Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

Withthe temperature rising triple digits and the humidity making its warm presence felt, New Yorkers are in for what could be the hottest summer ever. Halfway through the season, we look back at some of the events that made this summer truly memorable and remarkable. We also look forward to what else is in store as we countdown to the fall season.

The summer of 2010 began auspiciously with a fund-raiser slash beach party at the Hamptons, home and playground of New York’s richest.

The setting was at the RFL estate of businesswoman, philanthropist and community leader Loida Nicolas Lewis. She opened her Lily Pond Lane estate to welcome hundreds of guests and visitors to twin events: a luncheon gala and a beach glamour party to raise funds for the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore.

The third annual gala luncheon honored entertainment lawyer L. Londell McMillan (his client list is a veritable who’s who in Hollywood: Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Prince, among others) and it was attended by a bunch of celebrities including Gayle King and Star Jones. The award is given to African American entrepreneurs who have succeeded internationally in business before turning 50. Previous honorees have included Sean Combs and real estate mogul R. Donahue Peebles.

"I wanted to be Malcolm X, until I met Reginald Lewis," McMillan said as he received his award.

"I am deeply indebted to him and I thank Loida for continuing his legacy. Every kid can become like Reginald if they study and work hard. He lost three big deals but he never lost the game, it empowered him. He may have died to soon but his legacy will forever be with us," McMillan added.

The guests dined al fresco under an orange paper lantern-filled white tent. Filipino event designer Jerry Sibal was behind the look of the luncheon gala, and guests were entertained by R&B diva Deborah Cox and dancers from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. WCBS-TV News Anchor Maurice DuBois stood as the event host.

Immediately after the luncheon was yet another fundraiser/party called Beach Glamour, spearheaded by Carissa Villacorta. The oceanfront benefit honored Tina Wells, who founded her $5 million business, Buzz Maketing Group, at age 16. Wells received the first-ever RFL Young Entrepreneurial Award. WCBS-TV News Reporter Hazel Sanchez hosted the event and the young crowd partied on with music provided by DJ M.O.S..