PartyLines- photographs by Patrick McMullan

Does the recession make it hard to get people to attend? “I worked twice as hard. I have four suffering charities.” —Russell Simmons

—Donna Karan

Have you had any time to relax this summer? “Only when I’m asleep, and even then I’m having nightmares about the senate.” —Gov. David Paterson

—Kevin Liles

Did you ever meet Walter Cronkite? “I interviewed him when he wrote his book, and I was absolutely terrified. He was so great and lovely and normal.” —Soledad O’Brien

—Kyle Maclachlan

What are you least talented at? “Taxes. Numbers. I could care less, and I’m happy to pay someone else to do them.” —Vanessa Williams

—Adrienne Bailon

Are you dating men or women now? “Right now I’m currently dating everyone. Hos in different area codes. You know.” —Tila Tequila

—Danny Simmons

How will you goad people into spending money tonight? “I’m going to embarrass the rich people. ‘You didn’t lose that much money with Bernie Madoff! Give me $1,000!’ That’s my strategy.” —Star Jones

—Evan Oglesby

Did you attend a Michael Jackson memorial? “I had a Michael Jackson party the day he died at 1Oak. It was more a celebration of life than a mourning of death.” —Andre Harrell

—Gayle King

How do you survive at charity galas with all the fatty hors d’oeuvres? “I don’t get my main nutrition at galas.” —Dr. Mehmet Oz

—Simon de Pury

Do you have any artistic talent? “I sing all the time on The Real Housewives of New York City, but you never see it because they don’t want to pay for the music rights.” —Countess Luann de Lesseps

—Jamie Hector

Do you play any summer sports? “Is shopping a sport? I was at TJ Maxx this weekend. Costco is my favorite store.” —Jill Zarin