Moët & Chandon celebrated The Lunchbox Fund’s Fall Fête Wednesday night with actresses Maggie Gyllenhaal, Liv Tyler, model Dree Hemingway, chef Mario Matali and founder, Topaz Page-Green, at Buddakan in New York City.
The benefit – co-chaired by Liv Tyler, Maggie Gyllenhaal and Mario Batali – served as the official launch party for The Lunchbox Fund’s new app, Feedie – the first-ever philanthropy app for foodies and raised $300,000, with all of the proceeds benefiting the South African children supported by the charity.
Mario Batali celebrated the evening’s success by picking up a Jeroboam of Moët & Chandon Impérial – which was crystalized with The Lunchbox Fund and Feedie – and hoisting it into the air.
Mike Mills from R.E.M bought legendary artist Chuck Close‘s original photograph of founder Topaz Page-Green $72,000. A bidding war broke out in the room while it was being auctioned off by Alexander Gilkes of Paddle 8, with both Chuck Close and Topaz cheering it on and the whole room of guests getting worked into a frenzy.
Mike Mills toasted his win with a glass of Moët & Chandon Impérial.
Artist Curtis Kulig was also gifted with the only bottle of Moët & Chandon crystalized with the original ‘Love Me Feed Me’ artwork that he created.
Additional one-of-a-kind pieces from acclaimed artists Chuck Close and Tara Donovan were auctioned throughout the evening, as well as a highly exclusive item selling for $32,000 – a private dinner at Joaquin Phoenix’s Los Angeles home featuring a bespoke menu by Mario Batali.
Additionally, guests bid on notable pieces from celebrated artists including Jim Dine, Dustin Yellin, Mick Rock & Lou Reed, Alan Cumming, Tara Donovan, Michael Stipe, and many more.
Additional guests in attendance included Joaquin Phoenix, Elettra Wiedemann, David Blaine, Billy Crudup, Genevieve Bahrenburg, Curtis Kulig, Mickey Sumner, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Zani Gugelmann, Maggie Betts, Salman Rushdie, Summer and Rain Phoenix, Dustin Yellin, Tara Donovan, Mick Rock, Julie Macklowe, Chuck Close, Michael Stipe, Oliver Clegg, Bebe Buell, and Hunter Barnes.
Pictured from above: Mario Batali, Michael Stipe, Liv Tyler, Dree Hemingway, Maggie Gyllenhaal & Topaz Page-Green