Newsday
Oct 25th, 2004
by Liz Smith
TOMORROW NIGHT at the Marriott Marquis, Bette Midler, the divine Miss M, mounts her annual “Hula- ween” fund-raiser for the New York Restoration Project. This time, the infamous Harpies (a monthly, off-the- record meeting of writers, gossips, PR mavens, the occasional celeb and your Liz) are auctioning off themselves, plus Bette, for lunch at 21 to the highest bidder. These exclusive females rarely mingle with any but the most “I” of VIPs.
Billy Crystal, Broadway’s big-star-on-the-way, will be the celebrity auctioneer, with an assist from Sotheby’s nimble and brilliant pro Jamie Niven. None other than the great, octave-shattering Patti LaBelle is to entertain. Call 212-573-6933. Dress is festive, or however you like. This is a great cause, but it is always, hands down, a genuinely fun-filled evening.
