StarShine Magazine had the pleasure of attending the Dorough Lupus Foundation's charity event in New York City on October 21, 2006. The event was open to the elite ticket holders who opened their wallets for a good cause. The Dorough Lupus Foundation was formed in 1998 by Howie Dorough and his family after the loss of his sister, Caroline, to the disease.

Kicking things off at Tony's Restaurant on 43rd Street, StarShine's editor, Sandy Lo Grasso along with her photographer for the evening as well as her sister, Suzie met up with Anna Sundstrand and Chris Trousdale. StarShine Magazine was able to play a bigger part in the foundation for this event. We brought along some celebrity friends to help support the cause. Along with Anna and Chris, Mega Music/Universal recording artist, Nicole attended. Pop/Latin singer, Myra was scheduled to arrive, unfortunately due to illness, she had to cancel.

Tony's Restaurant offered the VIP guests a great atmosphere with amazing food and wine. After dinner, guests were chauffeured in a Hummer limousine to Jay-Z's own 40/40 Club. Once at the club, the VIP guests met up with the rest of the attendees. That's when the excitement begins! Swarms of fans wanted to talk to the star of the event, Backstreet Boy, Howie Dorough, and he happily obliged.

The 40/40 club is lavishly decorated with bed-like couches and pillows, themed rooms such as the ESPN & Cognac rooms. The ESPN room served as the VIP room for the night where Howie and the other celebrity guests spent most of their time in as they smoked cigars and drank champagne. Dancing was saved mostly for the downstairs area, although fans started to get their groove on right in the meet & greet room, trying to impress the celebrity guests.

Though Howie and the other celebrities were there for a serious reason, fun was not lost either. "I'm having the best time." R&B/Disco singer, Nicole gushed. "I just can't believe I'm in Jay Z's club. I'm freaked out right now." Nicole says this event was her first charity function and she hopes to attend many more once her debut album is released in 2007.

Swedish pop star, Anna Sundstrand had never heard of lupus before and was happy to learn more about the disease. "I think this charity is something everyone should get involved in." Anna says who will be touring alongside Chris Trousdale in November to support children's hospitals.

Unlike his touring buddy, Chris Trousdale is no stranger to the disease. "My sister-in-law has lupus. It's something I've known of and been around for many years now." Chris explains. "To finally find someone like Howie doing this, it makes me so happy to be here, especially more than anything to see Howie's fans and my fans and all these supporters of this foundation be here."

As for Howie, after working with the charity for so long, he's still looking to expand the awareness of lupus and the foundation. "I think everyday we're accomplishing more and more." Howie says positively. "Lupus is a worldwide disease; it's not just in America. So we're trying to get there to other countries."

The event definitely raised tons of money for the foundation. Along with ticket sales, there were both a live and silent auction before a meet & greet, which Howie says he enjoys. "This is a chance for me to hang out with the fans and to talk to them and take pictures. I don't even consider it work." He explains. "It's a chance to give back to them, especially for what they've given to me and the foundation."

It's no wonder why Howie chose the Backstreet Boys' classic hit, "All I Have To Give" to dedicate to his fans. "They support me whether it's Backstreet, individually, or foundation stuff, so I would dedicate that song to them." Fans definitely felt Howie's love that night as he took his time speaking to each and every one.

To find out more about the Dorough Lupus Foundation and to make a donation, go to: doroughlupusfoundation.org . Remember, October is Lupus Support Month, so help out however you can!

Stay tuned to StarShine Magazine for the full interviews with Howie Dorough, Anna Sundstrand, Chris Trousdale & Nicole!

To hear a message from Howie Dorough and an a cappella performance from Anna Sundstrand & Chris Trousdale, go to: myspace.com/starshinestars