Hetrick-Martin Institute Celebrates 25th Anniversary With Record-Breaking $900,000 Hamptons Fundraiser

Hetrick-Martin Institute held its annual Hamptons benefit, School’s Out, and broke its own fundraising record — this year raising $900,000. Celebrating the LGBTQIA+ youth organization’s 46-year legacy, this milestone marks the highest-grossing event in the summer benefit’s 25-year history.

Held on Saturday, August 2, at the stunning Sagaponack estate of hosts Christi Offutt and Soraida Bedoya, the event drew over 600 guests. The Host Committee included School’s Out co-chairs Ben Dixon and Tonia Steck, HMI’s Board of Directors, and Associate Board, who worked alongside the HMI team to deliver another record-breaking evening fueled by major sponsorships, generous donations, and widespread publicity.

Host committee members and guests included Andy Cohen, Countess Luann de Lesseps, Rufus Wainwright, Kelly Killoren Bensimon, Candace Bushnell, Frank DiLella, Thom Filicia, Isaac Boots, Fern Mallis, Eric Lemonides, Sydney Sadick, Peter Som, and Darren Star.

Following cocktails, guests gathered for a “Best of the Hamptons” dinner under a spectacular tent designed by Anthony Taccetta Event Design. Culinary partners included Petrossian Caviar, STK Steak, Almond Restaurant, and Duryea’s, known for its signature Lobster Cobb Salad. The evening featured a live performance by pop artist Kelsie Watts — currently starring on Broadway in “SIX” — who brought down the house with her powerhouse vocals. “Every human should have access to mental health resources, education, performing arts resources, support, and professional counseling,” Watts shared. “It was an honor to perform and be part of something so special and support their mission.”

The event also featured aerial performances, human flower greeters, and dancers dressed as giant mirrored disco balls who got the post-dinner revelers dancing to music by renowned DJ Lina Bradford. Leading the live auction, Nick Depner — joined on stage by Kelly Killoren Bensimon — helped energize the crowd as they bid on standout items like United Airlines flights and a villa stay in Baja, California.

Fashion designer Dennis Basso participated in a special paddle raise along with HMI Board Co-chair Ben Dixon and HMI CEO Amy Harclerode, who remarked, “School’s Out is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when the community shows up for our youth. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we raised $900,000 to ensure queer and trans young people have the safety, affirmation, and mental health support they deserve.”

Other event sponsors included Nordstrom, United, Anthony Taccetta Event Design, Diageo, Dry Farm Wines, Sober in Central Park, Dixon Advisory, and The Hub.