Live(stream) Auction Success, Hopeless Hackers and More: Winter Ball Goes Virtual!

THE CROHN'S AND Colitis Foundation's Winter Ball is annually among the city's most glamorous galas and successful philanthropic fetes. And while 2021's presentation and venue changed to accommodate social distancing, the enthusiasm and generosity did not change in the least.

More than 250 guests dressed up and tuned in to the Hollywood-themed livestream event honoring the 2021 Women of Distinction, who were recognized for their commitment to volunteerism: Robin Angly, Roslyn Bazzelle-Mitchell, Lara Bell, Donae Chramosta, Tracy Faulkner, Leila Perrin, Pat Mann Phillips, Christie Sullivan, Beth Zdeblick and Sherri Zucker. Beth Wolff was also acknowledged as this year's ambassador, and Joanne King Herring received the inaugural Paul G. Somerville Legacy Award for lifetime achievement.

The virtual gathering, featuring some prerecorded segments filmed at The Astorian, was hosted by event chairs and former honorees Amy Pierce, Kristina Somerville and Stephanie Tsuru, as well as by Johnny "Bravo" Holloway and Wendy Kovich. Kovich vulnerably spoke about her own journey with Crohn's disease, reinforcing the need to support the Foundation's mission through events like the Winter Ball.

An unfortunate and very-2020 tech snafu took place, during which someone hacked into the livestream platform and sent offensive language in the chat box. But participants didn't let that stop them from having a great time all evening long, from the pre-show VIP event featuring "Where Are They Now"-style clips of last year's honorees navigating the challenges presented by Covid, to the Tenenbaum Treasure raffle. During the auction portion of the evening, viewers could scan a QR code or text a number on the screen to bid on the item or simply make a donation.

The night raised more than $400,000 for the Foundation.