The summer season means many things to many people. However, one thing is certain — it’s not summer in the Hamptons without the benefits, galas, and soirées. These events are more than opportunities to raise necessary funds (for many organizations, their summer benefit is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and thus the most crucial). It’s an occasion to experience the heart and soul of each non-profit, a time to celebrate the good in the world. More than that, it’s a chance to make a difference.
Here are some gala and benefit highlights for the summer season.
June
Southampton Fresh Air Home will begin its 121st camp season for children with disabilities at their 30th annual “Decorators-Designers-Dealers” Gala on June 4. The silent auction will feature furnishings, antiques, wines, and other luxury goods.
The Retreat’s signature event, “All Against Abuse,” has sold out. Fortunately, there are two other ways you can support this crucial organization that protects and provides care for victims of domestic violence. Take part in a free virtual gala on June 9 from 6 to 9 PM or take in their Red Carpet Movie Premier on June 19 at Sag Harbor Cinema at 10:30 AM.
The Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center will host its 14th Annual Get Wild! benefit at Swans Crossing in Southampton Village on June 25 at 5 PM. This year’s benefit will honor Bridget Fleming and Karen Johnston, DVM, and celebrate the center’s continuous efforts to rehabilitate and successfully release animals back into the wild across Eastern Long Island. Guests will enjoy live music along with cocktails and light fare, and a silent auction. All guests are welcome to the cocktail party featuring appearances from some of the hawks and owls the Evelyn Alexander Wildlife Rescue Center has rehabilitated that are non-releasable and now reside at the Center.
That same evening is the Southampton Arts Center “A Garden Soiree” will begin at 6 PM — a perfect opportunity to support two causes on the same night.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke, presents the AHA’s 2022 return to the Hamptons scheduled for Wednesday, June 29, at the Wine Stand at Wölffer Estate.
JULY
One of the most anticipated events of Independence Day weekend returns on July 2 at 7 PM — Southampton Fresh Air Home’s 35th annual “An American Picnic” with fireworks by Grucci. Hosted at 1030 Meadow Lane in Southampton, guests enjoy a carnival, picnic-style buffet, and fireworks show.
This summer Parrish Art Museum will host two separate events, a part one and part two of sorts, as part of its “Midsummer Dance and Dinner.” On July 8 from 8 to 11 PM will be the dance portion followed by cocktails and dinner on July 9 at 6:30 PM.
Also on July 9 will be the 18th annual Hamptons Happening for Waxman Cancer Research, a top foodie event of the season. Held on the Bridgehampton Estate of Kenneth and Maria Fishel, guests will raise critical funds for collaborative cancer research while enjoying a night of delicious tastings from dozens of chefs, restaurants, and beverage companies. This year’s honorees include Bess Freedman (CEO Brown Harris Stevens), Chef Julian Medina (chef and owner of Toloache, Tacuba, Coppelia, Kuxe, La Chula, and El Fish Shack), and Mark Melchiorre (executive managing director CIO and head of Brean Investment Group).
Through events like Hamptons Happening, SWCRF has invested more than $100 million towards cancer research, supporting hundreds of investigators around the world, leading to breakthrough treatments and discoveries. This philosophy of collaboration has led to breakthrough discoveries.
A cause for paws, the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation’s 13th annual Unconditional Love Gala returns to Gin Lane on July 16 at 6 PM. The annual event has been the most important fundraiser for the shelter for over a decade. The fun-filled gala will feature cocktails and a seated dinner, as well as dancing. In addition, a live and silent auction will help raise much-needed funds for the animals. This year’s Gala, chaired by Jean Shafiroff, will honor William Bratton, former New York City Police Commissioner, and Jonathan McCann, founding President of SASF.
“We are proud of our supporters and volunteers that show up year after year. They truly see the dedication and care we provide our rescues while they are in our lives on their way to their forever homes,” Nicole A. Tumilowicz, director of marketing at the Southampton Animal Shelter Foundation, said. “We are also proud to be honoring Mr. William Bratton, former NYC Police Commissioner for his efforts in combatting animal abuse in the city.”
LongHouse Reserve welcomes guests to ONWARD at their grounds on July 23 at 6 PM. “We now know, more than ever, the importance of art and gardens for all to enjoy,” Joi Perle, executive director of LongHouse Reserve, said. “This year’s summer benefit, ONWARD, picks up where last year’s SAY YES benefit party left off. Our roster of artists who have art in the gardens this season will be on hand to engage with guests about their work and what it means to them to exhibit their work at LongHouse.”
This year the Watermill Center will celebrate 30 years at its annual summer benefit, being held on July 30 at 6 PM. There will be performances, and installations by international artists including Tsubasa Kato, Liz Glynn, and Adam Parker Smith.
That same night at 5 PM Bridgehampton Child Care and Recreational Center hosts “Jazz Soul Celebration” at 750 Halsey Lane.
August
The Hamptons longest running fundraiser, the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s 64th Annual Summer Party, will continue in its Gala in Your Garden format for one more year on Saturday, August 6. Guests purchasing a table for ten guests will host at home, with everything they need for a dinner party delivered to their door. Elegant Affairs will provide a three-course meal, event sponsor Wölffer Estate Vineyards will be responsible for the wine selection, and floral décor will accompany the delivery. Tables at different price points will include customized menus, waiters, chefs, handmade cocktails, and more. All guests will be invited to come together on Zoom for a virtual toast. All proceeds from the event will support the Stony Brook Southampton Hospital’s Emergency Department and the new East Hampton Emergency Department, due to open in 2023.
The South Fork Natural History Museum (SOFO) celebrates its 33rd annual gala “Conserving Our Planet: The Future Starts Now” on August 6, beginning at 6 PM at the museum.
“SOFO’s goals are always to expand our mission with new ideas for outdoor experiences and advanced indoor programs. This focus allows us to continue in achieving our primary purpose as an organization, and that’s to create the stewardship necessary to protect our natural environment,” Frank Quevedo, SOFO’s executive director, said. “This year we are so excited to welcome Special guest of Honor Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue.”
On August 6, ARF Hamptons welcomes guests to its virtual “Bow Wow Meow Ball” while the organization’s Forever Home is currently under construction. “Our Forever Home project will bring critical improvements to ARF’s campus and ensure that ARF can continue to provide excellent and compassionate care for our animals for generations to come,” explained Jamie Berger, Director of Marketing and Communications at ARF Hamptons.
On Saturday, August 13, the East Hampton Library will present its 18th Annual Authors Night fundraiser. Authors Night features 100 authors across all genres.
Celebrate the arts. Guild Hall will welcome guests to its annual gala on August 19 at Mulford Farm at 6 PM.
The Center for Therapeutic Riding of the East End (CTREE) will host guests on August 25 for its “Horses Changing Lives Benefit” at the Sebonack Golf Club.
The Prostate Cancer Foundation annual Gala in the Hamptons will take place at the Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, on August 27. The summer benefit will support the Annual PCF Pro-Am Tennis Tournament while also commemorating the millions raised and accomplishments made by PCF over the last quarter-century. The extravagant dinner party will be followed by a special musical performance and other surprises.
The Ellen Hermanson Foundation presents its summer gala on August 27. The annual Ellen’s Run run will be held on August 21.
More details to come…
With reporting by Lillian Langtry & Jessica Mackin-Cipro