Annual Starlight Starbright auction raises $290,000.

Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation of NY*NJ*CT, which brightens the lives of seriously ill children through imaginative and resourceful programs and services that empower, educate and inspire, honored world-renowned athletes at its 16th Annual Celebrity Sports Auction and raised $291,000.

The event, held at Madison Square Garden on November 14, honored Jay Feely of the NY Giants, Jonathan Vilma of the NY Jets, Jeff Agoos of the NY/NJ MetroStars and John Starks, formerly of the NY Knicks, for their outstanding contributions off the field.

"For sixteen years, extraordinary athletes have come to meet the children who look up to them and support Starlight's mission", said Jeffrey Gural, President of Starlight Starbright Tri-State Foundation.

"We host the annual Sports Auction with the help of the greater business community as well as the professional athletes who attend. This year we honored John, Jay, Jonathan and Jeff because of their steadfast dedication to Starlight's mission".

Also in attendance were NY Giants cornerback Frank Walker, 1986 Giants Super Bowl offensive tackle Karl Nelson, Steve R. Schirripa (Bobby "Bacala" Baccilieri) & John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco) of The Sopranos, among others.

Throughout the evening, guests bid on a variety of spectacular items including a Joe Namath-signed football, NY Knicks tickets and a two-night stay in the Bahamas during the opening silent auction. Scott Clark of WABC-TV emceed the event following a special meet and greet session with the honorees.

A chance to be the NY Mets owner for the day, soccer practice with the NY/NJ Metrostars and even an invitation to the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Launch party were among the amazing prizes up for grabs.

The winning bid for Sopranos Premiere and after-party tickets alone raised $11,000.