Super Saturday Celebrates 20th Anniversary While Raising $3 Million For Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance

It seemed like all of the Hamptons attended the hugely successful Super Saturday event that took place on Saturday, July 29 at Nova’s Ark in Water Mill. The designer garage sale raised an incredible $3 million for Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Alliance (OCRFA), and this year marked the benefit’s 20th year anniversary, which called for a grandiose celebration. Celebrities from all industries came to support the incredible cause and bring awareness to the importance of cancer research during the event which was hosted by Donna Karan, Kelly Ripa, Gabby Karan de Felice, Rachel Zoe, and Molly Sims.

Donna Karan and Gabby Karan de Felice. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

The red carpet was lined with notable names who paused to share their thoughts on OCRFA’s work and what they were looking forward to purchasing at the designer garage sale that day. Other guests in attendance included Brooke Shields, June Ambrose, Rodger Berman, Luann D’Agostino, Ellen Karis, Zoe Buckman, Judith and Rudy Giuliani, Fern Mallis, Carolyn Maloney, Jill Martin, Bibhu Mohapatra, Cathy Moriarty-Gentile, Tinsley Mortimer, David Muir, Marysol Patton, Mery Racauchi, Jenna Rose, Sundy Schermeyer, Rosanna Scotto, Scott Stuber, Eboni Williams, Alex Woo, and Chris Wragge.

This hugely successful event is a guilt-free day of charity shopping with designer items, kids’ carnival and activities, and gourmet treats. There is something for everyone to enjoy at Super Saturday. The event was created in 1998 by Donna Karan and Liz Tilberis, the late Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar and President of OCRF. Tilberis tragically died from ovarian cancer in 1999, and Karan has hosted the event since its first year, while Ripa has been a co-host since 2004. In 2016, OCRF merged with Ovarian Cancer National Alliance to become OCRFA, the voice for ovarian cancer.

Karan arrived with her two grandchildren and while on the red carpet, she reflected on how far this event has come in the last 20 years. “It first started in Liz Tilberis’ backyard 20 years ago,” Karan noted. “We all emptied our closets and got photographers, artists, and celebrities together. It started small, but it blew up.”

When asked what her thoughts are on the development of ovarian cancer research over the last 20 years, Karan remarked, “There’s no question that the money from this event has gone to a fantastic place. The days Liz had ovarian cancer, no one knew much about it. Conceptually, this for me is incredible. It’s conscious consumerism. People are dressing both their outside and inside. I think the only way to solve this is to bring the collective consciousness together. As far as I’m concerned this should just be a way of life.”

Rodger Berman, Rachel Zoe, and their children. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

“I think Super Saturday is so successful because people realize it’s for a very good cause and it’s a lot of fun,” added former New York City Mayor, Rudy Giuliani. “I think Super Saturday is important for the community because to cure any of the forms of cancer you need an enormous amount of money and therefore you have to use every way possible to raise that money. So, if this has raised money for ovarian cancer for the last 20 years, then that’s incredible.”

QVC joined the team to once again broadcast the event live, offering viewers nationwide the chance to purchase premier beauty, jewelry, apparel, and electronics at half the manufacturer’s suggested retail price with proceeds benefiting OCRFA. “QVC Presents Super Saturday LIVE” has generated more than $11 million since 2007.

Rachel Zoe, fashion designer and businesswoman, came to support the cause with her husband and two sons in tow. “Ovarian cancer is a very silent killer and it’s not easily treatable, but we have to just keep on going until we do,” said Zoe. “We have to shop ’til we drop today and spend money for a good cause.” Zoe and her family have been enjoying Super Saturday for years because there’s something for everyone. “We get a lot of Brooks Brothers here for a lot of guys in my family,” she said. “I buy a ton for my kids here and I’m sure they’re having fun on the rides right now. We just have so much fun – my whole family is here.”

Molly Sims. (Photo: Rob Rich/SocietyAllure.com)

Apart from the incredible shopping booths, there were dozens of other activities to partake in, including hair styling by Conair hair gurus, a Reiki session from Urban Zen, a manicure on Kendra Scott’s manicab, flower crowns by B Floral, snap a selfie with the Steven & Alexandra Cohen Foundation and Project Lyme, and spin with Northwell Health by hopping on a bike that creates artwork while you ride. Kids enjoyed Camp Divalysscious which featured puppet shows, glitter tattoos, dance parties, musical appearances, and story time. 125 brands were featured at the fashion garage sale, including alice + olivia, Bonpoint, Urban Zen, Brooks Brothers, Carolina Herrera New York, DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld Paris, Kravet, L’AGENCE, French Connection, Ramy Brook, Robert Graham, Suite 1521, Sigerson Morrison, Theory and Vilebrequin.

The future is looking bright for Super Saturday and with the continued success and enormous amount of money raised each year, it’s looking like another 20 plus years are in the future.

For more information, visit ocrfa.org.