Photos: More than 400 Turn Out for 'Love Bites' to Fight Pediatric Cancer

Photos by Pam Deutchman / www.society-in-focus.com

The East End community turned out in force to help fight back against pediatric cancers Saturday night, as more than 400 attended the “Love Bites” fundraiser at The Muses in Southampton.

The event benefitted Katy’s Courage, in memory of Katy Stewart, as well as The Scarlett Fund. Scarlett James was diagnosed with T Cell Lymphoma, a rare form of pediatric cancer, at age 6.

“Aware of the sacrifices children and their families had made before them to make Scarlett’s treatment possible, the James Family is inspired to help children that follow behind Scarlett with the hope that their treatment is less lengthy, less intense and less toxic. The money raised is being used to research novel targeted therapies which have great potential. Because these therapies target cancer cells, they reduce toxicity to healthy tissues and decrease long terms side effects. This is especially important for growing children,” a mission statement on The Scarlett Fund’s homepage.

Steve Long, President of Children’s Museum of the East End, Nina Landi, Sag Harbor kindergarten teacher and Dr. Diane Reidy-Lagunes, co-director of the hematology/oncology fellowship program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center were the evening’s honorees.

Southampton Mayor Mark Epley and his wife Marianne served as honorary chairpersons. All honorees received plates especially designed by Scarlett James and Robert Stewart. The proceeds for Katy’s Courage will benefit Katy’s Kids @ CMEE, Center for Grieving Children and their Families. Katy Stewart of Sag Harbor, who won hearts with her brave fight, died when she was just 12 in 2011.

The Scarlett Fund proceeds will benefit Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

The Hamptons’ finest chefs, restaurateurs, caterers and private chefs hosted tables and served their signature dishes. Chef Peter Ambrose served as the chef coordinator and Linda B. Shapiro coordinated the event with the assistance of Marla Schwenk, auction chair, Mark Masone, décor chair and the assistance of Jason Bencivenga/Party Up.

Although a final count has not yet been determined, the event raised more than $50,000.

“It was a bittersweet, yet joyful evening for all and everyone who attended had two things to say word, over and over — “’nspirational’, and ’When are tickets on sale for next year?’” organizers said.

Each of the participating chefs, as they left the venue, asked to be signed up again for next year’s event.