Photo Flash: Russ Tamblyn, KT Sullivan and More at Great Neck Arts Center's 2012 Benefit Gala at Oheka Castle

When the 2012 Great Neck Arts Center Gala, entitled "Celebrate the Arts," took place earlier this Fall at Oheka Castle in Huntington, NY with a cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, award presentations, and performances - the stars were out in force. Scroll down for photos from the event!

Actors such as Russ Tamblyn and Andrew Prine hobnobbed with attendees while Actress Susan Lucci and News 12 Anchor Danielle Campbell caught up alongside supporters and students. Further adding to the star power were Hollywood agent Budd Moss and this year's Artist of Distinction in Music KT Sullivan and famed Author Nelson DeMille, who received The Arts Center's "Gold Coast Legend Award" (which was bestowed upon actor Bruce Dern last year); both were in attendance that night, as well.

Great Neck businessman Michael T. Lamoretti was the headline honoree, with Congressman Gary Ackerman receiving the first Honorary "Founders Award" as politicans such as John Kaiman and Steve Israel looked on.

Regina Keller Gil, Executive Director of the Great Neck Arts Center remarked "We are so grateful to see the outpouring of support for the work that we do. I am especially proud of our roster of honorees, beginning with Michael Lamoretti, a dedicated board member and including Congressman Gary Ackerman, author Nelson DeMille and cabaret performer K.T. Sullivan".

Mr. Lamoretti, who was named The Arts Center's "Man of the Year," said "My children, who are much more fortunate, have enjoyed classes and programs (at the Great Neck Arts Center) for years. Whether it was watching them in an acting class or seeing their smiles as they showed me a piece of pottery they made, I feel that The Arts Center is a beautiful place and should be embraced." Mr. Lamoretti and wife, Jill, live in Great Neck with their three children, Briana, Vanessa and Attilio.

Judging from the nearly sold out crowd in attendance that night, it seems the Great Neck Arts Center has a lot of supporters who feel the exact same way.

The Great Neck Arts Center is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizationdedicated to promoting and supporting the arts through education, exhibition, performance and outreach. Since our founding in 1993, over 100,000 people of all ages and backgrounds have taken advantage of our many classes, live performances, programs, workshops, films and art exhibits. GNAC is a proud affiliate of The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: Partners in Education program and the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C. and the producer of the Gold Coast International Film Festival.

Photo Credit: Karen Rubin