It was a starfish-studded event at the Island Community Center Saturday as people joined to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the annual dinner auction, An Affaire Under the Starfish Sky.

According to preliminary figures, the event brought in $125,000 for the Center’s adult and children’s programs.

"It was a wonderful evening," Executive Director Pierrette Kelly said. "Our community is so generous. Even during these difficult times people went above and beyond what we expected.

"It’s like the old days when everybody came together. There was so much collaboration. That’s what makes our community such a special place."

One of the event’s highlights was the presentation of Lifetime Achievement awards to Stewart and Trudy Moon. Stewart’s for his tireless work in getting the new Community Center built and Trudy’s for raising $3.4 million as the auction’s chair for 13 years.

"It’s a great Community Center and it was well worth the effort," Stewart said.

"This was Stewart’s dream," Trudy added. "He never stopped working for it."

Trudy, who was completely surprised by the award, handed over the chairmanship of the Affaire to Chris Romine this year.

"The weirdest thing was walking in here as a spectator and not having to worry about every detail," she said. "But I was checking out everything and asking Pierrette if things were done. Everybody did such great job and my year of rest was very invigorating."

Community Center board member Peggy Douglas was the lucky winner of the pick of the live auction. She didn’t hesitate a moment, calling out to her husband, Rob, "We’re going to Australia!"

The genuine baroque South Sea pearl necklace, valued at $5,000, was won by Kate Zachovchak, and the home entertainment system was won by Bob Cozzi.

Soul-R-Coaster and Holly and Trina Rizzo provided entertainment.