The Party of the Winter Benefit Season: Bailey House Auction and Party To Be Held on February 23, 2011

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 3 MIN.

NEW YORK, NY - On February 23rd, 2011, Bailey House, the landmark AIDS housing agency, will hold its 23rd Annual Auction and Party.

The Auction and Party attracts over 700 affluent, philanthropic New York trendsetters actively bidding on exclusive home design, art and photography and one-of-kind adventures.

Hosted for many years by Tim Gunn and Simon Doonan, this year finds renown fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo joining the engaging Sherri Shepherd of The View for what is sure to continue a tradition of combining hundreds of handsome partygoers with one of the best auction experiences in town.

When the AIDS epidemic hit, there were men, women, and children, left homeless and afflicted with a deadly disease. Many had nowhere to turn, and that is why, in 1983, Bailey House stepped to the forefront and became the first provider of housing and critical services to those in need of a home.

Today, Bailey House is recognized across the nation as the leader in housing, support, and advocacy for individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

Among the featured auction items at this year's benefit auction will be: a Costa Rica getaway at the luxurious Gaia Hotel & Reserve and a date with the charismatic Bravo powerhouse Andy Cohen where the winner can discuss everything from politics to housewives.

As always, photography will be a highlight with images from Robert Mapplethorpe, Herb Ritts and William Wegman. There is something for everyone to bid on - at every price.

This year's selection of home d�cor includes Donna Karan, Restoration Hardware, Steuben Glass, and many more. You can even win opening day box seats to the Yankees.

Tickets are priced for everyone from $250 to $5,000. The Armory will be aglow with Tiffany's holiday interior expert, Geoff Howell, taking over this year's event design.

Whether you are joining us for the first time or coming back to experience this vibrant and unusual New York benefit, help support Bailey House and their remarkable efforts on behalf of homeless New Yorkers living with HIV/AIDS.

Or as Liz Smith opines, "This is always a glam party, sexy, and star-studded. It's also a good deed in a very naughty, very scary world."

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DETAILS: 23rd ANNUAL BAILEY HOUSE AUCTION AND PARTY
February 23, 2011, The Lexington Avenue Armory, 26th and Lexington
VIP Reception: 6:00pm Main Event 7:00 PM Live Auction 8:30 P.M.

Hosted by Carmen Marc Valvo and Sherri Shepherd, this is the party - and auction - that is the highlight of the Winter Benefit Season!

Sponsors include:
Armani
Ultimat Vodka
Heineken
Anthony Garden Boutique, Ltd.
Ben & Jerry's
Hill Country
Marc Jacobs
Indulge by Bene
The Coca Cola Company
Great Performances
The Rocking Moon Foundation
Sherry-Lehmann
Chelsea Frames
Andre Balazs Properties

For more information, visit www.baileyhouse.org/auction, or call Bailey House at 212-633-2500 x 455.

For Carmen Marc Valvo and Sherri Shepherd's youtube invite go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9_kMBV3AZuc.


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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