Supermodel Maggie Rizer played hostess again this year and guests were greeted by a 15-foot picture of her dressed as the ace of spades, which was shot by fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier. Minnesota Fats filled the main room with roulette, blackjack and other gambling tables, and Avi Adler did the decor, including candelabras in the shape of dollar signs. Candles spelling the words "Lady Luck" flanked both ends of the dance floor, where guests swayed to music spun by DJ Lady Bunny. Cipriani served hot and cold hors d'oeuvres including crab croquettes, grilled butterfly shrimp with avocado dip and.phparagus tips wrapped in smoked salmon.
A side room housed a silent auction where guests bid on items from designers and artists including dresses by Narciso Rodriguez, Alice Roi and Chaiken, paintings by Steve Kaufman, and photography by Steven Meisel.
The event grossed more than $500,000 for Diffa to fund HIV/AIDS service and education programs. Each guest left with a gift bag filled with M.A.C. Viva Glam makeup, Waterman pens and scented candles from Atoll.
—Paul Ohan
Read about last year's Diffa casino benefit...
