCC's Spring Ball

At approximately 8 p.m. on Monday evening, prompted by a dinner bell, Zac Posen, Crystal Renn, and Tory Burch made their way toward an ancient Egyptian temple. The occasion was the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's annual Spring Ball, and the setting was the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Temple of Dendur.

The Harry Winston-sponsored soiree celebrated its sixth anniversary, but this was Renn's first time at the ball. She dished on her ensemble (gown and shoes: Armani; ring: Hot Topic) and summer plans: "I'm probably just working like insane, but I'd like to take my August and actually do something, like go to Nepal. They say that's the time to do it. I want to hike Annapurna, if I can get away."

After finishing their cocktails in the lobby, guests were ushered into the temple to worship at the altar of petite filet mignon and Lafite Rothschild Bordeaux Blanc as Diana Krall performed. In recent years, the Temple of Dendur has hosted a number of parties and weddings, and at least one memorial service (for Pat Buckley, in 2007), and it continues to enchant. "I haven't been here in a few years, I have to admit. I'm very embarrassed" said Julia Restoin Roitfeld. In all, the evening raised $1.5 million for the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering's kidney cancer initiative.

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http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142 ... 95558.html

A Spring Fete at the Met

"Look at this," said Muffie Potter Aston, indicating the spectacular décor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art Monday night. "And we're going to be hitting the dance floor later!"

Ms. Aston was easy to spot at the Society of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Spring Ball, wearing a stunning red Zac Posen gown the designer, also in attendance, helped her personally select.

"There are a number of other women here in vintage Z.P.," Mr. Posen, who is only 32, joked. "From their own closets."

New York's well-to-do women wore a blend of pastels and bright colors at the Harry Winston sponsored event.

Karen LeFrak, who chairs the board of the anticipated black-tie event with Julia Koch and Shelley Carr, said there are multiple reasons the ball, which included an auction, dinner and performance by jazz pianist and singer Diana Krall, is such al hit.

"Organization. It's very well done, and it's a festive atmosphere. You can depend on Memorial to do everything right," she said.

The ball is "celebrating spring with friends to help support Memorial Sloan-Kettering," continued Ms. LeFrak. "Celebrating spring all together."

The reasons for the evening's appeal seem to be similar for all those in attendance.

"It's the cause and the people," said Caryn Zucker, who was in attendance with her husband, Jeff Zucker, the president of CNN Worldwide. Ms. Zucker stayed by the side of her friend, Ms. Aston, much of the evening; along with Tory Burch, the women received service awards for their continued support of the organization.

"I can't even remember how long I've been involved," says Ms. Burch. "It's just a really well-done event, and I think it's such a good cause that people want to be a part of, [as well as] the work Sloan-Kettering Memorial is doing year after year."

Well-known Sotheby's BID +1.72%auctioneer Jamie Niven, son of late actor David Niven, shares the same passion for the cause as Ms. Burch, although he could probably lap her a few times in length of involvement. "I've been involved for 45 years," he says.

As for his presence at the event, he admitted to being nervous, despite his many years of experience behind the auction block. "You never know how it's going to go, despite the crowd," Mr. Niven shared.

Mr. Niven had no need to worry: His charm during the silent auction, the guests continued generosity and the sale of tickets, helped raised $1.5 million to benefit the Society's comprehensive patient care, which is focusing their efforts on kidney cancer this year.

The auction was followed by the evening's Ms. Krall much anticipated performance.

As co-chairwoman Ms. Carr pointed out, the ball has been supported by numerous artists over the years, including Mary J. Blige and Rob Thomas.

"She is…just great," added Ms. Carr about Ms. Krall's performance. An added bonus of Ms. Krall's performance at the event was the presence of her husband, fellow musician Elvis Costello.

"I think the best part [of the evening] for my husband is getting to talk to Elvis Costello," said Ms. Krall with a smile, indicating the musician's quiet presence at the table.