NEW YORK, NY.- A special benefit including a performance by world-renowned opera artist Jessye Norman and an auction of works donated by eminent contemporary artists has raised more than $2,075,000 for The Family Resource Center, a program of the New York City-based Partnership for the Homeless.

The benefit and auction were made possible by the generosity of 82 artists, who were inspired by event co-chairs Richard Serra and Clara Serra to donate work for the auction; Ms. Norman, who is national spokesperson for the Partnership; Sotheby's, who provided the services of Tobias Meyer, principal auctioneer and worldwide head of contemporary art for the auction house; and Larry Gagosian, who donated the use of his Chelsea gallery and served as host for the evening.

The event began with a festive cocktail reception and silent auction, followed by a special performance by Ms. Norman, who was joined by friends Steven Cole, Lawrence Hamilton, and Mark Markham in performing selections by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Irving Berlin, Duke Ellington, and Stephen Flaherty from the American songbook.

This was followed by a spirited live auction conducted by Mr. Meyer.

Arnold S. Cohen, president and CEO of The Partnership for the Homeless, and Richard Serra made brief remarks.

An unprecedented number of distinguished artists contributed works to the auction, including: Richard Artschwager, John Baldessari, Matthew Barney, Louise Bourgeois, Chris Burden, Vija Clemins, Chuck Close, Mark di Suvero, Jenny Holzer, Roni Horn, Joan Jonas, Jeff Koons, Vik Muniz, Takashi Murakami, Bruce Nauman, Richard Serra, Joel Shapiro, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Lawrence Weiner, among many others.

More than 400 guests joined The Partnership for the Homeless in support of this program, including: Richard Artschwager, Richard Armstrong, Peter M. Brant, Phong Bui, Constance R. Caplan, Lisa Dennison, Mark di Suvero, Tiffany Bell and Richard Gluckman, Todd Eberle, Agnes Gund, Lisa de Kooning, Jo Carole Lauder, Dorothy Lichtenstein, Brice Marden, Malcolm Morley, Elizabeth Peyton, Susan Rothenberg, Joel Shapiro, Ursula von Rydingsvard, and Dustin Yellin among others.