Stars align to raise over $350,000 for children's foundation.

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, raised more than $350,000 at their 17th Annual Celebrity Sports Auction at Madison Square Garden.

With more than 500 guests from the New York real estate, sports and business communities in attendance, the evening honored New York Rangers' legend Rod Gilbert and former New York Knicks' star Allan Houston in the Starlight Hall of Fame. Other athletes honored as Starlight Shining Stars include Chad Pennington and Victor Hobson of the New York Jets, Carlos Emmons of the New York Giants, Todd Dunivant from NY Red Bulls, Becky Hammon of the New York Liberty and Gold-Medal gymnast Dominique Dawes.

Additional celebrities in attendance included 1986 New York Giants Super Bowl Champion Karl Nelson, WWE's Mark Henry, Steven R. Schirripa, who plays Bobby "Bacala" Baccalieri in 'The Sopranos' and Starlight Starbright Honorary Celebrity Chair and 12-time Olympic swimming medalist Jenny Thompson. WABC-TV's Scott Clark emceed the event, and Stu Medow was the auctioneer.

"Through the kindness and generosity of professional athletes, Starlight Starbright volunteers and the greater New York real estate and business communities, the foundation is pleased to announce more than $350,000 was raised to further our mission," said Jeffrey Gural, Chairman of Newmark Knight Frank and President of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation of NY*NJ*CT Board of Directors. "Since 1985, the NY*NJ*CT chapter has been offering hope and a brighter future for seriously ill children and their families throughout the tri-state area."

The festivities included a strolling buffet with delicious food, silent and live auctions and a special awards presentation. All proceeds generated at the event will be used to fund the children's programs and services that the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation provides.

Official sponsors of the event included North Fork Bank (title sponsor); American Airlines, the official airline of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, Con Edison and the New York Mets. Star sponsors include Bryant Park Grill, Cougar Trading, The Feil Family Foundation, Sports Radio 66 WFAN, Q104.3/WAXO-FM, Ticketmaster, and the New York Red Bulls. Supporting sponsors include Brown Harris Stevens, New York Life and Stelco Restoration and Technology. Contributing sponsors include b.geller restoration, Buchbinder & Warren, Budweiser, Naked Juice and the New York Knicks.

The 17th Annual Starlight Starbright Celebrity Sports Auction supports the mission of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, which is making a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. Each year, Starlight serves over 250,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Some of Starlight's most unique programs include Great Escapes, special outings for children and their families, STARBRIGHT World, a private online community for teens and pre-teens who are living with chronic diseases to connect, Hospital Happenings, including themed parties, toys, and visits from entertainers. Since 1985, the NY*NJ*CT chapter has been offering hope and a brighter future for seriously ill children.

The goal of the Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation is to help these children experience the simple joys of being a child. For more information about the event please visit: www.starlight-newyork.org.