Hollywood glamour doesn’t often grace the gardens of Long Island’s elite estates.
But one Emmy-winning star just made an unexpected move that caught everyone’s attention.
And Susan Lucci made one surprising appearance that had Long Island society buzzing.
Susan Lucci brings star power to exclusive Long Island charity event
The soap opera legend traded the drama of daytime television for an evening of elegance at Old Westbury Gardens on Saturday, June 7.
Lucci graced the annual Gardeners’ Fair, a major fundraising event that transforms the historic estate into a glittering social gathering.
The former All My Children star wasn’t just mingling with the crowd at this upscale charity function.
Her celebrity presence elevated what was already shaping up to be one of Long Island’s premier social events of the season.
This wasn’t some casual afternoon garden tour that polite society usually attends.
The Gardeners’ Fair represents serious fundraising for a worthy cause that deserves attention.
Old Westbury Gardens hosts major fundraising spectacular
The historic mansion and grounds, dating back to 1906 and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places, served as the backdrop for this important charity event.
Well-dressed guests arrived ready for an evening that mixed high society with meaningful philanthropy.
The night’s main attraction was a live auction that had wealthy attendees reaching deep into their pockets.
Pat Tully served as auctioneer, guiding bidders through an impressive collection of luxury experiences and unique items.
The auction featured the kind of exclusive opportunities that money rarely buys.
Bidders competed for a private dinner featuring expensive truffles at an upscale Mill Neck residence.
Those wanting to host their own fancy parties could bid on catering services at the historic Westbury House itself.
Mountain lovers fought over a chance to stay at a luxury Colorado home in Vail.
Art enthusiasts went head-to-head over original pieces created by local artists Virginia Pierrepont and Christine Daddario.
The Gardens even offered custom horticultural services designed by their own expert staff.
Tree expert receives deserved honor
The evening included more than just celebrity sightings and high-dollar bidding wars.
Old Westbury Gardens took time to recognize Robert A. Bartlett, Jr., who leads Bartlett Tree Experts as Chairman and CEO.
The organization honored Bartlett for his outstanding work in tree care and his commitment to maintaining the Gardens’ impressive collection of trees and natural landscapes.
His expertise has been crucial in keeping this Long Island landmark looking magnificent year after year.
"Old Westbury Gardens was proud to honor Robert A. Bartlett at this year’s Gardener’s Fair," said Maura Brush, who serves as President & CEO of Old Westbury Gardens.
Brush expressed gratitude for everyone who "joined us for a lively and fun celebration – surrounded by beauty, good company, and a shared love for the Gardens."
Fundraising serves critical mission
The money raised at this fancy affair goes directly toward essential programs rather than administrative costs.
Old Westbury Gardens uses these funds to support preservation work, educational programs, and horticultural maintenance.
This isn’t about keeping flower beds pretty for wealthy visitors to admire on weekend strolls.
The Gardens operates as an educational center that welcomes people of all backgrounds throughout the year.
The organization runs historical tours, cultural programs, artistic exhibitions, and educational workshops that preserve an important chapter of American history.
The Gardens’ mission focuses on helping people appreciate early 20th century American country estates through careful preservation of the property’s landscapes, gardens, buildings and historical collections.
Without successful fundraising events like the Gardeners’ Fair, this cultural treasure couldn’t continue educating and inspiring visitors from all walks of life.
Long Island community supports worthy preservation effort
The Gardeners’ Fair’s success demonstrates that Long Island’s wealthy residents understand the importance of protecting historical landmarks.
In today’s world where developers constantly eye valuable property for commercial projects, events like this prove that some places have value beyond their potential sale price.
The former residence of John S. Phipps and his wife, Margarita Grace Phipps, represents a fascinating period in American history when wealthy families built magnificent estates.
Places like this don’t just exist to look pretty in magazine spreads.
They’re windows into how America’s wealthiest families lived during the country’s most prosperous era.
When Susan Lucci shows up to an event like this, people pay attention.
Her star power brings eyeballs to causes that usually only get noticed by history buffs and preservationists.
The soap opera icon didn’t have to spend her Saturday night at a charity auction on Long Island.
She could have been anywhere else doing anything else.
But she chose to lend her celebrity to something that matters.
Events like the Gardeners’ Fair only work when people with deep pockets and big hearts decide to open both.
This year’s success means Old Westbury Gardens can keep its doors open and its programs running.
Without fundraising nights like this one, places like the Gardens would crumble or get sold off to developers.
That would be a real shame for everyone who believes some things are worth more than money.