On the Circuit: Ciprianis

Due a previous engagement, we had to skip the final night of the 2007 Cirpriani Music Series. Luckily, we had a very special Little Birdy on hand to follow a very special report. Without further hesitation

The fabulous and the fabulously wealthy were in attendance tonight at the final edition of this season's Cipriani Condert Series at Cipriani Wall St. After dinner and before performances by George Michael and Aretha Franklin, the annual live auction was held to raise money for for UNICEF and the Sarah Ferguson Foundation. Fergie herself (the original Fergie, Dutchess of York) presided over the auction. After an introduction by Jeff Gordon and between witty exchanges with the lewd, but oh-so-entertaining Hugh Hildesley of Sotheby's, Fergie took to calling out those in the audience, such as Harvey Weinstein, Sir Richard Branson, and Ron Pearlman, who hesitated to reach into their deep pockets. Guests bid on a Masarati Granturismo ($130K), a walk-on part in Harvey Weinstein's next film ($105K), and tea with the Dutchess ($80K), among others raising $840K.

Imagine paying $100K to walk on in a movie that probably won't gross that much. Boom. Anyway, our LB tells us that George Michael brought the house down with his performance and that it was a great way to wrap up the year. Good for you Cipriani. Good for you.